HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2016-02-09Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
February 9, 2016
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Vice Chair Sparks
Commissioners Hoard, Ellsworth
Fire Chief Parsons
CC Liaison Gearhart
Information Management Specialist – Myers
Excused:
Commissioner Guttridge
Call to Order:
Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1605 hours.
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the January 12, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes – Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 12, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
Additions to or Deletions From the Agenda:
Chair Gilligan requested the addition of an item under New Business entitled “Approval of Disposition of
Surplus Used Fire Department Turn-Out Gear - Resolution”
No Board Member Objected
Awards, Commendations, and Other Recognition Items:
Presentation of “Certificate of Posthumous Commendation” for Jack Bordoni
Jack’s brother, Gary Bordoni, accepted the certificate on behalf of his late brother. He expressed thanks on
behalf of the Bordoni family to the City of Ithaca Fire Department and the Board of Fire Commissioners for this
special recognition of his brother. He noted that Jack had been member of the fire department for more than
45 years; it is a sad time but the family is pleased that Jack is receiving this special and well deserved
recognition at this time. They will treasure the certificate and special resolution from the Board of Fire
Commissioners.
Chair Gilligan read the resolution, which was approved at the January meeting, aloud for everyone to hear. It
follows here:
Recommendation for Posthumous Commendation to Jack Bordoni for His Many Years as a Volunteer
Member of the City of Ithaca Fire Department - Resolution
By Chair Gilligan: Seconded by Vice Chair Sparks
WHEREAS, Jack D. Bordoni (IFD Badge # 3584) joined the City of Ithaca Fire department on June 18, 1971
as a volunteer interior Fire Fighter member of Cayuga Hose Company Number 1 (1973-1983), he then became
a Fire Fighter member of Cayuga Hose Company Number 1 until the late 1990’s when he subsequently
became a Fire/Police member of Cayuga Hose Company 1, and then transferred to Neriton, Company 9 in
2012 to continue as a Fire/Police member; and
WHEREAS, Jack also became a member of the Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Jack was very active in the Fire/Police Unit, making most alarms and trainings – his last training
was held on December 15, 2015 and was for CPR Certification; and
Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 2016
2
WHEREAS, Jack passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2015, while still an active volunteer member of
the City of Ithaca Fire Department Fire/Police unit; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Fire commissioners approves the following wording for such
Certificate of Commendation:
“This Certificate of Commendation is awarded posthumously and presented to the family of City of
Ithaca Fire Department Fire Police Member Jack D. Bordoni in recognition of his 45 years of active service as
a Volunteer with the City of Ithaca Fire Department. The Board of Fire Commissioners further commends
Jack’s long service as an employee with the City of Ithaca and his exemplary commitment as an active
volunteer with the Ithaca Fire Department responding faithfully to emergency calls for Fire Fighters and the Fire
Police unit as well as providing traffic control at numerous community events.”
And, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution and Certificate of Commendation be forwarded to the Mayor and
members of Common Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners encourages the Mayor and Common Council consider
extending a similar and appropriate action based upon City procedures and protocols for recognizing City of
Ithaca employees who contribute many years as an active volunteer in service to the City of Ithaca community.
Carried Unanimously
Persons Wishing to Speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners:
Mr. Lyman Baker addressed the Board to provide the following report on cemetery hours he and Mr. Raymond
Wheaton had in the City of Ithaca Cemetery:
RE: Work Hours at the City of Ithaca Cemetery Firemen’s Section
Dear Board,
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker have patrolled the Firemen’s Section in the Ithaca
City Cemetery for total of 6 hours each.
A branch or two needed to be picked up and disposed of, we straightened a few pavers that started to rise up
in the walkway around the Monument.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lyman E. Baker, IFD Badge #3258
Mr. Baker also had a question for the Board regarding the $9,000.00 balance in the Firemen’s Relief Fund and
the interest it has accrued. He wondered whether the Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association would be
eligible to receive any of it.
Chair Gilligan responded that information related to the balance in the Firemen’s Relief fund was provided in
the recent 2% annual report. He will provide Mr. Baker with a copy of the report for his review and information.
Correspondence:
A. Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company for the donation
fund dated January 31, 2016 had a beginning balance of $2,651.61, and an ending balance of $2,651.61,
reflecting no activity.
Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 2016
3
B. Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company for the Rescue Squad
donation fund dated January 31, 2016 had a beginning balance of $1,846.10, and an ending balance of
$1,846.22 reflecting .12 interest earned.
Membership Changes:
No new membership information at this time.
Miscellaneous Reports:
A. Town of Ithaca: Chair Gilligan reported that he attended the Town of Ithaca Board meeting on
February 8, 2016 to provide his quarterly report. It was the new supervisor’s, Bill Goodman, first meeting. His
quarterly report will be attached to the minutes.
