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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1998-10-13 A ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OCTOBER 13,1998 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Robert Romanowski,Lyman Baker and Paul Alexander; ABSENT: Commissioners Cynthia Yahn and Alvin Nelson. Chair Romanowski called the meeting to order at 1808 hrs. II. Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 8, 1998 meeting as written. Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. III. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: -Chair Romanowski-add Uniform request by IVFU to Old Business; - Chair Romanowski-add possible radio purchase for Fire Police to New Business. IV. Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners: -Lyle Neigh reported the Vets are in the final process for approval to build the enclosure for the steamer. Final approval from the Town of Ithaca should come tomorrow night-the contractor will begin work on Thursday. The only issue now is when will the steamer be ready? The enclosure cannot be finished until the steamer is actually inside of it. Chair Romanowski reported he has contacted Senator Seward's office to request a State grant or some kind of funding to help the Vets with this project. - Bill Gilligan reported the IVFU group discussed the changes being made to the Essentials program and the new Training 2000 program being implemented. They have a concern that some people will not have an opportunity to be "grandfathered" as they have not had an opportunity to take one aspect of the Essentials class. -Ernie Jackson discussed the need for volunteer companies to officially report changes in their membership - particularly those members who have died so they can be recognized by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York. After a long discussion regarding the status of the database for volunteers, Chair Romanowski asked the Clerk to send a letter to each company to request an updated list of members to be received no later than December 31, 1998. V. Membership Changes: - Chair Romanowski made a motion to approve the following additions; Erin Brand -Unaffiliated Bunker Jason Grollman -Co. 9 Joy Atwood - Co. 9 • ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMSSIONERS OCTOBER 13,1998 PAGE 2 Rutland "Skip" Paal-Co. 4 Geoffrey Doebler-Co. 5 Jordan Erenrich-Co. 9 Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -Comm. Baker made a motion to accept the following resignations: John D'Esterhazy-Unaffiliated Bunker Charles Hong-Co. 9 Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -Comm. Baker made a motion to accept the following removals: Ernesto Acosta-Co. 9 Piyush Mehta-Co. 9 Michael Contorno-Unaf. Bunker Joshua Rich-Co. 1 Cathy Hornbrook-Co. 1 Joshua Schuler-Co. 9 Craig Kiebler- Co. 9 Dave Slurzberg-Co. 4 Thomas Kucera-Co. 9 Lee Williams-Co. 3 Charles Jennings-Co. 9 N. Dylan Willoughby-Co. 9 John "Ian" McDevitt-Co. 4 Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -The Board noted the deaths of the following members: Lawrence Flynn-Co. 7 Gerald Hubble-Co. 1 Gerald Rich-Co. 1 VI. Miscellaneous Reports: -Chair Romanowski submitted his written report to the Town of Ithaca (see report in Minute Book) -Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the audit in the amount of$15, 130.16. Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -Tompkins County Fire Advisory Board -minutes of the last meeting were received. Lyle Neigh reported the group is having a problem with attendance so most of the meetings are devoted to discussions-no official action. The most recent meetings have been devoted to discussion of the multi-million dollar change in the radio system for Tompkins County. Several problems have arisen- speed of the project, need of the project, location and numbers of towers needed, etc. Chief Wilbur explained some of the project and suggested that Jack Miller be invited to a Board meeting to discuss the project in detail. Chief Wilbur also reported that terms for two City reps. to that Board will expire in December -one delegate, and one alternate. The Clerk will send a letter to them asking if they are interested in being re-appointed. ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMSSIONERS OCTOBER 13,1998 PAGE 3 WI. Department Report (Chief, Deputy Chief,Volunteer Coordinator and Training) See written reports in the Minute Book. Chief Wilbur highlighted his report as follows: LIFE SAFETY DIVISION Administration -Operation Budget-see graphs attached; - Mutual Aid Reimbursements-nothing yet from the North Country; and figures are still being put together for the Syracuse trip. - 175th Anniversary-program book is available; several events have been held- Memorial Service and Anniversary Dinner were both fitting and appropriate events. Projects left are the Steamer repair and IFD history book update. -Career Personnel Report-see attached from DC Dorman. - 1999 Budget-Chief Wilbur reported the meeting with the B & A Committee did not go well-mostly can be attributed to not having received the Mayor's budget until less than 24 hrs. before budget hearing and misunderstanding of the numbers. There will be no loss of personnel. The department will continue to campaign for the items and personnel we still need. Commissioner Alexander commended Chief Wilbur for his maintenance of composure at the very difficult meeting of the B & A Committee. Fire Prevention Bureau - See attached reports for the Cause &Origin Team (August & Sept. reports); - False Alarm Ordinances and Place of Assembly Permits still need to be worked on; - Board of Fire Appeals-Chief Wilbur reported there may be a need to activate the group -checking with