Fire Commission, 6 pm — Minutes

Theresa Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2025 Meeting called to order at 6:02 In Attendance: Karrie Isken, Chris Giese, Rodney Justman, Roy Zastrow, Warren Stanke, Connie Schaumberg, Ryan Koll, Randy Wendling, Andy Pike and Village of Theresa Trustee, David Brandenburg. Secretary Report: The minutes of the September 16 meeting were read, revisions made, and approved. Copy of minutes need to be sent to Village Board. Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s report was approved as read. The check book audited from September 1, 2025, to November 18, 2025. Checkbook Balance: $43,937.56 Money Market Balance: $2,799.64 Capital Improvement (IO 70) CD Balance: $6086.37 General Fund (IO 71) CD Balance: $7,128.99 Treasurer Chris Giese shared information relayed in a letter received by the Fire Department and Commission from the joint Theresa Village and Town Boards. See attached. Dave Brandenburg, attending Village Trustee was introduced. Additional Points discussed by Giese: An annual audit of the commission is required to be conducted annually by a CPA effective this year. The village will make future stipends for fire department volunteers and commission members by direct deposit. Forms handed out to be returned to the village. A full refund was made by the IRS for payment penalties charged incorrectly. (WT-7) Stipends under $600 do not require a tax form. Commission by-laws need to be updated by the end of 2026. An expenses reimbursement form will be designed to incorporate meals, lodging, mileage and other expenses for an event to simplify reimbursement and accounting. Andy Pike will provide sample for rework. $10,000 transferred from Money Market to checkbook to cover expenses. Money Market is routinely used to assist with budget shortcomings. Duplicate invoices received and paid to Rennerts. Refund requested. Fire department secretary, Natalie Malicoat will review previous invoices to identify additional duplicates. Questions regarding invoices from Cole Oil. Looking for better ways to identify charges for oil for routine truck maintenance, heat for department and park buildings for accurate accounting and payment. Expenditures for 2024 exceeded the budget by $40,000, and current projections indicate a similar overage is likely for 2025. The committee discussed the necessity of establishing a more realistic budgeting process, taking into account factors such as aging equipment, an increasing number of calls, longer call durations, and a rise in mutual aid requests. Mr. Brandenburg emphasized the importance of using accurate data to address operational needs. Additionally, it was noted that in-house repair work does not represent the actual costs incurred and should be reflected in the budget, with any written-off amounts designated as donations to more accurately track real expenses. The village and township boards need hard numbers for budget planning purposes or future department directions. Brandenburg stated that Fire Department proposed budget revisions can be brought before the board in March. Currently the Theresa Fire Department is jointly owned/funded by the Fire Department, Village Board and the Township, bound by a handshake agreement. A formal contract needs to be signed. Department fundraiser funds are used for equipment and other projects not in the budget. Old Business: Reviewed by Karrie Isken/ Warren Stanke Checks of $12,500 each received from Village and Township of Theresa for the Engine 3462 repair of rear intake valves as requested. Work completed. Rennerts found additional damage on Engine 3462. Truck needs front brakes/drums/wheel seals at a cost of $1000, with an additional cost for the rear brakes of $1500. Work on front brakes in process 2026 budget. Rear brakes completed. Quote of $4,630 received for sealing the driveway, approved and moved to the 2026 budget. Delayed due to cold weather. The previously allotted budget funds will be used elsewhere for 2025 expenses. Garage door replacement cost due to storm damage following insurance payment is $1250, to be billed next year. Doors ordered-not in. 2026 Budget reviewed, revised and approved. General discussion on equipment funding, budget constraints for the future. Options? New Business: Warren Stanke gave the following report: Insurance estimate copy needed for the garage door replacement Cost: $23,980 Insurance paid: $22,729.88. Doors ordered Insurance questionnaire is available now for review. Warren Stanke will complete 23 page survey for workman’s compensation Quote/invoice from Rennerts needed for additional damage on Engine 3462 Suction issues. Investigating cost options to be completed on 2026 budget. Hardware kits received and paid for. Estimates for work to be done include, drums $200-$375/each, brakes $152.99, linings $305, spring kits in storage, plus labor. Fire extinguishers serviced by Marmic Fire & Safety on , 11/10/25. 3 hydro-tested and refilled. 3 dry chemical extinguishers need replacement. Parts are obsolete. Estimate cost of $100/extinguisher Ladders tested by Great Lakes Testing on 11/17/25. All passed. Charges made per linear foot. Additional New Business Schaumberg suggested looking into the possibility of making smoke/carbon monoxide detectors available to the community at a discounted rate as part of a community education program? Stanke stated the fire department checks for detectors on calls and provides/installs them when necessary. The department will investigate it and post online once available with details. Giese recommended the app Notee for use to capture details for minutes. Schaumberg will bring details to next meeting. Village is currently using. Stanke shared the Annual Chief’s Report he presented at the November 17 board meeting. The report was very informative and comprehensive, and provided the board and community a better understanding of the amount of time provided by department members for training, calls and community events. Additionally, it provided information on equipment test requirements and purchases. See attached. Meeting was adjourned 8:00 PM. Minutes submitted by Connie Schaumberg, Secretary Fire Commission Next Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM