HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2012-09-18CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES
September 18, 2012
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Commissioners: Hoard, Ellsworth, Baker, McGonigal
Others Present:
Fire Chief — Parsons
City Attorney — Lavine
Alderperson and Liaison to Board — Clairborne
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Executive Assistant - Overslaugh
Call To Order:
Chair Gilligan called to meeting to order at 1607 hours.
II. Approval of Minutes:
A. Approval of the July 31, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners Special Meeting
Minutes — Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Baker
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 31, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners
Special Meeting be approved as corrected.
Carried Unanimously
B. Approval of the August 14, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Baker: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 14, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners
Meeting be approved as corrected.
Carried Unanimously
III. Additions to or Deletions From the Agenda:
There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.
Chair Gilligan explained that no public comment would be allowed during the Board's
deliberation of the proposed resolution on the agenda regarding "Reorganization of the
Volunteer Fire Companies — Resolution on Process for Active Volunteers to Transfer
Membership ".
No Board member objected.
September 18, 2012
IV. Persons Wishing to Speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners:
Dave Cornelius addressed the Board regarding the proposed resolution regarding
reorganization of the volunteer fire companies. He requested that the Board delay the
distribution of the 2% funds, and to clarify whether members of the new company need
to be active members or not.
Ray Wheaton addressed the Board on behalf of the veteran volunteer fire members to
request that the 2% monies be released to them, since they are not really a party to the
reorganization process. He further stated that it was thought the original intent of the
reorganization of the companies was to create one new company, with money from the
existing companies being donated to the new company, if so desired. He noted that it
was thought that accepting social members into the new company was not really the
intent of this action, and why a reorganization of the companies was proposed. He
spoke on behalf of Company #2 to explain that company members have no problem
returning the 2% monies to the new company; however, they would request that the
company be able to keep the approximately $20,000 in the account that was raised by
fund raising events. This would allow members to continue to meet until the money is
spent or there are no members left, with any remaining money being donated to a
designated charity.
Bob Romanowski addressed the Board regarding the proposed reorganization of the
volunteer fire companies. He expressed his frustration for the seemly total lack of
respect for the 170 -190 years of history contained within these volunteer fire companies
and their members. He stated that the Ithaca Fire Department did not provide support to
or opportunities for new or existing members to provide volunteer fire support to the
department. As a result, the amount of community members volunteering to serve in the
volunteer fire companies was dramatically impacted. He stated that if the Ithaca Fire
Department had provided financial support and training opportunities for the volunteers
through the last twenty years or so there would be no need for the reorganization. He
further stated that volunteer companies provided regular reports to the State for the use
of the 2% monies and there was never a problem identified by the State about the use
of the funds. He further noted that any money that the volunteer companies have left in
their accounts at the time of this proposed reorganization should be given to the veteran
fire company. He explained that he has dedicated 53 years in volunteer fire service to
the Ithaca community, 15 years on the Board of Fire Commissioners, and that what the
Board decides about the possible reorganization of the volunteer fire companies is very
important — to disband and confiscate their monies is not the way.
September 18, 2012
Chair Gilligan read the following correspondence from Ken Jupiter for the record:
Board of Fire Commissioners,
While I understand the inevitability of consolidation of the Companies I have concerns
about the proposals that are currently on the table. If indeed the goal is to try and
ensure the continuation of a volunteer force within the department then I believe that
both pieces - the consolidation and the rules that go with that consolidation should
happen at the same time.
I understand that we have a new Chief who may have a genuine interest in preserving
volunteers in some way but he has walked into a job that has baggage attached to it.
Some of that baggage is a great mistrust for policy as it relates to volunteers and that
mistrust has been earned by his predecessors. The other piece of baggage is a
department administration that has been incapable of carry out policies as it relates to
volunteers. That being said this is the last point at which there will be any leverage to
make sure the department works toward sustaining and potentially growing the
volunteer portion of the department.
The rules have to be crystal clear and if the assets of the companies are to be taken
over by the department (which may or may not be legal given the corporate structure of
some companies which predate the formation of the combination department) those
funds should be tied directly to recruiting, training and equipping a volunteer force. If
funds are absorbed there seems to be no real guarantee that it won't be used as part of
a general fund. Given city budgets this seems more likely than not. It is too easy to say
as has been said in the past that the department would like volunteers but since the
department budget is going to be cut we should use this pool of money for other needs.
