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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1991-08-13 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS AUGUST 13, 1991 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Baker, Begg, Cornelius, Mayer, Neigh 1 . Chairman Baker called the meeting to order at 1905 hours. 2 . Additions/deletions to the agenda: ( Incorporated as items # 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D) - Request that the board support a recommendation of the Tompkins County Fire Advisory Board regarding utilization of space in the county CFR building; - Discussion of disciplinary procedures for bunkers; - Presentation and request to the board from Firefighter John Powers; - Resolution regarding payment of latest installment of 2% monies. 3. The board welcomed Commissioner Jim Mayer, whose appointment was recently recommended by the Town of Ithaca and approved by Common Council. 4 . Persons wishing to speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners: - Commissioner Begg expressed regret that a family illness which forced her to be out of town has prevented her involvement to date in review of options for the 1992 department budget. - President Judd Leonard, on behalf of Local 737, asked the board to consider recommending a 1992 fire department budget that would fill all vacancies in management and career staff, keeping the department at its authorized staffing levels. 5 . Moved by Commissioner Neigh, seconded by Comm. Cornelius that the minutes of the July 1991 meeting be approved as written. Carried unanimously. 6 . Commissioner Neigh moved that the audit dated August 13, 1991 in the amount of $25,454 .00 be approved. Seconded by Comm. Mayer. Carried unanimously. 7 . Commissioner Cornelius moved that the following candidates be approved for volunteer membership: Noel Terwilliger - Co. #9 David Wirtz - Co. #9 Seconded by Comm. Neigh. Carried unanimously. Board of Fire Commissioners Minutes August 13, 1991 Page 2 Moved by Commissioner Cornelius, seconded by Comm. Mayer that the membership of Glen Kushner (Co. #9) be terminated for failure to meet the New Member Training requirement during the first year of membership. Carried unanimously. 8. Moved by Commissioner Neigh, seconded by Comm. Cornelius that a $100 .00 donation to the Rescue Squad from Precision Filters be accepted. Carried unanimously. The donation was accompanied by a letter of thanks regarding response to several incidents (acknowledgment already sent) . On Comm. Begg's suggestion, the letter will be posted or circulated to the shifts on duty at the time of the incidents in question. 8A. Commissioner. Mayer moved that the board go on record in support a resolution passed by the Tompkins County Fire and Disaster Advisory Board, concerning handling of a space needs issue at the county's Crash, Fire, Rescue Building. In essence, the county group has suggested measures that would answer security concerns and preserve office and training space for County Fire and EMS Coordinator Jack Miller's operations. Some questioned voting on the matter without first reviewing materials and information. Seconded by Comm. Neigh. Carried: 3 in favor, 2 abstentions (Comms. Baker and Begg) . 8B. To assist in dealing with problems with bunkers and to ensure that they are living up to their contractual obligations, Commissioner Mayer suggested development of a schedule of violations and procedures that could be invoked without involvement of the board. Moved by Mayer, seconded by Comm. Neigh that Deputy Chief Dorman develop a set of disciplinary regulations for bunkers for presentation to the board. Carried unanimously. 8C. Firefighter John Powers suggested the board consider cosponsorship (with Cornell University) of a lecture by Cornell engineering professor Thomas O'Rourke, an expert on earthquakes and their impact on emergency services . As proposed, the lecture would be held sometime during Fire Prevention Week in October and could include associated demonstrations, etc. Proceeds from a donation requested at the door would be split between the county's EMS education fund and the burn unit at St. Joseph' s Hospital. Powers asked the board to consider acting as guarantor of any space charges for Statler Auditorium, about $250-275, if those needs could not be met from other sources. Moved by Commissioner Mayer, seconded by Comm. Begg that the board supports the project in theory, but is unable to provide the • Board of Fire Commissioners Minutes August 13, 1991 Page 3 needed fund guarantees. Carried unanimously. Board members suggested other funding sources be investigated. 8D. The board noted receipt of a check from City Chamberlain Debra Parsons in the amount of $15,899 .42, to be paid to the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association, which represents half of the 2% money just received by the City. Moved by Commissioner Neigh, seconded by Comm. Mayer that the board provide the necessary signatures to issue that check to the Veteran Volunteer Firemen and that the City Chamberlain be directed to disburse the remaining half of the funding in the normal manner. Carried unanimously. 9 . Moved by Commissioner Cornelius, seconded by Comm. Neigh that the Board of Fire Commissioners recommend adoption of a 1992 fire department budget which freezes appropriations in the 200 and 400 lines at 1991 levels, preserves all previously authorized department positions at contractual rates, and increases overall spending by 5. 75%; also, that the board direct Chief Olmstead to submit (without recommendation) the "0% increase, " "3% decrease, " and "6% decrease" packages, as directed by the Mayor. Carried: 4 in favor, 1 abstention (Comm. Begg) . Commissioners noted that this position adheres to earlier policy established by the City and Town of Ithaca. Chief Olmstead also reported that, as of August 12, Mayor Nichols has imposed a purchasing freeze on all departments through the remainder of 1991. This freeze, which has been imposed earlier than usual, limits purchases solely to materials that will be used and expended through the end of the year. 10. Chief's Report: - Monthly reports : presented - Lease of Cornell land by Co. #6 : Chief Olmstead reported that, contrary to information received from Cornell, the company has not yet signed any agreement. - Defense and indemnification of public officers and employees : The City is working to develop provisions whereby the City may defend employees sued individually for carrying out their employment responsibilities. At present, the City may not defend employees sued as individuals. - Municipal Training Officer's position: The Chief reported that the Vacancy Committee had not yet met to 4 Board of Fire Commissioners Minutes August 13, 1991 Page 4 determine whether the department would be permitted to fill the position left vacant by Randy Novak's resignation, but cautioned that he is not optimistic. Short-term measures to cope with the vacancy include assigning the fall New Member class to one shift to handle and splitting up in-service training responsibilities; however, should this position remain vacant, training will have to cut back. Also concerning training, because of the state' s budget problems, OFPC unexpectedly cancelled the fall recruit class . Firefighters Irish and Reynolds are enrolled in a recruit class offered by the Buffalo City Fire Department. - Space needs study: Response was recently received from the final of three consultant candidates selected. Meetings are expected to be scheduled next month, with a report hoped for by the end of the year. - Length of Service Awards Program: The Chief reported that we have learned that the judge has dismissed the NYCOM lawsuit for lack of standing, but that this decision could be appealed and constitutional questions remain. Discussions involving legislative representatives and other parties involved are not expected to be resolved this year. 12 . At 2045 hours, the board moved into Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary matter and two needy member requests. The board resumed open session at 2133 hours . Moved by Commissioner Begg, seconded by Comm. Mayer that the volunteer member in question be directed to appear before the board for a disciplinary hearing at its September 10 meeting and that his bunking contract be extended on a month-to-month basis pending resolution of this matter. Carried unanimously. Moved by Commissioner Begg, seconded by Comm. Cornelius, that one needy member request be approved, contingent upon submission of the proper paperwork. Carried unanimously. Moved by Commissioner Neigh, seconded by Comm. Mayer that the other request be returned to the company for resubmission with the proper form. Carried unanimously. At 2035 hours, Commissioner Begg moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Comm. Neigh. Carried unanimously. Res ectfully submitted, -.a,.. S-QwJeAL__ Lyman E. Baker, Chairman