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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1998-05-12 ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MAY 12,1998 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Robert Romanowski, Lyman Baker,Paul Alexander,Alvin Nelson, and Cynthia Yahn. Chairperson Romanowski called the meeting to order at 1800 hrs. II. Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1998 meeting. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Chair Romanowski made one correction: -P. 2 -The CU auction was conducted in memory of a Long Island Volunteer Fire Fighter (who was not a Cornell student). -Comm. Baker's report at the April meeting regarding IVVFA and radios for Fire Police should have said "discussed" not that they "agreed". The motion carried unanimously. III. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: -Comm. Baker reported that Co. #2 is short of City funds -they have not way currently to purchase any uniforms or radios. Can the Board do anything to help them out? He asked if it was possible to access 2% funds -the excess of the $90,000 required to be kept? Chair Romanowski will check with the City Chamberlain. - Comm. Alexander requested a brief Executive Session to discuss the Commissioner's Recognition Award. IV. Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners-None. V. Correspondence: - Letter from Vet Firemen's Assoc. to inform the Board that there was no intention on their part to purchase radios for the Fire Police (as reported in last month's meeting). -Vet Firemen have agreed to print the BFC Recognition Award certificate at no cost; - The Vet Firemen have also asked for a long term agreement for storing/displaying the steamer as the are planning to invest a great deal of money to build the glass enclosure; -Letter from Chief Wilbur to Lyle Neigh regarding the same subject (steamer); - Letter from Chief Wilbur to Patti Freelove of Titus Towers, thanking her for a donation; - Letter from Co. #7 regarding department reorganization. VI. Membership Changes: - Comm. Nelson made a motion to approve the addition of Karen Okrasinski (Unaffiliated Bunker). Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners May 12,1998 Page 2 -Comm. Nelson made a motion to accept the following resignations: Anthony Ellis-Unaffiliated Bunker Leighann Sullivan - Co. #9 Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. -Comm. Baker made a notion to remove the following members for failure to complete training and/or have left the area: Allen Beal-Co. #9 Christopher Ireland -Unaffiliated Bunker Charles Lucas -Co. #1 John-Frederick Thye-Co. #9 Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. VII. Miscellaneous Reports: - Chair Romanowski made a motion to approve the audit in the amount of $9,949.92 Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. -Chair Romanowski provided a written copy of his report to the Town of Ithaca (see copy in the Minute Book). - Tompkins County Fire Advisory Board - Deputy Chief Dorman reported from the April 27th meeting- radio system changes of the year 2004; capital construction project through County; Frank Wood was not approved as the industrial representative to the Training Center Board as he is not a resident of Tompkins County. VIII. Department Report (Chief, Deputy Chief, Volunteer Coordinator and Training): Administration: - Chief Wilbur distributed written copies of last month's report. He reviewed the following items from his report for May 1998 (see copy of complete report in Minute Book): -Operating Budget Status - Board members will be receiving this report each month (with the assistance of Eileen Camp in the office); - 175th Anniversary - Chief Wilbur reported on activities of the group - also requested consideration of advancement of "seed" monies to get the station banner project off the ground. The plan is to reimburse costs with proceeds from the ad book (if there is enough). (This item is discussed again under New Business). Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners May 12, 1998 Page 3 - Program Analysis Committee-Council members have asked for additional information related to comparative data between IFD and other communities. Council also asked questions regarding ISO rating-no discussion of actual budget numbers that was expected. Chief Wilbur again noted that the current Common Council's request for various pieces of information takes significantly more of his time than ever. -Computer Information- the information requested from the City will require a significant investment of time and energy- could take an intern working full time to gather the information requested. He also talked about the requirement for a "year 200 compliant" certificate required for all purchases of computer hardware and software. Again he noted the increased demand for information requested and the toll it takes on the day-to-day operations of the department. Also, the Department is looking at having to replace the "Unix Box" which means requesting an addition$5,000 of City funds. -Parking Update; - Career Personnel Report; - Administrative Responsibility changes - see report; - IFD-L: Internet List Server-see report; - Common Council meetings -Chief Wilbur reminded the Board that there is always an opportunity for Boards and Commissioners to make a report at Common Council meetings- Comm. Yahn indicated she could make the reports; Fire Prevention Bureau - Cause & Origin Report- (See report from AC Wheaton in the Minute Book) - Chief Wilbur added that recent incidents have involved the Ithaca Police Department and the State Police - all have been positive experiences and a good cooperative effort. Safety - 2 in, 2 out (see Chief's written report) -Chief Wilbur reported this requirement will have a big impact on IFD -we're struggling with the staffing levels as it is and this requirement adds a huge demand in numbers of personnel. Staff will be meeting to discuss ways of dealing with this issue. Response Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners May 12, 1998 Page 4 - DC Dorman reported that DPW has been very cooperative in helping with overhaul (First Street fire) as well as NYSEG. -The Mayor has proposed a$3,600 capital project for phone lines connected to the Emergency Operations Center (at Central Fire Station). Support - Station 7- B&A set aside the resolution regarding disposition of the building- need to come back with a plan for space needs (see discussion document in the Minute Book). Chair Romanowski believes a new facility for Central Fire Station may be the only real solution. - 1896 Steamer (see report and discussion previously in the meeting); -Capital Projects- DC Dorman provided a report of requests for 1999 (due May 15h) as well as a 5 year projection that was required. The Board reviewed the list and concurs with the overall goals of the capital project program as reported and directed him to proceed with submittal of the requests. -After discussion of the problems with the Angus Hose, Chair Romanowski made a motion that upon the recommendation of DC Dorman that the Angus Hose (Saulsbury) was unsatisfactory due to failure of hose to meet technical specs., that the bid be refused and awarded to Snap Tite Hose (Jerome Fire Equipment). Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. Training - See monthly training report from DC Dorman in Minute Book. Chief Wilbur reported there have been significant changes to the training program now under the leadership of DC Dorman- very good, positive comments - tremendous amount of work- quality of program way up! He also reported that the additions and renovations at the training center have made it a very nice place to go -congratulations for a job well done that was coordinated by AC LaBuff. The Chief also noted that much of the work was completed by Fire Department personnel. - Stipends for squad leaders for Bunker training- (see report) -The Board discussed the matter and did not come to any conclusions. They asked Chief Wilbur to report again at next month's meeting. Membership Unit - See written report from Volunteer Coordinator Lynch-she has put the information in a new format for ease of reading. Service/Duty Unit Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners May 12, 1998 Page 5 -See written report from VC Lynch. IX. Old Business: - Chair Romanowski made a motion to direct the Fire Chief to enter into a long term agreement with the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association to house and display the 1896 Steamer. Seconded by Comm. Baker. Discussion followed regarding the need for a legal (zoning considerations), secure facility. The motion carried unanimously. Chief Wilbur reported that Common Council should be advised of this plan and he will meet with the City Attorney to draft the language of the agreement. Chair Romanowski offered his assistance to work on these arrangements. X. New Business: - Chair Romanowski made a motion to authorize up to $1,500 from the Donation Account to advance "seed" money for the 175th celebration activities - monies to be reimbursed if proceeds from the sale of the ad book are enough. Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. XI. At 1934 hrs. the Board moved into Executive Session to discuss the Commissioner's Recognition Award. XII. At 1940 hrs. the Board resumed regular session. Comm. Baker made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, i Christine M. Wilbur, Clerk Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners (Minutes will be reviewed for approval at the June 9, 1998 meeting)