This is terrible policy and rather than planning for how we want to see the department
and how we want to deliver services we just shove any available bits in the budget hole
to try and fill it up.
I would urge that consolidation be put off until there are very clear rules including a
mechanism to carry out those rules and written policy that firmly ties Company dollars to
a new volunteer structure.
Sincerely,
Ken Jupiter
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September 18, 2012
PS While I understand that the City Attorney may want this done yesterday I think that it
is more important that it be done right and that if the department is moving forward in
what he views is the right direction than that should be sufficient in terms of legality
since the City is not continuing to disburse 2% funds.
V. Correspondence:
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company
Donation Fund dated August 1, 2012 had a beginning balance of $958.51 and an
ending balance of $1,058.51 reflecting a deposit of $100.00 from the Finger Lakes
Running Club's donation to the fire department.
VI. Membership Changes:
There were no membership changes.
VII. Miscellaneous Reports:
A. Town of Ithaca: None.
B. City of Ithaca: None
C. Audit: Reviewed and completed by Commissioner Ellsworth.
VIII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
A. Fire Police Unit Report:
Dave Cornelius provided the following report: The fire police unit held their August
meeting and training. The meeting consisted of a discussion of the proposed changes
to the volunteer companies with Commissioners Gilligan and McGonigal. The training
was presented by John Powers, and consisted of a slide presentation on safety issues
when working near traffic. Five fire police members helped with a 5 & 10K race. Two
members responded to a standby request for a possible severe storm.
B. Fire Chief's Report: Attached.
IV. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Update on 2013 IFD Budget Proposal:
The Board requested that the discussion of the 2013 IFD budget be placed on the
October 9, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners agenda. Chief Parsons noted that there
appears to be no relief seen with the proposed budget cuts to the fire department.
He further noted if staffing is cut then fire stations #6 and #9 may need to close. He
understands from informal conversations at City Hall that staff reductions are coming
across the board for city departments.
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September 18, 2012
B. BFC — Reorganization of the Volunteer Fire Companies
Chair Gilligan explained that Chief Parsons had e- mailed him some questions regarding
the proposed resolution on the agenda regarding reorganization of the volunteer fire
companies. Please see attached for the e -mail with Chief Parson's questions and Chair
Gilligan's responses.
BFC — Reorganization of the Volunteer Fire Companies — Resolution on Process
for Active Volunteers to Transfer Membership
WHEREAS, there currently are 8 volunteer Fire Companies, authorized by the City
Charter to operate under the oversight of the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners in
providing fire services as part of the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, these companies collectively have a long and proud tradition of providing
fire protection services to the City and Town of Ithaca dating back dating back nearly
200 years and involving several hundred volunteers over this period, and
WHEREAS, there have been significant changes in the availability of volunteers to
serve in these companies and to provide service to the department as well as the level
and quantity of training required to meet current standards for those providing fire
service, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Volunteer Companies, and the Ithaca
Fire Department, through the Fire Chief, have a shared role and responsibility in
maintaining the Volunteer component of the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, various past practices within the individual companies and in the records
maintained by the Ithaca Fire Department have resulted in inconsistencies in identifying
those individuals who meet the required standards under regulatory and Board policy of
being an active member of the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, the determination of active status of a volunteer with the Ithaca Fire
Department has an impact on that the distribution and use of State Foreign Fire
Insurance funds (2% funds), and
WHEREAS, eligibility for benefits under various statutory and regulatory provisions
related to the Volunteer Fire Service is based on an individual being classified as active
status, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Volunteer Companies, and the Ithaca
Fire Department share a common goal of supporting and increasing the number of
individuals providing active service to the Ithaca Fire Department, and to the Community
it serves, and
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September 18, 2012
WHEREAS, there are currently 13 individuals who are recognized as providing active
service by the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners believes that it is necessary to reorganize
the current Volunteer company structure, in order to address legal, organizational, and
administrative issues that have increasingly limited the effectiveness of the volunteer
component of the Ithaca Fire Department and
WHEREAS, there are currently procedures in place for active company members to
transfer between companies, and
WHEREAS, a number of those currently identified as active volunteers in the Ithaca Fire
Department have indicated an interest in transferring their membership to Neriton
Company # 9, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That effective immediately, the following 13 individuals are recognized as