B. City of Ithaca: Deferred until the March meeting.
C. Audit: The audit was reviewed and approved by Commissioner Ellsworth
Department Reports:
Fire Chief Parsons highlighted the following items from his monthly report, which will be attached to the
minutes:
Two new Fire Fighters were hired that will fill the vacancies created by retirements – Fire Fighter Ernest
Williams and Asst. Fire Chief VanBenSchoten. The replacement for Asst. Chief VanBenSchoten will be
promoted from within the department after his retirement on February 22, 2016. In addition, there will also be a
an internal promotion to Fire Lieutenant at the same time
The two new Fire Fighters, Mark Stillwell and Lucas Albertsman, began work on February 8, 2016. They will
be here for 4 weeks and then be attending the NYS Fire Academy for 11 weeks. After that training, they will be
back for 6-8 weeks and should be ready by mid-July – early August to for assignment to regular shift work.
Chief Parsons reported that there had been a really nice article in the Ithaca Journal recently about Asst. Chief
VanBenSchoten’s upcoming retirement.
Budget summary – the department is still waiting for a few things in order to close out the 2015 department
budget. He hopes by the March meeting to have a draft summary of where the year ended financially.
Chief Parsons has contacted the Tompkins County 9-1-1 Center regarding a delay in the dispatching of
emergency services on calls, and is waiting for them to get back to him about the slow response in addressing
the problem, which has been going on since November. Their response has been that they are working on it,
and are not sure if it is a hardware or software issue.
Chair Gilligan questioned whether the Fire Chief’s Association is concerned and pushing for a solution. Chief
Parsons responded that they are but most of them are from the Emergency Response Committee for
Tompkins County. Chief Parsons explained that when a person calls, the call taker at the 9-1-1 Center takes
the information, follows the scripted questions, which they have to do, which determines the type of apparatus
to send and then the computer locks up. There are times that from when the address is verified that it can take
between 3-5 minutes before its assigned. That’s a long time, and exceeds the national standard; if it’s at the
wrong time/wrong person/wrong emergency it could result in the loss of life.
Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 2016
4
Commissioner Hoard asked whether there is a manual override that would allow the dispatcher to go back to
the old way to dispatch the apparatus. Chief Parsons responded that it is not really possible to do that without
taking quite a bit of time. There is some back-up with the current system, but that is a concern as well.
Chief Parsons reported that the department is currently working on the process to purchase the self-contained
breathing apparatus for which they received a grant to fund in 2015. The reason it has taken so long for this
purchase is that the City of Ithaca has been waiting for the agreement with a purchasing consortium out of
Texas that required a resolution and act by Common Council which occurred in December. This process
through the consortium allows the City of Ithaca not to have to go through a complicated bidding process. The
City can go directly to the vendor to purchase and prices, in some cases, are better than if the item were to go
to bid. The reason being that the City can now deal directly with the manufacturer or one level out from the
manufacturer so the profit margins are smaller because there is less overhead expense.
Chief Parsons noted that he had no update on the Collegetown fire station at this time. The initial study was
completed, but the City is requesting additional information before proceeding.
The City of Ithaca finally sold the fire department’s surplus ladder truck to the City of Cortland. It will be their
back-up for their front line pumper for short periods of time, when needed. He noted that it’s nice to know that
Cortland has this apparatus as a reserve in case the City of Ithaca needs it back temporarily for whatever
reason.
Chief Parsons reported that bids for the new pumper truck were opened on January 22, 2016. Seven vendors
submitted bids which ranged in price from $483,000 up to $643,000; only 3 bids came within budget, and they
include exceptions to what the department specified. The City is reviewing them to make a decision to see if
one of the three are worth moving forward with. A decision will be made next week; he need will decide what to
do and whether a Special meeting of the Board is needed.
He further reported that Common Council authorized funds to refurbish the 1989 Heavy Rescue apparatus.
That work is estimated to cost $450,000, which is in lieu of a full replacement of the apparatus which could cost
up to $800,000. Refurbishing the apparatus should result in another 15 years of use by the department. He
stated that in March he will go to the Town of Ithaca Board for permission to move forward due to the cost of
the refurbishment.
Fire Prevention Bureau:
Chief Parsons explained that he still owes the Board a report from the Fire Prevention Bureau for 2015. He
stated that last year, the bureau was short 1 inspector for a full year, which put it behind in its work for Town
and City inspections. In the midst of that, the department was audited by the New York State Comptroller’s
office, who came back with recommendations on how the department should be more diligent in enforcing the
fire/building code and fire evacuation plans. The new State requirements put a lot of financial burden on
property owners to comply with inspection requirements. As a result of the new process for inspection, the
Ithaca Fire Department’s inspection process slowed down. That, and the fact that the fire prevention bureau
was short-staffed, has resulted in a back-log of inspection work to complete. This year, the Fire Prevention
Bureau is staffed with 3 Fire Fighters as well as the Fire Marshal (two of the fire fighters are brand new to the
bureau). In January, the Fire Prevention Bureau conducted 183 inspections; which is one of the largest
number done in a month during off-season time. They are working hard to catch up so that by end of the year,
they hope to be caught up in their inspection work. He expressed his appreciation and kudos to the staff of the
Fire Prevention Bureau for all their hard work to get caught up.
