HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2012-07-31CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES
July 31, 2012
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Commissioners: Hoard, Ellsworth, Baker, McGonigal
Others Present:
Fire Chief — Parsons
City Attorney — Lavine
Information Management Specialist — Day
Excused:
Common Council Liaison — Clairborne
Call To Order:
Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1610 hours.
Revisions /Additions to the Agenda:
There were no revisions or additions to the agenda.
Review and Recommendation Regarding the IFD 2013 Budget Submission to the
Mayor:
Chief Parsons distributed spreadsheets of the proposed Fire Department 2013
Operating Budget.
In order to meet this year's budget guidelines set by the Mayor of a 10% reduction from
salary lines, the elimination of 1 front office position (currently vacant) and 12 fire
fighters will be necessary. This scenario further includes the partial closing of a fire
station, and the elimination of the Training Officer position.
Other options under consideration include:
• A -2% overall budget that reduces staff by 1 front office position (currently
vacant) and 3 Fire Fighter positions. This scenario would also reduce overtime by
50% of current funding levels, eliminate the Training Officer position, and the Fire
Prevention Bureau; however, it will allow the outside stations to remain open
approximately 80% of the time.
• Current roster operating budget
He reviewed the applicable labor contracts including the annual increases, step
increases, and health care contributions.
Chief Parsons noted that no one has expressed interest in the Retirement Incentive
package that has been offered, although 33 members of the department are eligible for
retirement.
He further explained options to generate revenues for the Fire Department such as
increasing inspection fees, charging for services, and training center rental fees. He
further explained the distribution process for funds received by the Town of Ithaca,
Cornell University and Ithaca College.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes
July 31, 2012
Page 2
The budget will be submitted to the City Controller's Office on August 1, 2012 and the
Chief will be meeting with the Controller and Mayor on August 23, 2012 to review each
scenario.
Administrative Coordinator:
Chief Parsons announced that June Overslaugh has accepted the Administrative
Coordinator Position and will be a big part of putting the budget documents together in
the future.
Consideration of a Resolution Regarding the Organization of the 8 Volunteer Fire
Companies Whose Members Provide Service to the City and Town of Ithaca Fire
District
There are eight volunteer companies associated with the Ithaca Fire Department with
fourteen members being identified as active members.
City Attorney Lavine stated that it would be easier to create one new volunteer fire
company than to keep one of the eight companies that currently exist.
A question was asked by a volunteer fire fighter if the City Attorney's office would be
able to get the tax ID # if a new company was created.
Many comments were shared by volunteer members and Union Representatives
regarding the expenditure of the 2% monies and out -of- pocket expenses paid by the fire
fighters. They explained that 2% monies that have been used to buy furniture, pots &
pans, freezers and other items for the stations, while the paid fire fighters have paid for
cable service, newspapers, and dishes for the stations.
Volunteers expressed concern that training has not been provided in the past, and
some are still waiting for the training in order to qualify as active volunteers. Chief
Parsons stated that Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response has a good
training program that could be used to fill the need.
Adjournment:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 1800 hours.
Cindie L. Day William Gilligan
Information Management Specialist Chair