It seems everyone at Lake Tishomingo has been on good behavior since our last meeting, because I've received no phone calls about misconduct, and no other reports concerning property damages, break ins or anything.

Normally, with an opening like that, I'd have nothing else for my report, and we could all go home early. But, that isn't the case. There are some matters for discussion.

Actually, this is a continuance of the September report, when he spoke about the response of fire fighters and sheriff's deputies to the fire scene.

Since then, I received an e-mail from a resident who is an insurance agent, and she, too, had some concerns which she expressed about a variety of issues, so I'll share them with you. She, like many others, wondered why the fire tankers had to continually drive to the beach area to obtain water.

The simplest reason is the hydrant on the south side, in the 6200 block, is inoperable. I've heard two reasons. According to the individual who wrote me, Fire Chief Gary Peters told her that the pipe from the hydrant to the lake was not installed with the proper angle and/or depth. The other reason I heard is that when the pipe was being installed, it was run over with a tractor and the pipe became damaged. Regardless of the reason, the hydrant would not have supplied water on the morning of the fire because of the depth of the water. We will review this situation and, hopefully, the problem can be rectified.

Next, the writer indicated she spoke with a firefighter when obtaining a fire permit, and she asked what would be required to have the firehouse on Hillsboro-House Springs Road staffed at all times. The response was more money was needed and that would require a tax increase. Voters have been asked in the past to approve a tax levy, and the measure has always failed. There is a cost associated for the fire district to put a proposal on the ballot, and money is also needed for equipment replacement. The chief has opted for buying equipment.

Having that firehouse, which is now utilized for additional fire engines, staffed each day would surely favorably affect insurance rates here at the lake. The fire equipment for first response, at the main station, is four miles from our entrance, while the firehouse nearest the lake is but a stone's throw from the four-way stop.

Regarding the idea of a tax increase, the firefighter said one-third of the district's residences are located at Lake Tishomingo. The person who wrote me wondered if there were sufficient lake residents to "swing" a favorable vote for a tax increase. My opinion is that we probably couldn't. Only residents who are voters registered in Jefferson County can cast ballots, and that is about half the property owners.

There was one additional suggestion provided to me in the e-mail message, and that relates to the possibility of fundraising to purchase and/or repair the dry hydrants. The writer suggested that collections be taken at the gate in a similar fashion used by the anglers group and for funding the fireworks in July. That's a matter for consideration, but first, obviously we need to secure cost estimates. I'll consult with fellow board member Kevin Seelbach and report additionally on that next month.

Finally, when I spoke with Chief Peters at the fire scene last month, as I reported previously, the chief mentioned that emergency equipment can get access to some gated communities by use of the siren on the equipment. Presently, there is an assigned code, and it has been provided to the fire department, ambulance operators and sheriff's deputies. There are several obvious problems. First, each fire engine arriving has to stop and the gate must be raised. As was the case last month, there were firefighters from three or four other fire departments in addition to Goldman. Those other departments had not been provided our code. Also, when time is the essence for life saving measures, ambulance operators have to stop, find their code information and then enter the appropriate numbers. Finally, even though the sheriff's deputies who patrol this area have been provided with the code, there is the possibility of deputies having to drive here from some other part of the county. They would not have the code readily available. Even volunteer firefighters who have their vehicles equipped with sirens could gain immediate access to our subdivision.

Given that lengthy explanation, I asked Roger Hovis to determine if Signature Control, the company who installed our gate, has a component that would allow the gate to raise at the sound of an approaching siren. He finally was provided with a response last week and told there is, and the cost for installation is $595.00. If there is a decision to purchase this item, it would be a "sole source" matter and bids are not required in that instance.

I now ask for discussion about that issue, and that will nearly end this month's report. *

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We need to remind everyone the annual fire permits issued by the Goldman Fire Department are now available at the main fire station, 9001 Old Lemay Ferry. There are 12 rules and regulations to be followed when burning. The permits, which are FREE, expire on April 14, 2006. If there are questions about the issuance of fire permits, call the fire station at 789-9841.

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And, just one more thing. There is a humorous anecdote to bring a conclusion to this month's report. If anyone has come to the realization there is a catfish missing from the lake, Chief Peters can provide the explanation. He showed me a photograph of a fireman with the catfish on a stringer at the beach area. He related that several days before the fire in September, firefighters were conducting a routine training exercise at the lake, as they often do, by drawing water into a tanker, and then testing equipment. Suddenly the mechanism on the tanker stopped, and they feared there was a major problem with the fire truck. However, when they disengaged the hose from the dry hydrant, it was discovered a catfish weighing 6 or 7 pounds had been sucked into the hose from the lake, and wedged at the entry point into the tanker.

I would suspect all the firefighters had a nice fish dinner that evening! Additionally, we need to address having what I believe is termed the "flapper valve" repaired. That contraption keeps leaves and other debris … and catfish … from getting into the hydrant.

Submitted by Ray Lauer

* A motion was made by Matt Holloran, seconded by Kevin Seelbach, to purchase the signaling device. The vote of the board was unanimous.