HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-1990-04-11 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
APRIL 11 , 1990
MINUTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Cornelius, Moravec, Howell , Reeves ,
and Baker.
1 . Chairman Cornelius called the meeting to order at 1904 hrs.
2. Persons wishing to speak to Board of Fire Commissioners:
- Joe Bargher, Chairman of the Company Captains, as a matter
of public record, indicated the support of all the volunteer
companies in matters now before the Board of Fire
Commissioners.
3. Commissioner Baker made a motion to approve the minutes of
the following meetings :
- December 28, 1990 ( special meeting)
- January 9 , 1990
- January 29 , 1990 (special meeting )
- February 13 , 1990
- March 13 , 1990
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Baker. Carried
unanimously.
4. Commissioner Moravec made a motion to approve the audit dated
April 10, 1990 in the amount of $33, 847 . 11 . Seconded by Comm.
Baker. Carried unanimously.
5. A request from Co. #2 for funds for the CNY Firemen' s
Convention was tabled until requests from other companies are
received - companies will be asked to submit their requests as
soon as possible.
6 . Membership changes:
Commissioner Reeves made a motion to add Glenn Kuschner and
James Freely to the membership of Company #9 . Seconded by
Comm. Baker. Carried unanimously.
7 . Chairman Cornelius read a communication from Assemblyman
Luster with a formal opinion from the State Comptroller's
office in regard to distribution of 2% funds. The opinion
states that the 1988 law does not invalidate the City Charter
provision that precludes th} paid staff from receiving a share
of those funds.
Minutes
April 10, 1990
Page 2
2% funds can now be distributed according to the new law -
Board of Fire Commissioners will still have control - and the
City Chamberlain will process the distribution after the City
Attorney reviews the formal opinion from the State.
After further discussion, Commissioner Reeves moved that the
Board of Fire Commissioners formally authorize the City
Chamberlain to distribute 2% funds after the City Attorney
reviews the opinion from the State Comptroller - 50% to the
Vet Volunteers and 8/9ths of the fund ( leaving a $90 ,000
balance) distributed equally to 8 volunteer fire companies.
1 /9th is continued to be held in the event of possible
litigation.
The motion was seconded by Comm. Baker. Discussion followed
regarding the Veteran ' s share of 50% and the possibility of
their becoming more involved with taking care of needy and
indigent volunteers, or taking on more responsibility with the
funds they receive; also discussed was the need to maintain a
$90 , 000 balance and if the amount needed to be changed and how
the $90 ,000 was replenished.
The vote was as follows:
Yes: Commissioners Cornelius, Reeves, Baker, and Howell ;
No. Commissioner Moravec (opposes the Vet Volunteer' s Share)
The motion carried .
8. Chief's Report:
- Fire Station Space Report: Chief Olmstead presented his
report (see copy in the Minutes Book) . The following items
were noted or discussed:
- Evidence supports that office/storage/utility space is
being adversely affected the most;
• - Fire Alarm Superintendent's office may be at West Hill
station - if Station #6 is not available;
- 1 bunk room at Central (eliminate 2 beds) to gain
additional office space;
- Current dispatch area will be turned into Deputy Chief
Wilbur's office - no cost or delete cost item;
- There will be less separate meeting space - lots of
sharing;
- Storage space is the biggest problem;
If a proposal were to be made to the B & A Committee in
defense of retaining Station #6 :
Minutes
April 10, 1990
Page 3
- Need to rethink uses - how does the deficiency in what
is presented relate to keeping Station #6?
- How does the Department intend to utilize Station #6?
- The increase in staff, equipment and programs over the
last 20 years is a major factor;
- Construction/Renovation update:
- A walkthrough inspection ofxthe 2nd floor of Central
station last Tuesday proved to be unsuccessful in
obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. There is continued
problems of contractors arguing with each other;
- South and West Hill stations proceeding slowly - few
workers - hopefully open in June;
- Contingency account almost used up.
Discussion followed of construction problems infringing on the
operations of the Fire Department and if there is anything the
Board could do to indicate their unhappiness. A special
meeting will be arranged with Deputy Chief Wilbur to discuss
aspects of the construction/renovation project and a possible
tour of facilities (and problems) may be arranged.
- Other:
- Inspection of the heavy rescue chassis will take place
next week;
- 902 will be worked on at American LaFrance plant in
Dunmore, PA - body work and booster tank repairs, also
will be relettered as Engine 5. .
The Board basically agreed that retaining the use of Station
#6 is important; however, the need to retain the power of the
Board of Fire Commissioners in control of property and
apparatus is first on the agenda and may need to be addressed
regarding possibly attempts of changing the City Charter by
the Common Council .
- Monthly reports including 1989 volunteer response totals were
distributed and discussed. The response report indicates that
there are 53 actives volunteers (with .10 or more alarm
responses in the year) , 10 volunteers have more than 200
responses, 14 volunteers have less than 50 responses, and
5 volunteers with less than 10 alarms.
The Board discussed possible changes that may be made next
year for number of volunteer responses as it relates to
incentives; and running a 6 month report to notify those who
have not yet reached the half way mark. There is also the
continuing problem of those volunteers who choose not to sign
in for their alarms.
Minutes
April 10, 1990
Page 4
- There has been no response yet from the City Attorney•
regarding alcohol in the fire stations; and a smoking policy
that incorporates State and local laws has been issued.
Anyone objecting to the smoking policy must submit their
objection in writing citing specific sections of the law.
9 . At 8: 35 P.M. Commissioner Moravec made a motion to move into
Executive Session to discuss a request from a needy member.
Seconded by Comm. Howell . Carried unanimously.
10. At 8:40 P.M. the Board resumed open session. Commissioner
Moravec made a motion to approve a request of a needy member
of Company #1 . Seconded by Comm. Howell . Carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:41 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
7
David H . Cornelius , Chairman
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