031926_FireCommission_Minutes

VILLAGE OF BONDUEL/TOWN OF HARTLAND FIRE COMMISSION MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 Chairperson Mark Miner called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and read the statement regarding the meeting notice. PRESENT: Dave Bohm, Russ Gehm, Chief Kevin Lynch, Mike Miner, Tim Leitermann, Kevin Watermolen, and Richard Streetman via telephone APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Leitermann, and second by Bohm, to approve the agenda and to deviate from the order as necessary. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Bohm, and second by Gehm, to approve the Fire Commission minutes from February 19, 2026, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. ACKNOWLDEGEMENT OF CITIZENS/OPEN FORUM: Nate Cumberland, Bonduel Area Fire Department REPORTS FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT: Report on file. Chief Lynch shared information about the 2% State Inspection. OUTSTANDING FIRE BILLS: Report on file of outstanding fire bills. BUDGET REPORT: Report on file. NEW BUSINESS G1. Discussion and possible action on letter to Fire Commission The Fire Commission received a letter from an anonymous “tax-paying resident” regarding the Bonduel Area Fire Department, outlining concerns related to fire calls and social media posts. The Commission reviewed and discussed the concerns presented, including current procedures for fire calls and the social media matters referenced in the letter. Following discussion, motion was made by Miner and seconded by Watermolen to not issue a response to the letter, as no response was deemed necessary. Motion carried unanimously. G2. Discussion and possible action on social media policy. In response to the letter received by the Fire Commission, the Commission reviewed the current Village of Bonduel Social Media Policy, which all Fire Department members acknowledge as part of their onboarding paperwork. After review, the Commission determined that no revisions or new policy were necessary at this time and gave Chief Lynch the suggestion to turn comments off on public posts on the fire department’s page. Motion was made by Miner and seconded by Leitermann to continue using the existing social media policy as presented. The motion carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS H1. Discussion and possible action on departmental attendance and training policy Chief Lynch presented the Commission with a draft of the Training and Attendance Policy for the Bonduel Area Fire Department SOGs. After some discussion a suggestion was made to give 24 hours to contact the department with a reason for missing training. Motion by Bohm, second by Watermolen to approve the departmental attendance and training policy with the adjustment for excused absences noted. Motion carried unanimously. H2. Discussion and possible action on fire department billing invoice 2024-07 Chief Lynch updated the Commission on fire department billing invoice 2024-07 as Miguel Garcia has made a verbal agreement to return on Friday, March 20, 2026 to make a payment. Miguel agrees to pay the following payments: March 20, 2026 - $100.00, April 7, 2026 - $100.00, April 21, 2026 - $245.06. By consensus the Commission agreed to table any action until the next meeting to see if payment was received. H3. Discussion and possible action on departmental procedures, protocol and parade route for the 4th of July With Celebrate Bonduel beginning early preparations for the Fourth of July parade, the Fire Department will begin reviewing procedures and protocols in April. Chief Lynch anticipates implementing these procedures in May in preparation for the event. By consensus, this item was tabled until the next meeting. H3. Closed Session. Move to closed session to discuss fire fighter performance, and membership attendance. Motion by Leitermann, second by Streetman to move to closed session to discuss fire fighter performance, membership attendance. [Pursuant to Wis. State Statutes, Chapter 19, General Duties of Public Officials, subchapter V, 19.85 exemptions (1)(c) [Considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.] At the end of the closed session, the Commission will reconvene in open session. Roll call was taken, motion carried unanimously. Commission moved into closed session at 6:23 pm. Motion Watermolen, second by Streetman to return to open session. Motion carried unanimously. Commission returned to open session at 6:38 pm. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS OR NEW BUSINESS TO BE CONSIDERED AT A FUTURE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS Next Fire Commission Meetings: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Motion by Bohm, second by Leitermann, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kevin Watermolen