HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2014-02-11CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES
February 11, 2014
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Commissioners: Hoard, Ellsworth, Sparks
Others Present:
Fire Chief — Parsons
Information Management Specialist — Myers
Excused:
Alderperson and Liaison to Board — Fleming
Call To Order:
Chair Gilligan called to meeting to order at 1600 hours.
II. Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the January 14, 2014 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
Minutes — Resolution
By Commissioner Ellsworth: Seconded by Commissioner Sparks
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 14, 2014 Board of Fire Commissioners
meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
III. Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:
Chair Gilligan requested the addition of item 10.13 under New Business entitled "Award
of Bid for Inflatable Rigid Rescue Boat with Motor and Trailer"
No Board Member Objected
IV. Persons Wishing to Speak to the Board:
Mr. Lyman Baker reported to the Board on the hours he and Mr. Raymond Wheaton
worked in the City Cemetery Firemen's Section. His report is below:
RE: Ithaca City Cemetery- Firemen's Section
Dear Board members:
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker have patrolled the Firemen's section for a
total of 2 hours. One hour for each of us from January 14 thru February 9, 2014.
The masonry folks' storage containers still sit, awaiting warmer weather, so that
completion of the damaged wall can be finished.
I remain,
Lyman E. Baker. IFD Badge #3258
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Mr. Baker further inquired as to the status of his request regarding the status of the 5
boxes of volunteer records being stored upstairs at IFD, and what is going to be done
with them. His request, dated January 7, 2014, is below:
RE: Minute Books and all Volunteer Firemen material from Ithaca Fire Department's
Safe
Dear Board Members,
There are boxes of Volunteer Company minute books and other information concerning
Volunteer Firemen ready to be taken to a dark basement for storage where no one will
ever see them again except mice and bugs.
I am asking that all Volunteer Firemen Company minute books and any other material
that relates to Volunteer Firemen or Company's be given to the Veteran Volunteer
Firemen's facility at 638 Elmira Road, Ithaca, New York for proper storage and safe
keeping.
We can display them for our Veteran Members, the public or just hold them in our hands
to reflect the hardships endured by all the older volunteers, plus see the way the
Volunteer Companies operated in the days and nights of years past.
Thank you for your consideration.
I remain,
Lyman E. Baker,
IFD Badge #3258
Chair Gilligan responded that the Board would discuss this request later in the meeting
today under Old Business.
No Board Member objected
V. Correspondence:
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from Tompkins Trust Company for the
Rescue Squad Donation Fund dated January 31, 2014 had a beginning balance of
$1843.24, the account earned .12 interest so the ending balance was $1843,36.
Chair Gilligan further reported that the bank statement from Tompkins Trust Company
for the donation fund dated January 31, 2014 had a beginning balance of $1,058.51 and
an ending balance of $1,058.51 reflecting no activity.
Chair Gilligan read, for the record, the following written request from the Ithaca Paid Fire
Fighters Association:
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Dear Commissioners,
Over the past two months, members of both the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighters
Association ( IPFFA) and Company 9 have been planning for their involvement in the St.
Patrick Day Parade, in Binghamton, NY, scheduled for Saturday March 1, 2014. The
current plan is to have twenty members marching in dress uniforms, with green ties and
green boutonnieres, led by Retired Deputy Chief Tom Dorman. With your approval, we
would like to showcase the history of the Ithaca Fire Department by pulling the 1896
American LaFrance Steamer with horses just behind the marching members.
The IPFFA has hired Aimee Shaughnessy, from Apalachin, NY, to pull the Steamer with
her two Black Percheron Geldings. It is understood that by hiring Mrs. Shaughnessy,
she is responsible for providing the following: the necessary harness equipment to
attach her horses to the Steamer; transportation of the horses and equipment to and
from the parade; providing her own staff to assist with: the handling and harnessing of
the horses; and the necessary liability insurance.
The Fire Chief, Tom Parsons, has offered the use of the Fire Department pickup truck -
trailer combination and the Special Operation bus to safely transport both the Steamer
and personnel to and from the event.
Lieutenant Tom Basher has taken the lead with the organization and communications
for this event. Lt. Basher has submitted the proper registration paperwork to the event
coordinators. Also, pre- inspections of the Steamer were coordinated, ensuring the
readiness of the steamer and the Department's equipment. The horse owner has also
been in town to inspect the Steamer and determined what her needs are for safely
connecting the horses.
In conclusion, members of both the IPFFA and Company 9 request your approval for
the use of the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer for the sole purpose of showcasing a
piece of our history in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 1, 2014 in Binghamton, NY.
Any specific questions, comments or concerns, can be directed to the Fire Chief, Lt
Tom Basher, or myself. I look forward to your response.
Respectfully,
Trevor Peyus,
President, Ithaca Professional Firefighter's Association
VI. Membership Changes:
Chair Gilligan reported that there is an application that was submitted last month. It will
be forwarded to the interview committee for review and recommendation.
VII. Miscellaneous Reports:
A. Town of Ithaca — Chair Gilligan provided the following 4t" quarter report of
2013 to the Town of Ithaca Board, at their February 10,2014 meeting:
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Fire Department Operational Staffing (Dec 31, 2013):
• As of Dec. 31, 2013 the Active Fire Fighting staffing totaled 60 (on duty staffing -
1 Chief, 4 Assistant Chiefs, 9 lieutenants, & 45 Fire Fighters) plus 1 Deputy Chief
on per diem.
• The Department will continue to cover a portion of the Deputy Fire Chief's duties
on a per diem basis for 2014.
• Personnel changes in 2013 — There were 4 retirements in 2013, resulting in 2
promotions done in January 2014 (Assistant Chief and Lieutenant), and 2 new
recruit hires completed in January 2014. There is 1 additional firefighter vacancy
remaining to be filled.
• A reclassification request has been submitted to the Common Council to create a
new assistant chief's position to be in charge of the Code Inspection unit. This
will not increase the number of line staff, but reflects the increasing
responsibilities related to code inspection activities.
Capital Projects:
The roofing project at Central Fire Station has been completed as well as the related
installation of solar panels on the roof. Roof renovation work was also completed on
stations 6 & 9 during 2013.
Capital Equipment:
A combined ladder /engine apparatus was delivered in June 2013. This apparatus will
function primarily as a ladder truck in responding to calls, but does provide some
additional flexibility, beyond the older trucks.
2014 Fire Department Budget:
The Fire Department budget was passed by the Common Council as part of the City
Budget on November 12, 2013.
Board Agendas & Minutes for 2013:
The BFC meeting agendas and minutes have been posted on the City Website.
Agenda's for meetings in 2013 can be found at:
http: / /www.egovlink.com /ithaca /docs /menu /home.asp ?path = /public documents300 /itha
ca /published documents /Agendas
Volunteer Development:
The consolidation of the 8 volunteer companies into a single active Volunteer Company
— Neriton- Company 9 occurred at the end of 2012. During 2013 Company 9 has held
regular monthly meetings. The company currently has 14 members with 4 interior
firefighters and 10 Fire Police members. The Fire Police have been called into service a
number of times during 2013 (flooding incidents, traffic accidents, community service
events). Most recently, the Fire Police assisted with traffic control during the flooding in
the Fall Creek section of Ithaca in the early part of January 2014.
The Fire Police hold monthly training sessions and the interior volunteers participate in
training with the career staff.
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2% funding has been returned by 5 of the former active companies for use by the Ithaca
Veteran Volunteer Fire Association and Company 9. Of the remaining two companies 1
had no funds to return and the other is pending.
A draft volunteer handbook has been prepared and an effort is underway for a more
active recruitment campaign to begin in the Spring of 2014.
B. City of Ithaca: Commissioner Hoard provided the following 4t" quarter report
of 2013 to the City of Ithaca Common for their February 2014 meeting:
Promotions: Lt Rich Tracy was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, and Firefighter George
Apgar II was promoted to Fire Lieutenant. Assistant Chief Tracy will take over as the
Municipal Training Officer for the Fire Department. The promotion of Firefighter Apgar
to Lieutenant is filling the vacancy caused by Assistant Chief Tracy's promotion. There
were four retirements in 2013, and two more take effect in 2014.
The Chief has extended two offers of employment to fill vacancies caused by the
retirement of two firefighters back before the end of the year. If they accept, we expect
that they will start work towards the middle or end of February, and will be attending the
NYS Fire Academy in March. We expect that they will be trained and ready to go on
shift in June.
A Civil Service Exam for Firefighter will be given on March 8t". The results should be
back in June or July. The qualifications for taking the test require that the applicants be
residents of Tompkins County.
The Chief will be presenting a resolution to upgrade the Fire Lieutenant's Position in the
Fire Prevention Bureau to the Assistant Chief rank. This is in lieu of not having a full
time Deputy Fire Chief, and will allow him to transition the responsibilities of Fire
Marshal to this position after it's been upgraded. The Chief is currently serving as the
Fire Marshal; this change will allow the authority of Fire Marshal to be delegated to an
Assistant Chief as in past practice. This upgrade will occur within the current
administrative and operational budget of the fire department.
We understand that City Controller Thayer will have our 2013 Budget close -out
completed by the end of this week. The Chief is optimistic that the Department closed
out under its 2013 Budget.
There is no news on grant applications for either the Volunteer /Bunker Recruitment and
Training request, or for the Fire Officer Development Training request. Most of the
grants awarded this year under the SAFER program have been for hiring, and there
have not been any grants awarded so far for recruitment and training. This may be
because the condition of the economy has resulted in many fire departments having to
cut career firefighter positions, and consequently a large number of grant applications
were submitted to fund these unfilled firefighter positions, or positions created by
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firefighter layoffs. Chief Parsons is sure they will consider our applications, but the
question is how competitive it will be against other grant applications that include
rehiring laid off firefighters or filling vacancies not filled by some departments because
of the economic downturn.
A working draft of a new Volunteer Handbook has been created to provide information
to potential applicants and new volunteers. Enhancements to the Handbook are
expected to be made this year.
Since the volunteer forces were consolidated into one company, four viable volunteer
applications have been received. Of these, one has been accepted, one was
withdrawn, and two are in process. Another application was received, but the applicant
was not a resident or working in the service area.
Calls for January 2014 have already exceeded any January in the history of the
department. The Department responded to over 400 incidents this month, including 8
structure fires. The snow storms at the beginning of January, as well as the flooding
after a surprise early thaw with rain on January 5t" kept the Fire Department extra busy
during the first week and half of the new year. The extreme cold weather since that
week has also been a contributing factor to some of the fires, and it's certainly made
firefighting more difficult. Fortunately, we've had no loss of life or civilian injuries related
to these fires, and considering the extreme weather we've not had a fire with a complete
loss of the building. The fires, for the most part, have caused only moderate to slightly
more severe property damage.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas D. Hoard
Board of Fire Commissioners
C. Audit: The audit was reviewed and completed by Commissioner Ellsworth.
VIII. Department Reports: Chief Parsons reported to the Board on the following
items (his full monthly report for January 2014 will be attached to these minutes):
Hiring /Promotion - Lt. Tracy was promoted to Asst. Fire Chief /Training Officer;
Firefighter Apgar 11 was promoted to Fire Lt. to fill the vacancy created with Lt. Tracy's
promotion.
Two new firefighters have been hired and will start February 18, 2014. They will go to
the NYS Fire Academy in March, and should be ready for shift work by the Summer.
Vacancies: A change request was submitted to the City Administration Committee for
the creation of the position of Asst Fire Chief in the Fire Prevention Bureau. The cost for
the position is included within the department's 2014 budget. There are no plans or
budget, at this point, to phase in for the hiring of a Deputy Fire Chief. In addition, he
would like to promote the 9t" Lieutenant position to Asst. Fire Chief so that the job
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responsibilities will be more in line with the job title. This title will also include
responsibilities of the Fire Marshall. Therefore, there will be a different pay rate, and
money not used in 2013 for the per diem Deputy Fire Chief can be used for these
positions.
2013 Fire Department Budget Status: The department is still waiting for the City
Controller's Office to provide the final close out figures; they should be ready soon. The
Fire Chief will provide that information to the Board as soon as it becomes available.
All the capital projects for the Fire Department have been completed, except for repairs
to the roof at both the West Hill and South Hill fire stations. That work will be completed
when the weather permits.
There is no news to report on either grant application. He would like to be optimistic
about the SAFER grant, because at this point no letter saying the application has been
rejected has been received.
Fire Prevention Bureau Report: The Fire Investigation Unit was very busy in January —
there were 3 structure fires and 1 truck fire in which the weather and cold had some part
in. The causes are most likely due to thawing pipes or increased electrical loads
because of heaters being used, which leads to strain and a source of ignition. The truck
fire occurred at the NYS DOT site off of Route 13. The surveillance video onsite
showed the fire investigation unit what caused the fire. It was equipment malfunction in
the truck.
Balch Hall Fire — since the fire occurred only a few days ago, he does not have a report
for the Board other than it is an ongoing investigation.
The Fire Department has been very fortunate and not experienced equipment problems
related to the extreme cold — except for some problems with frozen fire hydrants and a
few water main breaks.
January was a very busy month with Cascadilla Creek causing flooding in the Fall
Creek neighborhood of the City. There were 432 calls in January; a lot them were
service calls related to the flooding. The busiest month prior to January 2014 had 382
calls. The department is hoping that the call volume for February will not be so high.
Commissioner Ellsworth asked whether there was anything that the department might
be able to do to prevent future flooding because of all the snow on the ground right now
— if a thaw or melt were to occur.
Chief Parsons responded that both the Fire Department and Department of Public
Works are keeping a closer watch on the creeks and lake. Right now, Cayuga Lake is
down by 1' because it was lowered by the Canal Corp. In addition, there was a very
peculiar set of weather circumstances between December 2013 and January 2014 that
led up to the flooding event in early January.
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Discussion followed on the floor regarding the events and activities that occurred during
the flooding event in January, as well as the type of equipment required to deal with the
ice jams. There was also significant equipment and personnel costs associated with that
event for the City.
B. Fire Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius provided the following report for the Board:
Fire Police Monthly Report
February 11, 2014
Fire Police training was held on January 21, 2014. The topic was OSHA Blood Borne
Pathogens and personal protection against biohazards. When Fire Police arrived at the
station AC Mike Schnurle and Lt. Roy Trask were not aware that we had training
scheduled. We asked them if they could provide a session on Blood Borne Pathogens,
since Scott Tuckerman needed to get some OSHA training, and they all needed the
annual refresher course. Lt. Trask was able to find the training videos and did a good
job of presenting the program, along with other members of his shift. I would like to
thank the shift for all pulling together, at the last minute, to provide us with a good
training session.
The following members participated: Dave Cornelius, Jack Bordoni, Lyman Baker, Rob
Longo, Jack Gould, Andrew Adams, Scott Tuckerman and Bill Gilligan.
On January 22, 2014 the following Fire Police members responded to the fire at 409 N.
Geneva St., to help with traffic control: Jim Rogers, Jack Gould and Dave Cornelius.
In addition, it was very nice that Mayor Myrick sent a letter out to all volunteer Fire
Police to thank them for their help during the flooding event in Fall Creek; however,
Lyman Baker did not receive a letter and he was very active during the event.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Cornelius
Chief Parsons noted that there has been a very good turn out by Fire Police members
to fire calls, especially recently when the department experienced more calls in one
month than in any recent months, and not in good weather. They've done a great job
and have been very much appreciated. As a result of the extra work, he is working on
completing a 2013 report of hours worked for each Fire Police member. He also wants
to provide special acknowledgment to them for their great work and support to the
department.
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IX. Old Business:
A. Update on Funds Requested bV City Chamberlain from Former Volunteer
Companies:
Chair Gilligan provided the following update to the Board of the 2% Foreign Fire
Insurance Funds returned by the Deactivated Ithaca Volunteer Fire Companies:
The following is a summary of the 2 % funds returned by 5 of the 7 Ithaca Volunteer Fire
Companies that were deactivated in 2012. Company #2 submitted a report indicating
that they had utilized all their 2% funds prior to being deactivated and therefore had no
funds to return.
Company #3 has not returned any 2% funds nor provided a summary indicating the
status of their 2% funds.
Funds from former Ithaca Volunteer Fire Companies
Check From
Date
07/29/13
Co #1
09/23/13
Co #4
05/15/13
Co #5 (City Check)
08/12/13
Co #6
07/18/13
Co #7
Total
Amount to: Co. 9 Amount to
IVVFA
$349.33
$1,411.53
$5,765.82
$5,217.71
$7,512.23
$20,256.62
$349.33
$1,411.53
$5,765.82
$5,217.71
$7,512.23
$20,256.62
The total amount of funds returned as of 1/31/2014 is $40,513.24.
Chair Gilligan reported that he is looking to see if the New York State Comptroller's
Office might have any information, under FOIL, from the reports submitted to them by
the companies' regarding the distribution of the 2% funds. The Board may need to try to
determine the information that needs to be filled in the blanks for some of the missing
records.
B. Volunteer Recruitment Items /Issues:
Chair Gilligan reported that one application was submitted, and the interview committee
is referring to the draft volunteer hand book for the requirements for people who are
interested in becoming or considering being a volunteer. That committee also met with
the City Attorney last month to review the draft handbook, and he has some
suggestions and recommendations so those will be incorporated into the revised
application.
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C. Charter Review:
Chair Gilligan stated that he would distribute to Board members, for the next meeting,
information from work that was done two years ago comparing the current city charter
regarding the Board and some possible proposed changes. The Board should review
that information to see what else needs to be done. The City Administration Committee
will be looking at functions of various boards and committees of the City to make them
more efficient and see where changes can be made. This will be a good opportunity to
have the Board provide input regarding any issues or changes they may want.
D. Request for Ithaca Fire Department Historical Records by Ithaca Veteran
Volunteer Firemen's Association (see Mr. Baker's request above)
Chief Parsons reported that the requested records belong to the City and the Fire
Department. Information Management Specialist Myers reported that she would contact
the City Attorney to see what, if any, arrangement might be made for the "loan" of
records to the IVVFA on a short -term rotating basis. In addition, since these are
historical records from the 1800's there are special New York State archives record
retention rules that the City must follow concerning the care and keeping of them. She
will try to have information for the March meeting about what arrangements might be
made with regard to the request.
X. New Business:
A. Resolution Authorizing Use of 1896 Steamer by the Ithaca Paid Fire
Fighters Association
By Commissioner Ellsworth: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, members of the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association, I.P.F.F.A.,
and members of Company 9 have requested to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in
Binghamton, New York on Saturday, March 1 st, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the members of the I.P.F.F.A participating in the parade will be off duty
during the parade; and,
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighters Association, I.P.F.F.A, has requested
the use of the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer to be pulled in the parade; and,
WHEREAS, the I.P.F.F.A will hire a team of horses and driver to pull the Steamer in the
Parade; and,
WHEREAS, the Steamer is currently housed and on- display under the stewardship of
the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association at their facility on the Elmira Road
under the terms of a long -term agreement between the Board of Fire Commissioners
and the IVVFA, and
WHEREAS, the department will provide the department's special services vehicle to
transport members; and a pickup truck - trailer combination to transport the Steamer to
and from Binghamton, NY; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of Ithaca hereby approves the
I.P.F.F.A request to use and display the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer on March
1st, 2014, in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Binghamton, NY; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the I.P.F.F.A will coordinate with the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer
Firemen's Association to make arrangements to pick up the Steamer at a mutually
agreeable time within the week preceding the parade and return it to the IVVFA Elmira
Road facility sometime during the week following the parade. and, be it further
RESOLVED, the I.P.F.F.A shall be financially responsible for all costs, including but not
limited to liability insurance, for the team of horses and their driver.
Commissioner Sparks questioned the cost associated with the use of the Fire
Department vehicles for transportation to and from the parade.
Chief Parsons responded that he asked the Mayor and City Attorney about the request
and, for this use, they would approve the request because it will be a display of the City
of Ithaca's history in a public parade. He noted that there was also a request for use of
the department's pumper truck and that was not approved. He further noted that this
type of request has been granted in the past and the department has participated in
both the Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade as well as one at the New York State Fair.
The costs for the fuel will be charged to the fire department's budget.
Commissioner Sparks stated that this is a nice thing to do and understands the logic
behind it, but does need to question the use of public funds. He further noted that it will
probably cost a few hundred dollars and wondered whether the City of Binghamton
would ever reciprocate the courtesy to the City of Ithaca.
Chair Gilligan voiced support for the request noting that there will be a benefit internally
to the department and volunteers as far as an organization and promoting the history of
the fire department.
Chief Parsons stated that he did check with representatives of the Fire Department
Union about the parade and whether or not veteran volunteers were asked to participate
as well as off -duty paid fire fighters, and they were. In addition, the Captain of
Company 9 sent a request out to everyone asking for their participation in the parade.
He further noted there are a lot of volunteers who march in these types of parades. He
further noted that if there is a concern regarding the use of department funds for the
cost of transportation to and from the parade that the Board does have the discretion to
authorize the use of the donation funds to pay the costs.
Commissioner Sparks responded that if there is value in team building, morale, and the
recruitment aspect that he does not feel inclined to stand in the way of the granting of
the request.
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Chief Parsons reflected upon the fact that the Ithaca Fire Department, twenty years ago,
regularly sent apparatus with paid drivers to participate in parades in Tompkins County
and outside of Tompkins County. It's just something that, historically, has always been
done; and now that same community spirit is starting to come back around. This request
does not stop Company 9 members from marching in other parades in the area, and he
fully supports the results of participation which are better morale, the betterment of the
organization and positive team building. He would also like to see the department's old
steamer out and about for the public to see and appreciate.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
Chief Parsons thanked the Board for their support and approval of the request, and
noted that he would notify Lt. Basher and Firefighter Peyus.
B. Award of Bid for Inflatable Rigid Rescue Boat with Motor and Trailer —
Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth
WHEREAS, one bid was received on January 21, 2014 for an Inflatable Rigid Rescue
Boat with Motor and Trailer, and
WHEREAS, staff reviewed the bid, which meets the required specifications, and has
made a recommendation for award, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners hereby awards the bid for an
Inflatable Rigid Rescue Boat with Motor and Trailer to Defender Industries, Inc., 42
Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385 -3336, for their bid of $18,778.99.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the size of the boat and its capabilities and
proposed uses. It's a medium size boat that is more suited for use in smaller creeks and
waterways - better than others owned by the Fire Department to work in lower areas of
Fall Creek. The boat is also better suited to perform rescues on the lake in late Fall and
early Spring.
Chief Parsons reported that all Fire Department members that will operate the boat will
go through the New York State swift water training course as well as boat operation
training prior to operation of the boat.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted As Follows:
Carried Unanimously
XI. Executive Session:
There were no executive session items submitted for the agenda.
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XI 1. Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1652 hours.
The next Board of Fire Commissioners meeting is Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 4:00
p.m.
Sarah L. Myers William Gilligan
Information Management Specialist Chair
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CITY OF ITHACA
310 West Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 -5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Telephone: 6 071272 -1234 Fax: 607/272-2793
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: February 11th, 2014
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
44
Fire Fighters
61
Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of January 31st, 2014 — 62
a) Vacancies
3 Fire Fighters
b) Hiring /Promotions
Lieutenant Rich Tracy was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief
Fire Fighter George Apgar was promoted to Fire Lieutenant
Job Offers for the position of Fire Fighter have been made to Russell Vidler
and Jason Lawrence. Fire Fighters Vidler and Lawrence will be starting work
on February 18th, 2014. They will be headed off to the NYS Fire Academy on
March 2 " d, 2014 to attend an 11 -week fire fighter recruit class before returning
Page 2 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report
February 11th, 2014
to Ithaca to complete their training before being assigned to a shift this
summer.
b) Retirements:
e) Vacancies:
I have submitted a request to the City Administration Committee and
Common Council to create an Assistant Fire Chief's Position to supervise
the Fire Prevention Bureau. A Fire Lieutenant's Position would be
eliminated after the promotion. The cost would be contained within this
year's budget, and would not require additional funding.
2) Budget Status
a) 2013 Budget: We anticipate a final close out on our 2013 budget later this month.
C) Capital Budget: We have completed all capital project work except for some
repairs on he West Hill and South Hill Fire Stations.
3) County Communications and 911 Programs:
a) No Report
4) Grants and Donations
a) Same as Previous Report - On November 6th, 2013, I submitted an application for
the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). We've applied for funds to provide
hardware and software for incident command training of our officers.
b) Same as Previous Report - On August 30th, 2013, I submitted an application for
the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER). We are
waiting to hear if we are going to receive an award.
5) Resource Recovery Legislation
a) No Report
6) City Charter Update
a) No Report
Operations
1) Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report
Page 3 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
February 11th, 2014
1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of January activities -
Complaints Received: 31
Referred to the City Building Division 19
Referred to the Town of Ithaca 5
Inspections: 102
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance
61
Town
Fire Safety & Property Maintenance
35
City -
Sprinkler Inspections
14
City -
Alternative Fire Protection
1
City -
Fire Alarm Inspections
17
City -
Standpipe Flow Test
1
City —
Fire Pump Flow Test
1
Permits or Certificates: 25
Operating Permit
— Assembly Occupancy
24
Operating Permit
— Hazardous Occupancy
0
Operating Permit
— Lumber Yard
1
Operating Permit
— Elevator
4
Operating Permit
— Fireworks
0
Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy
12
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm
14
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 6
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Pump 1
Certificate of Compliance — Fire Standpipe 0
Certificate of Compliance - Alternative Suppression
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There were four fire investigations in January. The first investigation was for a building
fire at 113 W Buffalo St in the City of Ithaca. The cause was accidental caused by an
electrical fault. The second investigation was for a house fire at 412 Hector St in the City
of Ithaca. The cause was accidental. The third investigation was for a truck fire that
occurred at NYS DOT Garage at 688 Third St. in the City of Ithaca. The cause is was
determined to be an equipment failure. The fourth investigation was for a building fire
409 N. Geneva St in the City of Ithaca. The cause was accidental caused by thawing
pipes.
Page 4 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report
3) Public Education and Special Events:
Public Education Events:
Fire Drills Witnessed: 0
Child Safety Seat Inspections: 3
4) Town of Ithaca:
No Report
5) City of Ithaca:
No Report
February 1 Ith, 2014
Page 5 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Response
1) January 2014 Responses
City of Ithaca: 333 Incidents (77.08 %)
Fires:
11
Overpressure /Rupture
0
EMS/Rescue:
95
Hazardous Conditions:
12
Service Calls:
65
Good Intent:
34
Alarms/No Fires:
115
Severe Weather:
1
Town of Ithaca: 95 Incidents (21.99 %)
Fires:
4
Overpressure/Rupture
1
EMS/Rescue:
46
Hazardous Conditions:
6
Service Calls:
6
Good Intent:
7
Alarms/No Fires:
24
Severe Weather:
0
Mutual Aid: 4 Incident (0.93 %)
Fires:
1
Overpressure/Rupture
0
EMS/Rescue:
0
Hazardous Conditions:
0
Service Calls:
0
Good Intent:
3
Alarms/No Fires:
0
Severe Weather:
0
February 11th, 2014
2) Emergency Management: Members met last week with the Tompkins County's Exercise
and Development Team to discuss joint training to be provided to both County and City
Staffs. The objectives is to develop a joint City and County Employee training program
that will be used to prepare both jurisdictions for joint emergency management
operations.
There was much discussion on the flooding event and the City's operation of its
Emergency Operations Center. There were many positives acknowledged as well as
Page 6 of 6 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report
February 11th, 2014
lessons learned toward improved operations the next time it opens an Emergency
Operations Center.
Support
1) Training Center
Quarterly Report
3) Apparatus and Facilities
No Report
Training
Quarterly Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
2) There are currently 14 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police
3) Requests from Company Members to become active: No Requests Received