HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1992-05-26 -
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
MAY 26, 1992
(Special meeting)
MINUTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Baker, Cornelius
ABSENT: ' Commissioners Bargher, Begg, Mayer
1. Chairman Baker called the meeting to order at 1905 hours.
Noting that there was no quorum, Chairman Baker advised that
no action would be taken at the meeting.
2 . Chief Olmstead introduced consultant John Teitsch, charged
with analyzing department space needs and utilization, as
part of the department's Space Needs Study. The purpose of
the meeting was to listen to space-related concerns,
comments and suggestions from various elements of the Fire
Department.
The Ithaca Paid Fire Fighters Association (Local 737)
submitted written comments concerning its suggestions
(attached) , and there was informal discussion of various
other space-related concerns at Central and at outside
stations .
The next step will be for Mr. Teitsch to evaluate and
examine architectural drawings to assess space availability
and to make suggestions concerning its utilization.
3 . The meeting was adjourned 2002 hours .
Respectfully submitted,
Lyman E. Baker
Chairman
r
ITHACA PAID David M. Burbank
�� President
op` A' ! FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION Home: 607-272-4693
LOCAL 737 Firehouse:u e: 607 2 2-3641
P.O. Box 711
ITHACA, NEW YORK 1 485 1-071 1 Ernst Krupa
'_moo Vice-President
(607) 272-4835[VOICE & FAx]
CLC William E. Baker
Sec/Treas.
To: Space Study Consultant
From: Dave Burbank, President
Ithaca Paid Fire Fighters Association
Date: May 26, 1992
For approximately ten years, Ithaca's Paid Fire Fighters Union has attempted
to Initiate a department physical fitness program. The Union has requested
adequate space in a centralized location so all members could participate on
duty without sacrificing fire and EMS protection to the areas we serve. The
ability to find this space has always been a major stumbling block.
The strenuous demands of the job require fire fighters to be In top physical
condition with regard to strength, endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility
as well as cardiovascular endurance. To accomplish these fitness
components, space for both weight lifting equipment and cardiovascular
machines would be required., The Union has determined that a minimum
space of 15 ft. by 20 ft. or 300 sq. ft. would be needed to implement this
program. This would provide room for 2 exercise bicycles (eg. "Lifecycles")
and a compact multi-station weight machine (eg. " 10-Station Universal
Gym").
This space requirement was determined by:
1. Equipment manufacturers' specifications and space recommendations.
2. Similar programs in other fire departments.
3. Experience of Union members with expertise In physical education and
fitness training.
Adequate space for such a program must be a priority. While some perceive
Ithaca's fire department as being progressive, we are lagging behind in the
area of encouraging good physical fitness within the department. Fire
departments all around the country are already seeing the benefits of a
physical fitness program in terms of reduced on-duty injuries and sickness.
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A second issue I'd like to raise is that of "Adequate Locker Space". The labor
agreement between Ithaca's Paid Fire Fighters and the City of Ithaca states
that the City will.provide the Paid Fire Fighters with "adequate locker
space".
Each fire fighter is provided with two sets of protective gear. The second
set needs to be readily available in case the first becomes water soaked, or
otherwlsecontaminated with hazardous chemicals or blood from an accident
victim. This "turn-out" gear, as it is called, needs to be stored somewhere
other than where station uniforms, civilian clothes, and other personal
belongings are kept. Studies are showing that protective gear used in fire
suppression has the potential of contaminating the air with potentially
- cancer-causing substances. The only area currently designated for turn-out
gear storage is along the West side of the apparatus room where they
become covered with the products of diesel fumes.
There are paid fire fighters who are permanently assigned to the Central
Fire Station who have no locker space whatsoever. Some fire fighters have
one of the small lockers in the hallway, but there are far fewer than are
necessary.
If you have any questions on either of these issues, feel free to contact
Union President Dave Burbank.
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