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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2013-11-12CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES November 12, 2013 Present: Chair Gilligan Commissioners: Ellsworth, Sparks, McGonigal Others Present: Fire Chief — Parsons Information Management Specialist Myers Excused: Alderperson and Liaison to Board — Fleming Commissioner Hoard I. Call To Order: Chair Gilligan called to meeting to order at 1635 hours. II. Approval of Minutes: Approval of the October 8, 2013 Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes — Resolution By Commissioner Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner McGonigal RESOLVED, That the minutes of the October 8, 2013 Board of Fire Commissioner meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously III. Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. IV. Persons Wishing to Speak to Board of Fire Commissioners: Mr. Lyman Baker reported that he and Mr. Ray Wheaton worked 3 hours at the city cemetery on the Firemen's Section. He reported that the caved in culvert next to the firemen's section had been repaired. He announced the Remembrance Ceremony to remember the seven lives lost in the tragic fire that killed four Cornell students, the three Volunteer Firemen, whose names are engraved on the Firemen's Memorial, and members of Company 343 in New York City killed on 9/11/01, as well as other fire fighters no longer here, will be held on Friday, December 6, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Lyman Baker also made the following request to the Board: RE: Request for duplicate Historical records, Dear Board Members: The Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. requests that the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners release at least one of the many duplicate Ithaca Fire Department Chief Engineer Reports, Fire Commissioners Reports, Fire Company By- Laws, Constitution, and Membership History to the Veteran Volunteers. Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 The Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. is a place for all Ithaca Firefighters, families and friends to enjoy, a place to remember all those who have passed on, a place to maintain the future of firefighting in the City and Town of Ithaca. A home to 200 years of fire related items Volunteer Fireman used, pictures taken at fire scenes and the Officers In Charge. A home to remember all those hours given, the hardship endured and even the lives that were lost to serve and protect the public, family and friends of the City and Town of Ithaca. A custodian of the rich and proud history of Five Thousand Volunteer Firemen who raced thru the Village of Ithaca pulling fire apparatus by hand, day and night to protect the citizens, families and friends from fire dangers. Sincerely, Lyman E. Baker IFD Badge #3258 Mr. Ray Wheaton addressed the Board to express his concerns from last month's Board meeting, where it seemed there was a certain element of distrust of the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, and the handling of material and items at their station, from the Board. They do the best that they can to a point with what money they have. They are caretakers of equipment and material which reside in a museum type setting. The Antique Steamer is the most viewed item on display by the public. He is disturbed by remarks at meeting that led him to believe that there is an element of distrust that they're not doing what they should. In their charter, and coinciding with their charge from 1919 that the veteran volunteer station would be the repository for all records deemed to be artifacts. If the Board feels that the Veterans aren't doing something right there, please let him know. Mr. Wheaton further reported that he received an e -mail that Company 4 donated to the City Chamberlain a little over $2,000, which they felt was their share of the 2% money for distribution between Company 9 and the Veteran Volunteers. He was concerned because his understanding was that Company 4 had around $100,000 in their account. In addition, Company 4 has not been regularly submitting financial reports in past years regarding their finances. As far as he knows, they can only find 4 members from Company 4, and during the past 60 years they have not held any fund raisers. He has no problem with them retaining some money, and noted that there is a certain ethics that should be followed by all the volunteer companies regarding the reporting of their finances. If they do have $98,000, will that be allowed to sit out there and disappear since the Board of Fire Commissioners has no control over it. He feels that Company 4 should have an audit like all the other companies, and does not feel they were honest in their reporting in past years. If he's wrong, he will apologize. Chair Gilligan responded that the Board would discuss that concern later in their meeting today. 2 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 Mr. David Cornelius stated that at one point there was talk of withholding their share of the 2% monies from Company #4 - was that ever done? Messrs. Baker and Wheaton responded that it was done once. Mr. Baker indicated that it had been done when he was a Commissioner on the Board, and it was redistributed amongst the companies. Mr. Jack Gould reported that he attempted to put a banner requesting the need for volunteers for Company #9 on Company #6's building, but Mother Nature keeps pulling it down. He would like permission to display the banner from the ground where it's more visible and more of a focal point. The banner says that IFD volunteers needed and provides a telephone number for people to call. They are trying to recruit volunteers for all aspects of duties. He stated that Chief Parsons thought the Town of Ithaca might object to the placement of the banner. He feels that the results from the display of the banner will benefit the Town of Ithaca as well as the City since, IFD provides fire services to the Town, so he hopes the Town will allow them to display the banner on the ground. V. Correspondence: The bank statement from Tompkins Trust Company Rescue Squad Donation fund dated October 31, 2013 had a balance of $1,842.88, the account earned .12 interest so the ending balance was $1843.00. The bank statement from Tompkins Trust Company for the donation fund dated October 31, 2013 had a beginning balance of $1,058.51 and an ending balance of $1,058.51 reflecting no activity. VI. Membership Changes: Chair Gilligan reported that three individuals were interviewed by Chief Parsons, Ray Wheaton, Dan Maas, and himself. All three individuals were invited to the November meeting of Company #9 to move forward in the application process. One individual was able to attend that meeting, Mr. Scott Tuckerman. Company #9 took action at that meeting to accept him as a member of Company # 9 and made a recommendation to the Board of Fire Commissioners to approve his application to serve as a volunteer with the Ithaca Fire Department. A background check will need to be completed as part of his membership approval. Motion to Approve Appointment: By Commissioner McGonigal: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners accepts the recommendation from Company #9 to approve Scott Tuckerman for membership, pending the successful outcome of the required background check. A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows: Carried Unanimously Chair Gilligan reported that one of the 3 applicants contacted him after Company #9's meeting to explain that due to an illness in the family he had not been able to attend the meeting. The other applicant reported that he had another opportunity to take EMT Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 training in Broome county, and would not be available after the first of the year. Chair Gilligan stated that he told him he was welcome to attend any of Company 9's meetings; but wouldn't be considered for active service until after first of year. Chair Gilligan stated that recruitment efforts will need to continue because the 3 applicants noted above are all there are at this point. Chief Parsons stated that applications could be submitted for the applicant review process. Chair Gilligan stated that he would look into what efforts could be done through the City to more widely publicize the need for volunteers as well as increase recruitment efforts. VII. Miscellaneous Reports: A. Town of Ithaca — Chair Gilligan reported that he would make a report to the Town Board at their meeting next week. B. City of Ithaca — Commissioner Hoard provided his report to Common Council in writing because he was unable to attend the November 6th meeting. His report follows: 6 November 2013 Report to Common Council The Fire Department has lost, or is losing, four very experienced individuals from its paid staff to retirement. Assistant Chief Willis Sheldon retired on September 30th, Firefighter Crowley retired on November 5th, Firefighter Foote will retire on November 17th, and Firefighter Hagin will be retired on December 22nd. The Fire Chief plans to fill three of the four vacancies that are currently included in the Mayor's 2014 budget. There are three candidates for volunteer positions in the pipeline. They have all submitted completed applications and have had preliminary interviews. Their next step is to meet with Company 9 and be recommended for membership in the Company and in the Department. Background checks will be completed as a prerequisite to their joining the Company and the Department. The Board has almost completed revisions and updates to the Volunteer Firefighter Handbook. It should be completed in time for the addition of new members. The Chief is drafting the framework for a false fire alarm ordinance, as requested by Common Council. In September the Chief reported that overtime costs are running high due to required attendance at training programs, and more calls for off -duty personnel to cover calls. I believe that the Chief e- mailed his activity reports for January 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013 to Common Council in September. The Board will have a vacancy come January 2014, when Commissioner