HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2013-02-12CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Commissioners: Ellsworth, Baker, McGonigal
Others Present:
Fire Chief — Parsons
Alderperson and Liaison to Board — Fleming
Information Management Specialist — Myers
Administrative Coordinator — Overslaugh
Excused:
Commissioner Hoard
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Gilligan called to meeting to order at 1600 hours.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the January 8, 2013 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes —
Resolution
By Commissioner Baker: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 8, 2013 Board of Fire Commissioners
meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried (3 -0)
(Commissioner McGonigal absent from vote)
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Chair Gilligan requested the addition of the following items:
1. Volunteer response to emergency scene — discussion. To be placed under "New
Business ".
2. False Alarm Ordinance — discussion and possible action at April meeting. To be
placed under "New Business ".
3. Veteran Fireman Association loan of steamer — discussion. To be placed under
"Old Business ".
No Board Member Objected.
Commissioner McGonigal arrived at 1604 hours.
PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK TO BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS:
Commissioner Baker reported that he and Raymond Wheaton each worked one hour in
the Ithaca City Cemetery at the Fireman's section checking for vandalism.
February 12, 2013
Commissioner Baker then read his letter of resignation from the Board of Fire
Commissioners effective at the end of today's meeting. He explained the main reason
for his resignation is the constant harassment, nasty /sarcastic comments, and
suspicious eyes looking at him from a few of the volunteers. He wants to give more of
his time to the Veteran Volunteer Firemen at the veteran's facility during this time of
adjustment to the reduction in their 2% Foreign Insurance funding. This will include
looking at, talking to, and listening to each Veteran Volunteer Firemen Association
member without harassment or suspicion.
Lyman E. Baker
52 year volunteer at Ithaca Fire Dept.
Chair Gilligan expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Commissioner Baker for
his service to the Board, and noted that he was very sorry to see him leave.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Commissioner Baker provided the following information which Chair Gilligan read for the
record:
RE: Moving past the disbanded companies,
After November 7, 2012, the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners should have
concentrated their efforts towards the active volunteers in Company Nine.
Recruit New York 2013, a state wide open house program sponsored by FASNY is
coming April 27, 28, 2013. We need to talk about manning the fire stations and even
perhaps the veteran firemen facility with a fire engine and maybe a ambulance from
Bangs and even a mercy helicopter. This the second year of state wide recruitment.
FASNY provides PSA's free -- zero -- zilch -400% free.
After the Christmas Eve tragedy in Webster, NY, the Board needs to talk about
proper radios for the Fire Police, at the moment all they have is old units that do not
work well.
Training that is being provided by IFD personnel, is in my opinion excellent, but there is
more available. The Board needs to let the active volunteers know when and where,
in an effort to promote training, we can never have too much.
These are some ideas to move past the disbanded companies, let them live in peace.
Lyman E. Baker
Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioner member
February 12, 2013
Chair Gilligan noted that the January /February 2013 Central New York Firemen's
Association publication included legislation information regarding the role of volunteer
fire fighters. He stated that he would route the information to Company #9. He further
noted that additional information can be obtained from their website at www.fasny.com
He noted that the Board did not need to take any action on this at this time.
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES:
There were no membership changes to report to the Board.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS:
Town of Ithaca: Chair Gilligan reported that he presented the Board of Fire
Commissioners Quarterly report to the Town of Ithaca Board at their meeting on
February 11, 2013. That report will be attached to the minutes.
City of Ithaca: Commissioner Baker reported that he presented the Board of Fire
Commissioners Quarterly report to Common Council at their meeting on February 6,
2013. He further reported that during that meeting the annual J. Diann Sams Annual
African American History Month award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Clairborne,
and that it was a great meeting to attend.
Audit:
The audit was reviewed and completed by Commissioner Baker.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Chief and Deputy Chief Reports:
Chief Parsons stated that he would be very sorry to see Commissioner Baker leave the
Board. He further stated that it had been an honor and pleasure working with him.
