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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2014-05-13CITY OF ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES May 13, 2014 Present: Chair Gilligan Commissioners: Ellsworth, Hoard, Sparks Chief Parsons Information Management Specialist — Myers Call to Order: Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1601 hours. Approval of Minutes: Approval of the April 8, 2014 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Commissioner Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 8, 2014 Board of Fire Commissioner meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda: Chair Gilligan stated that the Board received a request from the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association (I.P.F.F.A.) to pay a bill from Agway for the purchase or carbon dioxide detectors and fire /smoke alarms. He will place that request under New Business for discussion. No Board Member Objected Chief Parsons requested the addition of the following items to the agenda: 1. An Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter 2. A Request from the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association to help fund the use of the American LaFrance Steamer in the Ithaca Festival Parade 3. A Request from the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association for financial assistance for the hiring of a team of horses and driver to pull the steamer in the parade Chair Gilligan noted that these items would be placed under New Business for discussion. No Board Member Objected. Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Persons Wishing to Speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners: Mr. Lyman Baker addressed the Board on the following topics: Work Hours in the Firemen's Section of the Ithaca City Cemetery: Dear Board, Raymond Wheaton and Lyman Baker have worked 4 hours each (8) total in the Firemen's section of the Ithaca City Cemetery, April 15, 21, 29 and May 7, 2014. The grounds are looking very nice, the beautiful daffodils are plentiful this year and hopefully if the weather cooperates, some more flowers can be planted around the flag pole. 2. Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. Relief Fund: Dear Board, Edwin C. Stewart, March 8, 1864 —June 15, 1921, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, was a volunteer for the Ithaca Fire Department and the Protective Police Company #8. After World War 1, there was discussion about the disbursement of the (War Chest — Community Chest) funds. At the very same time Common Council members were talking about ways to honor the death of Michael F. Conway a member of Common Council, who was killed 11 /01 /1918 in World War 1. Mr. Conway was also an Ithaca Fire Department member and officer of Company #1; in fact Conway Park is named in honor of him. In 1919, the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. was started. Mayor Stewart and Common Council authorized left over funds from the War Chest & Community Chest to be put into the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. Relief Fund. This is from the "The Final War Chest Report — Ithaca Journal micro film March 24, 1920." All those funds have been co- mingled over the years with Foreign Fire Insurance money, so now with a 40% reduction from the Board of Fire Commissioners in yearly operating funds, the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. Relief Fund needs to be taken out of the control of the Board of Fire Commissioners and be placed into the funds of the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. Thank You, Lyman E. Baker, Treasurer Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, Inc. 638 Elmira Road Ithaca, NY 14850 -8745 3. FOIL Request – for information or a copy of former Company #4's 2% report to New York State Comptroller. 2 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Chair Gilligan stated that nothing has been done as far as requesting information from the NYS Comptroller's regarding former Company #4's 2% report that was submitted to that office. He further stated that the Board would discuss the request to remove funds from the Board's control, to place under the control of the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association under the Charter discussion later in the meeting. Correspondence: Chair Gilligan further reported that the bank statement from Tompkins Trust Company for the donation fund dated April 30, 2014 had a beginning balance of $1,058.51, and an ending balance of $1,058.51 Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from Tompkins Trust Company for the Rescue Squad Donation Fund dated April 30, 2014 had a beginning balance of $1,843.59. The account earned .12 cents interest so the ending balance was $1,843.71. Chair Gilligan reported that the Board received, from the Central New York Firemen's Association, a membership dues notification in the amount of $20.00. It also included an invitation to participate in the annual convention being held in Hamilton, New York July 18 -20, 2014. The membership does not include eligibility to vote on any matter. He will leave the request open for now to discuss under New Business later in the meeting. Membership Changes: Chair Gilligan reported that last month there was the potential of 4 applicants for volunteer status. Since then, there is only 1 left as the others became unavailable. This 1 applicant attended Company #9's meeting this week, and was voted in unanimously as a "provisional member ". A background check is still needed, which has been submitted to the Tompkins County Sheriff's office. He was a former member of another volunteer company so confirmation and follow up information from that company will be needed. Chief