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Home My WebLink AboutMN-BFC-1997-05-13 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MAY 13,1997 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Robert Romanowski,Alvin Nelson, Cynthia Yahn and Paul Alexander;Common Council Liaison Pam Mackesey EXCUSED: Commissioner Baker (on vacation) Vice Chairperson Romanowski called the meeting to order at 1802 hrs. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: All C Shift personnel were invited to the Board meeting to witness the presentation of a Letter of Commendation to Fire Fighter Shawn M. Flynn for his actions during an emergency medical response of an infant choking on 25 APR 97. The commendation was recommended by Acting Assistant Fire Chief Lt. Michael J. Schnurle and Acting Lieutenant FF James M. Crowley and was presented to him by Chief Brian H. Wilbur. See Letter of Commendation in Minute Book. Board members, staff and others present expressed their appreciation to FF Flynn; Board members would like to recognize him to the Common Council and the local media. II. Comm. Nelson made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 9, 1997 meeting as written. Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. III. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: -Chief Wilbur indicated that Old Business item regarding residency has already been discussed and reminded the Board that the Town of Ithaca is included. - Chief Wilbur inquired if the item under New Business regarding the Sexual Harassment Policy was to refer to a specific incident; if so, this is not an appropriate topic for the Board to discuss-it is his responsibility to handle personnel matters. Comm. Romanowski reported this is an information item only- to remind everyone that there is a policy and everyone needs to be aware of it. IV. Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners: - Lyle Neigh reported that Company 5 is planning their annual 4th of July Fireworks picnic at Station#5 - date to be announced. He also encouraged Board members to attend as they have traditionally not been well represented. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners Page 2 May 13, 1997 Minutes - Lyle Neigh also expressed disappointment that there was no media coverage for the Volunteer Recognition dinner and awards that were presented. He feels this is an excellent avenue for the public to be aware of what the Department is accomplishing. V. Correspondence: - At the request of the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association,Comm. Yahn made a motion to authorize a$100.00 donation (from the Donation Fund account) to assist them with the Firemen's Monument restoration project. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. VI. Membership Changes: -Comm. Nelson made a motion to approve Michael Bedell as a member of Co. #1,and as a non-student bunker. Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -Comm. Nelson made a motion to accept the resignation of Gary Kakazu from Co. #1 (he is leaving the area). Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. VII. Miscellaneous Reports: -Comm. Nelson made a motion to approve the audit in the amount of $22,023.06. Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -Tompkins County Fire Advisory Board-minutes of the last meeting have not yet been received. -Comm. Nelson made a motion to approve payment of$54.97 to Wegmari s for refreshments purchased after the 808 E. Seneca St. fire (04/10/97). Seconded by Comm. Alexander. Carried unanimously. -Comm. Romanowski's report to the Town of Ithaca (see Minute Book). - Comm. Romanowski's report of the annual meeting of the Cayuga Medical Center-see agenda of meeting in Minute Book. VIII. Department Report (Chief, Deputy Chief,Volunteer Coordinator and Training) - see written reports in the Minute Book. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners Page 3 May 13, 1997 Minutes -Chief Wilbur discussed highlights of the reports: Administration: - RRP Project report- outside evaluators coming May 14-15; -Administrative Assistant-Financial-interviews next week; - Charter Changes as they relate to control of Fire Dept. facilities; -Capital Improvement project requests for 1998; - Department Head evaluations; - Career Personnel Report from DC Dorman; - 1998 Operating Budget-change in process (date due); Fire Prevention Bureau: - Chapter C Committee -continues to work; -False Alarm Task Force-to be convened; -Town of Ithaca Sprinkler Ordinance-changes sought; Safety: - Safety Committee to be organized; Operations Division: Response: -April 1997 incidents of note; -Fire Police-report of April 30, 1997 meeting Support - Aerial Apparatus Purchase-see updated timeline in Minute Book - 1896 Steamer Relocated to Station 7 for evaluation; -Hydrant Testing-schedule in progress -Bridge Weight Restrictions Service/Duty Unit - Bunker Program-report of April 29, 1997 meeting -Incentives and Service Duty Hours Retention -Volunteer Company Agreements-should be ready for Board action in June Training - See report from AC Wheaton in Minute Book; -4 new recruits are finishing their training at the State Fire Academy- graduation will be held on May 23rd and all are invited to attend. It was also decided that a presentation or introduction of new recruits could be made at a Common Council meeting-awareness to the public, etc. This will be discussed at the June Board meeting. Volunteer Services Division - See report from VC Lynch in Minute Book; - Membership activity- most in bunker program;trying to get commitments for Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners Page 4 May 13, 1997 Minutes summer participation; -Volunteer activity is slightly down- recruitment campaign to get in full swing soon; - Bunker Ed Morgan- first to successfully complete AmeriCorps requirements; - Still waiting to hear if AmeriCorps application is approved for coming academic year; - 13 members qualified for 1996 Incentive Awards- for a total cost of$4,550. -Chairperson Baker submitted a letter (see Minute Book) regarding suggestions for additional levels of activity that could be counted for Incentive Awards. This will be discussed at a future meeting; - Review of membership roster and status; -Volunteer Services Division Dinner was somewhat successful-will consider the future of this recognition event. Any activity related to this event will be held within the District. IX. Old Business: -Volunteer Fire Fighters Residency (already discussed above); -Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the Joint Haz Mat Contract between the City of Cortland and the City of Ithaca as reported and discussed at the April meeting. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. -Guidelines for use of City contract monies-letter from Chairperson Baker; - Station 7 Committee report-Comm. Yahn reported work is continuing regarding space needs design and request to Common Council for funding; -Volunteer Services Division Banquet-any future functions to be held within the service district. X. New Business: -City Sexual Harassment Policy-need to be aware of it; - IFD Clambake-July 12- details to follow; -Active volunteers -proposal by Chairperson Baker-no action was taken; -Company#6 - 125 years old this year-BFC will prepare a proclamation to honor this event. -The Company Captain's group will be asked to form a committee to access company needs as it relates to bunkers. XI. Executive Session- at 1920 hrs. Comm. Romanowski made a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss the 1996 Board of Fire Commissioner's annual recognition award. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. XII. At 1922 hrs. the Board resumed open session and Comm. Yahn moved that the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners Page 5 May 13,1997 Minutes meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, / (7(ILL Christine M. Wilbur,Clerk Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners Minutes will be reviewed for approval at the June 10, 1997 meeting.