Chief Parsons reported that he met with Chair Gilligan, Company #9 Captain David Cornelius, and Board of
Fire Commissioner Guttridge to discuss volunteer fire fighter training. One of the items that came up to work
on was developing a better plan for training and establishing training parameters. He will attend Company #9’s
meeting next month, and will bring all this information to them for their review; it will then come back to the
Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 2016
5
Board of Fire Commissioners for approval and adoption at their March meeting. The plan is to adopt minimum
requirements for maintaining active status with the Fire Department, some of which involves training, active
duty time, and the need to provide service to the community. They want applicants to be able see and
understand clearly what expectations are for new members, especially for interior Fire Fighters who are
required to put in a lot of hours and make a big investment of their time to the department. They want
applicants to know that all of that time and effort both they and the department put into their training will result
in long lasting service to the Fire Department. They want to encourage new members by providing as much
support, encouragement, and training as possible, and would also like them then to encourage others in the
community to join the Fire Department as well.
Towards that goal, Captain Cornelius and members of Company #9 voted to put in $410 for public service
announcements on the radio during March and April to assist the Fire Department in its recruitment efforts. In
addition, a tentative date of April 20, 2016, has been set for an Open House to be held at Central Fire Station
as a way to get people out so they can be introduced to members of the department and information can be
provided to them about volunteer opportunities. This recruitment effort will also be tied to the Firemen’s
Association of the State of New York (FASNY), which will be occurring at the same time, through which they
are also hoping to get some publicity through. The biggest challenge that has been identified as part of this
recruitment effort has been the fact that new volunteers are brought on board and then there are no training
opportunities for months at a time. This can result in those volunteers losing interest or being unwilling to not
be active until training can be provided to them. The Ithaca Fire Department doesn’t have the resources to
train new volunteers to the level required by New York State. Typically, a training class starts out with 20-30
students that then divide up into teams of 3-4 where they practice new skills together as a group. The
expectation, then, is they come back to their fire department after the training, and begin working together as a
team with the other volunteers.
In 1982, 17 hours of training was required in order to become a volunteer with the Ithaca Fire Department;
today, it requires 39 hours. It requires more than 120 hours for them to quality as a New York State Level 1
interior fire fighter. So, volunteering with the Fire Department is a big commitment; they are hopeful that they
will find people out that there that are willing, dedicated and want to be part of an organization like the Fire
Department.
Chief Parsons reported that City Chamberlain, Debbie Parsons, contacted him last week because there are six
(6) Trust Funds that are set up in City of Ithaca accounts for different projects of the Ithaca Fire Department;
some of which have been around for a long time. They were set up for the following projects and have the
following amounts associated with them:
Thermal Imaging: $7,900.00
IFD bunker facilities: $5.00
IFD 175th anniversary fund: $3,810.00 (2023 will be the 200th anniversary)
1896 steamer display: $875.00
Child safety seat fund: $238.00
Community risk account: $3,023.06 (to be used for smoke and carbon
Monoxide detectors)
He double checked with Mr. Raymond Wheaton (retired Ithaca Fire Department Deputy Chief), who was in
attendance at this meeting, to confirm that most of the funds were raised through donations and fund raising
events held by the Ithaca Fire Department. Mr. Wheaton confirmed that fact.
City Chamberlain Parsons will be retiring soon, so she would like to clean up those accounts; and distribute the
money accordingly to the City of Ithaca Fire Department.
Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 2016
6
Chief Parsons would recommend that the Thermal Imaging Fund be transferred to the department’s operating
budget in 2017 for the purchase of a new Thermal Imaging Camera. He would suggest merging the Child
Safety Seat Account into the Community Risk Account. He would like the Anniversary Account, 1896 Steamer
Display Account, and the Bunker Facilities Account to remain open for future use. He will e-mail this
information to the Board so they will have a month to consider the matter. If the City Chamberlain feels that
Board action is needed, he can call a special meeting.
Recognition-Award Guidelines/Procedures – Discussion:
Chair Gilligan noted that Asst. Chief VanBenschoten’s retirement will take place later this month, and the
Board would like to provide some type of special recognition for his more than 40 years of service to the City of
Ithaca Fire Department.
Chief Parsons responded that there will be a special celebration/retirement party for Asst. Chief
VanBenSchoten on June 24th at Stewart Park. That would be a great time to present a special recognition
award to him.
Chief Parsons stated that he would like to have a more streamlined procedure in place for when there is a
significant event so that the Board is able to recognize the efforts of the team in a timely manner. He would like
to recognize the team that responded to the Cargill Mine incident in January.
Chair Gilligan suggested involving the City of Ithaca Fire Department career staff as the Board works to
develop guidelines and procedures in order to get their input into award process.
