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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2011-06-14ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS JUNE 14, 2011 AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES III. ADDITIONS /DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA IV. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK TO BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS V. CORRESPONDENCE VI. MEMBERSHIP CHANGES VII. MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS: A. TOWN OF ITHACA B. CITY OF ITHACA C. AUDIT VIII. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: A. CHIEF and DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTS B. FIRE PREVENTION - Codes Division - Fire Investigation Unit - Public Education C. FIRE POLICE REPORT IX. OLD BUSINESS X. NEW BUSINESS XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION XII. ADJOURN BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MAY 17, 2011 MINUTES Present: Commissioners Gilligan, Hoard, Kelly and Ellsworth I. Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1807 hrs. II. Approval of Minutes: Comm. Kelly moved to approve the Minutes from the April 12, 2011 meeting. Seconded by Comm. Ellsworth. Approved unanimously. III. Additions /Deletions to the Agenda: None IV. Persons wishing to speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners None V. Correspondence: Ralph and Jane Jones donated $100 to the Department. The check will be deposited into the Board of Fire Commissioners Donation Fund. VI. Membership Changes: Jeff Cook fire police application A meeting was held with Acting Chief Dorman, DC Parsons and Training Officer Willis Sheldon. All recommended approval of application. Jeff was a volunteer at West Brighton and is the son of a retired fire fighter of IFD. He will be a volunteer of Company 3. A motion was made by Comm. Kelly. 2 "d by Comm. Ellsworth. Voted unanimously. VII. Miscellaneous Reports: Town — None City — None Audit — None BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS May 17, 2011 Page 2 VIII. Department Reports: A. Acting Chief /Deputy Chief Report: (see complete written report in the Minute book). In Acting Chief Tom Dorman's absence, Deputy Chief Tom Parsons offered highlights from the Chief's report and answered questions as follows: Staffing: One fire fighter on medical leave should be back on shift in June. The Chief s exam list was certified by the Civil Service Commission on May 4, 2011. The next stop will be for the search committee to interview and evaluate the candidates. The committee would then send three names to the Mayor for consideration. Budget: Summaries are in the packets and do not include last week's fire. County Communications and 911 Programs: Acting Chief Dorman is in regular contact with the new Interim Director Brian Wilbur. Grants and Donations: Assistance to Fire Fighters Grants: Grant has been extended to July 25, 2011. Traffic Calming: Nothing new to report. Keyless Entry: Should be operational next month. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS May 17, 2011 Page 3 B. Fire Prevention Bureau: (see complete written report in the Minute Book). Deputy Chief Tom Parsons offered highlights of his report and answered questions as follows: Fire Investigation Unit: There were four fire investigations performed in April. The first was at 201 Stewart Ave., in the City of Ithaca for an apartment building fire that was caused by smoking. The second fire investigation was for a fire that occurred at 113 Ithaca Road in the City of Ithaca that was caused by smoking. The third fire investigation was for a fire in a laboratory at Thurston Hall on the Cornell Campus in the City of Ithaca that was caused by an overheating of combustible materials. The fourth fire investigation was for a fire that occurred at Rowland Hall on the Ithaca College Campus in the Town of Ithaca that was determined to be an incendiary cause. Public Education: 7 Child Safety Seat inspections 4 Public Education activities performed 1 Fire drill witnessed Chair Gilligan asked where the fire alarm boxes are being stored when then are taken down. DC Parsons responded that they are being stored at Station 6 for now. Comm. Ellsworth asked if the copper will be salvaged. DC Parsons answered that yes, some of the wiring is copper clad steel, but there is some pure copper out there. Chair Gilligan asked DC Parsons to elaborate on the Cook Street fire. DC Parsons stated that we were short staffed for the size of the fire. The way the house was split up, it created a huge hazard. There were 8 — 9 kitchens, bathrooms and chimneys. Once the fire reached the attic, they needed to let the fire vent on its own. Cayuga Heights helped with supplying one engine and 10 fire fighters, but we only used 5 of them. We also used 2 volunteers and 13 IFD fire fighters. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS May 17, 2011 Page 4 There were various variances issued throughout the years for the home and it was approved for 18 people to live there. That is three times the amount of people the house was initially legal to occupy. The fire escapes were also non -code compliant. DC Parsons is hopeful that these types of homes will be converted back to the original single family dwellings that they were which will lower the occupancy levels. Smoke detectors are required by law in each bedroom. This home had several alarms and several were verified to be in working order. Multiple unit dwellings are required to have sprinkler systems. Town houses are considered multiple unit dwellings. There is a press release coming out today from IPD. There was alcohol involved and the smoke alarms were functioning. C. Fire Police: Dave Cornelius offered highlights and answered questions as follows: During April the Fire Police held training on equipment location on the various fire apparatus. AC Dan Tier offered the New York State Fire Police Course on April 30, May 1 and May 7. There was a fire police training scheduled for tonight, but it has been canceled due to the instructor not being able to attend. DC Parsons added that the Department may need to ask the fire police to help out with the Ithaca parade. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS May 17, 2011 Page 5 IX. Old Business: Chief Position: J.R. Clairborne stated that there is an established list and it needs to be canvassed. That way they will have the top 3 candidates. J.R. Clairborne, Joel Zumoff and Svante Myrick will represent Common Council on the hiring committee. Charter Review: The overview can be found in the March minutes. Rather than conducting a survey, a public hearing can be held. New Business: Liaison Clairborne stated that at the last committee meeting that there was a proposal to make some language changes. There were people at the meeting from BPW and GIAC. There was a concern there could be complications if there are changes in language. Chair Gilligan said that he had talked to Julie Holcomb and that the changes they are looking at wouldn't need a referendum. Liaison Clairborne explained that there were changes that concerned the GIAC Board. DC Parsons stated that Val Saul drafted the comparison between Charter and City code and explained the process of hiring a Department Head. Ultimately, that decision is made by the Mayor. 2012 Budget Chair Gilligan stated that the Board should address the 2012 Budget next month DC Parsons stated that the new budget will be addressed in the beginning of June. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONRS May 6, 2011 Page 6 The Councils of the last 7 — 8 years have focused on the budgets and after only reviewing for 20 minutes, a decision is made. The Mayor's budget will be out in September and Council will review and act on it in October. When the economy is bad, programs get cut and positions don't get filled. We are expecting 3 more retirements by February 2012. Liaison Clairborne stated that one thing that's been done is a "wish list ". At the end of the budget review, decisions are made about what to add back into the budget. Other things to consider: What do we consider essential positions? What if there are lay offs? What if open positions are not filled? DC Parsons stated that if you don't replace something, there is more cost to maintain it to keep it running. Also, there is still the Town to consider. X. New Business off T: Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1922 hrs. Respectfully submitted, i Ra dy L. Flynn, Clerk Board of Fire commissioners (Minutes will be reviewed at the June 14, 2011 meeting) Monthly Report of the Fire Chief to the Board of Fire Commissioners, for the June 2011, meeting. Combined Chief's and Deputy Chief Operations Report Administration LIFE SAFETY DIVISION 1) Career Personnel Report PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS 1 Acting Chief 1 Deputy Chief 5 Assistant Chiefs 8 Lieutenants 47 Fire Fighters 62 On duty personnel 2 Fire Fighters on Injury Leave 1 Fire Alarm Superintendent 1 Office Manager Administrative Assistant 05 Financial Clerk Total employees as of 06/01/11 — 67.5 Open positions — Chief, 5 Fire Fighters (2 unfunded, 3 funded) b) Hiring /Recruitment Committee The Vacancy Review committee has approved the hiring of two Fire Fighters (one to replace a disability retirement, one to replace a leave of absence) with the condition that the City and the Fire Fighters Union reach an agreement regarding the retirement provisions that would apply to new hires. Since the City and the FF Union are in negotiations, I do