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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1997-04-08 CITY CLERK'S OFFICE ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS APRIL 8,1997 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Lyman Baker,Robert Romanowski,Cynthia Yahn and Alvin Nelson,Common Council Liaison Pam Mackesey. ABSENT: Commissioner Paul Alexander (excused). I. Chairperson Baker called the meeting to order at 1803 hrs. II. Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 11, 1997 meeting as written. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. III. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: none IV. Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners: -Al Burns,speaking on behalf of the Fire Police, addressed the Board regarding his concern about the lack of activity for the Fire Police and unorganized training. Lyle Neigh suggested there was some concern that Lt. Dan Tier was not legally authorized to deliver the training (he wasn't questioning Dan's capability). Chief Wilbur reported that there was some confusion about this but the problem was at the State level and has been resolved. Chief Wilbur will call a meeting of the Fire Police and Lt. Tier to resolve some of the other concerns. V. Correspondence: - CNY Firemen's Association-Trumpet Newsletter VI. Membership Changes: - Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the following new members: Steven Wehrspann- Co#9 Michael Contorno- Unaffiliated Bunker The motion was seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. VII. Miscellaneous Reports: - Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the audit in the amount of$14,150.97. Seconded by Comm. Romanowski. Carried unanimously. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners April 8, 1997 Page 2 -Tompkins County Fire Advisory Board-last meeting was canceled due to the weather. -Comm. Romanowski provided a written copy of his report to the Town of Ithaca Board (see copy in Minute Book). VIII. Department Report (Chief, Deputy Chief,Volunteer Coordinator and Training): (see written report in Minute Book) Chief Wilbur reported on highlights of the report: Life Safety Division: -RRP-Committee still working; -Administrative Assistant-Financial-City Personnel office will run an advertisement for applications beginning sometime this week; -Charter Changes -Chief explained the process Common Council is going through to restore Charter provisions. One item of discrepancy relates to control of Fire Department buildings and properties. A sample resolution regarding this issue is offered for consideration by the Board and will be taken up under New Business. -A current personnel roster is provided; - Disability Status-Chief Wilbur reported that we have received unofficial word that the appeal of the denial of accidental disability for T. Edward Driscoll has been denied. The Chief is meeting tomorrow with several City officials tomorrow to consider the situation. -Fire Fighter Entrance Exam-being held June 7, 1997. Recruiting to diversify the work force is in process. - No update on Fire Advisory Board Appointments - Chapter C Task Force-good research and development - Town of Ithaca Sprinkler Ordinance -there is talk of modifying the retro. part of the ordinance-Chief Wilbur attended last night's meeting and a Committee was formed to work with this issue. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners April 8, 1997 Page 3 -Fire Department Safety Committee will be reorganized and reactivated by AC Doug Vliet Operations Division: -DC Dorman provided an Incident (call) summary for the month of April 1997. See Minute Book. -Special Services Fees- a proposal is being developed by Lt. Tracy-for technical services (eg. rope rescue),haz mat incidents, etc. Comm. Romanowski asked about fees for EMS calls. Chief Wilbur described the circumstances where this could happen eg. when Fire Department arrives first on the scene in advance of the ambulance,or extrication at motor vehicle accidents. We cannot charge a fee for fire suppression activities. -A draft of a Haz Mat Joint Operating Agreement was offered for consideration at the next meeting - 1896 Steamer-A committee will be formed to evaluate the steamer and make recommendations for future efforts. While this is happening, the steamer will be moved to Station 7 for this evaluation and free up the front foyer for space needs of the department - An outline was provided by Chief Wilbur and AC LaBuff regarding training center improvements and operating guidelines along with recommendations for further improvements and ideas regarding possible uses of the facility. -Replacement Aerial Purchase-see time line in Minute Book - Space Needs Studies - related to evaluation of the future disposition of Station 7 and space needs at Central Station, the Building and Fire Departments are working on a proposal to the B & A Committee to do a design study. -Training(see written report from AC Wheaton in Minute Book) - SCBA Certifications are in progress - Recruit Fire Fighters are completing their third week of training at the State Fire Academy;next three weeks will be spent in Ithaca; following three weeks will be back at the Fire Academy. Volunteer Services Division (see written report from VC Lynch in Minute Book). - A Volunteer Residency Policy draft was offered for review. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners April 8, 1997 Page 4 - The IPFFA has come forward with a position that they support the Ithaca Volunteer Fire Fighter program and that they support the Volunteer Residency Policy. The Board should consider entertaining discussion on this matter with representatives of the IPFFA. This position came out of the Labor Management group and the Chief is forwarding this information to the Board. Comm. Romanowski commended the IPFFA for recognizing the efforts of the volunteer program. He noted that, as far as he knows, this is the first time they have gone on record in support of the volunteers. Discussion followed regarding residency requirements for City employees. Pam Mackesey reported that Common Council is discussing City residency requirements for all City employees,particularly for the Police Department. However,fire fighters are exempt under the State Public Officer's Law; the Board or Common Council could adopt a policy regarding residency for volunteers if so desired. - Americorps Application- the renewal application has been filed. VC Lynch will provide copies to the Board. Comm. Yahn asked if the renewal application included funding for administration of the program. VC Lynch indicated that $1,000 per participant could be applied toward administration of the program, if approved. Also the scope of the program has been reduced to 20 full time and 20 part time participants based on information received from current members that indicated the number of hours required to qualify for full eligibility was too much. - Incentives and service duty hours -Personnel Admin. and