Chief Parsons noted that the recognition could be done on a month-to-month basis or perhaps the Board could
set aside one particular day in the year to present recognition/awards for work done by a team or individual
during the past year. It would be a special meeting to acknowledge the work of everyone all at once.
Chair Gilligan asked Board members to review the information that had been provided with agenda packets
regarding the City of Ithaca’s policy for posthumous recognition and the award recognition policy of the Galena
Fire Department in preparation for future discussions. He encouraged Board members to offer their thoughts
and ideas as to the policy that the City of Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners should establish.
Fire/Police/Company #9 Request for Vehicle:
Chief Parsons reported that he received a communication from the City Attorney regarding Company #9’s
request to purchase a city vehicle. The City Attorney feels that the cleanest and best way to do this would be
for Company #9 members to decide what kind of vehicle they would like. Then, Company #9 would donate the
funds to the City, Common Council would need to take action to redirect the money towards the purchase of
the vehicle. The City of Ithaca would own the vehicle and then designate that it be used by the City of Ithaca
Fire/Police Unit, which is a cleaner way to establish Company #9’s ownership of the vehicle.
Fire/Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius provided the following report for the Board:
Fire Police training was held on January 19, 2016. The topics were Hazardous Material guidelines, Blood
Bourne Pathogens and Station Evacuation Plans. The following people participated: Dave Cornelius, Jack
Gould, Gary Bordoni, Rob Longo, Lyman Baker, Jim Rogers, Ben Schafer, Frank Cantone, Anthony Hayton
and Bill Gilligan. Lt. Weinstein also told them about safety courses offered on the City’s Insurance carrier’s
website.
February Fire Police Training will be held on Tuesday February 16, 2016. I believe the topic will be Confined
Space Awareness.
Board of Fire Commissioner Meeting Minutes February 9, 2016
7
The Fire Police Unit was activated for wires down across South Meadow Street; Lyman Baker, Rob Longo and
myself responded.
Respectfully submitted, Dave Cornelius
Old Business:
A. Volunteer Recruitment Items/Issues - Committee Update:
Chair Gilligan reported that a meeting was held, at which the items mentioned by Chief Parsons were
discussed. Training along with recruitment are significant items that need to be addressed as efforts are made
to encourage the public to volunteer with the department. At this point, there won’t be a Fire Fighter 1 training
course offered until the Fall in Tompkins County. Currently, there is one person awaiting that training pending
the successful outcome of their physical. Cortland County has a training program in the summer; currently,
there are discussions of scheduling an exterior fire ground support training in April. That training requires less
hours to complete.
Role of Board of Fire Commissioners:
No update at this time. However, Chair Gilligan did ask Common Council Liaison to the Board, Rob Gearhart,
whether the City Administration Committee had taken any action as a result of the Mayor’s comments in his
State of the City Address in January regarding reviewing all the city’s boards and committees. Alderperson
Gearhart responded that there is no action on that at this time, however it is on the minds of Common Council
members who are interested in making those boards and committees as efficient as possible.
Chair Gilligan stated that he has a memorandum of understanding of what the Board’s specific role is, but he is
not sure if it is current. Apart from that, he would suggest that the Board take a look at the community in terms
of what the Board has to offer it; for example, its ongoing relationship with the Town of Ithaca, providing service
to an expanded area, and possible expansion to other municipalities. Governor Cuomo has recommended
that municipalities consider ways to consolidate services. The meetings of this Board could provide a forum for
those types of discussions; as well as to put the Board’s role more in line with its responsibilities as outlined in
the City of Ithaca Charter. The Board will continue to discuss this topic, and will be interested in information
from the City Administration Committee regarding roles of the various city boards and committees.
New Business:
Approval of Disposition of Surplus Used Fire Department Turn-Out Gear - Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, The City of Ithaca Fire Department has protective gear that has exceeded its useful life as
evaluated by the clothing officer of the department; and
WHEREAS, the surplus gear is no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Section 1851
for structural firefighting use; and
WHEREAS, NFPA Section 1851 states that upon retirement, gear will be destroyed, or labeled and re-
assigned for non-firefighting uses; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners authorizes the disposition of 23 Helmets, 18
pairs of boots, 14 structural firefighting coats, 12 structural firefighting pants, 9 pairs of structural firefighting
gloves, and 4 structural firefighting protective hoods by means in compliance with NFPA Section1851 and
approved by the City of Ithaca Fire Chief.
Carried Unanimously
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1705 hours.
