Council discusses volunteer-firefighter stipend and patchy radio coverage; agrees to pursue troubleshooting and county coordination

A former fire chief (speaker S2) told the council that a training-contingent annual stipend for volunteer firefighters was established years ago and that the top amount was $600, and he urged the council to consider increasing it. "It was dependent on, you know, training ... You can get up to $600," he said, and suggested the council invite the chief to provide input and recommend an amount.

Council members then described ongoing radio and repeater problems that impede communications in parts of Jamestown, including the marina and some low-lying areas. One speaker said bluntly, "At the Marina, your radio is useless," and participants agreed to set up a meeting with county officials and a troubleshooter to determine whether additional repeaters, equipment upgrades or repositioning are needed. The council asked staff to invite the chief and county 911 personnel to a future meeting.