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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2012-12-11CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Present: Chair Gilligan Commissioners: Hoard, Ellsworth, Baker, McGonigal Others Present: Fire Chief – Parsons Alderperson and Liaison to Board – Clairborne Information Management Specialist Myers Administrative Coordinator - Overslaugh Call To Order: Chair Gilligan called to meeting to order at 1604 hours. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the November 13, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Baker RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 13, 2012 Board of Fire Commissioners meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Chair Gilligan requested the addition of an Executive Session regarding a personnel issue to occur in the middle of the discussion of "Old Business ". He further requested the addition of an item under "New Business" regarding the correspondence received regarding property /assets held by the Veteran Firefighter Association. No Board Member objected. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Baker read the following statement regarding the Remembrance Ceremony held on December 7, 2012 at the City Cemetery in memory of the tragic event that occurred 106 years at Chi Psi /Alpha Psi Lodge: "Remembrance of 106 Years ago tragic event Ithaca City Cemetery -- Firemen's Section Eight AM, 34 degrees, the following stood attention while prayers were read and memories of the volunteer firemen were shared. Raymond Wheaton - -Chi Psi, Alpha Psi Lodge, four Cornell students killed and an Ithaca Fire Department Teamster killed, plus a bunker that was killed. Lyman Baker —Read The 23rd Psalm- -three firefighters killed December 11, 2012 In Attendance: Fire Chief Tom Parsons Bill Gilligan - -BFC Chairman Tom Hoard George McGonigal Mary Wheaton Sons of Union Veterans (named below) fired a three volley salute and played Taps. Danny Wheeler Philip Soyring Richard Hartman" Commissioner Baker also provided to the Board of Fire Commissioners information on volunteer hours for maintenance time at the Firemen's section of the City Cemetery for November 2012. He and Raymond Wheaton each had 4 hours. Ray Wheaton read the following statement for the Board of Fire Commissioners: "RE: Re -open License Agreement for display of antique steamer fire engine dated August 11, 1998. Due to the 41 % reduction in Two percent funds the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Incorporated received this year from the City of Ithaca Chamberlains office, we will need assistance from the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners to supplement the environmentally appropriate display room to foster the preservation of the steamer. And yearly Insurance cost that lists the BOARD as an additional insured in an amount equal to or greater than the appraised value of the steamer. The Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners and the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Incorporated of 638 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 -8745, need to discuss the financial assistance as soon as possible. Thank you, Raymond B. Wheaton, Secretary Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Incorporated 638 Elmira Road Ithaca, NY 14850 - 8745" Mr. Wheaton further stated that he was not happy with the tone of City Chamberlain Parsons letter to the Veteran Volunteer Companies regarding the 2% monies. He noted that the Vets have been lied to on two different occasions regarding the use of the 2% funds once the companies had disbanded. December 11, 2012 Mr. Lyle Neigh addressed the Board to demand that the following items be returned to Station 5 immediately: minute books, antique poker table, and stained glass window. He further demanded a written apology from the person that accused members of Station 5 for stealing those items. Chair Gilligan read the following statement for Mr. David Cornelius who was unable to attend the meeting: "Gentlemen, I may be late for your 4:00 PM meeting on 12/11/2012. 1 am therefore sending this e -mail to you for inclusion in comments from the public. As some of you already know, I was extremely upset when I received the demand letter from City Chamberlain, Debbie Parsons to submit all of Cayuga Hose Company No 1's money, and all other assets and bank statements. Since I am not longer a member of Cayuga Hose Company No 1, remember I was transferred to Company 9, 1 am not sure I was the person this letter should have been addressed to. The Board of Fire Commissioners and the City Council elected to disband and disassociate 7 of the volunteer fire companies, who exactly is the City Chamberlain trying to get the money from. These companies are no longer associated with the City Fire Department so why should they give any money back to the city. During one of the summer meetings attended by