not expect this to be resolved soon and therefore I do not expect being able to hire soon. (same report as last month). C) The Chief s exam was certified by the Civil Service Commission on 5/4/11. The next step will be for the search committee to interview and evaluate the candidates. The committee then sends three names to the Mayor for consideration. (same report as last month). Fire Chief's Report for May 2011 14 JUN 11 Page 2 of 4 2) Budget Status a) 2011 Account summaries are attached b) Capital Budget — we have submitted for funding to build a new heavy rescue (944), $850,000.00. The 2011 Capital Budget included $20,000.00 to write the specifications and prepare the bid for this vehicle. C) The Mayor has asked for the following budget scenarios (memo included) 0% Budget 5% Reduction 7% Reduction (most likely based on a 2% tax cap) I have asked the staff for any equipment purchases and possible retirements. Office Manager, Dianne McGrady has begun preparing the Excel spreadsheets necessary to construct the budget scenarios. 3) County Communications and 911 Program No Report 4) Grants and Donations a) Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG): (in- vehicle repeaters) — Equipment is on order. b) Training Center Project Funding: We are pursuing another option for the training center property (verbal report) 5) Resource Recovery Legislation No report 6) City Charter Update Delegated to a committee established by the Board of Commissioners 7) Traffic Calming The Board of Public Works is moving forward with the removal of the traffic calming at South and Wood Streets. Operations 1) Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report Fire Chief's Report for May 2011 14 JUN I 1 Page 3 of 4 2) Selected Calls — B Shift responded to a structure fire at 107 Cook St on May 6th just after midnight. Despite the best efforts of the crews battling a fire that had spread throughout the building, there was one fatality. (DC Parsons reported on this incident for the May Commissioners meeting) On 5/30/11 at 1903 hours C Shift responded to a body recovery in Fall Creek. Additional personnel were called in to cover during the incident. On 6/5/11, at 0206 hours A Shift responded to 13 South Ave for a fall from the stairwell. The victim is still in critical condition. 3) Support The hardware work for the keyless entry system is done. I do not have a date when we will be converting to the prox cards and fobs. I have asked West Fire to provide a price quote for installation of security cameras at Central Station. (same report as last month) Fire Prevention Bureau 1) Please see Deputy Fire Chief Parson's report of Fire Prevention Bureau activities Safety Section OPERATIONS DIVISION Response 1) Quarterly Call Report 2) Emergency Management No report Support 1) Training Center Fire Chief s Report for May 2011 Quarterly Report Training Quarterly Report Recruitment and Retention 1) See DC Parsons report 2) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report Respectfully submitted, J. Thomas Dorman, Acting Fire Chief 14 JUN I 1 Page 4 of 4 MEMORANDUM To: Department Heads From: Carolyn K. Peterson, Mayor Re- 2012 Department Budget Requests Date; June 10, 2011 Budget message 2012 We are all awaiting the results of the New York State Legislature upcoming vote on the proposed property tax Cal) and I arn assuming that that sorne version of a tax Cal) will pass, Before stating the city's 2012 budget guidelines, I need to reiterate my (and literally hundreds of other elected officials) complete disappointment in New York State and its approach to managing t1le burden on our tax payers, Our tax payers are heavily burdened in New York State, we all agree, But I believe it is not the blame of local gov rnment. Local goverrunent tries to deliver services to its cornmunitv in the most efficient and responsive way. Over the last several years, localities. including Ithaca, bane been cutting departmental budgets, delaying; g hiring, finding ways to share services and supplies, and striving to increase the tax base through economic development. In fact Ithaca has often been noted as a shining star In a weakened state galaxy. W e are still ex periencing economic development in a very difficult econo►ny. We have beetirecofMized by the state for our efforts in consolidation through a health consortium with Tompkins County and its municipalities. We have held back on hiring to reduce the tax burden. We have C, prudently used our fund balance to further reduce UIC tare levy /burden. Yet-. for 2012, this it, workt,,,, (I'versification-" CITY OF ITFLkCA Zvi E: 108 aft (_-�i -e en Street Ithaca, New Nork 14850 05R 60- 27_j_(�5?) 