HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1996-01-09 ITHACA FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
JANUARY 9, 1996
MINUTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Jennings (arrived 1820 hrs . ) , Baker,
Romanowski and Yahn
ABSENT: Commissioner Nelson
1 . Vice Chairperson Baker called the meeting to order at 1803
hrs .
2 . Approval of Minutes
3 . Additions/deletions to the agenda: None
4 . Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners :
None
5. Correspondence:
- Co. #2 - report of 1995 City Monies;
- Letter of thanks to A.C. Wanck from Bill Petrillose for
response to Center Ithaca on Dec. 10, 1995 .
6 . Report from Tompkins County Fire Advisory Board - (No
meeting in December) - however, Chief Wilbur reported on the
status of the E911 system which mostly consists of
unresolved issues between Tompkins County and NYNEX. He
read a letter from William Allen, Vice President of
7 . Membership Changes:
- Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the addition of
Thomas Basher (Bunker) to Co. #5. Seconded by Comm. Yahn.
Carried unanimously.
8. Committee Reports - None
9 . Chief' s Report: (see also written report attached to
minutes)
- Work on RRP continues - will inform volunteers and
community as to what' s happening; next report to the Board
in February.
- Personnel Report: 11 candidates are available for 2
vacancies - initial interviews will be held on January 23,
1996 - will screen list to smaller group - a 2nd \, more
intense interview will take place sometime after that.
Interview team will include a rep. from the Board of Fire
Commissioners - Charles Jennings agreed to represent the
Board.
Board of Fire Commissioners 2
January 9, 1996
Chief Wilbur reported the department will be 7 Fire Fighters
short by July - they include: 2 on long term disability
(currently appealing denial by NYS Retirement for Disability
Retirement) , 1 disability (out approx. 1 year so far -
expect to return, but not known when) ; 2 retirements at the
end of February; 1 continues to be off for a personnel
matter; and 1 maternity leave in July. All of these people
continue to be paid from Fire Department budget. Reductions
in the overtime account and trimming the overall budget is
not a reality. Change in State Disability Retirement policy
is also very devastating to our budget.
- Response stats - Volunteer Response index & Election
District Report
- Need guidance for 1996 work plans - establish priorities
for Chief, Board, etc.
- Organizational Chart- will be distributed this Friday.
- Discussion of 939 problems - waiting for HME to reach a
solution - all information has been documented.
- The Board will receive a copy of the Americorp grant
application - waiting to hear results .
- The Bunker Council is working on a new scheduling system;
a new volunteer/bunker day log program is being created to
track time on the computer.
10. Old Business/Other:
- The Board discussed the possibility of Station 7 closing -
all agreed that there are lots of physical problems with the
buildings as well as limited effectiveness of having a fire
fighter and vehicle assigned there. There will more
deliberations before a final decision is made. (This
process is done through the RRP) .
- Contracts between the volunteer companies and the City of
Ithaca - Chief Wilbur and Chairperson Jennings are working
on developing the document along with the City Attorney.
- The City Chamberlain will be asked to provide a report of
2% funds .
- Comm. Yahn reported that she and Common Council Liaison
Pam Mackesey will continue to talk to Council regarding the
parking lot behind Central Fire Station.
•
- Chairperson Jennings distributed a memo has written that
outline Goals and Outstanding Issues for 1996 for
consideration.
11 . Executive Session - none
12 . At 1907 hrs . Comm. Baker made a motion to adjourn the
meeting. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine M. Wilbur, Clerk