___________________________________ _________________________________
Sarah L. Myers, William Gilligan, Chair
Information Management Specialist
CITY OF ITHACA
310 West Green Street lthaca, New York 1J850-5i9r
OFFICE OF T}IE FIRE CHIEF
Tclephone: @7/272.1234 Faxt 607272-2791
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: February 91h,2016
Re: Fire Chief s Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administration
l)Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
Chief
Deputy Chief (per diem)
Assistant Chiefs
Lieutenants
Fire Fighters
Uniform Personnel
I Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as ofJanuary 31"t, 2016 - 63
a) Vacancies
1
1
6
8
46
62
a I have hired two fuefighters to fill one current and one anticipated firefighter
vacancy. Firefighter Mark Stilwell, and FF Lucas Albertsman started work on
February 8th. They will be headed to the NYS Fire Academy for Recruit
Firefighter Training at the end of February. We expect them to be ready for
shift assignment between mid-July and early August ofthis year
Retirements:
o Assistant Chief Guy VanBenschoten has submitted a letter of his intent to
retire on February 23'd, 2016.
b)
Page 2 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report February 91h,2016
c) Hiring/Promotions
2)
o Promotions to fill Assistant Chief VanBenschotor's position will occur after
his retirement from the department.
Budget Report
a) 2016 Budget: Budget Summary - see ac@mpanying report
County Communications and 9l I Programs:
a) I have communicated to the Tompkins County Director of Emergency Response
and the Director ofthe 911 Center expressing my concerns with the delayed
dispatching o f emergencies by the 9ll Center. Since last fall there has been type
of issue with the CAD software that causes the computer aided dispatch
workstations to suddanly stop working. Sometimes this has resulted in a delay
with processing the information from the caller, or a delay with the CAD
providing a recommended response. I am waiting for a response from the both of
the directors as to their progress on fixing the problem.
Grants and Donations
3)
4)
a)No Update - On April 23'd, 2015, the City of Ithaca receiving a grant to fund the
replacement ofour 1 5-year-old Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The grant
award was for $413,000, with the City required to provide a 10% match.
Assistant Chief Tier is reviewing different brands of SCBA on the market, and
will be developing bid specifications.
5) Collegetown Fire Station
5)
a) No Update - Kingsbury Architects has completed their study on relocating the
Collegetown Fire Station to another location on East Hill as well as the cost of
repat work that is needed for the current fire station. The study is under review
by the Director of Planning and Development, the City Attomey, and the Mayor.
Apparatus
a) We have finally sold our surplussed-used 1995 Ladder Truck after 2 years being for
sale. The City of Cortland has entered into an agreement to purchase the 2l year old
ladder truck for $10,000. The truck will be the Cortland Fire Department's reserve
ladder truck.
b) New Pumper Bids were opened on January 22'd, 2016. There were seven vendors
who submitted proposals. The base prices ranged from $483,992 up to $643,785.
The apparatus specification committee is still evaluating all the bids, but there arc
only three proposals that were within our budgeted amount, which included
Page 3 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Rcport February 9'h, 2016
exceptions to what the department has specified. I will be making a decision on
the purchase ofthe pumper next week. I will inform the Board ifa special
meeting will be needed to award the bid.
c) Heavy Rescue - Common Council authorized in the 2016 Budget to fund the
refurbishment ofour 1989 Saulsbury Heary Rescue. The project involves the
removal ofthe stainless steel rescue body from the existing 1989 Simon Duplex
chassis, refurbishing body, and then installing it on a new truck chassis. The
estimated cost is approximately $450,000. This project is in lieu of a full
replacement ofthe truck and body, which has been estimated to cost $800,000. In
Marctr, as per the Fire Contract, I will be submitting a request to the Town of
Ithaca Board for approval to move forward with this project.
I,IFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prcvention Bureau
1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of January Activities -
Complaints Received: 2l
Referred to the City Building Division 14
Referred to the Town oflthaca 0
Investigated by the Fire Prevention Bureau 7
Inspections: 183
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance
City - Permit Required City Fire Safety
Town Fire Safety & Property Maintenance
City - Sprinkler Inspections
City - Altemative Fire Protection Systems
City - Fire Alarm Inspection
City - Standpipe Flow Test
City - Fire Pump Flow Test
Permits or Certificates: 4l
Operating Permit - Assembly Occupancy 13
Operating Permit - Hazardous Occupancy 0
Operating Permit - Lumber Yard I
Operating Permit - Elevator I
Operating Permit - Fireworks 0
Certificate ofCompliance - Occupancy 17
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 7
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 0
98
0
74
J
1
6
I
0
Page 4 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report February 9'h, 2016
Certificate of Compliancc - Fire Pump 0
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Standpipe 1
Certificate of Compliance - Altemative Suppression 0
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There was one fue investigation performed by the Fire Investigation Unit in January, for
a fue that occurred at 118 E Spencer Street in the City oflthaca. The cause ofthe fire
was determined to be accidental.