1 Va, i 60- MEMORANDUM To: Department Heads From: Carolyn K. Peterson, Mayor Re- 2012 Department Budget Requests Date; June 10, 2011 Budget message 2012 We are all awaiting the results of the New York State Legislature upcoming vote on the proposed property tax Cal) and I arn assuming that that sorne version of a tax Cal) will pass, Before stating the city's 2012 budget guidelines, I need to reiterate my (and literally hundreds of other elected officials) complete disappointment in New York State and its approach to managing t1le burden on our tax payers, Our tax payers are heavily burdened in New York State, we all agree, But I believe it is not the blame of local gov rnment. Local goverrunent tries to deliver services to its cornmunitv in the most efficient and responsive way. Over the last several years, localities. including Ithaca, bane been cutting departmental budgets, delaying; g hiring, finding ways to share services and supplies, and striving to increase the tax base through economic development. In fact Ithaca has often been noted as a shining star In a weakened state galaxy. W e are still ex periencing economic development in a very difficult econo►ny. We have beetirecofMized by the state for our efforts in consolidation through a health consortium with Tompkins County and its municipalities. We have held back on hiring to reduce the tax burden. We have C, prudently used our fund balance to further reduce UIC tare levy /burden. Yet-. for 2012, this it, workt,,,, (I'versification-" simply won't be enough. The -unprecedented steep increases in pension costs, the ever rising health insurance costs, arid the reduction in state aid, coupled with the obstinacy of New York State government refusing to reduce imposed state mandates and regulations, forces the city to face a budget scenario that will likely see staff reductions and service cuts. As the consistent number one or two cities in New York for the most tax exempt valuation, I and other mayors have consistently requested the state to recognize this burden, kvh-icli is primarily due to higher education uses. This has always fallen on deaf ears, For all the above reasons, and a likely state imposed property tax cap, the budget scenarios are as follows: 1. To meet the (up to) 442%" (we will use 1.8% as this is the more likely number) cap and the increased pension costs, a 7% reduction is required in your budgets, including any 2012 anticipated ,vage increases.* *Increases are primarily expected for certain employees in CSEA DPW and A(ft-nin units, and confidentials, Increases are related to the CSEA Compensation Plan. Please see Steve or Val for these numbers. For employees not part of the CSEA Compensation Plan, arid who do not have contracts in place, please use a 0% increase for the 2012 wage calculation. Fork1anagen-lent employees, please use a 0% increase for the 2012 wage calculations, I .. Please also indicate what a zero based budget would look like for your department, including any 2012 anticipated wage increases. 3. If Common Council agreed to exceed the budget cap to, for example,, 3.5%, please include a 5-%/q reduction, including any 2012 anticipated wage increases, 4. Any other scenario you would like to provide As in previous years, , your budget templates will be available to you on Munis. All budgets are to be submitted using this software. The Director of Information Technology will provide tech support to you as needed. The Controller's Office can also assist with the N-lunis budget implementation process, "012 Budget Snbrnissions, at a minimum, need to include: 1. Brief description of the services your department provides to the city, 2. Bud-et introduction which summarizes Your budget and highlights any major C, M highlights changes to bud get: include any possible retirements or changes in staff. 9 M - 1 Detail of personnel, include listing by name, title, hire date. 2011 salary, 2012 prQjectcd salary, accounts to be charged for each staff member; 4. Summary listing of all department accounts: 2010 expended, COI I budget, 2012 proposed budget; 5. Detail listing of accounts and what is included in each (i.e.: account 5405 Telephone — includes all telephone charges needed for Current staff levels, include cell phones), Please be sure each budget scenario has the above detail included. For departments that include program budgets — YB, GIAC, Fire, and police- - have summary total for each account and include detail for each program number. If applicable, please include any possible 2012 revenue adjustments for your department. Include possible revenue projections for 2012 and a schedule on when the revenue increase could be implemented. Consider the market value of the item and its relevance to city programs. If applicable, departments requesting staff increases please include any possible cast reductions associated with the staffing increase (i.e.: two additional staff