Chief Parsons reported that there have been no changes in staffing at the fire
department. He further reported that accounts for 2012 have almost all been closed,
and that at this point it appears that the fire department came in 3% under 2011
expenses for 2012. He stated that both Common Council and the Town of Ithaca Board
have approved the capital project request for replacement of the roof at Central Fire
Station. The County's 9 -1 -1 Program Coordinator is working on implementation of a
paging system that will add digital messaging capabilities (texting) that will provide
automatic notification which will speed up response time by quite a bit. He stated that a
grant has been applied for that will fund the purchase of water rescue equipment and
the training, the grant requires no local match, and the application deadline is sometime
in March.
February 12, 2013
Chief Parsons further reported that the Fire Department conducted 42 fire inspections in
the Town of Ithaca in January and 63 in the City of Ithaca. Fortunately, there were no
major fires in January.
Public Education:
Chief Parsons reported that there was 1 fire drill in January; otherwise it was a pretty
quiet month.
Chief Parsons further reported that Lt. Haines -Sharp has been meeting with
representatives from the Town of Ithaca regarding fire inspections and has established
a good working relationship with quite a few business owners in the Town.
Chief Parsons provided a brief update on some of new development projects that were
discussed at today's Project Coordinating Committee meeting. He explained that work
will begin soon on most of them: Marriott Hotel (Hotel Ithaca), Harold Square (The
Commons), Planned Parenthood, Purity Ice Cream expansion, Holiday Inn expansion
and Clareman Hall at Cornell University.
He further reported on the following projects currently under construction that were
discussed at the meeting earlier today: Breckenridge Apartments, Gates Hall, Big Red
Marching Band, Collegetown Terrace Apartments. He stated that the fire department is
very involved in staging efforts and review of fire alarm design and installation. He will
try to provide a monthly report instead of a quarterly report on these projects since 2013
will be a much busier construction season than 2012. The Fire Department is on track
as well for more than 5,000 calls in 2013.
He further reported that he attended a meeting recently with representatives from
Tompkins County to discuss consolidation of emergency response services and goals
for 2013. The County's emergency mitigation plan is nearing completion, as well as
plans to expand the County's emergency operations center on Brown Road. The
County is anxious to refine programs at the center and make it more functional as a
training center and emergency operations center.
Chief Parsons reported that he has no new information on the proposed new training
center for the fire department.
Apparatus /Equipment Update:
Chief Parsons reported that the 1993 ladder truck has been out of service since
November 2012 due to a broken cradle. He stated that because of the age of the truck it
is proving difficult to locate parts from its manufacturer. The department is working with
a repair center in Pennsylvania, which can, if needed, fabricate the parts if the truck's
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February 12, 2013
manufacturer isn't able to deliver them. This is a qualified repair center owned and
operated by former employees of the truck's manufacturer.
He further reported that the other ladder truck is now out of commission as the master
steamer, during a normal test, got rotated /inverted causing damage to the waterway. He
stated that Dryden Fire Department has offered to provide mutual aid when needed. In
addition, the City of Cortland Fire Department also offered the City the use of its reserve
ladder truck in return for the City doing the same for them in the past, which is
appreciated.
The new ladder truck for the department is being constructed by Pierce Manufacturer
and is scheduled for delivery in June. The department's apparatus team is scheduled to
make a site visit (Wisconsin) in March to inspect the vehicle to make sure the work
meets the specifics in the City's purchase order.
The City of Syracuse has made an offer to purchase the 2006 lift truck from the
department that the board and City declared as surplus. The terms of sale are still being
finalized by the City Controller's office.
Volunteer Recruitment:
Chief Parsons stated that he would begin to incorporate volunteer service hours into his
monthly report for the Board. Chair Gilligan requested that this report be provided to
Company #9 on a routine basis.
He further reported that the department did receive an inquiry about volunteer
membership from a member of the community. An application was sent and Dan Maas
will make contact. The applicant is interested in becoming an interior fire fighter.
Fire Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius reported that the fire /police unit had a hazardous materials training
on January 15, 2013. The unit also provided assistance for an accident on West King
Road. He stated that a topic for the February meeting has not been determined yet.
Chair Gilligan responded that the February training topic would be attendance at the
City's annual and mandatory sexual harassment /anti - discrimination training.