the City Attorney for appointment process-probably will need one representative from the Board of Fire Commissioners. Safety - 2 in, 2 out- demo. held on September 26, 1998 for members of appointed councils,boards and commissions- was worth the effort. Most elements of the respiratory protection standard in place and is complying as of October 5, 1998. Commissioner Alexander praised the demonstration and felt it made a good impression on those present. - Physical Fitness Program - work continues on development. OPERATIONS DIVISION Response - See September report from DC Dorman attached. Also provided is a year-to- date breakdown of responses by service areas. Support - See attached report from DC Dorman. • ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMSSIONERS OCTOBER 13,1998 PAGE 4 -New Engine Specs are being finalized -anticipation of bid opening by early- November. -Station 7 Sale Issue-Chief Wilbur presented some preliminary projects and estimates-should be finalized by November meeting. -Reinstate Vehicle 942-moved to New Business. Training -See monthly training report from DC Dorman. - The Board had a lengthy discussion regarding the requirements for the new "Training 2000" that will begin next year. Part of the problem is that no official information has been received locally. DC Dorman will be asked to find out what the status is of requirements now and after. VOLUNTEER SERVICES DIVISION (see written reports in the Minute Book) Membership Unit -Volunteer Coord. Marcia Lynch reported the biggest challenge now is to get new volunteers trained. Since the department can't offer training to small groups,we have taken advantage of the County training which also hasn't happened due to small numbers. She is fearful the length of time between trainings will dampen new volunteer's enthusiasm. -The survey of former volunteers is moving ahead with Comm. Baker assisting- they plan to survey approximately 104 former volunteers. - Agway pub. ed program-the dynamics of this event are not conducive to providing the information we want the public to hear; - Co. 9 pancake breakfast- fabulous event-very well organized, well attended and effective in public education. Service/Duty Unit - Bill Gilligan and Ken Jupiter reported on the 9/22/98 IVFU meeting- organizational statement was approved; co-leaders (Bill & Ken) will be forwarded to the Chief for official appointment; Scott LaSalle will be the meeting recorder;Rich Keller will prepare a monthly newsletter that will be distributed after each month's Board meetings;next meeting will be October 27 at 6 PM; Board members will also be notified; group approved the recommendation for purchase of uniforms for bunkers and volunteers - to be considered in Old Business. -Chief Wilbur reported that vouchers for City Contract monies for volunteer companies are being processed. Comm. Baker expressed his concern about volunteer companies who may be inactive but still receiving funding. The Board and Chief had a lengthy discussion about the current contract and reporting requirements and the fact that Common Council is questioning the use of these monies. Chief Wilbur suggested that future contracts contain requirements for ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMSSIONERS OCTOBER 13,1998 PAGE 5 letter to volunteer companies reminding them of their reporting obligations and requesting information that is currently missing. VIII. Old Business: - Chair Romanowski reported that he has been in touch with the City Controller's Office as well as the New York State Association of Fire Chief's regarding insurance coverage and Worker's Comp. coverage for volunteers. He has been assured that there is adequate coverage for volunteers. -Joe Scaglione of the POWER group is mounting a full campaign and speaking out about fire department issues and funding problems (particularly to Ithaca College). - After a short discussion, Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the recommendation by the IVFU to fund uniforms for active volunteers and bunkers in the amount of$50.00 each, not to exceed $3,000 from the Fire Department's operating budget (Volunteer Recruitment& Retention-435 account);with any balance up to$3,000 being used to purchase duty t-shirts to be kept in stock. Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. IX. New Business: -Chair Romanowski supplied the Board with information regarding the possible purchase of Motorola two-way radios for the Fire Police. Funding for this purchase would come from the Donation Fund. Comm. Alexander will explore other equipment prices and the Board will consider this item at the November meeting. Cost will be approximately$575.00. - After a short discussion,Chair Romanowski made a motion to approve the recommendation of Chief Wilbur to rescind the March 1998 resolution to dispose of vehicle 942,and to restore vehicle 942 to active status with the department. (see Resolution in Minute Book). Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. X. At 1935 hrs. the Board moved into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. At 1946 hrs. the Board resumed open session. Chair Romanowski made a motion to approve a request of a needy member of Co. 7 and to authorize the Clerk of the Board to request the City Chamberlain to make a payment from the 2% Firemen's Relief Fund. Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. XI. At 1947 hrs.,Comm. Baker moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMSSIONERS OCTOBER 13,1998 PAGE 6 Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Christine M. Wilbur,Clerk Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners (Minutes to be reviewed for approval at the November 10, 1998 meeting) 33I330 S.XH3Z3 ASIJ