Parsons responded that the applicant is no longer a member of the other volunteer company. He resigned because he did not live in the district. He further stated that if the Board did not object, he would propose, pending the outcome of the background check, that the applicant be accepted as a probationary member in Company #9. He can be removed at anytime if it is found there was false information provided on the application. Recommendation to Appoint John Zeiger as a Provisional Member of Company #9 — Resolution By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth RESOLVED, That John Zeiger be appointed as a provisional member of Company #9 pending the successful outcome of his background check. Carried Unanimously 3 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Miscellaneous Reports: A. Town of Ithaca: Chair Gilligan reported that he presented the quarterly report to the Town Board on Monday, May 13, 2014. The report is attached to the minutes. He reported that during that meeting, the Town Board raised a question about the protocol for dispatching fire service personnel for EMS calls being modified, and whether or not the impacts from that change could be measured. His response back to the Board was that it is too early to tell what the potential reduction in activity has been at this point. Chief Parsons responded that the reduction in calls has been light to modest at best as they are still in the transition phase. He noted that the intent was not to save millions of dollars but to take off responses that IFD has historically not been required to provide service for. Chair Gilligan further reported that the other question the Board asked was regarding the 19 building fires in the first quarter of this year, and whether the department is seeing a trend. His response back to the Board was that it would be difficult to assess at this point. Discussion followed on the floor regarding possibilities for causes in the high number of building fires during the first quarter which might be related to the extremely cold weather and overtaxed heating and electrical systems. Chief Parsons did note that the overall call volume at this point is up 25 -30 calls above this same time of year in 2013. Chair Gilligan asked whether the department might be able to provide any type of public information to help prevent building fires. Chief Parsons responded that the fire department is very proactive about reminding the public about safety measures to take depending upon the season with public service announcements, media releases and so forth regarding maintenance of heating systems, chimney cleaning, etc. B. City of Ithaca: Commissioner Hoard reported that he submitted his quarterly report by e -mail which was distributed to Common Council for their May 7, 2014 meeting. That report will also be attached to the minutes. C. Audit - The audit was reviewed and completed by Commissioner Ellsworth. Department Reports: A. Fire Chief: Chief Parsons distributed the April 2014 monthly report to Board members, which will be attached to the minutes. He highlighted the following items for the Board: April 1, 2014 Lt. Gillian Haines -Sharp was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, making her the first female in that position in the department's history. 4 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 No news on the Assistance to Fire Fighters' grant application that was submitted November 6, 2013. The funds would provide hardware and software for incident command training of the department's officers. Chief Parsons reported that auditors from the New York State Comptroller's are here this week to audit the department's fire prevention program. The focus of the audit is how the department is enforcing Chapter 4 of the New York State Fire Code. It has been an educational experience, and is being done in relation to the City and the Fire Marshall's work. There are ten other municipalities in New York State undergoing this same type of audit, which is for consumer protection, and the City of Ithaca is number 5 in that process. Chief Parsons stated that department heads may have their annual budget memo for 2015 from the Mayor as early as the June 3, 2014 department head meeting. The memo provides guidance to department heads for the development of their annual budget. At this point in time, the numbers not looking good; the City is looking at different options to generate additional revenue. There has been some good news for the City's budget in that the New York State pension fund, which has been a huge drag and negative impact on the City's budget, has earned back what it lost in 2008, and then some. Therefore, the City is anticipating some savings in pension contributions of maybe 5 -6 %. What that means for the fire department is it could be as much as a $300,000 savings in its budget. He is hoping to have a year with no cuts and to maybe maintain a status quo which the department hasn't been able to do in quite a while. Some more good news to report is that the fire fighter civil service exam results from March are in, so there is a new candidate pool from which to hire. The department has one position to fill, which it hopes to have filled by July. The new fire fighter would then go to the New York State Fire Academy, and hopefully be ready for full shift duty by November. Chief Parsons reported that he and Asst. Chief Tracy are working simultaneously with all the training requirements that career fire fighters have to keep up with — sort of a refresher course of what Chief Sheldon provided except newer. They are also working with the newest fire fighters who are returning from the fire academy to help prepare them to go on shift. All the updated training, including volunteer training, is a work in progress. He is very happy to report that progress is being made on the training requirements and needs for both career fire fighters and volunteers. Commissioner Sparks inquired as to how things are going with the Commons reconstruction project. Chief Parsons responded that the duty chief meets with the project manager and /or contractor twice a day (at the start of each morning and evening shift). During the meeting they review site work and where closings will be that day, and during the night. The duty chief then disseminates that information to fire department personnel. It's not a perfect system since there are multiple contractors working on site. When the department does need to respond to a call on the Commons, the contractors work really hard to open up things for the trucks to get through as quickly as possible. Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Chief Parsons reported that downtown will be very busy with new construction this summer — some of the projects include the Marriott Hotel at the east end of the Commons between South Aurora Street and East Green Street, and Cayuga Green II — a 7 story apartment building located behind the Tompkins County Library and the Cayuga Street parking garage. C. Fire Police Report: Mr. David Cornelius was not able to attend the meeting, but provided the following written monthly report for the Board: Fire Police Monthly Report May 13, 2014 Fire Police training was held on April 15, 2014. The topic was "Scene Safety ". I do not remember the Fire Police Unit being toned out during the past month. Our next training is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2014. The topic will be "Driving — Personally Owned Vehicles" Respectfully submitted, Dave Cornelius Old Business: A. Volunteer Recruitment Items /Issues: Chair Gilligan stated that training of volunteer fire fighters had been one of the major concerns in recruitment. The training that Chief Parsons and Asst. Chief Tracy are coordinating for potential interior volunteer fire fighters will go a long way in getting the volunteer program moving forward; then, all that will be need is applicants. B. Charter Review - Handling of Requests for Funds - Donation Fund, Sick and Indigent Funds: Chair Gilligan stated that the question raised by Mr. Baker regarding the Board turning over control of firemen's relief fund to the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association is a charter issue. He explained that there is a separate fund tracked by the City for the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association relief fund that does earn some interest, which in turn is put back into the fund. The 2% monies are no longer going into that fund. Basically, from his understanding, the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association would approve and recommend that an individual be approved and funded up to, but no more than $200 (which is a lifetime cap per individual) for payment from these funds. That recommendation would come to the Board of Fire Commissioners to act and authorize the City Chamberlain's office issue a check to the individual for a specific amount. He noted that there are a number of issues with that process that need to be addressed, which will most likely occur as the city charter is reviewed, and amended where needed. 6 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Chief Parsons asked what the balance was in the relief fund. Chair Gilligan responded that there may be $4,000 to $8,000 in the account. He further noted that the Board has not made a payment out of it for a number of years, and confirmed that it is controlled by the City Chamberlain. Chair Gilligan stated that the City Charter does state that the funds in the sick and indigent account should be used for both veteran and active fire fighters. He further noted that nothing has been done with the funds in recent history, and is something that should be investigated as to how the Board should proceed. He suggested reviewing some of the Board's historic records to see what information can be found regarding actions taken by the Board in response to requests for funds. Chief Parsons stated that funds from volunteer companies should be distributed in a consistent manner. Maybe the Board should consider dissolving that account, since it does not earn interest, and disperse the money accordingly (similarly to how it was done with the dissolving of the volunteer companies and disbursement of those monies). This would require advice from the City Attorney's office as well as some research by the City Controller to determine how disbursement might be handled. He further stated that he agrees with comments made by Mr. Baker and Mr. Wheaton. The Board is going to have to address the matter sooner or later, and the Veteran Volunteer Association may not be able to receive all the money that is in the account since it may need to be distributed equally between them, and Company #9 — but anything that they could receive would be appreciated. Commissioner Ellsworth questioned whether the Board ever received information regarding Company #4's financial report that was submitted to the New York State Comptroller's Office. Chair Gilligan responded that Company #4 submitted a report to the State, but questions arose as to whether it reflected an accurate accounting. He stated that the Board did want to obtain a copy of the report that Company #4 submitted to the State; however, he has not made that request yet. He will ask the City Attorney's office to see if they could make an inquiry on behalf of the Board. Otherwise, anyone could submit a Freedom of Information Request to the State for that information. X. New Business: A. Chair Gilligan reported that the Ithaca Paid Fire Fighter's Association submitted a bill to the Board from Agway in the amount of $180.59 for the purchase of carbon monoxide detectors and smoke /fire alarm detectors. The Ithaca Paid Fire Fighters Association requests that the Board use money from the donation fund to pay the bill. He stated that the detectors are carried on the fire apparatus, so if they respond to a call and determine the individual does not have a working smoke detector, for one reason or another, they will provide them to the individual. It was time to restock supplies, and so they are asking for support from Board for the payment of the bill. Chief Parsons reminded the Board that, by law, the City can't purchase items and give them away. However, this is donation money so it can be allocated to things that the Board wants. 