active members in the department with their current company affiliation as shown and
they are the only individuals who are considered active volunteers (names to be
obtained from department activity records):
1. Company 1
2. Company 2
3. Company 3
4. Company 6
5. Company 9
, and be it further
RESOLVED, That to provide an effective Volunteer Organization serving and
associated with the Ithaca Fire Department, and to provide for an orderly transition to a
single volunteer company, each of the above named active volunteers will be allowed to
submit a transfer request to become a member of Neriton Company # 9, with such
requests being submitted on a form provided by the Board of Fire Commissioners and
returned to the Board, by October 5t", 2012, and be it further
RESOLVED, That upon receiving requests for transfer from at least 75% of the
currently active member by the October 5t" due date, the Board of Fire Commissioners
will act at its regular October Board meeting to approve these transfers, and be it further
RESOLVED, That only active members of the Ithaca Fire Department may be
considered as active members of this company, and be officers of the Company, and
have voting rights related to the use of 2% funds by the Company, and be it further
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September 18, 2012
RESOLVED, That this company may have other categories of social membership, that
will allow individuals to maintain their affiliation with the company, but they will not be
considered active members of the company or the Ithaca Fire Department, unless they
have formally applied for and been accepted as an active volunteer, with the Ithaca Fire
Department into one of the designated categories of service within the department,
currently, these categories are Class I — Interior Fire Fighting, Class II — Fire Ground
Support /Fire Police, and Class III —Administrative Fire Department Support, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the distribution of 2% funds received for 2012 and to be distributed
per the City Charter and State Law will be deferred until November 30, 2012 at the
latest, pending the completion of the reorganization of the Volunteer Structure, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board intends to take action in a separate resolution regarding
the remaining volunteer companies at its October meeting after considering the transfer
request of the currently active volunteers. It is expected that these companies will be
disbanded or else disassociated from the Ithaca Fire Department, and no longer to be
considered part of the Ithaca Fire Department; as such, these companies shall no
longer be approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners to recruit individuals to be
active members of the Ithaca Fire Department or to engage in the prevention and
extinguishment of fires, however the status of these former companies as social
organizations will be outside the purview of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
This resolution was moved By Commissioner Gilligan: Seconded by Commissioner
McGonigal
Discussion of Resolution:
Chair Gilligan explained that he and Commissioner McGonigal met with representatives
from the volunteer fire companies to develop this resolution. The resolution is an
attempt to capture the intent of the discussions. It is intended to meet the needs of the
community and assist in moving forward with the effort towards a single volunteer fire
company. It is a draft that is subject to review and possible revisions.
Chief Parsons stated that part of the discussion of the possible reorganization of the
volunteer fire companies and a concern with moving forward with an existing company
rather than creating a new company is that it does not explain how the Board arrived at
that decision. It does not address who is responsible for membership of the company —
whether it will be the Board, the Fire Chief, or the volunteer company itself. There is a
disconnect within the volunteer companies regarding active membership requirements
September 18, 2012
and residency requirements. He stated that starting with a brand new company with the
accompanying resolution that addresses those concerns would be a good way to start.
He also questioned whether the Board has the authority to direct an existing company
to change its by -laws. In addition, what happens if a member does not appear on the
current membership list but applies for membership to the new company — how will
active membership be determined?
Commissioner McGonigal stated that he was under the impression that the new
company would consist of active volunteers only, with no social members.
Chair Gilligan responded that the resolution could be changed if that was something the
Board felt was necessary or if it felt that it needed to consist of just active members.
City Attorney Lavine stated that, legally, the only volunteer fire fighter is an active fire
fighter. It is crucial that the resolution be specific that only members with legal standing
or active members can become members of the newly organized volunteer fire
company — whether it is a brand new company or an existing company. He further
stated that there is no legal prohibition of non - active, social members associating with
active members; however, he would prefer the resolution itself did not make mention of
social members.
Commissioner Baker questioned whether the 2% monies could be spent on social
activities.
City Attorney Lavine responded that some of that money could be spent on social
activities but he could not specify what amount at this point. He explained that non -
active, social members could attend a function of the company, which can choose to
spend the money to pay for a social activity (i.e. a dinner) for a non - active member.
He stated that there needs to be a distinction that non - active (social) members cannot
be legal members of the company.
Chair Gilligan responded that clause could be removed from the resolution completely
and it would still allow the company to invite social members to functions or activities.
Commissioner Ellsworth questioned whether or not the resolution should reference the
rules for the volunteer fire company membership. He explained that part of the rules
explain how members get points towards active membership.
City Attorney Lavine responded that the Board does have some options. It could choose
to bring the proposed resolution regarding the reorganization of the volunteer fire
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September 18, 2012
companies forward from the August meeting for consideration today or use the
proposed resolution on today's agenda. He stated that it is important for the Board to
clarify the ongoing rules of the volunteer fire company; however, it is not essential that
be done at the same time as the resolution regarding the reorganization.
Commissioner Ellsworth stated that he feels that whatever resolution the Board passes
should include any proposed rules for the company as well. He is also concerned
regarding the resources of the disbanded companies as far as what should be turned
over to the Ithaca Fire Department.
City Attorney Lavine stated that all 2% monies belong to the Ithaca Fire Department. He
further stated that his office sent a letter to the New York State Comptroller in August
regarding how the rest of the funds that the disbanded companies might have should be
dispersed, and they have not responded yet. He noted that the Board should not feel
compelled to do anything now with the non 2% monies. If the Board makes no mention
of it, then short of the Comptroller's Office response, nothing would be done with it and
efforts could move forward with the reorganization of the companies.
Commissioner Hoard stated that the Board should take care of what is required and
proceed from there. The Board needs to determine whether there should be one new
volunteer fire company or go with the existing Company #9, and how to resolve the
issues surrounding the reorganization.
Chair Gilligan explained that the proposed resolution asks current active members
whether they want to transfer into the existing Company #9 — if they say no, then the
Board needs to proceed with creating a new company. The Board needs 75% of the
current active members to request a transfer in order to proceed with using the existing
Company #9 as the new company; if less than 75% request transfer then the Board
would need to proceed with the creation of a new company. That would necessitate the
Board making a request /recommendation to disband the current volunteer fire
companies to Common Council for approval, per City Charter. If 75% of the current
active members request transfer, then the Board would need to work with the current
by -laws of Company #9 and proceed with the work necessary for the reorganization.
Commissioner McGonigal explained that the Board should start with what everyone
agrees on, which is the commitment to serve the City and strengthen the volunteer
component of the Ithaca Fire Department. He is aware of all the water under the bridge
and the hurtful actions in the past towards volunteers; the Board is trying to start new
here — with no disrespect to current volunteers. The most important statement in the
September 18, 2012
resolution is that volunteers should have a say in this decision and everyone must be
able to compromise, knowing that we're all on the same side, grow the volunteer
component, and move on from there.
City Attorney Lavine reminded the Board of the legal issues that need to be resolved
with consolidation and transfers. The resolution that creates a new organization is a
cleaner better way to resolve this issue.
Chair Gilligan reported that Chief Parsons e- mailed him questions regarding the
proposed resolution, and he responded as best he could with answers. That e -mail with
questions and answers is attached to the minutes.
Chair Gilligan responded that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed
as the Board moves forward. Whether the current Company #9 becomes the active
company or a new company is created he believes that there is a commitment by all
parties to become more engaged in the organization of the volunteer fire companies
than has occurred in the past. In the past, the volunteer companies were very
successful in doing their own recruitment. He stated that by working with an existing
company, the Board can work on establishing rules and standards. It provides a
mechanism to move forward in a timely fashion. He also understands the legal issues,
and at this time is more concerned with the administrative issues. He would prefer to
address these issues at the Board level, and noted that Common Council Liaison
Clairborne has indicated that Common Council will rely heavily upon any
recommendation that Board provides regarding the reorganization of the volunteer fire
companies. He would prefer it not to become a political issue as the Board is looking to
increase volunteer service for the betterment of the community.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding questions board members had about what
resolution was being considered today and to clarify some confusion raised by the
discussion of the resolution discussed at the August meeting and the resolution on
today's agenda.
