Cards determine board terms

BY THE NUMBERS: Marsha Kelley, left, holds a four of spades indicating she will serve a four-year term on the Anderson Fire Protection District’s governing board. Each elected board member drew a card. Others pictured are Paul Bosetti, center, and Don Matheson. Not in photo are board members Jeff Hogue and Mike Hubert.

Members of the Anderson Fire Protection District - the first elected board since the district was founded in 1889 - traded seats with departing, appointed board members during a brief district meeting Friday, Dec. 4.

About 25 people attended the meeting with many staying after for coffee and slices of a brightly-colored cake decorated with the district's emblem.

Before the new board members took their seats, however, AFPD Fire Chief Andy Nichols thanked outgoing board members for their dedication to the district and its staff.

Nichols added that the board was instrumental in getting the district through "recent troubles," referring to the district's investigation of ex-fire chief Joe Piccinini, who resigned July 1.

Each outgoing board member - Norma Comnick, Keith Webster and Butch Schaeffer - commented vaguely on the difficulties they faced representing the district leading up to and including Piccinini's investigation.

"(It was a) very difficult time in the fire district," said Webster, who served as chair of the old board. "I'd like to thank all staff for their dedication to the community for working through the difficult time we had."

Nichols congratulated all board members for their many years of service with honorary plaques.

Paul Bosetti, still active, has served 24 years, Schaefer served 15 years, Comnick served 11 years, Marsha Kelley, still active, served seven years and Webster served five years.

Once seated, the new board drew playing cards to determine term lengths, then voted for board officers.

Chairwoman of the Board Marsha Kelley, Vice Chairman of the Board Don Matheson and board member Mike Hubert will each serve four-year terms.

Secretary of the Board Paul Bosetti and board member Jeff Hogue will each serve two years.

The fire district's next regular board meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8.