7 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Discussion followed on the floor regarding what items the donation fund has traditionally been used to pay for; and the fact that nothing has been donated to the fund recently. The donation fund currently has a balance of $1,058.51. Authorization to Pay Invoice From Agway for Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke /Fire Detectors - Resolution By Commissioner Ellsworth: Seconded by Commissioner Sparks RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners authorizes the City Chamberlain to pay an invoice from Agway dated April 18, 2014, in the amount of $180.59 out of the donation fund at Tompkins Trust Company for five battery operated carbon monoxide detectors and five smoke /fire alarm detectors. Carried Unanimously Chair Gilligan reported that the Central New York Firemen's Association submitted a membership dues bill to the Board in the amount of $20.00. Did the Board have any particular interest in paying for that through the donation fund — he has no recommendation either way. The Board discussed this briefly and decided that without any clear benefit to them as members, they did not want to spend the money from the donation fund. Request for Use of 1896 Antique Steamer in the Ithaca Festival Parade: Chief Parsons noted that the Board and Veteran Volunteer Association recently approved a similar request for the fire fighters to take the steamer to Binghamton for the St. Patrick's Day parade. He stated that a lot of people were very excited to see the antique equipment in the parade, and since then the department has received a lot of requests from other fire companies to participate in antique steamer display events. He discussed with the Professional Fire Fighters that it would be nice to participate in a similar way in the Ithaca Festival parade. The fire fighters agreed and will march in the Ithaca Festival Parade in their Class A Uniforms, and asked if the steamer could be in the parade as well. The Professional Fire Fighters are asking the Board for financial support for the cost of the driver and horses to pull the steamer. Chief Parsons explained that there were two parts to this request for the Board's consideration. The first is the permission to use the steamer, and the second is to consider assisting the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association with the cost to hire a driver and horses to pull the steamer in the parade. Chief Parsons stated that there is no money in the department's budget for this expense, and wondered if the Board might want to use any money from the donation fund. The total cost for the driver and team of horses is $500.00. He further stated that if the Board wanted to donate part of the cost, he could see about finding the rest through individual and personal donations. The Professional Fire Fighters were interested in the Board's thoughts regarding the request. 8 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 Chief Parsons reported that he discussed the request at Company #9's meeting and asked whether members would be interested in having the color guard participate in the parade. He stated that the good thing with parades is the camaraderie it brings to the members participating, as well as to show that the department is a significant part of the community. Chair Gilligan questioned if there would be a current fire apparatus in the parade, even if the steamer could not be part of it. Chief Parsons responded that the department's vehicles are usually at the tail end of the parade. He marches at both the beginning and end of the parade. He stated that the children love to see the fire trucks and fire fighters in the parade. The fire engine will be there either way, but it would be a nice touch to have the steamer there as well because many people in the community may not realize the City even has the antique. Chair Gilligan stated that he thought some of the 2% money could be used by the fire fighters and Company #9 towards the cost so that the Board would not have to pull so much out of the donation fund towards the expense. Chief Parsons stated that he would be willing to donate personally towards the cost and asked if anyone else might be interested in the doing the same. He further stated that if the Board wants to donate $100 towards the cost, and then make up the difference by individual personal donations that could be considered. If the money cannot be raised then the steamer won't be in the parade. Authorization for Use of Donation Fund for Expenses Related to the Antique Steamer's Use in the Ithaca Festival Parade — Resolution By Commissioner Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth RESOLVED, That the Board authorizes the use of up to $250.00 from the donation fund, provided the balance ($250.00) is obtained from other sources, towards the cost of a driver and horses to pull the 1896 Steamer in the Ithaca Festival Parade, and be it further RESOLVED, That the remaining balance ($250.00) shall be made up from individual personal donations. Carried Unanimously Resolution Authorizing Use of 1896 Steamer by the Ithaca Paid Fire Fighters Association By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Ellsworth 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 Ithaca Festival Parade in Ithaca, New York on May 29, 2014; and WHEREAS, the members of the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association 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, 9 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 13, 2014 WHEREAS, the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association I.P.F.F.A will hire a team of horses and driver to pull the Steamer in the Parade; 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 the Ithaca Festival location; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of Ithaca hereby approves the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association I.P.F.F.A request to use and display the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer on May 29, 2014, in the Ithaca Festival Parade in Ithaca, NY; and, be it further RESOLVED, the Ithaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association 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. Carried Unanimously Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter - Resolution By Commissioner Ellsworth: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard RESOLVED, That the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Carried Unanimously Reconvene: The Board reconvened into Regular Session with no formal action taken. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1735 hours. The next Board of Fire Commissioners meeting is Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Sarah L. Myers William Gilligan Information Management Specialist Chair 10 Board of Fire Commissioners Report to Ithaca Town Board May 12, 2014 The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissioners quarterly report to the Ithaca Town Board for the first quarter of 2014. Included with this report are: The Fire Chief s Report given at the April 8, 2014 BFC meeting. This includes the Fire Marshal's Report & Fire Prevention Bureau activity. • The department call activity reports for January 1- March 31, 2014. • The financial operations summary through March 31, 2014. Fire Department Operational Staffing (Mar 31, 2014). • As of March. 31, 2014 the active Fire Fighting staffing totaled 60 (on duty staffing- 1 Chief, 5 Assistant Chiefs, 9 lieutenants, & 44 Fire Fighters) plus 1 Deputy Chief on per diem. As of April 1, 2014 one of the lieutenants positions has been reclassified to an Assistant Chief Position and Gillian Haines Sharp has been promoted into this position which will be the Fire Marshall for the Department. • The Department will continue to cover a portion of the Deputy Fire Chief s duties on a per diem basis for 2014. • There is 1 additional firefighter vacancy remaining to be filled. This will be filled from the recently received list of eligible candidates. Capital Proiects No updates. Equipment The department has acquired a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) that will be used in water rescue efforts. A number of the career staff completed a swift water rescue training class in April. 2014 Fire Department Budget — The department is essentially on track in the first quarter for operating expenditures including the amount budgeted for overtime. Equipment maintenance is running slightly higher than budget in the first quarter. Board Agendas & Minutes for 2014 The BFC meeting agendas and minutes have been posted on the City Website. Agenda's for meetings in 2014 can be found at: http: / /www.egovlink .com/ithaca /docs /menu/home.asp ?path = /public _ documents300 /ithac a/published documents/Agendas _ Volunteer Program Development We have 2 new volunteers who are in the process of becoming active members in the department. We anticipate that they will become Class 1- Interior firefighters. The Fire Police hold monthly training sessions and the interior volunteers participate in training with the career staff. Assistant Chief Tracy has developed an annual training schedule for both groups and is working on developing new member training for volunteers. It is expected that this training will be done in conjunction with various state and county training programs. BFC Town Board Report May 12, 2014 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. A federal grant proposal was submitted in 2013 to revitalize the bunker /volunteer system. This grant was not approved. It is expected that a new grant will be submitted as part of the 2014 cycle. Other Items & Items in prowess: 1 The department call activity was somewhat higher for the first quarter compared to previous years including a high (19) number of building fires during this period. Anew protocol is in place with the 911 center to potentially reduce the number of EMS calls that the department is asked to respond to, along with Bangs ambulance service. 2 The 1896 American LaFance Steamer, which is housed at the Vet Fireman's facility on the Elmira Road, was part of the St. Patrick's day parade in Binghamton in March. The Ithaca Fire Fighters Union arranged and paid for a team of horses to pull the steamer in the parade. 3 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. We anticipate working with the Common Council's City Administration committee on this issue. 4 Resource recovery/False Alarm Policy — Currently on hold following preliminary review with the City Attorney. 5 County Fire - Disaster — EMS Advisory Board— no new action on this issue. 6 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. 