JOINT MEETING OF THE CAROLINE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND

MEMBERS OF THE MARYDEL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Date and Time: June 22, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

Location: 110 Fire House Lane, Marydel, DE 19964

Attending: John W. Cole, President, Board of Commissioners;

Jefferson L. Ghrist, Member; Board of Commissioners

Richard Barton, County Administrator;

Bryan Ebling, Director, Department of Emergency Services;

Ralph Rossi, President, Marydel Volunteer Fire Company;

Buffy Madden, Chief, Marydel Volunteer Fire Company; and

Absent: Roger L. Layton, Vice President, Board of Commissioners

President Cole welcomed those in attendance, and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues related to the provision of Emergency Medical Services in the northern region of the County, and specifically the Marydel area. He reminded the audience that nearly three years ago, Caroline County made the decision to remove EMS employees from the Marydel Fire Station, because the station is located in the State of Delaware. This decision was upon the advice of the County Attorney, due to complications related to certification requirements for Delaware, and IRS tax implications for those employees stationed there.

President Cole stated that the County recently acquired parkland at Lepore and Temple Roads; two acres of which could be used to build an EMS station. Mr. Rossi thanked the Commissioners for that offer; and stated that the fire company would also like to look into the possibility of building a station on the strip of land located across from the Marydel Fire Station. Mr. Barton stated that he had already inquired about that land, and although it belongs to the State, it is leased to the Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Barton stated that he believed DNR would be interested in entering into a sublease agreement with the County for use of that land; however, more in depth investigation would be necessary before determining if it was a real possibility. The Commissioners and Mr. Rossi were in agreement, and Mr. Barton was directed to do so. Mr. Ghrist stated that he believed that forming partnerships with the business community could assist in offsetting the cost of building supplies for the station; in the same way the Preston EMS station was built. Mr. Rossi stated that he is aware of approximately 300 bricks which would be made available by a donor. President Cole extended an invitation to tour the Preston EMS station to any persons in the MVFC interested, and Mr. Rossi thanked him.

Mr. Madden stated that he felt the County did not extend the same opportunities to MVFC as other companies throughout the County, and cited the following examples: installation of personnel boxes to track volunteer service hours, and inform Communications how many volunteers were available; and installation of an audible tone system. Mr. Ebling stated that stated that because the personnel boxes do not interface with the County’s CAD system, they cannot be installed; and the County cannot install an audible tone system into a Delaware station. He stated that Mr. Madden expressed his concerns two weeks prior at the Chief’s meeting, and Randy Bounds, Assistant Director of Emergency Services, Communications Division, is working to find resolution to each of them. Mr. Ebling stated that as far as equality, MVFC has seats on all Boards related to EMS and Fire services, and the County would work towards improving communication and relations between the two entities.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Preparation of minutes by: ____________________________________

Amy L. Kreiner, Minutes Recorder