HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2016-05-10Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2016
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Vice Chair Sparks
Commissioners Hoard and Guttridge
Fire Chief Parsons
CC Liaison Gearhart
Information Management Specialist – Myers
Call to Order:
Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1648 hours.
Approval of Minutes:
1. Approval of the March 3, 2016 Special Board of Fire Commissioners
Meeting Minutes – Resolution
Approval of minutes from the March 3, 2016 Special Meeting will be placed on the June
14, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners meeting agenda for approval.
2. Approval of the April 12, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
Minutes – Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Guttridge
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 12, 2016 Board of Fire Commissioners
meeting be approved as published.
Ayes (3) Hoard, Gilligan, Guttridge
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Vice Chair Sparks
Carried
Additions to or Deletions From the Agenda:
Chair Gilligan suggested that the discussion regarding “Departmental Presentations -
Awards, Commendations, and Other Recognition Items” be placed under “Old
Business”.
No Board Member Objected.
Persons Wishing to Speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners:
Mr. Lyman Baker provided the following reports for the Board:
1. RE: City of Ithaca Cemetery Retaining Wall Collapsing
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
2
Dear Board,
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker were working in the Firemen’s Section and
noticed the retaining wall that holds the Melotte 16 foot high cross is starting to give way
towards University Avenue. We are concerned that if the wall did give way, perhaps the
very tall cross might topple.
2. May Report of Work Hours in City of Ithaca Cemetery – Firemen’s Section
Dear Board:
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker have worked 7 hours each mowing and
trimming, spreading Milorganite and Agway Pellet limestone.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lyman E. Baker, IFD badge #3258
Mr. Raymond Wheaton addressed the Board to report that the Veteran Volunteer
Firemen’s Association has a bill in the amount of $90.67 for maintenance and upkeep of
the Firemen’s Section of the City of Ithaca Cemetery so that it looks nice. The Vets will
have another bill next month for additional maintenance work, and they would like to
request that money from Donation Fund be used to pay them rather than out of the Vets
Funds. He will consolidate both bills for presentation to the Board at their June
meeting.
Correspondence:
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company for
the donation fund dated April 30, 2016 had a beginning balance of $2,651.61, and an
ending balance of $2,651.61 reflecting no activity.
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company for
the Rescue Squad donation fund dated April 30, 2016 had a beginning balance of
$1,846.45 and an ending balance of $1,846.57 reflecting .12 interest earned.
Membership Changes:
Chair Gilligan reported that two new applications had been; both applicants will be
issued invitations to attend the June meeting of Company #9. He will be requesting that
a meeting of the recruitment review committee be set up as soon as possible. He will
speak with IFD’s Administrative Coordinator to set up that meeting.
Miscellaneous Reports:
A. Town of Ithaca – Chair Gilligan attended the Town of Ithaca Board meeting on
Monday, May 9, 2016 and presented the quarterly report. A copy of the report will be
attached to the minutes.
B. City of Ithaca - No Report
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
3
C. Audit - the audit was reviewed and approved by Commissioner Hoard.
Department Reports:
Chief Parsons’ monthly report will be attached to the minutes. He highlighted the
following items for the Board:
There have been no changes in career staff; 2 Fire Fighters will graduate from the Fire
Academy on Thursday, May 12, 2016. They will then begin an 8 week in-house training
prior to assignment to a shift.
The department’s budget is on track compared to last years’ budget.
No update on the County’s 9-1-1- system; he had an informal conversation with one of
the Directors at the Emergency Response Center. They are working on obtaining
software updates for the system, which should help to address the problems.
A grant application for 15 year old self-contained breathing apparatus was awarded on
April 23, 2015 in the amount of $413,000.00. The purchase of the apparatus was put
out to bid on March 28, 2016, and accepted. Delivery of the new apparatus is expected
within the next two months.
An Assistance to Firefighting Grant application was submitted on January 13, 2016 to
FEMA. It is for the replacement of the department’s Breathing Air Compressor, and was
in the amount of $60,000.00. It appears that IFD is on the upper side of the list for
consideration, which is a good sign as the compressor is in need of replacement sooner
rather than later.
Two grant applications were submitted to the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Program. One would be to fund a volunteer and bunker program. It
would pay for equipment, physicals, and training for up to 20 new volunteer and bunking
members over four years. The amount requested was $256,000.00. He has not heard
anything about the application yet.