McGonigal takes his seat on Common Council. We wish George all the best. Respectfully submitted, Thomas D. Hoard E Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 Board of Fire Commissioners C. Audit: The audit was reviewed and completed by Commissioner Ellsworth and Chair Gilligan. VIII. Department Reports: A. Chief's Report: Fire Chief Parsons provided an overview of his monthly report (which will be attached to the minutes), and highlighted the following items for the Board: Fire Fighter, James Crowley, retired November 6t", and tonight is Albert Foote's last night before he retires. That means the department is down 3 fire fighters. Fire Fighter Crowley's retirement was not unexpected; however, he had planned to retire in early 2013. The date of his retirement was delayed due to the need to work with New York State regarding his retirement benefit. That was unable to be completed until later in 2013. His position was not funded for a full year for 2013, so there will be a deficit in the department's budget because of the delay in timing for his retirement. In addition, Fire Fighter Michael Hagin will be retiring on December 22, 2013. He will be looking to fill these positions; at least the Asst. Chief position, which he will be looking to fill in December through promotion within the department. He submitted the request to fill these vacancies to the Human Resources Department as well as a request to backfill a couple of lieutenant positions created by promotions. The roof replacements at Central IFD and Station 9 are complete. The HVAC work at Central IFD is substantially complete. The solar panel installation has begun, and the city electricians will be working with the contractor on the project. Common Council will be reviewing and voting on the Mayor's Proposed 2014 budget tonight. Christina Dravis was recently appointed as the new Manager for the County's 9 -1 -1 Center, she will begin work January 1, 2014. She most recently worked in NYC training members of NYPD on a CAD system, which is also what the County's emergency responders use. It should be a good fit for the community; and, everyone is looking forward to working with her. The next grant application period opened November 1, 2013, and will close soon. IFD will apply for hardware and software for Incident Command situations for officers to use. He has nothing new to report on the false fire alarm ordinance. He will meet with the City Administration Committee to begin discussions about that to see if the City wants to proceed with it, before putting too much work into it as it will require a lot of work. Its' impact will be broad, and will affect not - for - profits, and small businesses. He is happy to report that there were no significant fires in October requiring investigation by the department. Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 A joint committee between the Town of Ithaca and City of Ithaca has been created that includes Mayor Myrick, Alderpersons Fleming and McCollister, Town Supervisor Engman, and Town Board Members Goodman and Lavine. There was a meeting in October, with some discussion about creating fire districts. The fire services contract with the Town of Ithaca is due for renewal after 2014. The work of this subcommittee will lay the ground work for those negotiations. Chair Gilligan questioned the formation of a fire district or districts. A few years ago there was a suggestion to have a consultant provide information on what would be entailed in order to do that, and to determine what the local government impacts would be. Has anything happened to obtain this information? Chief Parsons responded that the Town of Ithaca and City of Ithaca participated jointly doing research and getting questions answered for both sides on that topic. He noted that both the City Attorney and Town of Ithaca Attorney are up to speed if that were to happen. So, yes, we do know what that would look like. The fire department is still on track for a pretty busy year. City Senior Staff participated in two sessions of Emergency Management Training recently, the first was a review of the Incident Command Protocol, and the second one was a table top exercise. They hope to conduct a functional exercise for Senior Staff later in the Spring of 2014. B. Fire /Police Report: Mr. David Cornelius reported that training was held on October 12th, it was a CPR refresher class. Everyone, but he and Rob Longo, were able to participate and be certified, so he and Rob will need to schedule a time for that to be done. The fire /police provided assistance for the Annual Cancer Resource Center Walk at Cass Park, and Jack Bordoni assisted with the Veteran's Day Parade. He sent a request to the Chief requesting a training topic for their November 19th meeting, and has not heard back yet. It was noted that there would be a fu# fire /police class training this coming weekend. Mr. Cornelius responded that the fire /police unit does have someone who needs that training so he will be in touch with Assistant Chief Dan Tier to see if Ithaca Fire police could take the course. Chair Gilligan stated that he would also follow up with Dan Maas who had indicated that there was a Fire Fighter I class starting in January in Tioga County. Chief Parsons stated that there would be another fire /police training class in Cortland County in January. He'll go back and look at the schedule to see if additional classes in the area are scheduled so if someone needs the training, please let him know. Chair Gilligan noted that it would be useful to know about any upcoming trainings being held in Tompkins County or in contiguous counties such as Tioga, Schuyler, and Cortland. 6 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 IX. Old Business: A. Update on funds requested by City Chamberlain from former Volunteer Companies Chair Gilligan stated that it was his understanding that funds had been received from all the companies, except for Companies #3 and #4. He e- mailed the City Chamberlain asking if she had received funds from either company, and if she did when they would be distributed to the Veterans Association and Company #9. He just sent the e -mail today, and has not heard back yet. Regarding the issue of the validity /correctness of the amount of 2% money remaining as of December 31, 2012 for Company #4, he stated that a copy of the report that had been going to the State should be coming to the Board, as well as information to the City Chamberlain. He stated that the City Attorney and City Chamberlain initiated that action in terms of the former companies surrendering money to the City. The Board of Fire Commissioners, after the fact, recommended /suggested that disposition of any funds through that mechanism be split 50/50 to the IVFFA and to Company #9; that's what he knows at this point. Chair Gilligan asked whether anyone had any thoughts or comments about the above and whether a suggestion or recommendation should be made by the Board to the City Chamberlain or City Attorney to investigate. Commissioner Sparks asked whether the City knows the value of that payment. Chair Gilligan stated that at this point, the Board does not know if it was a few thousand dollars or more. The information at this point seems to indicate that it was low compared to the money earned in past years. He also noted that reports had not been located for the last several years beginning from about 2000 or 2001 for every year they were receiving funds. Every company was required to submit copies of the reports to the Board of what was submitted to the State. He supposes the Board could FOIL that information, if it deemed this as an appropriate course of action. Commissioner McGonigal questioned whether or not Company #4 has any known former company officers who could be contacted. Chair Gilligan responded that, Mr. Matt Whitmore, had been Company Captain, and he had attended a number of the meetings where these issues were discussed about inactivating the former volunteer fire companies and the handling of the 2% funds. Chief Parsons responded that he can ask the City Attorney to look into the matter. He stated that the City would not gain anything directly by pursuing the money because it will go to the Veterans and to Company #9. So, where does the value to the City come in for doing additional work at this point? Chair Gilligan stated that it is the responsibility of the Board, and as an organization to make sure the disposition of the funds was handled appropriately. Chief Parsons stated that a number of accusations were made last year regarding the motivation of the City Attorney, the City Chamberlain, as well as himself with respect to the 2% money. The reality is, that the City, other than through the Board of Fire Commissioners is pretty separated from that whole financial reporting process. Neither the City of Ithaca nor the Board of Fire Commissioners ever went after the volunteer fire 7 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 companies to make sure audits and financial reports were completed, and copies filed with them; it would be hard to do that now. He stated that the New York State Comptroller will do an audit of one municipality's volunteer fire companies in each county each year. If they come to Ithaca they'll audit all the fire companies' records. He will talk with the City Attorney to communicate the request, but noted the Attorney's Office has limited staff, and a lot of other work. He would ask the Board to consider what the priority is here. Chair Gilligan stated that he is most concerned about consistency in what was reported to the State Comptroller, the dollar amount transferred to the City Chamberlain, and the corresponding documentation. He further stated that the Fire Chief's point is well taken, and the Board should be careful about what it wishes for - if the State comes in. It was stated that the Board of Fire Commissioners, at one point, had a book with copies of the volunteer fire company's annual financial reports /audits so they could see how the money was used. At some point in the last five to 7 years the book was transferred to the Town of Ithaca for storage, along with other Board documents. This along with changes in staff in the fire department