Chair Gilligan explained that if 75% of the current active membership does not request
transfer into the existing Company #9 by October 5` ", the Board will vote on a separate
resolution at the October meeting to dissolve all the existing volunteer companies and to
create one new active company. A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding
members listed on the active list.
10
Common Council Liaison Clairborne arrived at 1745 hours.
The original draft resolution was modified to eliminate the section specifically allowing
social members in the company and also changing the third Resolved from requiring
that 75% of the active volunteers request a transfer into Company 9 to require that 10
active members must be in or elect to transfer to Company 9.
The following is the resolution as modified and voted on by the Board:
Resolution on Process for Active Volunteers to Transfer Membershia in the
Volunteer Fire Companies
WHEREAS, there currently are 8 volunteer Fire Companies, authorized by the City
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September 18, 2012
Chief Parsons provided
the following listing of current, active volunteers:
1.
Badge #4601
Andrew Adams
2.
Badge #3258
Lyman Baker
3.
Badge #3584
Jack Bordoni
4.
Badge #4413
Frank Cantone
5.
Badge #4600
Raymond Canzler
6.
Badge #4601
Jeffrey Cook
7.
Badge #3883
David Cornelius
8.
Badge #4188
William Gilligan
9.
Badge #4087
Scott Gingras
10.
Badge #4301
Jack Gould
11.
Badge #4153
Robert Longo
12.
Badge #4193
Daniel Maas
13.
Badge #3793
James Rogers
14.
Badge #3399
Raymond Wheaton
15.
Badge #4212
Richard Wilbur
Common Council Liaison Clairborne arrived at 1745 hours.
The original draft resolution was modified to eliminate the section specifically allowing
social members in the company and also changing the third Resolved from requiring
that 75% of the active volunteers request a transfer into Company 9 to require that 10
active members must be in or elect to transfer to Company 9.
The following is the resolution as modified and voted on by the Board:
Resolution on Process for Active Volunteers to Transfer Membershia in the
Volunteer Fire Companies
WHEREAS, there currently are 8 volunteer Fire Companies, authorized by the City
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September 18, 2012
Charter to operate under the oversight of the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners in
providing fire services as part of the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, these companies collectively have a long and proud tradition of providing
fire protection services to the City and Town of Ithaca dating back dating back nearly
200 years and involving several hundred volunteers over this period, and
WHEREAS, there have been significant changes in the availability of volunteers to
serve in these companies and to provide service to the department as well as the level
and quantity of training required to meet current standards for those providing fire
service, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Volunteer Companies, and the Ithaca
Fire Department, through the Fire Chief, have a shared role and responsibility in
maintaining the Volunteer component of the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, various past practices within the individual companies and in the records
maintained by the Ithaca Fire Department have resulted in inconsistencies in identifying
those individuals who meet the required standards under regulatory and Board policy of
being an active member of the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, the determination of active status of a volunteer with the Ithaca Fire
Department has an impact on the distribution and use of State Foreign Fire Insurance
funds (2% funds), and
WHEREAS, eligibility for benefits under various statutory and regulatory provisions
related to the Volunteer Fire Service is based on an individual being classified as active
status, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Volunteer Companies, and the Ithaca
Fire Department share a common goal of supporting and increasing the number of
individuals providing active service to the Ithaca Fire Department, and to the Community
it serves, and
WHEREAS, there are currently 15 individuals who are recognized as providing active
service by the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Ithaca Fire Department, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners believes that it is necessary to reorganize
the current Volunteer company structure, in order to address legal, organizational, and
administrative issues that have increasingly limited the effectiveness of the volunteer
component of the Ithaca Fire Department and
12
September 18, 2012
WHEREAS, there are currently procedures in place for active company members to
transfer between companies, and
WHEREAS, a number of those currently identified as active volunteers in the Ithaca Fire
Department have indicated an interest in transferring their membership to Neriton
Company # 9, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That effective immediately, the following 15 individuals are recognized as
active members in the department with their current company affiliation as shown and
they are the only individuals who are considered active volunteers (names obtained
from department activity records):
1. Company 1
(Andrew Adams, Jack Bordoni, David Cornelius, Scott Gingras, Robert Longo)
2. Company 2
(Lyman Baker, Raymond Wheaton)
3. Company 3
(Frank Cantone, Jeffrey Cook, Richard Wilbur, Ray Canzler)
4. Company 6