7 City-Town Fire Service Contract - The Board of Fire Commissioners is concerned about the organizational impact and impact on the Community served by the Ithaca Fire Department if there is a significant change in the current agreement between the City and the Town. 8 There is a vacancy on the Board as of January 2014 . Respectfully Submitted, Bill Gilligan Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners 7 May 2014 Report to Common Council 1. Promotions: Lieutenant Gillian Haines -Sharp was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, and has been delegated that responsibilities of Fire Marshal for the Department. 2. 911 Call Modifications: In January Chief Parsons provided Tompkins County's 911 Center with updated response plans, which modified the responses to certain types of calls. It was to take two months to implement the plans. The purpose of the modifications was to reduce or eliminate the types of calls that really don't need Fire Department assistance. 3. Calls and Responses: Calls to the Department, and Department Responses have been running above normal, including 18 structure fires. The number of structure fires is higher than usual (8- 12) for this quarter, and may well be the result of the also unusual weather for this quarter. The flooding conditions this quarter were a significant factor in non -fire call volume. 4. SAFER Grant: The Department received notification on April 7 that its application was not being funded for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant. This grant would have funded volunteer recruitment and retention. Another application will be submitted later this year. 5. RIB: In its February meeting, the Board approved the purchase of a "RIB ", in this case an Inflatable Rigid Rescue Boat with motor and trailer. As you know, a number of Department members have been attending rapid water rescue training, and this boat may prove to be invaluable in rapid water rescues as well as lake rescues. 6. Steamer: Also at the February meeting, the Board approved the Fire Fighters Union request to use IFD's 1896 American LaFrance Steamer in the Binghamton St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Steamer was pulled by a hired team of horses in the parade. This is one of those occasions that helps drum up interest in volunteering for the Fire Service. 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: May 13th, 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) 6 Assistant Chiefs 8 Lieutenants 44 Fire Fighters 60 Uniform Personnel 1 Administrative Coordinator Total employees as of April 30th, 2014 — 61 a) Vacancies • 1 Fire Fighter b) Hiring /Promotions • On April 1St Lt. Gillian Haines -Sharp was Promoted to Assistant Chief. She was sworn in by Mayor Myrick on May 7', 2014 b) Retirements: 2) Budget Status Page 2 of 5 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report May 13th, 2014 a) 2014 Budget: See Attached Budget Summary C) Capital Budget: We will be submitting for the 2015 Budget, a capital project request to replace one of our pumpers. Engine 902, a 1995 HME /Saulsbury Pumper, will reach it's end of service life next year and is due to be replaced. A committee is being formed to develop specifications for the replacement. 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. 5) Resource Recovery Legislation a) No Report 6) City Charter Update a) No Report Operations 1) Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report LIFE SAFETY DIVISION Fire Prevention Bureau 1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of April activities - Complaints Received: 18 Referred to the City Building Division 11 Referred to the Town of Ithaca 2 Inspections: 97 City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 72 Town Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 8 City - Sprinkler Inspections 8 Page 3 of 5 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report May 13th, 2014 City - Alternative Fire Protection 1 City - Fire Alarm Inspections 4 City - Standpipe Flow Test 1 City — Fire Pump Flow Test 3 Permits or Certificates: 55 Operating Permit — Assembly Occupancy 31 Operating Permit — Hazardous Occupancy 0 Operating Permit — Lumber Yard 0 Operating Permit — Elevator 0 Operating Permit — Fireworks 0 Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy 15 Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 4 Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 1 Certificate of Compliance - Fire Pump 3 Certificate of Compliance — Fire Standpipe 1 Certificate of Compliance - Alternative Suppression 0 2) Fire Investigation Unit: There were no fire investigations performed in April 3) Public Education and Special Events: Public Education Events: 4 Fire Drills Witnessed: 2 Child Safety Seat Inspections: 6 4) Town of Ithaca: No Report 5) City of Ithaca: No Report Page 4 of 5 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report OPERATIONS DIVISION Response 1) April 2014 Responses City of Ithaca: 291 Incidents (71.32 %) Fires: 5 Overpressure /Rupture 0 EMS/Rescue: 122 Hazardous Conditions: 21 Service Calls: 21 Good Intent: 34 Alarms/No Fires: 88 Severe Weather: 0 Town of Ithaca: 117 Incidents (28.68 %) Fires: 4 Overpressure/Rupture 0 EMS/Rescue: 72 Hazardous Conditions: 5 Service Calls: 3 Good Intent: 18 Alarms/No Fires: 15 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 2) Emergency Management: No Report Support 1) Training Center Quarterly Report May 13th, 2014 Page 5 of 5 - Fire Chief's Monthly Report 3) Apparatus and Facilities No Report Training Quarterly Report Volunteer Recruitment and Retention 1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report May 13th, 2014 2) There are currently 14 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police 3) Requests from Company Members to become active: One Request Received, pending Company 9 approval and background check