resulted in the records not being easily retrievable. It was noted that it has been the Volunteer Companies' responsibility for at least the last 25 years to provide copies to the Board of those financial reports each year when they are turned into the State Comptroller. B. Volunteer Recruitment Process: Chair Gilligan stated that Company #9 members are making an effort to gear up their recruitment efforts to try to get more applicants for interior, scene support, and fire /police duties. Towards that effort, he asked the Chief and Commissioners whether there was any interest in having this information available on the City of Ithaca website, since the Fire Department's website is currently under construction. Perhaps information could be placed on the IFD's Face book page as well to let the public know that applications are being accepted for volunteers serving the Ithaca Fire Department. Additional recruiting tools would include a volunteer email address, posting a number for inquires about volunteering, designating who to contact and who will follow -up on inquires. Another suggestion was to include information about volunteer recruitment in the City of Ithaca's monthly newsletter. Information Management Specialist Myers will ask City Clerk Holcomb if that could be done, and if so when it would be available. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the banner advertising the need for volunteers that Company #9 would like posted on the grounds of Fire Station #6. Chief Parsons stated that he wants to make sure that any banner that is placed on /in the ground is in compliance with the Town of Ithaca's laws. There was further discussion regarding using banners for soliciting volunteers with the department. There was additional discussion on the resources available for equipping and training new volunteers in the department. C. IFD 2014 City Budget: Please see Fire Chief's report, which is attached to the minutes. Common Council will hopefully approve the 2014 budget tonight. 8 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 D. Update on archives and historical records and materials of the Ithaca Fire Department Chair Gilligan stated that the Board received a request from Mr. Lyman Baker from the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. for the Board of Fire Commissioners to release at least one of the many duplicate Ithaca Fire Department Chief Engineer Reports, Fire Commissioners Reports, Fire Company By -Laws, Constitution and Membership History. Chair Gilligan stated that one concern raised at the last Board meeting was the need to make sure there is a clear understanding of what is being turned over to the veterans, and whether there is any monetary value associated with it; he feels that the request seemed very reasonable. Commissioner McGonigal stated that he wanted the Veterans to know that this Board does not distrust them, and has actually stuck up for them. He has no problem or objection to handing over the duplicate records to Vets so the information can be available to public. He further noted that after the misunderstandings of the last year and confusion about insurance needs for the Veteran's building, the board is simply being cautious. Chief Parsons stated that the concern from the City and the Board is that there have been valuable equipment /things that clearly belong to the fire companies and /or City of Ithaca that somehow are put back into circulation. In the past, assets from the various fire companies have gone to private members, to homes, estates, and e -bay to be bought and sold inside and outside this community. His concern /question is how did those items leave the City's possession? Further, what happens to the items /belongings at the Veteran's Building if it no longer exists? He imagines it would be sold or given away. Mr. Lyman Baker responded, as a member of the Veteran Fire Fighter Association, that the Veterans would return all those items to the City of Ithaca Fire Department to keep. He noted that everything at the Veteran's Building is listed on their insurance policy, so there is record of all the items they have in their custody. Mr. Ray Wheaton stated that, to a point, he agrees with what Chief Parsons has stated. He knows that if the Veteran's Company were to no longer exist, he is not sure where the items in their keeping would go. He knows that, ethically, they should all be returned to the City of Ithaca Fire Department. He feels that the Board should work with the Vets to determine where those assets would go because at this point there isn't anything in place or in writing to ensure that happens. He doesn't think much has walked out of the Veteran's keeping, and that they try to be the best caretakers of the items in their custody. He feels that it would be valuable to Veterans to sit down with Board /City to establish rules /guidelines for disbursement of those assets, should the Veteran Company no longer exist. He always thought the Board of Fire Commissioners has overseen the Veteran's Company so maybe they all could come up with an agreement that is legally binding. 