Assistant City Attorney both agree that there is not conflict or risk of change of status for volunteers participating in the incentive program and using service duty hours instead of counting activities . The Board asked if they could get a letter from the Attorney's office stating this opinion to have for the record. Chief Wilbur will make the request. -Volunteer Company Agreements have been sent to the City Attorney's Office for review. At this time, the Board discussed the issue of why the Volunteer Services Division Dinner was not being held at a restaurant in the Ithaca Fire Department service area that would allow for on-duty personnel to attend. VC Lynch reported that there was a problem finding a place that could accommodate the date and space needed, and that Lake Watch was the best location and value Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners April 8, 1997 Page 5 based on last year's dinner. The Board and Pam Mackesey (speaking for Common Council) would like the dinner held in the district in the future. IX. Old Business - Company Contract Status- already discussed in Chief's Report. -Volunteer incentive: hours vs time spent-already discussed in Chief's Report. -Station 7 Committee Report: Comm. Yahn reported that it is clear that the volunteer companies do not want to move to Station 7,IPFF is not interested in moving their office there, and it is not clear if C&O could utilize space there. The space needs at Central indicate that it would be unwise to sell Station 7 as we could use it for inanimate space-storage,etc. Also the real estate market is saturated and would be unwise to try to sell now. The Committee has received 3 proposals,2 of which allow for retention of some space for IFD use as well as generate revenue. The same 2 proposals also do not require major space rearrangement and preserves the historical value of the building. The most lucrative offer comes from Cornell University-most money, and most flexible use of the space; the other offer comes from Historic Ithaca and is less money. The third proposal comes from a day care center that doesn't address the financial aspects and would require significant changes in the building as well as no room for fire department use. Discussions with the City Controller indicate that a Capital Reserve Fund could be established to deposit rent monies; however, some guarantees would need to be gained to insure that the Fire Department budget is not reduced due to the income received. Also, the Cornell offer could not be confirmed until August 1997. Given this information, the Board agreed that the Committee should continue work along the lines of gaining confirmation of funds for the Cornell program and working with the City Controller's office. This gives the department time to establish short term space needs and the opportunity to receive any further proposals. Lyle Neigh indicated that the C & 0 team did not indicate they couldn't use the space there, and that it would be well suited to their need to have their office and Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners April 8, 1997 Page 6 vehicle located in one spot. The Board will keep this in mind when deciding on the use of Station 7. Al Burns,speaking on behalf of Company 7,indicated they are still an active company and are concerned about the future of the building. -Parking for Station 9 bunkers -they have received approval for spaces at the Dryden Road garage from the Board of Public Works. X. New Business -From the Chief's Report: Comm. Romanowski moved the following resolution: WHEREAS,the Board of Fire Commissioners has historically been charged with the authority and responsibility over Ithaca Fire Department buildings and properties; and, WHEREAS, the administration and staff of the Ithaca Fire Department has routinely budgeted and otherwise provided for the maintenance and repair of fire department buildings and properties, as a function of the fire department budget and work schedule; and WHEREAS, the ability of the fire department to function effectively 24 hours per day,365 days per year hinges in part on the independent ability to make arrangements for such repairs or other activities as may be necessary to keep all facilities operational; WHEREAS, two of the facilities are situated in a provide service to the Town of Ithaca, with certain support services provided by the Town;now therefore be it RESOLVED,the Board of Fire Commissioners requests the Ithaca Common Council of the City of Ithaca to reinstate by referendum the exception previously provided in Section C-61.A(9) of the City Charter which invested the authority and responsibility over fire department facilities with the Board of Fire Commissioners, rather than the Board of Public Works; and be it further RESOLVED, that such referendum be included in those to be offered for public vote in the November 1997 election. The resolution was seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners April 8, 1997 Page 7 -Comm. Nelson made a motion to approve the following staff recommendations regarding 1996 Volunteer Incentive Awards-Award Level: That the award level for 1996 once again be set at$350.00,the same as the upper level award for each of the past two years;and should 12 members qualify,this would represent an expense of$4,200.00 from the Retention line in the 435 account (last year's expense was $5,075.00). Also recommended: That the Volunteer Services Division,no later than the June meeting, submit to the Board of Fire Commissioners a proposed plan for allocating remaining funds in the 435 account designated for retention of volunteer personnel. The motion was seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. - "Touch the Community" coalition-The Chief will elaborate at next month's meeting regarding changes in the fire service that will affect us. We need to effectively meet the challenges of the future as one unit- need all energies working in one direction (not against each other). -City Cemetery monument-Comm. Baker and Lyle Neigh spoke about the work that is being planned to restore the monument and surrounding grounds. Someone has already been in touch with Deputy Chief Dorman about how the department can help with equipment and manpower. The Board may be asked for a financial contribution to help defray expenses. The Veteran Volunteers are in charge of the project and they will be in touch with the Board with a more specific timeline. -The Board of Fire Commissioners will solicit nominations for the annual award. The only criteria that has been cited in the past is "exceptionally meritorious service". Chairperson Baker will write a letter to advertise for solicitations. XI. Executive Session-not needed. XII. At 1935 hrs. Comm. Yahn moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Comm. Romanowski. Carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, (71)1, C6Letlzc Christine M. Wilbur,Clerk Board of Fire Commissioners Minutes will be reviewed for approval at the May 13, 1997 meeting.