July 8, 2012 (Spring Valley)—San Miguel Fire District’s Board of Directors will consider the possible appointment of Gary Croucher to become the District’s new Fire Chief. Croucher, a 26 year district veteran, has been serving as Interim Chief since Chief August Ghio suffered serious injuries in a mid-May motorcycle accident, just four days before Ghio’s announced retirement. Read Croucher's full bio.
The Board will also discuss two retired annuitant temporary employment contracts, one for Ghio as a special projects consultant, the other for Amy Wrightson as an administrative specialist.
The district recently voted to move forward with outsourcing its core firefighting services to Cal Fire due to a long-term budget shortfall.
“This is a cooperative agreement,” Croucher said in a KPBS interview in May, noting the that District will stay in place for “local control.” He added, “Services will stay the same, if anything they will improve.” Full staffing should be restored to the Dehesa station, he predicted.
The shift has been opposed by the firefighters union, as firefighters would be required to work much longer hours under Cal-Fire rules. Members of the public have also voiced concern.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the Board will also consider a resolution to authorize an amendment to a contract for construction services for the Heartland Regional Fire and Public Training Center. In addition, the Board will consider an amendment to the District’s retiree health premium reimbursement plan.
The Board will first meet in closed session at 5:30 to discuss issues including labor negotiations and a liability claim. An open public session will be convened afterwards starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the District Board Room, 2850 Orange Way in Spring Valley.
To view the complete agenda, click here.
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