The other grant requested funding for four career fire fighters. If awarded the grant
would fund salaries and benefits for four career fire fighters for two years. At the end of
the grant period, the City would either pick up the cost for the four additional fire fighters
or eliminate the positions. The total amount expected is $634,016.00. On May 4, 2016
Common Council approved a resolution that authorizes the Mayor to submit a letter of
commitment to FEMA outlining a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of the
grant. The grants are due for award by the end of June to the middle of July; last year
they were awarded in the final week of September.
The City of Ithaca contracted again with Kingsbury Architects to look at a location on
Maple Avenue for the possible construction of a new fire station (that would replace the
Collegetown Station) the new station would be about 30% smaller in size than the
current one. This was mainly done to see if the project cost could be lowered. The City
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
4
is also having them review Central Fire Station for the possible storage of some of the
apparatus from the Collegetown station. These would be long term ideas, and since
there is not a lot of extra land around the City of Ithaca, whatever is done would require
acquisition of land.
The contract was finalized contract with Seagraves for a new pumper truck; delivery is
expected by the end of this year.
One of the department’s 16 year old pumper trucks has significant corrosion on its
frame; the frame is not broken. It is a double frame (frame in a frame) and due to salt
from the roads has corroded so the question is when will it crack? When it does crack it
will put truck out of service; the estimated cost for replacement of the frame is about
$50,000, and would require that that truck be out of service for at least two months. He
met with the City Controller to discuss the possible early replacement of the truck (it is
due for replacement in 2020), the department’s plan has been to replace its apparatus
every 20 years. The reason being that the department ends up with a bigger cost for
maintenance of the trucks to keep them in service for 20 years. The reason for the
meeting was to determine whether it is worth it, financially, to pay for repair of the frame
or should the City consider replacement of the truck at this time. The cost for a new
pumper truck right now would be about $540,000.00.
Chair Gilligan asked about the condition of the other pumper truck. Chief Parsons
responded that the truck has some corrosion but not like this one; he’s not sure why
since both trucks were constructed at exactly the same time. He did note, that this truck
has been in used in front line service more than the other one. It had operated out of
Central Fire Station for nine years and now operates out of Station #6. It is possible that
due to the many miles put on the truck by traveling up and down between Station #6
and downtown, and the use of salt on the roads during the winter has caused the
corrosion to occur; more salt is used on the hills around the city than on the flats. His
thought has been to take the Heavy Rescue truck, which is in for repair right now, and
use it in place of the pumper truck. The repaired pumper truck could then be placed in
reserve and could be switched with the other apparatus that has been in reserve. Both
of these trucks are due for replacement in 2020 and 2021. He noted that between 2019
and 2021 the department will need $3 million to cover the cost of replacement of the
trucks.
Commissioner Guttridge wondered whether there had been any discussion with the City
Controller regarding the purchase or lease of used trucks to get out of this replacement
cycle where all the trucks are coming due for replacement at the same time.
Chief Parsons explained that the cause of the current situation for the department as far
as replacement cycles for trucks, is that during the 1990’s to 2000’s the department had
to defer the replacement of the trucks due to the City’s poor financial situation. He
would like to see a 15 year replacement cycle because it will cut down on the high cost
of maintenance; he discussed with the City Controller the possibility of leasing the
trucks for a shorter period of time - 7 years. It would require a significant cost up front to
set up that type of replacement cycle.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
5
Chief Parsons further reported that included in the department’s 2016 budget, was
$450,000.00 for the refurbishment of the 1989 Saulsbury Heavy Rescue truck in order
to hopefully get another 10 years out of it. It seemed to make sense at the time;
however, he is now looking at re-allocating a portion of that money along with additional
funds to actually buy a new engine this year. It won’t get any cheaper than right now to
buy a truck, and now is as good a time as ever. He would propose to spend only
$150,000 on the refurbishment of the heavy rescue truck, which will hopefully extend its
life until the other side of 2025. He has also been looking at a used heavy equipment
model truck, but they are all the same vintage as the trucks that IFD has now. The
department’s ladder truck is out for repairs right now, and should be back in service in a
couple weeks. This cost of the repairs is covered under the City’s insurance - except for
the deductible.
In the department’s 2016 budget, funding was provided for the replacement of the 2005
Chevy Tahoe, which is eleven years old and is used as the Duty Chief’s vehicle for
emergency response. The cost for the new vehicle (Chevy Tahoe) is $35,000.00, he
hopes that the new one will be fitted out and in service by the end of July.
The Fire Department’s Code Enforcement Division has been busy with fire inspections -
especially with elevators and elevator operating permits.