the city attorney, he indicated that the volunteer companies could donate money to the Veteran Volunteer "Fireman's Association, the remaining active company or another charitable organization of our choosing. Now he is asking, thru the Chamberlain, for all money and assets to be turned over to the City. It is my feeling that the City does not deserve any of this money. I have spoken with an attorney at the State's Comptroller's Department. The State Comptrollers office has not yet placed their 2% reporting form for 2012, on their website. The lady I spoke with said they may have sent this years form to Debbie Parsons office but wasn't sure. I will be happy to complete this report as soon as the form is available and I will submit a copy to the State Comptroller's Office and the Board of Fire Commissioners as required. I am not planning on sending a separate copy to the City Chamberlain. I started asking questions regarding what we could legally do with any remaining 2% money. She transferred me to their legal department. I left a message and one of their attorneys called me back the next day. He was not prepared to give me an answer on the phone. He acknowledged that he had also received a letter from the City attorney. He indicated that the City Attorney had not mentioned that there was still one active volunteer fire company. It appears that this city attorney is giving out misleading information, as he did at the City Administration Committee meeting, to get the best chance to get additional funds into the city's general fund. Please do not let him get away with this. Sincerely, David Cornelius Alderperson and Liaison to the Board of Fire Commissioners Clairborne arrived at the meeting at 1616 hours. December 11, 2012 CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company Donation Fund dated November 1, 2012 had a beginning balance of $1,058.51 and an ending balance of $1,058.51 reflecting no activity as of November 30, 2012. Chair Gilligan reported that forms regarding the 2% monies were received in the mail today from the Controller's Office. He requested that the Administrative Coordinator at the fire department distribute a copy to each company's appropriate representative. Chair Gilligan read the following e-mail he received from Chief Parsons and Bill Baker, President of the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Fireman's Association: ">>> On 121912012 at 06:57 PM, in message, Bill Baker wrote: Recently some items were removed from Station 5. This action has generated a few of questions: 1 - Items such as pictures, books, banners, objects, etc.... that belonged to the companies that were disbanded, does the fire department and /or city consider these items as fire department and /or city property? 2 - If the answer to question 1 is yes, then how does this affect items at the Vets? 3 - Items that were either given to the Vets or on loan to the Vets from the companies, are they now considered fire department and /or city property? 4 - The Vets carries insurance on a majority of these items. Some items however, were insured by the companies (items that were on loan). Will the fire department and /or city be taking over the costs of insurance policies to cover any or all of the items? With the recent reduction in 2% money it will be difficult, at best, to renew our current policy as is, let alone increase a policy to include additional items. 5 - If the fire department and /or city is not willing to insure items not actually owned by the Vets then the group(s) involved should probably meet to discuss the future of said items. The Vets next meeting is Monday, December 17. We do not meet in January. It would be helpful to be able to discuss this at our meeting on 12117. Thank you for helping to try and figure out this situation. I await your answers. Bill Baker President Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Fireman's Association E- Mail from Chief Parsons: One other question: the artifacts that are at the vets now (other than the steamer) were they on loan through an agreement with the City? IF there is no agreement, I don't know that they don't already belong to the vets as they may have already been donated by the company or department a long time ago. 4 December 11, 2012 The only question of property ownership about the items is in the fire stations outside of the company offices. Best Regards Tom Parsons Fire Chief Chair Gilligan stated that the above request would be discussed under "New Business" later in the meeting. MEMBERSHIP CHANGES: Chief Parsons reported on the following: A. Bill Baker will retire on December 31, 2012 from the Ithaca Fire Department. B. Tom Dorman will continue as Acting Deputy Chief through 2013. C. A Capital Project was established for 2013 in the amount of $359,000 to replace both roofs at Central Fire Station. This is in preparation for the future installation of solar panels on the roofs by Liberty Solar. MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS: Town of Ithaca: Chair Gilligan provided the attached written report that was presented to the Town of Ithaca Board at their meeting on November 19, 2012. City of Ithaca: No Report Audit: The audit was reviewed and completed by Commissioner Ellsworth. Alderperson /Liaison Clairborne reported that the 2013 budget restored the two firefighter positions that had been proposed to be eliminated, and that new fees for inspections and various permits had been approved for 2013 as well. The schedule of new fees is attached to the minutes. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Chief and Deputy Chief Reports: The Fire Chief's monthly report dated December 11, 2012 with detailed information on the various divisions of the department will be attached to the minutes. 5 December 11, 2012 Fire /Police Report: Dave Cornelius provide the following written report on fire /police unit activities for November 2012: "During November the Fire Police Unit helped for 4 hours with traffic control during the Departments College Ave. bridge net rescue training. Immediately after training four of us responded to a serious MVA at the intersection of Mecklenburg Rd. and Sheffield Rd. We were on scene for an additional 3 hours. Training at the November fire police training meeting was the use of fire extinguishers and what type to use on different types of fires. Lt Rich Tracy presented this training with the help of Rob Doner. The December 18th training will be presented by Lt Scott Eaton. The subject is fire watch duties and observations of first arriving personnel." Fire Chief Parsons expressed his thanks for the work of the fire /police unit for their time and dedication in providing assistance with the serious car accident that occurred after the four hour bridge net rescue training. They provide a valuable service to emergency response personnel, and he wanted to recognize their work and efforts publicly. Their support is extremely helpful and he is very grateful for the work they performed that day. OLD BUSINESS: Recognition of former volunteers with Ithaca Fire Department: The Board briefly discussed and considered ideas for the best way to recognize former volunteers with the Ithaca Fire Department. It was suggested that a generic certificate be created as a way to say thank you to the volunteers. The Board agreed that a sub - committee consisting of active board members and members from the veteran volunteer companies meet to discuss the best way to move forward with the effort. They would then provide a recommendation for the Board's consideration. Update on Volunteer Recruitment /Active Membership Categories and requirements - Class 1, II, III: Commissioners Hoard and Baker volunteered to serve on sub - committee to review the current handbooks for volunteers and board members in an effort to establish the criteria for membership into the volunteer company. In addition, Chief Parsons and the following volunteers will serve on the committee: Dan Maas, Andrew Adams, and Jack Gould. The sub - committee should be ready to provide a report /recommendation back to the board within a couple of months. N December 11, 2012 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Related Issue: By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner McGonigal RESOLVED, That the Board enter into Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Related Issue. Carried Unanimously Reconvene: The Board reconvened into regular session at 1708 with no formal action taken. Chair Gilligan reported that the Board discussed the impact on volunteer company members on the letter sent to them by the City Chamberlain regarding the distribution of the 2% monies. He stated that this topic will be discussed further by the Board with the hope that a resolution to the situation can be resolved at the January board meeting. He noted that additional meetings will need to occur to come to agreement regarding assets of the volunteer companies and the 2% monies. X. NEW BUSINESS: Status of Memorabilia /Artifacts /Pictures /Historical Equipment Held by Veteran Companies (see questions above raised by Bill Baker, President of IAVFA): Chair Gilligan stated that there is not immediate solution to questions posed, and options need to be discussed and presented. He further stated that information from the City Attorney will be needed regarding renegotiating the agreement to reduce or eliminate the requirement for insurance on the steamer. The Board is aware of the financial issues with the reduction in 2% monies going to the veteran companies. Chair Gilligan reported that a request had been received from the volunteer company regarding who would be responsible for the cost of repair to a personal vehicle that might be damaged when a volunteer is responding to an emergency situation. Chief Parsons stated that he will review the question, with the City's insurance