Fire district talks opened

POLSON — A Polson-area fire stakeholders group meeting last week came up with no new resolutions, but set ground rules for members to follow in meetings to come.

Moderated and facilitated by Polson City Manager Todd Crossett, the 2-hour meeting brought together representatives from the Polson City Fire Department, Irvine Flats Fire Company, Big Arm Fire Department and the Polson Rural Fire Board. Also in attendance were Crossett and Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron, as well as a citizen business owner in the rural area.

The idea for the group was first proposed during the Polson Rural Fire Board’s December meeting, when Crossett said it could be a good way to discuss “complicated issues.” The diverse group of entities was organized to get the best possible response and to allow for the expression of different viewpoints and ideas, Crossett said.

“Lots of the issues blow up rather than get smaller, so we need an effective venue to talk about it,” he said on Monday.

The initial meeting was used to set the groundwork for things like agreements, values and a mission statement to try and resolve the various issues that plague the area’s fire departments.

As moderator, Crossett came up with initial discussion points to spark participation by the attendees. He had each person tell the person next to them about something from their childhood that has influenced their lives today. The person not speaking was made to listen and comprehend what they were told. After the exercise, commissioner Barron said it was helpful because during arguments or heated discussions, the person not speaking is usually preparing a rebuttal rather than actually dissecting and listening to what the other person’s point is. Crossett is hopeful these type of exercises will help communication, which along with trust are the biggest issues facing the various fire entities in the Polson area.

“The stakeholders group is not a regulatory authority but rather it’s a venue to clarify issues and hopefully come to a consensus,” Crossett said.

The reactions from various attendees was mixed, but most hope the issues can be resolved through the public forum and by working together.

“I hope these meetings will bring some things into focus and I want people to be open minded,” Barron said. “Some things we need to agree to disagree on. I’m just being optimistic. I hope people care enough about the people of the community to bury the hatchet.”

Polson Fire Department Chief John Fairchild was similarly optimistic, but recognized that it could take time to sort different issues out.

“I think some of the concerns were heard and now it’s up to everybody to find solutions,” he said. “I would love to see the communication line between the city, rural board and firefighters enhanced to serve the people of the community better.”

Trustee Alison Meslin attended as a representative for the Polson Rural Fire Board, and reiterated the notion that the main concern is improving service to the people of the community at-large.

“One way or another we have to resolve some of the issues, and that’s not up to me but the board as a whole,” she said.