Fire Investigation Division; there were three fire investigations during the month of April.
Two were the result of improperly discarded smoking materials, and the cause for the
third was undetermined.
Public Outreach – Lt. Thomas Basher as part of the department’s public
outreach/education program has set up a once a month “lunch time with the fire
fighters” at Ithaca High School. The department was there last Friday, and the outreach
provides an introduction to high school kids about the fire department. They are hoping
that this effort will pique the interest of the students in becoming a volunteer with the
department or a career fire fighter. Another outreach program is where fire fighters
spend time at the Tompkins County Public Library reading to small kids as a way to
establish relationships with community members that the Ithaca Fire Department is here
and something to think about as a future career. These events have been positively
received by the community.
The department held a “Volunteer Fire Fighter Recruitment Day” on April 23, 2016 in
conjunction with other departments across New York State. In an effort to increase
attendance by community members at the event, Lt Basher did a lot of pre- notice/public
service announcements with local radio stations. They also had volunteer fire fighters
from IFD, Lansing and Dryden explain why they are volunteers during radio interviews.
Chief Parsons noted that he feels that one of the most powerful things that can be done
to recruit volunteer members is by personal contact with members of the community.
This holds true both for recruiting employees and volunteers. It is difficult for the City of
Ithaca Fire Department to attract visitors to the station since it has no “store front” to
speak of that would draw people in to visit the station, and most of the public drive by
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
6
the station and don’t realize they could stop in. He would encourage Board members
and other fire fighters, be they career or volunteer fire fighters, that when they meet
people in the community that seem to be interested in the department to bring them to
company meetings or to the fire house to see what it’s like. If there is some sort of
social interaction there is more likelihood the community members might be interested
in joining the volunteer company. He would like to see more efforts of this type be
made in the future, and would also support another recruitment day. He noted that
advertising the need for volunteers only brings some results; personal contacts bring
greater rewards and results. For example, he came to the fire station because a friend
invited him and introduced him to the company and some of its members. If someone
likes people and the organization the more likely they will want to join or become a
member.
Vice Chair Sparks asked the Chief whether the training that is being provided now is all
that he would like or is the department’s budget constricting the amount of training that
is offered. For example, the live fire facility used to be busier with training, and now not
so much.
Chief Parsons responded that the budget is part of the reason for the decrease in the
amount of training offered by the department. In order to utilize the live fire training
center, the department would need to at least double the number staff on duty which
means overtime, and with no overtime budget it is pretty hard to offer the training. There
has been no increase in the department’s training budget in the last 4-5 years. That is
one area of the budget that seems to get cut if money is needed elsewhere. There is
also a need for additional fire fighters that can conduct car seat safety inspections and
education; however, it requires four hours of training for each fire fighter – fortunately
the department does have some New York State grant funding that helps to cover some
of the cost for this training.
Fire/Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius provided the following fire/police report for the month of April for the
Board:
Fire Police training was held on April 19, 2016. The topic was how fire police units
started and the laws associated with fire police. The presentation was given by NYS K-
9 Trooper Q. Giles. The following people participated: Dave Cornelius, Gary Bordoni,
Rob Longo, Lyman Baker, Jim Rogers, Jack Gould, Andrew Adams, Anthony Hayton
and Bill Gilligan.
May Fire Police Training will be held on Tuesday 5/17/2016 – topic to be determined.
The Fire Police Unit was activated twice for wires down on South Meadow Street. No
one was able to respond, either due to illness, work obligations or not having required
training or pagers.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
7
I understand Chief Parsons received a call from an IPD Deputy Chief asking where we
were. We are volunteers and sometimes we just don’t have anyone available. We
have asked IFD to arrange a training session with an IPD officer but to date, that, has
not happened. Not that this influenced the response to this call.
I have been in contact with the NYS Fire Police Association and IFD Training Officer
Rich Tracy to see if an instructor can be hired for the NYS Fire Police Course, here in
Ithaca. Company 9 would be willing to pay for an instructor.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Cornelius
Old Business:
Volunteer Recruitment Items/Issues - Committee Update:
Chair Gilligan reported that there was a very positive response from C Shift at the
“Recruitment Day” event, which was greatly appreciated. There was also a good
showing of Ithaca’s volunteers at event.
Role of Board of Fire Commissioners:
No Discussion on this topic. Alderperson Gearhart reported that Common Council
approved, at their May 4, 2016 meeting, the establishment of a committee to review the
city’s boards and committees. The actual names of members for the committee have
not been identified at this point. He thinks that the time frame for this review will be
shorter rather than longer, and that perhaps a recommendation will be available by the
end of the year. He noted that it’s a good time for all boards and committees to think
about what they do now and what they want/could do in the future.