9 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes November 12, 2013 Commissioner Sparks stated that it would be good for the Board to establish a formal policy /guide for assets currently, and if the Veteran Company should no longer be in existence. Chief Parsons stated that, at this point, the City does not have the ability to do much with the items when they come back, other than to box them up for storage. That results in the history going away along with the veterans. He further stated that the City Attorney or City Controller will need to determine whether there is any value to the duplicate items, and if it is determined that there isn't, then he is happy to provide them to the veterans. The Board of Fire Commissioners could approve a short resolution to say that the duplicate records are surplus and are therefore being turned over the Veteran Volunteer Fire Company. E. Government Performance and Accountability Committee (GPA) - review of boards and committees - discuss process for reviewing role of Board of Fire Commissioner Chair Gilligan stated that the GPA Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The chair of that committee has requested that the chair of each board /committee and one member attend the meeting. He is planning on attending as the representative from the Town of Ithaca, and Commissioner Hoard is planning to attend as the City of Ithaca representative. He further stated that the meeting is open to the public so if others want to attend, they should feel free to. He will e -mail board members additional information about the reason for this review of boards and committees. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1805 hours. Sarah L. Myers, William Gilligan Information Management Specialist Chair 10 Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners 6 November 2013 Report to Common Council The Fire Department has lost, or is losing, four very experienced individuals from its paid staff to retirement. Assistant Chief Willis Sheldon retired on September 30th, Firefighter Crowley retired on November 5th, Firefighter Foote will retire on November 17Th, and Firefighter Hagin will be retired on December 22nd. The Fire Chief plans to fill three of the four vacancies that are currently included in the Mayor's 2014 budget. 2. There are three candidates for volunteer positions in the pipeline. They have all submitted completed applications and have had preliminary interviews. Their next step is to meet with Company 9 and be recommended for membership in the Company and in the Department. Background checks will be completed as a prerequisite to their joining the Company and the Department. 3. The Board has almost completed revisions and updates to the Volunteer Firefighter Handbook. It should be completed in time for the addition of new members. 4. The Chief is drafting a framework for a false alarm ordinance, as requested by Common Council. 5. In September the Chief reported that overtime costs are running high due to required attendance at training programs, and more calls for off -duty personnel to cover calls. 6. I believe that the Chief e- mailed his activity reports for January 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013 to Common Council in September. 7. The Board will have a vacancy come January 2014, when Commissioner McGonigal takes his seat on Common Council. We wish George all the best. Respectfully submitted, Thomas D. Hoard Board of Fire Commissioners CITY OF ITHACA 310 West Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 -5497 OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF Telephone: 607/272 -1234 Fax: 607/272 -2793 MEMORANDUM To: Board of Fire Commissioners From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief Date: November 12th, 2013 Re: Fire Chief's Monthly Report for October 2013 ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION Administration 1) Career Personnel Report PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS 1 Chief 1 Deputy Chief (per diem) 4 Assistant Chiefs 9 Lieutenants 48 Fire Fighters 63 Uniform Personnel 1 Administrative Coordinator Total employees as of October 31 st, 2013 — 64 a) Hiring /Recruitment Committee • No Report b) Retirements: • Firefighter Michael Hagin submitted his letter of intent to retire on December 22nd, 2013. • Firefighter Albert Foote will be retiring on November 17th, 2013. • Firefighter James Crowley retired on November 6th, 2013 • Assistant Chief Willis Sheldon retired on October 30th, 2013. C) Promotions: Page 2 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report e) Vacancies: • No Report November 12th, 2013 • I have submitted a request to fill the Assistant Chief's position created by Assistant Chief Sheldon's retirement. I have also requested to back fill the Lieutenant and Firefighter positions caused by the promotion. 