3) Public Education and Special Events
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Response
J
0
6
l)
2)
Januarv 201 6 Res no nses - 389 Incidents
City of Ithaca:
Town of Ithaca:
271 Incidents (69.67%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
Alarms/No Fires:
Severe Weather:
Other
8
I
122
19
19
34
67
0
1
l l4lncidents (29.31%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
AlarmsA.,lo Fires:
Severe Weather:
2
0
75
2
I
16
l8
0
Mutual Aid: 4 Incidents (2.O3o/o)
Public Education Events:
Fire Drills Witnessed:
Child Safety Seat Inspections:
Pagc 5 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
Alarms,No Fires:
Severe Weather:
Simultaneous Incidents: 72 Incidents (18.5%)
3)Emergency Management: No Rcport
Mutual Aid Calls: Qua(erly Report4)
February 91h, 2016
2
0
I
0
0
I
0
0
Support
I ) Training
Quarterly Report
2) Training Center
Quarterly Report
3) Apparatus and Facilities
No Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
2) There are currently 15 Active Volunteer Ftefighters and Fire Police
3) Requests from Company Members to become active: None
2016 REVENUE SUMMARY BY ACCOUNT
JANUARY 2OI6
Revised
REVENUE yTD REVENUE PCT Collected
Remoining
REVENUE
Averoge
Mthly Projecled
Fire Code lnspection s2,r 50.00 4%56,850 $2,rs0 :$251800
Home & Comm Serr'ices 2189 $ r00 0%$ r00 $0
I
Public Sofety SeNices 2260 $3,s00 0%
0%
$3,500 $0 $0
Fire Prolective Senr'ices
Rentol of Reol Proper,24t0 $ r ,000 0%$r 1 ,000 $0 $o
Rentol of Equipment2414 $0 $o $0 $0
Public Sofety Permils 2554 $ r0,000 s32s 3%$9 .67 5 $3.900t-
Fines & Forfeited Eoil $2.000 0%$2.000 $0
Minor Soles 2655 $ r00 0%
'$ too $o $o-- -t'
Sole of Equipment $o
lnsuronce Recoveries 0%$ r0,000 $0 $0
Oiher Compensolion for Loss 2690 0%
Refund Prior Yeor Expense ,')0l $200 $200 $0 $0
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Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
February 8,2016
The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissioners quarterly report to the lthaca
Town Board for the forth quarter of20l5.
lncluded with this report are:
o The Fire Chiefs Report given at the January 12, 2016 BFC meeting. This includes the
Fire Marshal's Report & Fire hevention Bureau activity.
. The department call activity reports for January l- December 31.2015. Total calls5,l49
(total through 12-31-14 was 5,164).
o The financial operations summary through December 31,2015.
Fire ment tional S December 3 I 20t5
As of December 31,2015 the active Fire Fighting staffing totaled 62 (uniform staffing- I
Chief, 6 Assistant Chiefs, 8 lieutenants, & 46Fire Fighters plus I Deputy Chiefon per
diem. In addition there is I Administrative Coordinator for a total of63 personnel.
Fire Fighter Williams retired in December and Asst. Fire Chief Van Benschoten will
retire Feb. 23,2016. Two individuals have been hired, beginning Feb. 8,2016 to fill the
two vacant firefighter positions created by these retirements. They will begin training at
the Fire Academy shortly. The upcoming assistant chiefvacancy will be filled by
intemal promotion after Asst. Chief VanBenschoten retires.
201 5 Fire Department Budset - TheDepartment operating budget for 2015 is approximately 2o/o
under the adjusted budget for 2015 at the end ofthe 4'd quarter. Based on intemal department
records, total expenditures (excludes benefits & debt service) at the end ofthe 4rh quarter are
$6,054,719. The City Controllers office is currently working on finalizing the Departments
expenditure activity and records for 2015.
20l6Budeet-was approved by Common Council Nov.4,2015. The total 2016 operating
budget approved (including benefits and debt service) is 59,874,646. The largest decrease in the
budget compared to the 2015 total adjusted budget of$10,028,078 occuned in the debt service
category - which is approximately $136K less in 2016 due to the retirement ofdebt on older
apparatus.
SCBA Equipment- The de partment was awarded a Federal grant of$413,000 to replace its l5
year old SCBA equipment. There is a l0% local match requirement for this award.
Specifications for the equipment are being developed and it may be obtained though a state
contract, otherwise bids would be requested.
Station 9 (Collegetown) - the report Iiom Kingsbury Architects on the feasibility ofrelocating
the Collegetowr Fire station to another location on East Hill has been received by the city and is
under review by the Director of Planning, the Mayor, and the City Attomey.
Board of Fire Commissioners
The BFC meeting agendas/minutes (dating back to October 1987) may be accessed from the
Board of Fire Commissioner's section of the City Website at:
htto://www.citvo fithaca.or s./3 67 lBoard-of-F ire-Comm issioners
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
February 8,2016
There is currently one opening on the Board of Fire Commissioners available to be filled by an
individual recommended by the Town Board. A vacant city position was filled in January 2016
by the appointment of John Guttridge by Mayor Myrick
As noted previously, given the Board's role in overseeing the operation ofthe department and
the effort to increase the effective use ofvolunteer's in the department it would strengthen the
Board ifthe individual appointed had experience/knowledge/skills in one or more ofthe
following areas - human resources/workforce/volunteer recruitmenV working with volunteers/
organizational uses of social media/website developmenVorganizational
development/Marketing/previous experience with the fire service. A priority for the position
would be to seek an individual with the aforementioned skills, who would also enhance the
diversity ofthe Board and reflect the community served by the fire department.