Recognition Award Guidelines/Procedures:
Chair Gilligan stated that the Board would have an opportunity to act on a resolution
regarding retired Asst. Chief Guy VanBenSchoten’s forty plus years of achievements
with the City of Ithaca Fire Department at the June meeting. There is a retirement
celebration planned for June 24, 2016 at Stewart Park.
Chief Parsons would like to present the resolution as well as recognize the members of
D Shift for their response to the Cargill Mine Incident in January at the event on June
24, 2016 as well.
Presentations/Informational Sessions At The Beginning of Board Meetings:
Chair Gilligan stated that he thinks the presentations are a great idea; he wondered
whether 30 minutes is enough time for them prior to the start of the Board’s regular
meetings.
Chief Parsons suggested, for the June meeting, a presentation by the Fire/Police Unit
on what they do, what equipment they use, etc. He would also like to see something on
fire prevention/technical response and activities by the career fire fighters. He stated
that staff will be assigned to do those presentations. He feels that thirty minutes is a
good length of time for the presentations, and that the time should kept to 4 p.m.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
8
Vice Chair Sparks noted that it would be good to have other people (i.e. Council
members) attend these presentations as well.
Alderperson Gearhart stated that he did invite Common Council members and Chief of
Staff, Dan Cogan to today’s presentation; however, it was just done today and evidently
no one was able to make it. He is not sure how many Common Council members might
attend a presentation.
Chief Parsons noted, that for him, the most important attendees at the presentations are
the members of the Board of Fire Commissioners. It is important for them to have this
education about all that the department does; and then he would like to rely on board
members to take that information in to the community. He also suggested that one
presentation, to be done during good weather, would be to take Board members to the
apparatus room to see the apparatus and learn about the various capabilities of the
department for emergency response and situations.
Chair Gilligan suggested that at next week’s Fire/Police meeting the members discuss
the possibility of a presentation at the Board’s June meeting. If that date won’t work for
them, please let Chief Parsons know so another presentation can be scheduled. Chief
Parsons stated that he would ask Asst. Chief Covert to do a presentation on Technical
Rescue for the August meeting. Perhaps the Board could meet at the Marina to see the
department’s water capabilities and techniques for the presentation.
New Business:
Award of Bid for Ten (10) New Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus For Use by the
City of Ithaca Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team – Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Commissioner Guttridge
WHEREAS, on April 7, 2016, the City of Ithaca posted a Notice to Bidders with
specifications for ten (10) new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Affiliated
Equipment, and Parts for use by the Hazardous Materials Response Team; and
WHEREAS, on April 25, 2016, the City of Ithaca Controller’s Office received a sealed
bid from one bidder; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Chief and the Deputy City Controller have reviewed the bid,
specifications, options, and costs for ten (10) new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Affiliated Equipment and Parts; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Chief and Deputy City Controller recommend the award of the bid
for ten (10) Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to LaFrance Equipment Corporation of
Elmira, New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners approve the award of a bid and
contract between the City of Ithaca and LaFrance Equipment Corporation in accordance
with the pricing and bid specifications for ten (10) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Units at a cost of sixty-seven thousand dollars ($67,000.00).
Carried Unanimously
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes May 10,2016
9
Chief Parsons reported that one of things that Retired Asst. Chief VanBenSchoten had
been working on prior to his retirement was obtaining a donation of a piece of steel from
the New York City World Trade Center. The City of Ithaca was recently informed that
one piece is being gifted to the City of Ithaca to be displayed. It weighs 140 pounds and
measures 13” x 15” x 12”. It is on its way to the City and he is not sure how it will be
displayed. The City of Ithaca Fire Department will make a public announcement after it
determines where and how the piece will be displayed. When it is displayed, there will
be a very solemn and respectful ceremony that will be conducted in an honorable and
memorable way that remembers the police officers and fire fighters who gave their lives
in responding to the attack on the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001.
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1752 hours.