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February 12, 2013
OLD BUSINESS:
Status and Impact of Proposal to Shift Responsibility for Fire Inspections Out of
the Ithaca Fire Department:
Alderperson Fleming reported that Common Council and Senior Staff attended a
workshop on Friday, February 8, and Saturday, February 9, 2013 to discuss long -term
projects and goals for 2013. She reported that discussions of the proposed
incorporation of fire /safety inspections into the Building Department from the Mayor's
2013 budget are moving slowly, and most likely will be an issue for 2014. Chief Parsons
reminded her that if the inspections are moved out of the fire department, there is the
potential for a significant impact on the response time to emergencies; since the staff of
the fire department who conduct the inspections assist with emergencies during the
work day.
Commissioner McGonigal reminded everyone that the Board felt the proposal was a
bad idea. Alderperson Fleming responded that any proposal to shift the inspections out
of the Fire Department would not happen anytime soon.
Chief Parsons explained that there is no excess capacity in the City's workforce at this
time to get all that needs to be done, done — especially at the Fire Department and
Building Department, and with the Fire Department picking up inspections for the Town
of Ithaca. In addition, there are so many big construction projects occurring or
scheduled to begin in 2013 that will require a lot of extra work from each department as
far as reviewing building plans, reviewing fire alarm /sprinkler system designs, and the
inspections that go along with all those projects that it would be hard to talk about any
type of merger with all that construction activity occurring. It takes a lot of time to review
all of the plans for these large projects. He stated that he is looking forward to
conversations continuing between the Fire and Building Department regarding the
possible merger of duties. The main thing to make sure does not happen is that work
and efforts are not duplicated by both departments, and that a good working relationship
be maintained between departments.
Update on Funds Returned to City Chamberlain by Former Volunteer Companies:
Chair Gilligan reported that the Board recently approved a resolution on how funds
would be distributed. He stated that any non 2% money should be returned to the City
so that it can be distributed to the Veteran Volunteer Fire Fighter Association. At this
point, no money has been returned. He confirmed that Common Council approved the
resolution at the February 6, 2013 meeting, without any changes, from the Board
regarding the distribution of the funds.
Recognition of Former Volunteers with Ithaca Fire Department:
Discussion of this item was deferred to a future meeting.
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February 12, 2013
Report from Committee Working on Volunteer Recruitment /Active Membership
Categories and requirements for Class I, II, III — Volunteer Handbook Update:
Chair Gilligan reported that Commissioner Hoard and the sub - committee met once after
the Board's January meeting and made various "homework" assignments to each
member. A meeting of the sub - committee is scheduled for later in February.
Insurance Coverage of City Property Held at Vet Firemen's Building:
Chief Parsons reported that there are only two City -owned items at the Veteran Fireman
building, and they are a " Gamewell" box and the Steamer. He is not really too
concerned about the gamewell box at this point. He stated that the steamer is currently
valued at less than $100,000. The steamer is covered by the City's insurance with no
additional coverage by the Veteran's required. He needs to review the original
agreement between the City of Ithaca and the Veteran Fireman's Association with the
City Attorney for the loan of the steamer so the agreement can be renewed and the
steamer can continue to be displayed where it is.
Commissioner Baker stated that the annual insurance premium for the steamer is due
for review in March and renewal in April. Chief Parsons responded that he was aware of
this and is on track to have a decision made about the renewal of the agreement before
March so that the steamer can be covered by the City's insurance, and not the Veteran
Fireman's Association insurance.
Consideration of Reporting and Other Requirements for Volunteer Companies
and Recipients of 2% funds:
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the need for all the former volunteer fire
companies to respond to the Board's request to provide a list of all the officers of the
company, and who has signatory power on their bank accounts. In addition, the Board
and City need an updated list of the officers and members of Company #9, and their
contact information. Chair Gilligan stated that he would not be inclined for Board
members to have signatory power on the bank accounts. He wants to make sure that
appropriate financial reporting requirements are in place and enforced. There is an
issue right now with former companies for 2012, a letter was sent to each former
company explaining what information needed to be provided to the City and Board and
only one company has complied (Company #1). He stated that a reminder letter would
be sent with a more forceful tone that information be provided to the Board as soon as
possible, as all financial reports are due to the State by March.