The time commitment for a board member is approximately l-3 hours per month. The Board
meets monthly on the second Tuesday ofthe month at 4 pm at Central Fire Station.
day ofthe month at 4 pm at Central Fire Station.
Volunteer Program Development
There are currently I 5 active members of Volunteer Company No. 9 who serve the department
There are two new provisional members of the Company who are awaiting training to become
active volunteers with the Department, Jack Bordoni, a very active volunteer with the Fire
Police group, passed away in December and will be missed by all who knew and worked with
him.
An ad hoc committee consisting of 2 members of the Board (Commissioners Gilligan &
Guttridge), ChiefParsons, Assistant Chief/Training Officer Tracy, plus Company 9, Captain
David Cornelius is reviewing recruitment plans for volunteers, activity requirements, and
training for volunteers, The volunteer handbook is being reviewed as part ofthis effort.
Other Items & Items in orogress:
I Upgraded software in 2015 for the 9l I system, may allow changes in the dispatch
protocols used for dispatching the fire department to EMS calls. The upgrade is also
expected to enhance emergency communication capability between agencies.
2 Charter Review- the Board will be continuing its discussion ofthe role ofBFC and is
hoping to provide the Mayor and Common Council with some suggestions for discussion
on how the Board might serve the community more effectively.
3 Resource recovery/Ialse Alarm Policy - Currently on hold pending review with the City
Attomey.
4 County Fire-Disaster - EMS Advisory Board- no new action on this issue.
5 Training Center Facility Project -no construction has been authorized due to the training
site being located on land designated as City Park land.
The Board has begun working on guidelines and procedures for recognizing meritorious service
by career and volunteer members ofthe department.
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to lthaca Town Board
February 8,2016
Respectfully Submitted, Bill Gilligan, Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners
CITY OF ITFIACA
310 West Green Street lthaca, New York fua5o-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRT CHIEF
'Ielephone: 6O7f272-1234 Fax: 6O7,a72-2793
From: C. Richard Tracy
Re: January Training
Date: February 9, 2016
I have the following training hour tally for the Month of January Training Report (Jan. 1,
- Feb. 1) according to fuehouse records.
Volunteer Training Hours - 4l
Career Training Hours - 2365*
+lncludes EMT training for l9 personnel
(Print out in your Box)
(41 hours yd - as of02/01/16)
(2365 hours ytd - as of02/01/16)
(1368 hours)
'l'raining Center Usape
City of Ithaca HR (training o flered through HAB Grant)
Vertical Access (Rope Tower Rental)
l8 hours
40 hours
NYS OFPC Course Approvals
Confined Space Awareness Course (6 hrs) x 70 personnel (420 hrs) State approved for
delivery March - April 2016.
Confined Space Rescue Technician (32 hrs) x 60 personnel (1920 hrs) State approved for
delivery May - June 2016.
.An Equal Opponunio Unlplovcr with a commitmcnt ro q.orkforcc diycrsificarion. '