__________________________________ ______________________________
Sarah L. Myers, William Gilligan,
Information Management Specialist Chair
CITY OF ITHACA
310 West Green Street lthaca, New York f4850-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Telephooe: @7f272-1234 Fax, 6O7n12-2793
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissroners
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: May loth,2016
Re: Fire Chief s Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commrssroners
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administration
1) Career Personnel Report
Chief
Deputy Chief (per diem)
Assistant Chiefs
Lieutenants
Fire Fighters
Uniform Personnel
I Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of April 30th, 2016 - 64
a)Vacancies
o None
Rettements:
o None
b)
c) H iring/Promotions
I
I
6
8
47
63
None
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
Page 2 of 6 - Fire Chiefls Monthly Report May l0rh,2016
2) Budget Report
a) 2016 Budget: Budget Summary - see accompanying report
3) County Communications and 911 Prograrns:
a)No Update: In November, I have communicated to the Tompkins County Director
ofEmergency Response and the Director ofthe 9l I Center exprcssing my
concems with the delayed dispatching of emergencies by the 9l I Center. Since
last fall, there have been issucs with the CAD software that causes the computer
aided dispatch workstations to lock-up or crash. Sometimes this has resulted in a
delay in processing the information Aorn the caller, or a delay in thc CAD
providing a recommended responsc. We are still experiencing delayed dispatching
due to the CAD software crashing, and I've not heard ifanything has been done
about fixing the problem.
4) Grants and Donations
a)No Update: On April 23'd,2015, the City of Ithaca receiving a grant to fund the
replacement ofour 15-year-old Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. The grant
award was for $41 3,000, with the City required to provide a 1 0% match. The
SCBA purchase was put out to bid on March 281h, and one bid was received. Wc
expect the new units to arrive in a month and a halfto two months.
b)No Update: On January l3'h, 2016, I subrnitted an application for an Assistance to
Firefighting Grant Application to FEMA. The grant application was for the
replacement of the department's Brcathing Air Compressor. The current
compressor is 15 years old and nearing its end ofuse. We are requesting funding
for $60.000.
c)On March 251h, 2016, I submitted two grant applications to the Staffing for
Adequate Fte and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
The first grant application requested funding for a volunteer and bunker program,
The grant would pay for equipment, physicals, and training for up to 20 new
volunteer and bunking members over four years. If awarded the grant would also
fund a parttime program administrator. The total amount requested is $256,744.
The second gant application requested funding for 4 Career Firefighters. If
awarded, the grant would fund salaries and benefits for 4 Career Firefighters lor
two years. After the grant period, the City would either pick up the cost for the
four additional firefighters or eliminate the positions. The total amount requested
is $634,016. There can be no reductions in staffing during the grant performance
period. On May 4ttr, Common Council approved that the Mayor is authorized to
submit a letter of commitment to US FEMA outlining a clear undcrstanding of the
terms and conditions ofa FY 201 6 SAFER grant.
Page 3 of 6 - Fire Chiel-s Monthly Report
5) Collcgetown Firc Station
a) No Update: We have finalized a contract with Seagrave Fire Apparatus Inc., for
the purchase of a new pumper. We expect the new pumper delivered by the end of
the year.
b) Pumper Replaccment - One ofour l6-year-old pumpers (2000 4-Guys/Spartan)
has significant corrosion of the trucks frame. While the framc is not broken, thcre
are reasons for concem that the frame could soon crack, rendering the truck out of
service. The estimated cost of replacement for the frame is about $50,000. The
engine would be out of service for at least two months. I've met with the City
Controller to discuss an early replacement, as it will be due for replacement in
2020.
c) Heary Rescue - Common Council authorized in the 2016 Budget to fund the
refurbishment ofour 1989 Saulsbury Heavy Rescue. The project involves the
removal ofthe stainless steel rescue body from the existing 1989 Sirnon Duplex
chassis, refurbishing body, and then installing it on a new truck chassis. The
estimated cost is $450,000. This project is instead ofa full replacemcnt ofthe
truck and body, which has been estimated to cost $800,000. While we are
looking at the early replacement ofan engine, the Heavy Rescue Project may be
scaled down or delayed for another year.
d) Ladder Truck Damaged - The 2013 Pierce Ladder Truck was damaged during a
training evolution in March. The truck has been taken to Churchville NY for
repairs. I expect the truck to be out of service for at least two more weeks.
e) New Duty Chief Vehicle - In the 2016 budget, funding was provided for the
replacement of a 2005 Chevy Tahoe that is used by the Duty Chief lbr emergency
response. The 2016 Chevy Tahoe is ordered, and I expect its delivery by the end
of May.
May I 0th, 201 6
We have contracted with Kingsbury Architects to look at another location on
Maple Ave, and to review the cost and programming with a reconfigured station
that would be 30 percent smaller than the existing hre station. Kingsbury
Architects is also looking at Central Fire Station about building condition and the
feasibility to expand the station to accommodate the apparatus, pmple, and
program storage from the Collegetown Fire Station for a short or possibly longcr
term.