February 12, 2013
NEW BUSINESS:
Discuss Guidelines for Using Board of Fire Commissioner Donation Fund —
Consider Reimbursement Request:
Chair Gilligan explained that there have been questions raised regarding the use of the
donation fund for damage to personal property; which has been a murky topic in the
past. He stated that Board members should think about whether others should be
involved in any decision regarding the use of the funds. He further stated that in the
past, for example, when personal items were stolen from the training center, money
from the donation fund was used to reimburse the person. In addition, money from the
fund has also been used for retirement recognition gifts. He would like the Board to
determine guidelines for use of the funds in the future.
Chief Parsons stated that it is very important for any claims of damage to be reported
promptly to his office in an effort to establish the chain of command and standard
procedures for responding to the claims.
Recruitment Issues:
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the possibility of sponsoring recruitment
events or "open house" type events at the fire station, and the possible use of federal
funds through the Firemen's Association of the State of New York for those events.
Chair Gilligan reminded everyone that the Board currently has a sub - committee working
to update the volunteer handbook, training information, etc. so he is not sure that the
Board should move forward this year with a big recruitment effort until the handbook
and other items necessary to become a volunteer have been updated appropriately,
and approved by the Board. The Chief is meeting with Company #9 next week, and this
is a topic that can be discussed to determine what the timing might be for this year to do
any sort of recruitment push to the community.
Chief Parsons reported that he is working to draft a False Alarm Ordinance in an effort
to try to recover some of the costs to the City as a result of nuisance type alarms. He
took the first draft to the City Attorney for review, and it has come back to him for further
revisions. He is looking to have the ordinance in place for implementation later this year
or early next year. He will bring the draft ordinance to the April meeting of the Board for
their review and input.
M
February 12, 2013
Chief Parsons also would like the Board to discuss, at a future meeting, the topic of
volunteers, and in some instances where they are called in, career fire fighters'
response to emergencies. In the past they have driven their personal vehicle to the
scene which results in many vehicles at the scene and some confusion. He has drafted
a policy, shown it to staff and needs to have it reviewed by the labor management
board, that would have everyone responding to an emergency respond to Central Fire
Station as a group and then proceed to respond to a emergency scene in one
vehicle(s), where they then would be assigned a specific task by the Incident
Commander. He stated that an accountability system modification is planned as well.
Chair Gilligan requested a discussion by the Board regarding the need for new radios
for volunteers. Chief Parsons responded that a plan to purchase new radios has been
approved, and they will be ordered soon. He stated that the City needs to work with the
County to identify the radio numbers so that they are unique and the numbering is
consistent.
Commissioner McGonigal stated that he was very surprised by Commissioner Baker's
announcement that he was resigning from the Board, effective at the end of today's
meeting. He noted that Commissioner Baker has been absolutely essential and central
to the efforts by the Board to consolidate the volunteer companies into one.
Commissioner Baker, being a veteran volunteer for so many years, was the volunteers'
strongest advocate on the Board through the process and contributed greatly to the
discussions and all the work surrounding the consolidation. He stated that any volunteer
that would direct any type of harassment or negative comments towards Commissioner
Baker has his total disrespect. He further stated that Commissioner Baker has helped
him greatly to become a Commissioner on the Board. He stated that Commissioner
Baker is so worthy of total respect and has been an essential member of the Board. He
urged Commissioner Baker to reconsider his decision, since he is such a valuable
member to the Board and he hates to see him leave.
Commissioner Baker thanked Commissioner McGonigal for his comments, but noted
that he cannot continue with the almost daily harassment and sarcastic comments, it is
just too difficult.
Chair Gilligan thanked Commissioner McGonigal for his comments and Commissioner
Baker for his many years of service to the community and the Board.
PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS:
Raymond Wheaton stated that he was blind -sided by Commissioner Baker's
announcement of his resignation from the Board today. He wished Commissioner Baker
would reconsider. He stated that a lot of people don't understand what is going on when
they are appointed to the Board because they have not been involved in anyway with
the fire department. He noted that the Board would lose a lot of its continuity and
autonomy with Commissioner Baker gone, and that it was now headed towards a more
advisory board, which he is sorry to see.
February 12, 2013
Chief Parsons stated that he would not be at the March 12, 2013 Board meeting. Chair
Gilligan responded that he might see if the March meeting could be moved to the third
Tuesday in March so that the Chief could attend.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 1703 hours.
