Chapter 2.24
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT1
Sections:
2.24.030 Enrollment of fire fighters – Death, disability, retirement benefits.
2.24.040 Collection and payment of death, disability and retirement benefits.
2.24.050 Volunteer fire fighters compensation.
2.24.060 Officers – Terms of office.
2.24.070 Fire activity reports.
2.24.080 Repealed.
2.24.010 Established.
That there is maintained in the city of Newport, Washington a regularly organized volunteer fire department as defined by Chapter 121 of the 1935 Session Laws of the state of Washington and as further amended and codified in Chapter 41.24 RCW, entitled “Volunteer Fire Fighters Relief and Pensions”. (Ord. 861 § 2(1), 1995)
2.24.020 Board of trustees.
There is hereby created and established a board of trustees which shall consist of the mayor, city clerk, one councilmember, the fire chief and one member of the fire department to be elected by the members of the fire department for a term of one year and annually thereafter.
A. Officers of the Board. The mayor shall be the chairman and the city clerk shall be the secretary-treasurer of the board of trustees.
B. Duties of the Board.
1. The board shall provide for enrollment of all members of the Newport fire department under the death and disability and retirement provisions of the law;
2. The board shall determine the eligibility of fire fighters for pensions;
3. The board shall provide for disbursements and of relief;
4. The board shall pass on all claims and direct payment thereof from the volunteer fire fighters relief and pension fund to those entitled thereto;
5. The board shall initially hear and decide all applications for relief of compensation and pensions pursuant to Chapter 41.24 RCW;
6. The board shall perform such other duties as prescribed by applicable law, ordinance or resolution.
C. Board Meetings. The board shall set a regular monthly meeting day. The board of trustees shall meet on the call of the chairman on the set regular monthly meeting day when there is business to come before it. The chairman shall be required to call a meeting on any regular meeting day at the request of any member of the fund or his beneficiary claiming any relief, compensation or pension therefrom.
D. Board Compensation. No compensation or emoluments shall be paid to any member of the board of trustees in the performance of their duties or responsibilities required by law, ordinance or resolution.
E. Quorum. A majority of the board of trustees shall constitute a quorum. No claim shall be allowed where a majority of the board has not voted favorably on the claim.
F. Employment of Examining Physician. The board shall make provisions for the employment of a regularly licensed practicing physician for the purpose of examining new applicants for membership, examining all sick and injured fire fighters, and perform such services and operations and render all medical aid and care necessary for the recovery of fire fighters on account of sickness or disability received while in the performance of their duties. The board-appointed physician shall be paid his or her fees for services rendered by the state of Washington Department of Labor and Industries. (Ord. 861 § 2(2), 1995)
2.24.030 Enrollment of fire fighters – Death, disability, retirement benefits.
A. The city council, by passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter, retroactively ratifies past membership enrollment and authorizes the future enrollment of all fire fighters to the Newport volunteer fire department under the relief and compensation provisions of the laws of Chapter 41.24 RCW, as amended, for the purpose of providing protection for all of its fire fighters and their families from death or disability arising in the performance of their duties as volunteer fire fighters:
B. The city council, by passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter, retroactively ratifies past membership enrollment and authorizes the future enrollment of those members of the Newport volunteer fire department who elected or will elect to avail himself or herself of the retirement provisions of the laws of Chapter 41.24 RCW, as amended. (Ord. 861 § 3, 1995)
2.24.040 Collection and payment of death, disability and retirement benefits.
Annually, as directed by the State Board for Volunteer Fire Fighters, the city clerk/treasurer shall pay such amount as shall be due from city funds, together with the amounts collected from the enrolled fire fighter members of the Newport volunteer fire department. (Ord. 861 § 4, 1995)
2.24.050 Volunteer fire fighters compensation.
There is hereby established a compensation and reimbursement policy for members of the Newport volunteer fire department as follows:
A. Training and Drill Sessions.
1. The sum of $10.00 per each fire fighter in attendance at each individual training, department meeting, drill session or fire call.
2. Quarterly, the fire chief or designee shall certify to the city clerk/treasurer a list of its members attending all training, department meetings, drill sessions and fire calls and the city clerk/treasurer will make payment to those members individually.
B. Allowable Claims, Expenses and Per Diem Allowance.
1. Volunteer fireman, when authorized by the fire chief, shall be reimbursed for all attendance of required fire-related seminars, continuing education programs, and costs for meals, travel and lodging expenses incurred on city fire-related business or activities.
2. Reimbursement for allowable claims, expenses and per diem incurred and authorized by the fire chief will be paid by submitting the proper expense vouchers provided by the city clerk/treasurer. (Ord. 1093 § 1, 2013; Ord. 861 § 5, 1995)
2.24.060 Officers – Terms of office.
The Newport volunteer fire department membership shall elect from the members of the department at a minimum two officers, which shall be the office of the fire chief and secretary. Additional officers may be established and filled by the election method or appointment by the fire chief. The terms of office shall be established by the membership of the department.
All officers, elected or appointed, shall serve without benefit of a salary for services required of their office.
The fire chief shall be the department head of the Newport volunteer fire department and shall be responsible for the general operation of the fire department and all matters relating to training, policy development, equipment maintenance and work with the city administration on budgetary items or requests. (Ord. 1093 § 1, 2013; Ord. 861 § 6, 1995)
2.24.070 Fire activity reports.
A. Quarterly Fire Activities Report. The fire chief or designee shall submit written quarterly fire activity reports to the city clerk/treasurer. (Ord. 1093 § 1, 2013; Ord. 861 § 7, 1995)
2.24.080 Amendments to volunteer fire fighters compensation.
Repealed by Ord. 1093. (Ord. 861 § 8, 1995)
Prior legislation: Ords. 258 and 759.