Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
March 13, 2025
5:00 p.m.
The Board of Commissioners of Tangipahoa Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 met this 13th day of March, 2025, in regular session. Those present were Chairman E. Ray Glasgow, Vice-Chairman Robbie Lee, Commissioners Herbert Brumfield and Jeff McKneely, Secretary Agnes Prevost, and Fire Chief J. D. Stevens. Absent was Commissioner Reginald Foster.
---------------
The Chairman called the meeting to order and a motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Lee and carried that the Board dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous regular meeting dated February 13, 2025, and the special meeting dated February 20, 2025, and accept them as prepared.
---------------
Mr. McKneely made a motion to approve payment of current bills in the amount of $81, 667.67. Mr. Brumfield seconded the motion and it so carried.
---------------
After review of the financial statement, a motion was made by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mr. McKneely and carried that the financial statement for the month of February, 2025 be accepted.
--------------
The Chairman recognized Mr. Henry Powell of Cadence Insurance who presented to the Board a proposal for a group cancer insurance policy to cover employees of the Fire District. He quoted a rate of $22.73 per employee per month, which is the same rate as school system employees in Louisiana. Mr. Powell added that the employees would have the opportunity to purchase additional coverage for themselves and/or their families if they wish, and the $22.73 would be subtracted from the rate for the additional policy.
After some discussion, a motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Brumfield and carried that the Board accept the group cancer insurance policy presented by Mr. Powell at a rate of $22.73 per employee per month.
---------------
Chief Stevens requested that the Board surplus an old station generator that was taken out of service in 2006.
A motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Lee and carried that the Board approve the surplus of the old station generator.
---------------
The Fire Chief stated that he had talked with the landowner and had received an asking price, which is negotiable, for the parcel of land located north of Roseland; also, that he had received an appraisal on the property. He made known that the landowner’s asking price and the appraisal are very close. He added that the landowner would accept payment from someone who wanted to donate the land to the fire district.
Mr. McKneely made known that if the landowner accepts payment for the land that is less than the appraisal, the board can issue a letter stating that it values the donation at the appraisal amount.
No action was taken on the matter.
---------------
Chief Stevens then made known to the Board that the Louisiana Legislature has passed Act 554 that requires fire departments to offer about 12 cancer screenings to current and former firefighters at no charge, effective in 2025.
Mr. Lee made known that he had talked with a hospital administrator who explained that there is no screening for many types of cancer, only in cases where there are symptoms; further that tests, such as MRI’s, are not recommended due to the unnecessary exposure to radiation.
After some discussion, wherein Mr. McKneely suggested that employees should consult with their doctor before deciding to undergo cancer screenings, a motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Lee and carried that Chief Stevens review the matter and make recommendations.
---------------
There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Mr. McKneely, seconded by Mr. Brumfield and carried that the meeting be adjourned.
______________________ ____________________
E. Ray Glasgow Agnes Prevost
Chairman Secretary-Treasurer