agent, regarding coverage and will provide more details when they become available. Chair Gilligan noted that the Board heard the volunteer members concerns raised during public comment today. He stated that the fire department received packets for the reporting of the 2% monies today. He further stated that it still needs to be determined who is responsible for completing the information since the volunteer companies were disbanded. He noted that it would seem that whomever had signatory before would continue to have that power for this purpose. He further reported that the December 11, 2012 City Chamberlain is in need of action by the companies with regard to the disbursement of the 2% monies. However, that will be on hold until the Board is able to resolve the issues that have been raised. Chief Parsons stated that as far as he knows the only assets owned by the City in possession by the veteran companies is the steamer and the gamo box (alarm box). He will review the current agreement with the City Attorney regarding the steamer and the insurance requirement, and report back to the Board at a future meeting. He further stated that the artifacts belong to the veteran companies and should stay with the company to either be donated or retained by Company #9. He further stated that items not in the company room may not be city property. If items are in the company room then the Board /City will need to make a determination as to who /what company owns the assets. He further explained that when the large number of items came up missing, such as at Company #5, a police report was filed, and still, no one knows where they are, so follow -up needs to be done with regard to the stolen property report. He is not sure if all of the missing items belong to the City, and the Board would have the power to disburse them (i.e. minute books, poker table, stained glass window). Mr. Neigh stated that many volunteers used their own money to purchase commercial stoves, refrigerators, freezers, tables, chairs, etc. Chair Gilligan stated that the items in question need to remain at the stations, and an accounting of all company books should be done as soon as possible. Chief Parsons stated that he is not personally aware of where the items in question are, and will follow -up with staff, but someone had a key and access to the stations. Mr. Neigh stated that twenty -four (24) or so photos of old members are also missing. Chair Gilligan stated that the Board will work to resolve and /or address concerns raised about ownership of certain assets, as well as to meet with the City Attorney and City Chamberlain to seek answers to questions about the 2% monies distribution and reporting issues. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 1725 hours. Sarah L. Myers William Gilligan Information Management Specialist Chair R1 CITY OF ITHACA 310 West Green Street Ithaca, New York 148505497 OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF Telephone: 607/272 -1234 Fax: 6071272 -2793 MEMORANDUM To: Board of Fire Commissioners From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief Date: December 10th, 2012 Re: Fire Chief's Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners LIFE SAFETY DIVISION Administration 1) Career Personnel Report PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS 1 Chief 1 Deputy Chief (per diem) 5 Assistant Chiefs 9 Lieutenants 49 Fire Fighters 65 Uniform Personnel 1 Administrative Coordinator Total employees as of 11/1/2012 — 65 a) Hiring /Recruitment Committee • None b) Retirements: • Firefighter William Baker will be retiring at the end of the year. C) Promotions: • None d) Recruit Fire Fighters: • None Page 2 of 4 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report e) Vacancies: December 10th, 2012 • Deputy Fire Chief: Tom Dorman will be working one day per week as a part-time Deputy Fire Chief. Tom will continue to work through 2013 and the money saved will be used to partially fund the two firefighter positions restored to the 2013 budget. 2) Budget Status a) A budget Status Report: No Report b) Capital Budget — A Capital Project plan was developed by the City's Engineering Department to replace both roofs of Central Fire Station. The estimated cost is for $359,735.75. The plan has been forwarded to the Town of Ithaca for consideration. C) Town of Ithaca — No Report 3) County Communications and 911Program: a) The consultant hired by Tompkins County to review the 911 Center Operations has submitted the final version of his report to the County. It was presented to the Tompkins County Emergency Communications and Operations Committee on November 20th, 2012. The Department of Emergency Response is working on an action plan to address the recommendations made by the consultant. As part of the action plan, the County will seek accreditation for the 911 Center. This will take several months and possibly more than a year to accomplish the goal. 