(William Gilligan, Jack Gould, James Rogers)
5. Company 9
(Daniel Maas)
, and be it further
RESOLVED, That to provide an effective Volunteer Organization serving and
associated with the Ithaca Fire Department, and to provide for an orderly transition to a
single volunteer company, each of the above named active volunteers will be allowed to
submit a transfer request to become a member of Neriton Company # 9, with such
requests being submitted on a form provided by the Board of Fire Commissioners and
returned to the Board, by October 5t", 2012, and be it further
RESOLVED, That upon having 10 of the above designated active volunteers in the
department either already in Company 9 or requesting transfer into Company 9 by the
October 5t" due date, the Board of Fire Commissioners will act at its regular October
meeting to approve these transfer, and be it further
RESOLVED, That only active members of the Ithaca Fire Department may be
considered as active members of this company, and be officers of the Company, and
have voting rights related to the use of 2% funds by the Company, and be it further
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September 18, 2012
RESOLVED, That the distribution of 2% funds received for 2012 and to be distributed
per the City Charter and State Law will be deferred until November 30, 2012 at the
latest, pending the completion of the reorganization of the Volunteer Structure, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Board intends to take action in a separate resolution regarding
the remaining volunteer companies at its October meeting after considering the transfer
request of the currently active volunteers. It is expected that these companies will be
disbanded or else disassociated from the Ithaca Fire Department, and no longer be
considered part of the Ithaca Fire Department; as such, these companies shall no
longer be approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners to recruit individuals to be
active members of the Ithaca Fire Department or to engage in the prevention and
extinguishment of fires, however the status of these former companies as social
organizations will be outside the purview of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Ayes (3) Gilligan, Ellsworth, McGonigal
Nays (2) Hoard, Baker
Abstentions (0)
Carried
X. New Business:
A. Authorization for the disposal of the Component Equipment, Supplies, and
Tools Associated With the Municipal Fire Alarm System in the Most Economical
Manner — Resolution
By Commissioner Baker: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department decommissioned the municipal fire alarm
system in 2011 and,
WHEREAS, the Fire Department has component equipment, supplies, and tools
associated with the operation of the municipal fire alarm system and,
WHEREAS, the Fire Department no longer has a need for the component equipment,
supplies, and tools to operate and maintain the municipal fire alarm system, now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners authorizes the disposal of the
component equipment, supplies, and tools associated with the municipal fire alarm
system in the most economical manner.
Carried Unanimously
William Gilligan, Chairman Date
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September 18, 2012
B. Review and Discussion of items /information (reports /data) that should be
posted to the City's website
1. The Quarterly City /Town reports as well as the monthly Fire Chief's report
will be attached to the minutes and posted to the city's website regularly.
2. Chief Parsons will develop a form, to be approved at the October 9t"
Board of Fire Commissioners meeting for Dave Cornelius to use on a monthly basis to
report on activities of the fire /police unit.
C. Updates:
1. Chief Parsons provided an update to the Board regarding the Commons
Redesign Project, which has under gone two years of planning, and is now in the design
stage. He explained that one element of the redesign that is very important is fire
department access to the Commons — especially aerial access. The design stage will be
challenging as it needs to meet the needs of the fire department as well as trying to
accommodate all special interest requests. One component that will be challenging for
the fire department is the proposed zig zag lighting over the Commons. In addition, the
location and species of trees on the Commons may hamper access. He stated that he
does not like the proposed design and is working with the design team. As a result,
there may be a problem with the project moving forward until fire department issues are
resolved. The current proposed design is not conducive to fire department needs, and
he may need a resolution from the Board to support his concerns.
2. Fire Department Proposed 2013 Budget — the Mayor will present his
budget to the public at the October 3rd Common Council meeting. During the month of
October the Mayor and Common Council will meet with every department to review their
budget specifically. Chief Parsons will e -mail the date for the fire department's review to
Board members so if they would like to attend the budget meeting where the fire
department will be reviewed they could. He stated that the fire department will face
reductions in staffing due to the proposed budget cuts.
XI. Executive Session:
There was no need for an executive session at this time.
XII. Adjournment: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 1800 hours.
Sarah L. Myers William Gilligan
Information Management Specialist Chair
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