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
In-Scrvice Trainins
Ithaca Fire DepartDent
Training Eouls Total by Staff
C1ass Date Betreen lO!/Ot/2OL6l And {02lOl/2OL6l
ID# Naee shift # Classes Hours
3258 Baker, l,ylan E
Tota]-s fo! staff:4 6.50
4413 Carttone. Frank .
4601 Cook. .reffley H
Tota1s fo! Staff:4 6. 50
Tota]'s for Staff:6 9. OO
3883 Cornelius, Dave
Tota1s for Staff:1 1.50
a1188 cilligan, williar
Tota1s for Staff:1 1-50
4301 Gould, Jack
lota1s for Staff: 1 1.50
4153 Longo, Robelt
Totals for Staff:1 1.50
4193 Maas, Dani€l I
Totals fo! Staff:3 5.00
3793 Rogers, Jalea
Tota].s for staff: 1 1.50
{605 Schafe!, Berlj aEin .,
196 Baker, ,rohn K
185 Basher, Thomas T
Totals for Staff:3 5.00
A
Totals fo! staff:5 7.50
Totals for staff:9 84.50
159 Covert, Robelt M
Iotals for Staff: 10 84.50
190 Eulton, JasoD S A
Totals for staff:9 15.50
201 Grant, Joshua J. F.
Totals for Staff: 8 10.75
146 Jackson, Otis E
81.75
PageQ2/09/2076 t5:.01
A
Tota].s fo! Staff:8
1
Ithaca Fire Departoent
Training Hours Total by Staff
Cl.ass Date Betreen l0l/O7/2OL6} And {0210l/2016l
ID# NaDe shifr * classes Hours
166 Pendel]., Briart T
208 Pilko, Tholoas
186 Snel.l, Peter A
161 Spadolirli, l.lark A
191 Sti1we].1, Gleg D
219 Velado, Glise]-da
212 vr-dler, Russel]. T
200 nheal, JaEes D
177 Bardo, Wade A B
204 BlowD, Rj-chard P
192 Done!, Robert J
188 Hathaway, Dean
207 Koettler, Kevin B
197 Kourkoutj.s, Cttris
215 Mola].es, Jillian 1
156 O'Connor, Christophe!B
Tota].s for staff: 15
Totals for Staff:8
9Tota.Is for staff:
Totals for Staff:6
Totals fo! Staff: 10
aota]-s for Staff: 22
Totals for Staff: 11
Tota1s fo! Staff: 74
Totals for Staff:7
Totals for Staff:
Tota].s for Staff:
Tota.Is for Staff:5
Totals fo! staff:
Totals for Staff:'t
B
A
A
A
20.75
44.75
80.75
76.15
84 -25
37 .25
29.75
1'1 .75
10.00
82.00
8.50
8.O0
6.50
78.50
9.50
11.00
I
B
B
B
B
Page 202/09/2076 75 :01
Totals for Staff :
Tota1s for staff: 5
A
A
Ittraca Fire Departnent
Training Eours Total. by Staff
Class Date Between {O7/0l/2016} And {02,/Ot/2O15}
rD# Na-roe shift # c].asses Hours
181 Pafme , T j-Eothy ,J
143 Powera, John D
B
B
Totals for staff:7 10.00
Iotals for staff: 8 11.50
210 R.aporlj, , Nj,cholas P B
Tota].s fo! Staff:6 7.50
010 Schnurle, l4ichael B
Tot-als for St-aff :I
Totals for Staff:8
82-OO
17{ weinstein, Brian S B
11.00
216 cuehraD, Louisa
Tota].s fo! Staff:5 14.50
193 Eaton, Scott A
Tota].s for Staff:9 17-00
175 !'ar}e1]', Gary H c
189 Ha.Ei].ton, Christopher
Totals for Staff:6 L2.OO
Totals for Staff:11.50
159 Halding, willia!c
Iota].s for Staff:1 72. OO
214 Louis, Jallon c
Tota].s for Staff:9 19. 50
199 O' Halloran, l'lichael
Tota.Ls fo! Staff:6 13.50
205 Pace, Daryl L
Tota]'s for Staff:6 11.00
2O5 Pefrus, T-evo! M C
Tota].s for Staff: 6 12 .50
195 Ouadrozzi, Blian A
Totals fo! S taff:4 6.50
154 stevenson, Gleg w
02/09/2016 15:. O1
c
Totals for Staff:2 78.00
Page 3
Ithaca F1re Detr)artBerrt
Training Eours Total by Staff
class Date Between IOL/OL/2O16) And {02IOL/2O161
rD* Naie shift i+ Classes Hours
149 Ti,er, Da.rliel c
Totals fo! Staff:2 ?a - o0
178 whitney, Kevin L c
Tota1s for Staff:A 80. 00
1A4 za)ac, Daniel M
Tot-a]"s for Staff:4 9. 50
182 AI)ga!, Geolge H D
fotaLs fo! Staff:6 80.25
198 Buck, Ada.o D
Tota]-s for Staff: 7 79.75
220 Cacciotti, Rj-chard D
aota]-s for staff: 49
Tota].s for Staff: L4
Tota].s for Staff: 34
199.00
171 Croxley, fhoEas P
158 Deis, ThoDas
D
14.50
D
30.50
19{ c€be1, Jared K D
Totala fo! staff: L1 17.O0
165 Heath, Charles w D
Totals for staff:9 81- 75
187 Orenstein, Beth S D
Tota1s fo! Staff:7 81.25
152 Raponi. ItroDas M D
Tota].s for Staff: 2L 20.00
183 Sullivan, Patrick J
203 ThoDpson, Kenneth G
27L ai.er, Nico].as
D
Tot-a]'s for staff: 10 9.2s
D
Tota].s for Staff: L4 18-50
D
Tota].s for Staff: !7 18.50
007 VanBenschotea, Guy
02/09/2016 75:. O'7
D
Tota1s foE Staff : 13 13. 50
Page 4
Ithaca Fire Departnent
Iraining Eours Total by Staff
Class Date Between lOt/OLl2Ot6l And {02l0t/20t6l
ID# NaDe shift * c].asses Hours
209 Watros, llatther, J D
145 Haines- Sharp, Gi].lian E E
213 Lawrence, .rason P E
Tota]-s fo! Staff: 23 2L.OO
Totals for Staff:5 8A.50
Total,s for staff:7-00
217 Shepherd, Robert
Totals for Staff:I 44_OO
150 Tracy, Clinton R
Totals for Staff:6 7.50
218 watros. Dy.].an E
Totals for staff:9
Tota]-s for Staff:1
43. s0
4605 Hayton, Arlthony J
1.50
141 Parsons, C TtroBas
Tota]-s fo! staff:2 12.50
crand Totals: 602 2 ,406.75
02/09/2076 75: O't Page 5