4) Grants and Donations a) Training Center Project Funding: No Report b) Governor's Traffic Safety Grant: Received approval for funding of our Child Safety Seat Program from 10/15/2012 — 10/15/2013 5) Resource Recovery Legislation No Report 6) City Charter Update No Report Page 3 of 4 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report Operations 1) Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report 2) Selected Calls — No Report 3) Support No Report LIFE SAFETY DIVISION Fire Prevention Bureau 1) Code Enforcement Division: December 10th, 2012 The Codes Enforcement Division received 17 complaints for the month of November. There were 11 complaints forwarded to the City of Ithaca Building Department and 1 complaints forwarded to the Town of Ithaca. There were 24 complaints closed out, and 38 complaints remain open since January 1St 2012. Some of the complaints that remain open are complaints referred to other agencies or departments. The Code Enforcement Division performed 89 fire safety and property maintenance inspections or re- inspections, witnessed 5 fire alarm test, witnessed 3 alternative fire protection system tests, and witnessed 3 fire sprinkler system tests. The Code Enforcement Division issued: 21 Operating Permits for Assembly Occupancies; 1 Operating Permit for Hazardous Occupancy; 5 Fire Alarm Certificate of Compliance; 2 Alternative Fire Protection System Certificates of Compliance; and 13 Certificates of Compliance for Fire and Property Maintenance Inspections for November 2012. 2) Fire Investigation Unit: The fire investigation team performed two fire investigations in November: The first investigation was of a structure fire that occurred at 312 Thurston Ave in the City of Ithaca. The cause of the fire was accidental. The second fire was a car fire at 303 Elmira Rd. The cause of the fire was also accidental. 3) Public Education and Special Events: Page 4 of 4 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report December 10th, 2012 There were 5 public education events, 1 fire drill, and 6 child car seat inspections performed by the department in November. 4) Town of Ithaca: We are close to an agreement on an MOU between the Fire Department and the Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Department that will have the Fire Prevention Bureau perform inspections in the Town. There were some wording changes in the MOU recommended by the City Attorney that required further review by the Town. OPERATIONS DIVISION Response 1) Quarterly Call Report 2) Emergency Management No report Support 1) Training Center Quarterly Report Training Quarterly Report — Volunteer Recruitment and Retention 1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report 2) There are currently 15 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police 3) Requests from Company Members to become active: No Requests Received 4) We received 1 application for membership. We scheduled an interview but the candidate did not show up and had forgotten about the interview. Board of Fire Commissioners Report to Ithaca Town Board November 19, 2012 The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissioners quarterly report to the Ithaca Town Board for the 3rd quarter of 2012 including the year to date call activity summary: Included with this report are: The Fire Chief's Report given at the October 9, 2012 BFC meeting. This includes the Fire Marshal's Report & Fire Prevention Bureau activity. • The financial operations summary through September 30, 2012. The department call activity reports for January 1- Sept. 30, 2012. (also posted on city Website: http: / /www.egovlink.coM/ public odocuments300 /ithaca /published documents/Minutes of Meetings/Board of Fire Commissioners/2012/10-09- 12%20BOARD%200F%20FIRE%2000MMIS SIONERS %20Meeting %20Minutes l .pdf Fire Department Operational Staffing (Sept. 30, 2012). As of Sept 30, 2012 the Active Fire Fighting staffing totaled 64 (on duty staffing- 1 Chief, 5 Assistant Chiefs, 9 lieutenants, & 49 Fire Fighters) plus 1 Deputy Chief on per diem. • The Fire Chief will keep the Deputy Fire Chief's position open through 2013. A portion of the Deputy chief's responsibilities will be covered by former Deputy Chief Tom Dorman on a per diem basis. Volunteer Company Organization — The restructuring of the volunteer companies has moved forward. Seven of the eight volunteer Companies were disbanded and the 14 active volunteer members of these companies transferred into Neriton Company #9. There are currently 15 active volunteers with the department, the majority of these are Fire Police. The Board, the members of Company 9, and the Chief are working on reviewing requirement for volunteers and anticipate actively recruiting more volunteers beginning early in 2013. 