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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1996-04-09 ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS APRIL 9, 1996 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Charles Jennings, Robert Romanowski, Lyman Baker, Cynthia Yahn, and Alvin Nelson; Common Council Liaison Pamela Mackesey. I. Chairperson Jennings called the meeting to order at 1800 hrs. II. Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 12, 1996 meeting as written. Seconded by Comm. Romanowski. Carried unanimously. III. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: - Peter Meskill, of the County Public Safety Committee, came to address the Board to bring them up to date on E-911. He talked about where the project stands now and two obstacles. There is an issue with NYNEX regarding the availability of receiving information on non-published numbers; the second issue has to do with the distribution and use of a small portion of monies collected for the project. He predicts the project is about a year away before it's fully operational. There are some portions that are currently in place- some police business-MDT's in vehicles are implemented - however, nothing yet for fire and ambulance. The Board asked the following questions: - Is there an impact to the Ithaca Fire Department's budget to implement E-911? Chief Wilbur responded that there is an indirect impact due to Tompkins County Emergency Control being located at Central Fire Station (no rent paid); however, the positive impact that operation has on Ithaca Fire Department operations is tremendous. - Chief Wilbur also reported that what does have an impact is the need for the County to staff the Emergency Control Center with the number of personnel that was identified as being necessary to provide adequate service. When the E-911 Center is fully operational, there should be 3 dispatchers on duty . IV. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS: -Jim Joseph, speaking on behalf of the Company Captain's addressed the Board regarding the need to form a committee to work on the contract issue. It was decided that Commissioners Yahn,Jennings & Baker will meet with a Committee of 3 representatives of the Company Captains group to work out the details of the contract. Board of Fire Commissioners April 9, 1996 Page 2 - Lyle Neigh report that Company#5 will hold their annual picnic at Station 5 in conjunction with the Community Fire Works. V. CORRESPONDENCE: - A voice poll was conducted on 03/13/96 to approve the capital project to replace vehicles#942 and 962 - the vote was unanimous; - A check for$3.00 was received from the Tompkins Employees Federal Credit Union- this was as a result of selling Firefighter Checks (for checking accounts) - and a $.50 donation on each order was donated to the local Fire Department; - A request was received from Onondaga Firemen's Association for advertising for the Central NY Firemen's Convention; - 04/08/96 letter from Comm. Baker regarding the Village of Ryebrook and Rural Metro; -Comm. Baker reported that there is a bill currently in the legislature that would allow a fee to be charged for EMS services-Chief Wilbur will get a copy of the bill to the Commissioners. VI. REPORT FROM THE TOMPKINS COUNTY FIRE ADVISORY BOARD - see written report from David Cornelius attached to these minutes. VII. MEMBERSHIP CHANGES: - Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the transfer of Chris Hamilton from Company#5 to Company#2. Seconded by Comm. Nelson. Carried unanimously. VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS - Comm. Baker made a motion to approve the audit in the amount of$6,877.53. Seconded by Comm. Romanowski. Carried unanimously. IX. CHIEF'S REPORT: (see also his written report attached to these minutes) - Comm. Romanowski inquired about the status of the possibility of closing Station#7. Chief Wilbur reported that he attended a ward meeting there of about 30+ people as well as meeting with Company#7 on two different occasions. There are very many items to consider: keeping Company#7 as a viable company even though they currently have only 5 active members; the Board of Fire Commissioners April 9, 1996 Page 3 company prefers not to move; the building could be used for many things if not being used to house a fire truck; the Resource Reallocation Project indicates that use of Station 7 may not be efficient as an active fire house- it can be used for lots of different things - storage, training, etc. - Chief Wilbur reported that the he has received approval from the Mayor to have a staff meeting (prohibitive most of the time due to the cost ) to finalize the Resource Reallocation Project- this will happen sometime in May to bring this project to a comprehensive set of conclusions. Recommendations will then be made to the Board for consideration- then to the Companies ,Town Board, and City Common Council (with an endorsement from the Board) - then implementation of the plan. Chairperson Jennings noted that this is an extraordinary job in affecting change and that there is a need to act- we owe it to the firefighters for safety and to the public for a more effective Fire Department. - Deputy Chief Dorman will attend the Budget and Admin. meeting on April 17th at 7:30 PM- Council will be discussing a new budget process for 1997 . Council Liaison Pam Mackesey reported that the City is going to be seeing some very tough times in the current and following budget years. - Chief Wilbur reported that the department will be watching the Octopus project very closely this summer in order to be sure we can respond in the best manner around the construction obstacles. - Deputy Chief Dorman reported that we are waiting for LTI to make some minor modifications to ladder 939 - shifts are training, and the vehicle should be in service by early May. X. OLD BUSINESS - The Board would like an on-duty officer to give a short report of department activities at each Board meeting. Chief Wilbur will arrange for this beginning with the May meeting. - The Board would also like to reactivate their reporting at Common Council meetings. Comm. Yahn will make a report at the May Council meeting. XI. NEW BUSINESS - The Board accepted 1995 City Funds reports from Companies 3 and 9. Board of Fire Commissioners April 9, 1996 Page 4 XII. ADJOURN-At 1940 hrs. Comm. Baker made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Comm. Romanowski. Carried unanimously. R pectfully submitted, il_./..(4 -4. - / ' " aLc-e-Y6-1' Christine M. Wilbur, Clerk Board of Fire Commissioners