2) Budget Status a) 2013 Budget: Attached to the Board Report is an update on the department budget through October 31 st, 2013. b) Capital Budget — The roof replacement for Central Station is complete. The roof replacement of the rear roof at Station 9 is nearly complete. The HVAC work at Central Station is substantially complete. The Solar Panel installation has begun and the electricians are in the process of wiring the solar panel system to the building's electrical service. C) 2014 Budget: The budget is scheduled to be considered by Common Council, Tuesday evening, November 12th, 2013. 3) County Communications and 911 Programs: a) Lee Shurtleff, the Tompkins County Director of Emergency Response, announced the appointment of Christina Dravis as the new 911 Center Communications Manager. Ms. Dravis worked for 20 years in California as a Dispatcher and 911 Center Supervisor. She most recently had been working in NYC for Integraph Corporation training members of the NYPD on a Computer Aided Dispatch System. 4) Grants and Donations a) The US Department of Homeland Security application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) began on November 4th, 2013, and closes December 6th, 2013. The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. We will be applying for funds to provide hardware and software for incident command training of our officers. b) I submitted an application for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant on August 30th, 2013. Announcements for the grant awards should be out in the next several weeks. Page 3 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report 5) Resource Recovery Legislation November 12th, 2013 a) Upon the request of Common Council, I have drafted the framework for a false alarm ordinance. The ordinance would require the registration of all fire alarm systems in the City of Ithaca, and the ordinance would have fees for excessive false alarms. 6) City Charter Update a) No Report Operations 1) Mutual Aid Calls Fire Prevention Bureau Quarterly Report LIFE SAFETY DIVISION 1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of October activities - Complaints Received: 14 Referred to the City Building Division 9 Referred to the Town of Ithaca 5 Inspections: 98 City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 40 Town Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 39 City - Sprinkler Inspections 10 City — Alternative Fire Protection 0 City - Fire Alarm Inspections 9 City - Standpipe Flow Test 0 Permits or Certificates: 38 Operating Permit — Assembly Occupancy 20 Operating Permit — Hazardous Occupancy 0 Operating Permit — Lumber Yard 0 Operating Permit — Elevator 10 Operating Permit — Fireworks 0 Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy 3 Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 5 Page 4 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report November 12th, 2013 Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 0 Certificate of Compliance — Fire Standpipe 0 Certificate of Compliance - Alternative Suppression 0 2) Fire Investigation Unit: There were no fire investigations in October. 3) Public Education and Special Events: Public Education Events: 10 Fire Drills Witnessed: 1 Child Safety Seat Inspections: 11 4) Town of Ithaca: The Town Supervisor and the Mayor have formed a Joint Fire Service Ad -Hoc Committee to review issues related to fire and emergency services. Council Persons Donna Fleming and Ellen McCollister represent the City of Ithaca. Town Council members Bill Goodman and Eric Levine represent the Town of Ithaca. I met with the committee in October, and we discussed career and volunteer staffing. There was some discussion about forming a Fire District. 5) City of Ithaca: No Report Page 5 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report OPERATIONS DIVISION Response 1) October 2013 Responses City of Ithaca: 338 Incidents (74.29 %) Fires: 6 Overpressure /Rupture 1 EMS/Rescue: 142 Hazardous Conditions: 15 Service Calls: 25 Good Intent: 57 Alarms/No Fires: 105 Severe Weather: 1 Town of Ithaca: 117 Incidents (25.71 %) Fires: 3 Overpressure/Rupture 0 EMS/Rescue: 62 Hazardous Conditions: 5 Service Calls: 5 Good Intent: 10 Alarms/No Fires: 32 Severe Weather: 0 Mutual Aid: 0 Incident (0.00 %) Fires: 0 Overpressure /Rupture 0 EMS/Rescue: 0 Hazardous Conditions: 0 Service Calls: 0 Good Intent: 0 Alarms/No Fires: 0 Severe Weather: 0 November 12th, 2013 2) Emergency Management: The City Senior Staff participated in a two training sessions to review emergency management. The first 2 hour session was a review of the National Incident Management System, and the Incident Command System. The second session consisted of a two -hour table top exercise. The feed back from staff was very positive. The training was presented by myself; Julie Conley Holcomb, City Clerk; and Assistant Fire Chief Guy VanBenschoten. We are planning a functional emergency management exercise for later next spring. Support Page 6 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report 1) Training Center Quarterly Report 2) Apparatus and Facilities No Report Training Quarterly Report Volunteer Recruitment and Retention 1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report November 12th, 2013 2) There are currently 14 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police 3) Requests from Company Members to become active: No Requests Received