5) Apparatus
Page 4 of 6 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report May l0th.20l6
LIFE SAI.'ETY DI\/ISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
l) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of Activities for April 2016 -
Inspections:214
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 87
City - Permit Required City Fire Safety 26
Town Fire Safety & Property Maintenance l6
City - Sprinkler lnspections 10
City - Altemative Fire Protection Systems 2
City - Fire Alarm Inspection 5
City - Standpipe Flow Test 0
City - Fire Pump Flow Test 0
City Elevator 69
Permits or Certifi cates: 127
Operating Permit - Assembly Occupancy 20
Opcrating Permit - Hazardous Occupancy 0
Operating Permit Lumber Yard 0
Operating Permit - Elevator 82
Operating Permit - Fircworks 0
Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy l8
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 4
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler I
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Pump 0
Certificate of Compliance Fire Standpipe 0
Certificate of Compliance - Alternative Suppression 2
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There were three fre investigations in April. The first investigation was a fire at I I I
Osmun Place in the City of Ithaca. The cause ofthe fire was improperly discarded
smoking matcrials on the porch. The second investigation was for a fue at 209 North
Plain St in the City of Ithaca. The cause of the fire was improperly discarded smoking
materials on a back porch. The third investigation was for a mulch fire at 222 South
Cayuga Street. The cause ofthe fire was undetermined.
Complaints Received: l9
Refened to the City Building Division l5
Referred to the Town oflthaca 0
Investigated by the Fire Prevention Bureau 4
3) Public Education and Special Events
Page 5 of 6 - Fire Chiels Monthly Report May l0th,2016
Public Education Events:
Fire Drills Witncssed:
Child Safbty Seat Inspections:
OPERA'I'IONS DIVISION
l) Emergency Response:
April 2016 Rcsoonses - 403 Incidents
5
0
4
Citv of Ithaca:
Town oflthaca:
Mutual Aid:
291 lncidents (72.21%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
Alarms,0rlo Fires:
Severe Weather:
Other
105 lncidents (26.05%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
AlarmsNo Fires:
Severe Weather:
T lncidents (1.74%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good lntent:
87
0
0
6
0
117
l3
t2
56
0
0
65
4
4
l9
l3
0
.,
0
0
0
I
J
Page 6 of 6 - Fire Chicf s Monthly Repod
Alarms,Alo Fires:
Severe Weather:
Simultaneous Inoidents: 80 Incidents (29.85%)
2) Emergency Management:
No Report.
Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report3)
Support
I ) Training
Quarterly Report
2) Training Center
Quarterly Report
3) Apparatus and Facilities
No Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
I ) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
2) There are currently 12 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police
3) Requests from Company Members to become active: None
May loth,2016
0
0
CITY OF ITI{ACA
310 ri(/est Grcen Street Ithaca, Ncw York 11850-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRT CHIEF
'l'clcphone: 607 n12-1234 l:xx: 6O7/272-2793
From: C. Richard Tracy / MTO
Re: April Training
Date: May 10,2016
I have the following training hour tally for the Month of April Training Report (Apr. l, -
Apr. 3 I ) according to firehouse records.
In-Service Trainins
Volunteer Training Hours - 47
Career Training Hours - 993
(print out available)
(215 hours ytd - as of 05/01/16)
(5,491 hours ytd - as of05/01/16)
Training Center Usagc
City of Ithaca HR (training offered through HAB Grant) 12 hours
Ithaca Fire Department 14 hours
Rope Rescue Demonstration at Rope Tower by B Shift 3 hours
(Emergency Services Leadership Program, East Syracuse School)
o Similar to a BOCES program for students who are interested in pursuing a career in
the Emergency Services Field (EMS, Fire, or Law Enforcement)
Fire Extineuisher Safety Prosram (Community Training by IFD)
Tompkins County Highway Facility 2.5 hours
(Trained over 30 TC Facility Personnel on Fire Extinguisher Safety & Use)
l{n Equal Opponunity Employer with a comlnilment to workforce diversificAtion "
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
Volunteer Training Notes
Between March & April of this year, FF Bill Gilligan received 63 training credited hours
for Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (42 hrs) & the NYS Fire Police Couse (21 hrs).
Upcomins Specialtv Trainins
May & Jr.rne will be extremely busy months of technical rescue training for the Ithaca
Fire Department. There will be a total of 3 different NYS Courses delivered.
