CAFA picks new member, approves 2014 budget, consultant to evaluate operations

(Publisher’s correction: Please see Rod Branham’s comment on this story. Contrary to what I published, Branham clarified that he had other reasons for his no vote on the at large representative. I have corrected my mistake and offer a sincere apology to Mr. Branham. )

The Chelsea Area Fire Authority (CAFA) Board appointed Tom Osborne, a former Ann Arbor fire captain, as its new at large member by a vote of 3-1, and Hal Moore, also of Chelsea, as the alternate at large member by a unanimous vote.

Sylvan Township alternate board member Rod Branham voted against the at large appointment.

His vote had nothing to do with his nomination of Brad Knickerbocker, a Sylvan Township attorney, for the position. (Regular Sylvan Township CAFA Board Member Kurt Koseck was unable to attend the meeting.)

In addition, the CAFA board unanimously approved a $1.285 million operating budget for 2014. Although it includes the layoff of two firefighters, the board decided not to make any immediate personnel changes. They plan to review the authority finances at the end of the first quarter.

Fire Chief Jim Payeur was given a performance review in a closed session and the board unanimously agreed to take the next step necessary to have his contract rewritten to extend it for another year.

The board also heard proposals from two human resources companies — Your Source HR and Paychex — as they look at the possibility of outsourcing these duties, which could include benefits, payroll, compliance with ever-changing employment laws and ways to reduce legal costs.

They also approved an employee handbook, calling it a “starting point,” which would also be reviewed and possibly updated by a human resource company.

At the start of the meeting, Gary Adams, a co-chairmen for the CAFA Citizen’s Action Committee, offered the committee’s findings. They looked into the authority’s operations, spoke to firefighters, read documents and worked to determine ways to resolve some if the authority’s ongoing issues.

Here’s what he read from the letter: “The time has passed where a simple resignation by CAFA Board members will correct the problems. The damage has been done to the CAFA personnel. To almost all of the CAFA personnel, the events of the last year have been life altering. A complete outside investigation is needed. Additionally, counseling and team building interventions need to be conducted by trained and experienced professionals.”

Adams continued reading, “We recommend that the services of an outside consultant professional who is experienced i human relations and professional firefighting services be obtained to review all aspects of the authority. There should be a new beginning for the authority with the board functioning as an executive board and the paid professional staff running the day to day operations.”

The board approved hiring an outside consultant at a cost ot to exceed $17,500 to conduct an evaluation of the entire fire staff and the board.

According to the company’s website, “Third Party Industry Professionals are employed frequently by Municipal Consulting Services to assist in operational evaluation. Currently, we utilize professionals in the areas of police, fire, public works, ambulance, building services, finance and telecommunications.”

The CAFA board also approved a $3,900 proposal to take the next step in determining the extent of a structural foundation problem on the northwest corner of the fire station on West Middle Street.

The board meets again on Jan. 21, 2014 at Sylvan Township Hall when they will hold both a regular meeting and an annual meeting and elect officers for 2014.