Sarah L. Myers William Gilligan
Information Management Specialist Chair
10
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: February 12th, 2013
Re: Fire Chief's Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administration
1) Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
1
Chief
1
Deputy Chief (per diem)
5
Assistant Chiefs
9
Lieutenants
48
Fire Fighters
64
Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of January 31 ", 2013 — 65
a) Hiring /Recruitment Committee
• No Report
b) Retirements:
• No Report
C) Promotions:
• No Report
d) Recruit Fire Fighters:
• No Report
Page 2 of 7 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report February 12th, 2013
e) Vacancies:
• None
2) Budget Status
a) 2012 Budget: The final budget close out for 2012 is nearly finalized, and it
appears that we are approximately 3% under our 2011 expenses.
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. City Common Council and the Town of Ithaca Board have
approved the Capital Project
3) County Communications and 911 Program:
a) Tompkins County 911 Center is working on the implementation of a new paging
and notification system. The system will continue to use voice paging system to
alert emergency responders, but in addition will add digital message capabilities
that will allow notification of emergency responders by way of text messages to
digital pagers and other electronic devices. The new system will automatically
send notifications without the need for the dispatchers to make a voice
announcement. This will speed up the notification time between the dispatchers
and the emergency responders resulting in quicker responses to emergencies.
4) Grants and Donations
a) We are working on a grant application to the NYS Department of Homeland
Security and Emergency Services for water rescue equipment and training. The
grant will provide funding for more swift water and calm water rescue equipment
as well as funding the training of the firefighters on the use of the equipment
provided in by the grant. There is no local share required to receive the grant.
The grant application is due in March.
5) Resource Recovery Legislation
No Report
6) City Charter Update
No Report
Operations
Page 3 of 7 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report February 12th, 2013
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: The following is a list of January activities -
Complaints Received: 25
Referred to Town of Ithaca 5
Referred to City Building Department 13
Inspections: 118
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 63
Town Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 42
City — Fire Alarm Tests 13
Notices: 37
Inspection Past Due 18
Permits Expired 19
Permits or Certificates: 44
Operating Permit — Assembly Occupancy 14
Operating Permit — Hazardous Occupancy 1
Operating Permit — Lumber Yard 1
Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy 13
Certificate of Compliance — Fire Alarm 10
Certificate of Compliance — Fire Sprinkler 1
Certificate of Compliance — Alternative Suppression 4
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There were no fire investigations performed in January:
Page 4 of 7 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report February 12th, 2013
3) Public Education and Special Events:
Public Education Events: 0
Fire Drills Witnessed: 1
Child Safety Seat Inspections: 0
4) Town of Ithaca:
In January we began doing fire inspections in the Town of Ithaca. Lt Haines -Sharp has
been meeting weekly with the Town's Director of Code Enforcement Bruce Bates.
Things are going well so far. We've been having very good cooperation from business
owners and property managers working to address safety violations.
5) City of Ithaca:
This week during the City's monthly Planning and Coordination Committee Meeting, we
met with developers and reviewed plans for some of the major projects that will be under
way this year. The following are projects that are proposed to start in 2013.
Marriot Hotel — State and Aurora
Harold Square — The Commons
Planned Parenthood — 626 W Sen
Purity Building — N. Meadow St
Holiday Inn — 222 S. Cayuga St
Clarmen Hall Cornell — East Ave
Spring of 2013
Summer of 2013
eca St Spring of 2013
Fall of 2013
Late Fall of 2013
Fall 2013
The following are projects that are currently under construction and will continue in 2013
Breckenridge Place — 100 E Seneca St Completion 2013
Collegetown Terrace Apts — Valentine Pl. Completion 2014
Gates Hall, Cornell — Campus Rd. Completion 2014
Law School Addition — College Ave Completion 2013
Big Red Marching Band — Cornell Completion 2014
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Page 5 of 7 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report
Response
1) Monthly Incident Report:
City of Ithaca: 277 Incidents (71.76%
Fires:
4
EMS /Rescue:
111
Hazardous Conditions:
14
Service Calls:
25
Good Intent:
28
Alarms/No Fires:
94
Town of Ithaca: 101 Incidents (26.17 %)
Fires: 0
EMS/Rescue: 59
Hazardous Conditions: 4
Service Calls: 9
Good Intent: 7
Alarms/No Fires: 22
Mutual Aid: 8 Incidents (2.07 %)
Fires: 2
EMS /Rescue: 1
Hazardous Conditions: 1
Service Calls: 1
Good Intent: 3
Total: 386 Incidents (100 %)
February 12th, 2013
2) Emergency Management: We have been meeting with Tompkins County to consolidate
the City's Emergency Plan with Tompkins County's Emergency Plan. In January the
County Emergency Planning Committee met to discuss it's goals for 2013. Completion
of the revised Emergency Plan is a high priority. The Mitigation Plan is nearing
completion. There was discussion and a committee established to begin working on
developing and expanding the County's Emergency Operations Center. The City of
Ithaca routinely activates it Emergency Operations Center during times of pending or
actual disasters. That includes special events and weather emergencies. When disasters
involve more than just the City of Ithaca, the goal will be to have City Staff and Officials
join forces with Tompkins County Staff and Officials with the operation and staffing of a
County Emergency Operations Center.