Trench Rescue Awareness -
Collapse / Tools -
Trench Rescue Operations -
32 hours total
64 hours total
64 hours total
20]6 REVENUE SUMMARY BY ACCOUNT
aPR - 2016 Revised :
REVENUE YTD REVENUE PCT Collected
Remoining
REVENUE
Fire Code lnspection i565 $6 r ,000 s25.540 42%$3s,460 $6,385 $7 6,620
2189:$100
T-'
Home & Comm Services 0%$o
Public Sofety Services
Fire Protective Services $3.08 r.200 5sr 0.000 $2,57r,200 $ r27,500 $r,530,000
Renlol of Reol Properly 2410 $I I ,000 s750 $2.250
Rentol of Equipment
l
li,it; ':i $0
Public Sofety Permits 25s0 $ 12.000 s4,72s 39%$r4.r75
Fines & Forfeited Boil 26t0 500 $s00
Minor Soles 26ss $ r00 0%$ r00 $0
Sole of Equipment 2665 $0 sr 0,000 $o $2,s00
----t---lnsuronce Recoveries 2680 $r0.000 sr 0.900 109%
t.
$50Other Compensolion for Loss 2690 $50
Refund Prior Yeor Expense 2701 $200 0%$200
Gifis & Donoiions 2705 $77 4,377 0%$o $o
Unclosslfied Revenue 2770 $600
Home & Community Service 3989 $0 0%
s3,953.r 27 556r.9r5 t 4.2%12,626,235 5140,479 5r.655.745
Averoge
Mthly projected
l$l oo
j
$o
2260 $2.000 $2.000 $0 $o
$r 0,2s0 $ r88
$o $0
0%$0
$o
$o
-$e00 $2,72s $32,700
$0
$0
$o
$o
105
f0
125
205
t81.649
1.822.261
370.000
\22,700
7r,000
39,000
110.000
75,000
9.000
l/.000
85,000
14,300
25,000
79,000
2t,60
2.An
8,800
0
0
23.67 5
't2,67 5
2to
22s
rr l0
rt l5
424
425
135
1&
445
155
160
175
176
477
105
1/A
484
39
12.771
L567,872170.152 3.2y.392
t./08 !.6532.O17
r,058 1.058
4.545
24 163
1,3.10
1,0,15 1,015 !3,255
r.63s 1,1a7
r.305 t,3t l
7.101 7.113 5,232
.o,610
11,235t70
t3/1.863
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l
l
2.838 3.723
5.806 3.298 84.0,18
0
0
2.806
0
2,452
38,350
800 223
88%
I 93%
47%529
567 |,277 69 r2.€a5+----+-------
93% 65,a!0
9.|3
784.487
11.651
6 ! ,158
65,716
38,350
14,661 i
2t,t 63
't 5,679
5.160
9,281
1.066
29,795.
0
87%11,339
5,160
93L
a2%
91%6
20.fr3
22, 1
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90%
88%
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r 25,339
9,291
1,066
3,315 2,270 56,7 61
al%,
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69,536.
1.209 1,2@
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201 6 Accls JMO
Board of Firc Commissioners
Report to lthaca Town Board
May 9, 2016
The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissionen quarterly report to the Ithaca
Town Board for the first quarter of 2016.
Included with this !epe( are:
. The Fire Chiefls Report given at the April 12,2016 BFC meeting. This includes the Fire
Marshal's Report & Fire Prevention Bureau activity.
. The department call activity reports for January l- March 31. 2016. Total calls 1228
(Highest total in last 4 years).
. The financial operations sunrmary through March 31,2016.
Fire DeDartment ODe rational Staffins (March 31.2016).
As of March 31, 2016 the active Uniformed staff totaled 63 (l Chief, 6 Assistant Chiefs,
8 lieutenants, & 47 Fire Fighters plus I Deputy Chief on per diem). ln addition there is I
Administrative Coordinator for a total of 64 personnel.
Asst. Fire Chief VanBenschoten retirod Feb.23,2016. Lt Tom Deis was promoted to
fill the vacant Asst. Fire Chiefs position and FF Otis Jackson was promoted to
Lieutenant to the opening created by Deis's promotion to Asst. Chief.
Two recruit firefighters (Mark Stillwell and Lucas Albertsman) are currently in training
at the NYS Fire Academy in Montour F'alls. They are expected to be ready for shift
assignment by July or August.