would decrease overtime by $20,000). NOTE: as of this writing, due to the budget pressures I feel it fair to say that new positions may be very unlikely. Each line of your program budget has a text section available. The following lines will need documentation: I - Any 200 line equipment purchases that cost $500 or more; 2. Line 430, Fees for Professional Services — indicate what type of professional services are to be performed and cost for each; 3. Line 435, Contractual Services — indicate nature of contracts and cost for each; 4. Line 440, Staff Development — indicate nature and cost; 5. Line 476, Equipment Maintenance — indicate al I in, aintenance contracts/agreernents. Additionally. Common, Council would like to standardize the summaryL bud&et submittal starting vvith the 2012 Budaet. The Controller will still need all the related baelcup docattientation that has been sent in the past. For consistency between departments and for easier review by the public, the Burl =et Summary should be no longer than five pages. The summary should include the following information: - Prier year budget and actual activity per account -Current year budget and actual activity per account -Department request for next buchet year, include tip to three requests -Number of Department employees in summary forimit -Summary of any revenue, accounts associated with your budget -% of City Department to overall budget using prior year budget amount for General Fund of $49,207,984 Please organize the summary as follows: -Pages 1-2; General Department overview including craployec data from above, narrative and top accomplishments during the last year -Pages 3-4; Account summary and any highlights for each account -Pane 5: Note any special requests or department changes and /or revenue activity The Budget Surriniary should help Common Council and the public with the review of the budget. Please note that the detu], especially for the larger departments, still needs to be submitted as part of your budget submittal. For instance, all departments should continue to submit a detailed employee roster, including name, title, salary, years of Service. longevity or other employee information, Please submit a prelimimiry budget request to the City Controller by August 1, 2011, as prescribed by the City Charter. After you submit your preli Page 1 of 1 Randy Flynn - Fire Police Report From: David Cornelius <autumn2333 @hotmail.com> To: Bill Gilligan <bgilligan@cityofithaca.org >, Bill Gilligan <wdgi @cornell.... Date: 6/14/20119:19 AM Subject: Fire Police Report The Fire Police held training on May 31, 2011. The topic was CPR Refresher. We reviewed the CPR protocols and the location of EMS supplies carried on the vehicles. We are in the process of completing the online IS -200 course. This months training topic has not been finalized at this time. Respectfully submitted, David Cornelius I have to work today so I may not be able to get to the meeting. file: //C: \Documents and Settings \rflynn \Local Settings\ Temp \XPgrpwise \4DF727BBcoima... 6/14/2011 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 June 14th, 2011 Board of Fire Commissioners Ithaca Fire Department 310 W Green St Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Board Members: The following is the Fire Marshal's report for May 2011. Code Enforcement Division: The Codes Enforcement Division received 23 complaints in the month May. There were 9 complaints forwarded to the City of Ithaca Building Department and 6 complaints forwarded on to the Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Department. There were 24 complaints closed out, and 42 complaints remain open for May and previous months. The Code Enforcement Division performed 144 fire safety and property maintenance inspections or re- inspections. The division also witnessed 3 fire alarm tests; and 2 hydrostatic sprinkler system tests. There were 216 violations cited. The Code Enforcement Division issued: 52 operating permits for assembly occupancies; 3 operating permits for hazardous occupancy; and 11 certificates of compliance for fire and property maintenance inspections. Fire Investigation Unit: There were 3 fire investigations performed in May. The first was at 107 Cook St in the City of Ithaca for an apartment building fire that was caused by unattended cooking. The second fire investigation was for a fire that occurred at the West Tower at Ithaca College and was an incendiary cause. The third fire investigation was for a fire that occurred at 324 West Hill Circle in the Town of Ithaca it caused by unattended cooking. Public Education: There were 10 child safety seat inspections; 3 public education activities performed; and 1 fire drill witnessed by the department in May. 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