NZVFD holds first business meeting under new leadership

NORTH ZULCH — Laughter filled the North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department station Monday night as 29 people and three children attended the first business meeting under interim Fire Chief Chuck Wiedecker’s leadership. The turnout required bringing out extra tables.

The Aug. 5 meeting marked a sharp contrast from the July 7 session when six members walked out. Those members have since returned, and new volunteers filled the station.

“We’re not getting younger. Don’t be afraid to move up. We’re going to be your mentors,” newly elected Assistant Chief Patrick Coveney told members.

The meeting opened with an auxiliary report from Wyona Ballard, who announced new officers for the support organization. The auxiliary is planning its ninth annual chili cook-off and requested permission to house vendors in the new fire station to protect them from the sun.

Secretary Vance Ballard then read minutes from four meetings held in July, including the contentious July 7 meeting that led to former Chief Tony Clay’s resignation. Members approved all minutes as read.

Treasurer Brian Kyle announced the department expects to receive up to $275,000 in reimbursement for a tanker tender through a Forest Service grant. Ben O’Connor with the Texas A&M Forest Service attended the meeting.

“We could spend about $305,000 with our 10 percent and get that $275,000 back,” Kyle said. “That’s not official till August 6th, which is Wednesday.”

The department addressed several administrative matters. David Staten will research options for a department phone and radio batteries. Members approved purchasing Microsoft Office software for $149.99 as a one-time expense rather than paying $9.99 monthly.

Under new business, Vance Ballard reported on the ISO survey, stating the department achieved 100 percent for active members. He noted that an ISO representative was impressed with the department’s equipment and personnel files, particularly that someone had completed arson investigation training and the presence of retired paramedics and firefighters.

In elections, Patrick Coveney was unanimously elected assistant chief. Coveney brings over 30 years of EMS and fire service experience to the position.

Wiedecker appointed Harold Sapp as captain of training and suppression. He named David Staten as lieutenant for medical and communications and Cody Bartula as lieutenant for suppression. Lenko Arenzina and David Kaufhold will serve as fleet operations managers.

The department took its first step toward updating membership requirements. Members heard the first reading of a bylaws amendment that would allow some applicants with criminal records to be reviewed case-by-case rather than face automatic rejection.

“We want to be inclusive, not exclusive,” Ballard explained about the proposed change, which would review certain criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis rather than automatic disqualification.

Nine community members expressed interest in joining the department at the meeting.

The department voted to accept Ricky Harris as its newest member after he completed his required three meetings.

The meeting’s tone reflected optimism about the department’s future.

“It’s gonna be fun. We’re gonna learn a lot. We’re gonna do a lot of training,” Coveney said.

The next business meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at the fire station. Meetings are open to the public.