2016 Budgqt - was approved by Common Council Nov. 4, 2015. The total 2016 operating
budget approved (including benefits and debt service) is $9,8'7 4,646. Expenditures for the first
quarter in total were within the department's operating budget.
SCBA Eq uipment The de partment was awarded a Federal grant of$413,000 to replace its l5
year old SCBA equipment. There is a l0% local match requirement for this award. The bid for
this equipment was awarded to LaFrance Equipment Corporation of Elmira, NY. For $455K).
The units are expected to be delivered in the next two months.
Station 9 (Collesetown) - the report from Kingsbury Architects on the feasibility ofrelocating
the Collegetown Fire station to another location on East Hill as well as the cost ofrepair work on
the cunent facility was provided to the Board of Fire Commissioners in April. A second study
has been contracted with the firm to look at an altemate site on Maple Ave and to review the cost
and programming ofa station that would be 30% smaller than the existing fire station.
ADDaratus A contract has been made with Sea grave Fire Apparatus, LLC to purchase a new
pumper at a cost of$529,316 with additional equipment purchases the contract should not
exceed a total cost of $550,000.
The 1989 Saulsbury Heavy Rescue truck will be refurbished at a cost of $450,000. This will
involve using the existing steel body and moving it to a new truck chassis. The cost of a new
body and chassis would have been $800K.
Grants The department has submitted two SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response) grants. One is to support a volunteer/bunker program that would support equipment,
physicals, and training for up to 20 new bunker/volunteers over a 4 year period of time. The
total funding requested is $256,744 including funds for a part time program coordinator. The
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
May 9, 2016
other grant was to add 4 additional career staff to the department for a 2 year period. The
positions would be fully funded on the grant and require no reduction from current staffing
levels. At the end of the period the City would have to determine if the positions would
continue to be supported on the department's operating budget. The amount requested is
$634.016.
Board of Fire Commissioners
The BFC meeting agendas/minutes (dating back to October 1987) may be accessed from the
Board of Fire Commissioner's section of the City Website at:
http ://www.cityo ftthaca.or el 3 67 I Board-of-Fire-Commissioners
The Board has begun working on guidelines and procedures for recognizing meritorious service
by career and volunteer members of the department.
There is currently one opening on the Board of Fire Commissioners available to be filled by an
individual recommended by the Town Board.
As noted previously, given the Board's role in overseeing the operation of the department and
the effort to increase the effective use ofvolunteer's in the deparhnent it would strengthen the
Board if the individual appointed had experience/knowledge/skills in one or more ofthe
following areas human resources/workforce/volunteer recruitment/ working with volunteers/
organizational uses of social media/website development/organizational
development/Marketing/previous experience with the fire service. A priority for the position
would be to seek an individual with the aforementioned skills, who would also enhance the
diversity oflthe Board and reflect the community served by the fire department.
The time commitment for a board member is approximately l-3 hours per month. The Board
meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at 4 pm at Centml Fire Station.
day ofthe month at 4 pm at Central Fire Station.
Volunteer Progr44q Dqvelopmgrlt
There are currently 14 active members ofVolunteer Company No. 9 who serve the department
There are two new provisional members of the Company who are awaiting training to become
active volunteers with the Department,
An ad hoc committee consisting of 2 members of the Board (Commissioners Gilligan &
Guttridge), ChiefParsons, Assistant Chief /Training Officer Tracy, plus Company 9 Captain,
David Cornelius is reviewing recruitment plans for volunteers, activity requirements, and
training for volunteers, The volunteer handbook is being reviewed as part of this effort.
A recruitment event was held Saturday, Apr.23'd at Central Fire Station, in conjunction with
FASNY's "Recruit New York" statewide effort to recnrit Volunteers to the Fire Service.
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
May 9, 2016
Other ltems & Items in proeress:
I There has been an on-going issue with the CAD (computer aided dispatch) system used
by the 9l I Center. The software crashes at times causing a delay in processing 9l I calls
or in providing a recommended response for a given incident.
2 Charter Review- the Board will be continuing its discussion of the role of BFC. The
Mayor as part ofhis state ofthe city address indicated that he expected to have Common
Council review the various city boards and committees with the goal ofutilizing them
more effectively and making them more efficient.
3 Resource recovery/False Alarm Policy - Currently on hold pending review with the City
Attomey.
4 County Fire-Disaster - EMS Advisory Board- no new action on this issue.
5 Training Center Facility Project -no construction has been authorized due to the training
site being located on land designated as City Park land.
Respectfully Submitted, Bill Gilligan, Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners