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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1990-01-09 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS JANUARY 9 , 1990 MINUTES PRESENT: Commissioners Cornelius, Howell , Reeves and Baker . ABSENT: Commissioner Moravec (excused) . 1 . Chairperson Cornelius called the meeting to order at 7 : 10 P.M. Joe Daly , new Common Council liaison to the Board of Fire Commissioners , was introduced . 2 . Additions/Deletions to the agenda: - Chairperson Cornelius reported that he has received two 2% Fund Annual Reports - from Company #1 and Company #3 as requested of all companies . 3 . Persons wishing to speak to Fire Commissioners - none . 4. Correspondence : - Chairperson Cornelius ' letter of disclosure regarding his employment was distributed , as requested by the State Auditor . - The new City of Ithaca Sexual Harassment Policy will be included in the Volunteer Handbook . 5 . Commissioner Howell made a motion to approve the audit dated 01 /09/90 in the amount of $ 15 , 645 . 21 . Seconded by Comm. Baker . Carried unanimously . - 6 . Commissioner Baker made a motion to approve payment of an ad to go into the program for the CNY Firemen ' s Association Convention to be held here in Ithaca this summer . 1 /2 page ad at a cost of $80 . 00 to be designed by Volunteer Coord . Marcia Lynch (will include the names of the Fire Commissioners ) . Seconded by Comm. Howell . Carried unanimously . 7 . Membership changes : - Commissioner Reeves made a motion to approve the transfer of Scott Gingras from Co. #5 to Co. #4 ( both companies have approved the change) . Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously . - Commissioner Reeves made a motion to approve that the following members be dropped from the rolls of Co. #5 : Brad Colin , Peter Demas , Robert Eastman , Frank Fazio, Richard Gingras , Arthur Hubert, Leslie Jinks , Paul John , Jeremy Schnurr, and Todd Whitlock. Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously . Minutes January 9 , 1990 Page 2 8 . Old Business : - Volunteer Handbook Committee - no report. - Commissioners Reeves and Baker will make a recommendation at the March or April meeting for the recipient of the Board of Fire Commissioners Annual Award - to be announced and presented at the annual banquet in May . - The Committee to review possible uses for Station 6 will report at the March meeting . 9 . New Business : none. 10 . Chief ' s Report: - Chief Olmstead reported that the Ithaca Fire Department was asked by the NYS Policy to assist with the investigation ( fire) of the Harris incident. Any findings , of course , are confidential . He feels this request is another indication of the Ithaca Fire Department ' s , and particularly Lyle Neigh ' s , reputation for a high level of expertise in arson investigations . The Chief gave a history of our involvement in arson training and investigations , and the lack of support by the County for a volunteer investigation team. We have since notified them that the Ithaca Fire Department would form their own team - which we have - and they are in the beginning stages of training those who have little or no experience in this area. . Five 2-person teams comprised o a combination of career and volunteer personnel have been established . - 2 new pumpers have been received - comments from personnel have been favorable . Training is place now and they should be in service in about 2 weeks . Oid Engine 1 will be used as a reserve engine - the first time we ever had a reserve engine , which may also be used to carry and/or store equipment. - The Construction/Renovation Oversight Committee reports the project is 75% complete, 72% paid ; probably looking at a June completion date. A new phone system will be included - bids will go out in about a week. We will install the cable which will save approximately $6 , 000 on the project. - A request from a citizen to fly the POW/MIA flag at Station #9 was referred to the City Attorney for his review and recommendation . Moved by Commissioner Howell , seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously. r Minutes January 9 , 1990 Page 3 - Volunteer companies are being asked to update their . membership records - all companies have responded except 3 . The Chief reported the Board will be asked at some point in time to consider the clarification of department rules vs company rules related to terms of membership. - Volunteer Coordinator Marcia Lynch reported on her recent meeting with Company #6 . Sharing concerns and interests as well as receiving complaints about perceived ongoing issues from non-active members comprised the main part of the meeting . Increased communication via a new Department newsletter may alleviate some of the problems . - Monthly reports were received . - Amendments to the heavy rescue bid specs . were received with thanks from the City Controller and they have been sent to prospective bidders . Bid openings for the vehicle and equipment will be on February 8, 1990 - the lowest aggregate bid for all items will be accepted ( taking into account State contract prices for equipment, etc . ) A special meeting of the BFC may be called the week after bid opening for bid award . - Chief Olmstead outlined the approval processes still needed in order to gain approval to hire 4 new firefighters in 1990 . All approvals need to be made in a timely manner to ensure that employment offers are made in time for the new people to attend the Fire Academy training session in Marcn . Ongoing talks between the City and Town of Ithaca regarding their contract • and other issues , discussions with Cornell University and Ithaca College regarding their support and participation in Fire Department operations , are all important items that the Chief and the Board of Fire Commissioners should be involved with . The Chief has expressed this desire to the Mayor that we be included in these discussions and decision making processes . - The Chief gave a history of the problems associated with the. . training center site . He will inform the Board of Public Works that we will continue to use the area until other satisfactory arrangements can be made . Minutes January 9 , 1990 Page 4 • At 8 : 10 P.M. Commissioner Howell moved that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss a request of a needy member. Seconded by Comm. Reeves. Carried unanimously . The Board resumed open session at 8 :45 P .M. Chairman Cornelius reported that a motion regarding a request of a needy member failed due to lack of majority . At 8:46 P.M. Commissioner Reeves moved that the meeting be adjourned . Seconded by Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously . Respectfully submitted , As://:21.? David H . Cornelius , Chairman