Page 6 of 7 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report February 12th, 2013
Support
1) Training Center
Quarterly Report
2) Apparatus and Facilities
Ladder Truck 933: Our 1998 LTI Ladder Tower has been out of service since late
November of 2012 with a broken cradle support. We have spent two months trying to get
parts to repair the truck, but so far the manufacturer, American Lafrance, has not been
able to deliver the parts we need. We are working with a repair center in Pennsylvania
who will do the repairs and if needed they can fabricate parts that cannot be supplied by
the manufacturer. Our expectation is that the repairs will be completed and the truck
returned to service in March
Ladder Truck 939: In January our 1995 LTI /Saulsbury 110 foot ladder was damaged
during an operation. The nozzle of the waterway was mistakenly turned upward into the
ladder before it was retracted, causing damage to the master stream device and a ladder
rung. The damage has been repaired and the truck is back in service. During the time
when both 939 and 933 were out of service we had Dryden Fire Department respond with
their ladder truck to any reported fires in Ithaca. Chief Glover from the Cortland Fire
Department contacted us and offered to loan us the City of Cortland's Reserve Ladder
Truck. The City of Ithaca loaned the City of Cortland it's Reserve Ladder Truck several
years ago and the City of Cortland wanted to return the favor. The Cortland Ladder
truck was returned to Cortland last week with a debt of gratitude and thanks from the
Ithaca Fire Department.
New Ladder Truck: Pierce Manufacturing has notified us that they have begun
construction of our new ladder truck. It is expected to be delivered to Ithaca this June
2006 Lift Truck: The City of Syracuse has offered to purchase our 2006 Altec Lift Truck
that we put up for sale late 2012. This truck was used by the Fire Alarm Superintendent
to maintain the municipal fire alarm system before it was decommissioned in 2011.
Terms of the sale are being finalized through the City Controller's Office.
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
Page 7 of 7 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report February 12th, 2013
3) Requests from Company Members to become active: No Requests Received
4) We have had one inquiry from a member of the community to join. An application has
been provided, but has not been returned yet.
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
February 11, 2013
The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissioners quarterly report to the Ithaca
Town Board for the 4th quarter of 2012 including the year to date call activity summary:
Included with this report are:
The department call activity reports for January 1- December 31, 2012. (this will also
posted on city Website). The number of incidents reported in 2012 was 4,871 compared
to 5,019 in 2011.
• The Fire Chief's Report given at the January 8, 2013 BFC meeting, including the Fire
Marshal's Report & Fire Prevention Bureau activity.
The IFD Financial Activity Report for December 2012. The City Controller's Office was
still in the year -end closing processing at the time of the January BFC meeting.
Fire Department Operational Staffing (December 2012).
• 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 who is working on a part- time /per diem basis (one day per week).
Volunteer Organization —
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.
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. Agendas and Minutes for BFC meetings can
be found at the following site:
htlp://www.egovlink.com/ithaca/docs/menu/home.asp?path=/Tublic _ documents 3 00 /ithaca/publis
hed_documents/Agendas
Items in progress:
I 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.
BFC Report to Town of Ithaca Board 19- Nov -2012
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 Solar Panels and Roofing project at Central Fire Station.
7 Current review of Fire Inspection process by Common Council.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Gilligan
Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners
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