2013 Fire Department Budget — The Fire Department budget was passed by the Common Council as part of the City Budget. Two line firefighting positions will not be filled when the current staff retires. The administrative support for the department has been reduced from 2.5 to 1 position. The Fire Chief's report provides additional information on the 2013 budget. Board Agendas & Minutes The Board is working with the Fire Chief and the City Clerk's Office and has posted BFC meeting agendas and minutes on the City Website. Agenda's for meetings in 2012. http://www.egovlink.com/ithaca/docs/menu/home.asp?path=/Tublic documents3 00 /ithaca/publis hed_documents/Agendas . BFC Report to Town of Ithaca Board 19- Nov -2012 Items in progress: 1 Charter Review- the BFC continues to review and discuss changes in the charter relating to the role and responsibilities of the Board of Fire Commissioners. 2 Resource recovery —the Board will be reviewing the status of a draft recommendation sent for review to the City Attorney. 3 County Fire - Disaster — EMS Advisory Board— no new action on this issue. 4 Training Center Facility Project — this is still under consideration, no construction has been authorized due to the training site being located on land designated as City Park land. 5 Town Ad Hoc Fire Service Committee and Town concerns about the cost of Fire Service to the Town. The Board would like to remain involved with the Town in the on -going discussions on this complex issue. 6 The Board is reviewing the role of volunteers in the Ithaca Fire Department- see information above regarding reorganization of volunteer companies. Respectfully Submitted, Bill Gilligan Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners Page 2 December 5, 2012 Common Council Meeting 10.1 Fire Department -Request to Increase Fees -Resolution By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Proulx WHEREAS, section 181 -9 F(1) of the Code of the City of Ithaca states the Fire Chief shall promulgate a fee schedule applicable to the permits authorized under such code; and, WHEREAS, §181 -9 F states that fees established in the fee schedule shall reasonably reflect the cost of receiving, investigating, processing, and issuing each of said permits; and, WHEREAS, §181 -9 F requires that any schedule and said changes proposed thereto shall be submitted to the Common Council for adoption prior to the collection of such fees; and, WHEREAS, the permit fee schedule is based on the labor costs of performing the inspections and processing the permits; and because of subsequent salary increases and associated cost of fringe benefits the current fees do not reflect the actual costs of the services being provided; and, WHEREAS, the fees were last adjusted and approved by Common Council on January 7th, 2009; and, WHEREAS, a proposal has been prepared and submitted to increase fees generally and as stipulated in the attached schedule, from $44.00 to $50.00 per hour, and from $66.00 to $75.00 per hour for work performed during non - business hours, which will result in such fees reflecting current costs; and, WHEREAS, the prepared proposal includes the additional permit fees for processing and the administration of permits over and above the costs of the actual inspections for issuing such permits; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the proposed increase in permit fees; and, be it further RESOLVED, That these changes shall be authorized upon adoption of this resolution by Common Council, with an effective date of January 1, 2013. Carried Unanimously December 5, 2012 2013 Fire Prevention Permit and Inspection Fees Permit Type 2009 through 2013 Fee Comments 2012 Fee Schedule Schedule Assembly $100 /building Issued annually and does Occupancy Permit — not include inspection fees new or expired Assembly $50 /building Issued annually and does Occupancy Permit — not include inspection fees renewal Elevator Permit $60 /elevator Issued every 3 years and unit does not include inspection fees Lumberyard $50 Issued annually and does Occupancy Permit not include inspection fees Hazardous $50 Issued annually and does Occupancy Permit not include inspection fees Fireworks Use Permit $44 $50 Per event and does not include inspection fees Explosives Use $44 $50 Per location and does not Permit include inspection fees Bon Fire Permit $44 $50 Per event and includes 1 inspection Asphalt Kettles Use $44 $50 Per location /month and Permit includes 1 inspection Temporary Propane $44 $50 1 month /venue and Permit includes 1 inspection Temporary Propane $104 $125 6 months /venue and Permit includes up to 2 inspections Temporary Propane $172 $200 12 months /venue and Permit includes up to 4 inspections Welding and Cutting $44 $50 1 month / firm or business Permit and includes 1 inspection Welding and Cutting $104 $125 6 months / firm or business Permit and includes up to 2 inspections Welding and Cutting $172 $200 12 months / firm or Permit business and includes up to 4 inspections Inspection Rates $44 /hour $50 /hour during business hours Inspection Rates during $66 /hour $75 /hour non - business hours