The Board discussed the Fire Department’s participation in October’s “Great Shakeout,” an event showcasing the emergency entities, first responders, support systems, fire and law forces, military and other organizations who support the Morongo Basin. Board Directors are considering hiring an outside crew to cover the department while they attend, and the Board voted 5/0 in favor of bringing the department’s “coolest” apparatus to the event.
The Board approved The Memorandum of Understanding to establish a partnership between the Desert Region Fire Safe and the MVCSD for the organization, design, installation, maintenance, and ownership responsibilities of a “Smokey Bear Fire Danger Sign” in Morongo Valley. The sign will feature the Smokey Bear’s iconic likeness and will be placed at the top of the Morongo Grade, complete with an adjustable fire danger meter ranging from green to red.
For the Resolution 24-05 Schedule of Fees, the Board voted 5/0 to approve with amendments to the resolution. Directors are still fine-tuning how they will get the word out to all residents about their Voluntary Revenue Program, an option for residents to pay into a membership for emergency insurance that will come with Compassion Waivers for lower-income residents. The Board discussed various options, including sending postcards out and having a booth set up at next month’s Halloween Extravaganza.
The Board approved seeking a $75,000 loan from Banc of California to pad the fire department so the crew can assist strike teams in this immediate high fire risk season. For full transparency, General Manager Brittany Chavez clarified, “We can afford it, we just don’t have the money yet since our tax check doesn’t come in until the end of November.”
