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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1996-09-10 ITHACA BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS SEPTEMBER 10,1996 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Lyman Baker,Cynthia Yahn,Robert Romanowski; Common Council Liaison Pam Mackesey ABSENT: Commissioner Alvin Nelson Chairperson Baker called the meeting to order at 1807 hrs. II. Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 13, 1996 and August 27, 1996 meetings as written. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. III. Additions/Deletions to the agenda: - Add: 2% monies distribution discussion to old business. IV. Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners: - Paul Alexander addressed the Board with a concern regarding the lack of an SOP for Fire Police that may discourage interested members in continuing to serve in that capacity. Chief Wilbur responded that the draft has been on his desk and it is only a matter of having the time to get to it. He promised that he would complete the review and have the distribution of the SOP for Fire Police completed before he leaves today. Paul indicated that he would coordinate the training and request for equipment once the SOP is in place. - Bill Gilligan presented a recommendation from the Captain's Group that up to $5,000 be allocated from the Volunteer Retention & Recruitment section of the Fire Department operating budget for purchase of uniforms for active volunteers ($50.00 per eligible, active member); and that$4,000 be allocated from the same account for a Volunteer Services Division Recognition Banquet. Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the recommendation (above) of the Company Captain's group. Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. - Betty Joseph reported about a fund raiser that Co. #3 is initiating with the intent to use the money collected to purchase defibrillators for each vehicle and a new CPR manikin. The Chief and the Board of Fire Commissioners commended Betty and all involved with this very ambitious project, and wished them success. Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners September 10, 1996 Page 2 Discussion followed regarding the number of interested parties and potential resources interested in obtaining defibrillators. Commissioners Romanowski and Baker will still be making a special presentation to the Town Board,and Chief Wilbur reported that the Park Foundation has solicited ideas from the Fire Department for a grant they would like to give(he indicated defibrillators as one item of interest); and once again they have been requested as a capital project. Since the defibrillators are quite expensive, it makes sense to pursue every potential source of funding (norrof which are a sure thing). V. Correspondence -none VI. Membership Changes: Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the following membership changes: - Add Gabriel Landowski and Dylan Curatolo to Co. #5. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. VII. Miscellaneous Reports: - Comm. Romanowski made a motion to approve the audit in the amount of $12, 387.71. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. -Tompkins County Fire Advisor Board-Chief Wilbur reported on items from the last meeting: Jack Miller's budget request for 1997 includes a request for an Assistant Coordinator which Chief Wilbur supports and suggests the Board of Fire Commissioners do the same. He gave the Board an overview of the work that is involved with Jack's office. The TCFAB is considering applying for its own regional medical council so we have more control over protocols and priorities for Tompkins County. Currently we operate under the regional medical council that is based in Onondaga County and find that their ideas aren't always in our best interest. This would allow local medical control to Cayuga Medical Center. 911 is the other major issue that is being addressed. It appears that the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners September 10, 1996 Page 3 PSC, NYNEX and Tompkins County have agreed to agree and we may see 911 in operation in the Spring of 1997. VIII. Department reports (Chief, Deputy Chief,Volunteer Coordinator and Training (see attached written reports). Chief Wilbur noted some highlights of his report: - RRP - reduced response capability is not yet in place-problem with computer software in dispatch- still working on it; too early to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the RRP. Chief Wilbur also reported he has sent a letter of explanation to all County departments regarding the RRP as there seemed to be some misunderstanding of what we are doing. - Saturday, September 14 there will be a decommissioning ceremony for Station #7 which will include an open house,historic memorabilia, speakers- from 10 AM to 12 Noon. The Board discussed their role in determining the future of the station. They determined that no decision will be made without a formal input process that won't be completed at least by the end of this year. Several people have different ideas on its future use. - Chief Wilbur gave permission for Co. #7 to hold their annual Halloween party at Station#7 as usual. - Budget Discussion-Chief Wilbur reported he submitted 4 budget scenarios: the alternatives ranged from .23% decrease to 17.5% increase. He did not submit a 4% decrease as directed by the Mayor (and directed not to by the Board of Fire Commissioners) as this would result in the loss of at least 6 positions. The Fire Chief will prepare a separate, stand alone memo that addresses the Mayor's priorities and the value of the bunker/Americorp program. Comm. Yahn noted that the Fire Department provides fundamental services to the City and doesn't necessarily serve to the Mayor's priorities of youth,crime, economic budget, etc. She suggested that Council be asked to report back to the Board as to the reasons why if they choose not to fund the requests of the Fire Department. Pam Mackesey said the most effective place to justify budget requests in the very initial budget meeting with the Mayor and City Controller. Council members have committed to become a part of this process and this is a good place to hear the initial requests and justifications. Comm. Yahn inquired if it is appropriate to ask that the Cornell contribution each year go directly to the Fire Department and not into the City's general fund. Pam Mackesey suggested that this should be in a letter form directed to the Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners September 10, 1996 Page 4 Budget & Administration Committee. After the discussion, Comm. Romanowski made a motion that the Board of Fire Commissioners endorses the full budget (17.5% increase) request and that this will be conveyed to the Common Council and the Mayor. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. - Discussion of the impact of Cliff St. closing for paving and octopus work at the mouth of Cliff St. -Station#6 will be open 24 hours per day while this work is being done, and Station#5 will be open only at night. There will be a request for volunteers and bunkers to do standby duty during that time at Station#6. - Along the same line, the additional number of bunkers has helped keep more apparatus in service. - IFD is taking advantage of the Municipal Auction that will be held in Lansing next week- the Controller's office directed departments to get rid of their junk. Comm. Romanowski made a motion to authorize the Chief and Deputy Chief to take all items they determine are surplus and provide a list of items to the Board at a later date. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. Volunteer Coordinator Marcia Lynch provided highlights of her report: - Numbers of both volunteer and bunker applicants are up significantly -partly due to the Americorp program. This is the first time in history that the bunker program is filled to capacity; and a new member training class will begin October 1st. She feels this is a reflection of a long term commitment to volunteer recruitment; and the new members are not predominantly students as is the norm. This is very encouraging. IX. Old Business - Regarding inquiries regarding 2% funds: The Board determined that the Fire Chief is the only person who should be inquired of regarding receipt and distribution of 2% funds. This will hopefully cut down on all the confusion of people asking the City Chamberlain's office and Town of Ithaca personnel. Comm. Baker will write a letter to all the Volunteer Companies and the Vet Volunteers to let them know of this policy. X. New Business-none XI. Executive Session- none needed Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners September 10, 1996 Page 5 XII. At 1930 hrs. Comm. Romanowski made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Comm. Yahn. Carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Christine M. Wilbur, Clerk Ithaca Board of Fire Commissioners Will be submitted for approval at the October 8, 1996 meeting.