HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2017-02-14Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes
February 14,20'17
Excused:
Commissioner Guttrid ge
Call to Order:
Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1603 hours
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the January 10,2017 Board of Fire Commissioners Meetinq
Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Vice Chair Sparks
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 10,2017 Board of Fire
Commissioners meeting be approved with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
Additions to or Deletions From the Aqenda:
Commissioner Hoard questioned whether or not the Board would be able to discuss
information about the Town of lthaca and lthaca College as it relates to fire service
coverage by the City of lthaca Fire Department.
Chair Gilligan responded that the Board would discuss this when he shares his Town
of lthaca quarterly report later in the meeting.
Awards, Commendations, and Other Recoqnition ltems:
No items were submitted for the agenda.
Persons Wishinq to Speak to Board of Fire Commissioners:
Mr. Lyman Baker provided the following report on the hours that he and Mr
Raymond Wheaton worked in the City of lthaca Cemetery at the Firemen's
Monument:
RE: Work Hours in the City of lthaca Cemetery - Firemen's Monument
Dear Board,
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker have walked around and through the
Ithaca Firemen's Section in the lthaca City Cemetery for total of 6 hours each.
During the no snow days there were tiny shoots of flowers peeking through the earth
Respectfully submitted,
Lyman E. Baker,
tFD #3258
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Vice Chair Sparks
Commissioner Hoard
Fire Chief Parsons
lnformation Management Specialist - Myers
CC Liaison Gearhart
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
Correspondence:
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company
for the Donation Fund dated January 31,2017 had a beginning balance of
$2,997.91 , and an ending balance of $2,997.91
Chair Gilligan further reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust
Company for the Rescue Squad Donation Fund had a beginning balance of
$1,847.53 and an ending balance of $1,847.65, reflecting .12 interest.
Membership Changes:
Chair Gilligan reported that an application was received for a new volunteer member
He will work to schedule a meeting of the review committee and a meeting with
Company #9 for the applicant. No action is required at today's meeting.
Miscellaneous Reports:
Town of lthaca:
Chair Gilligan reported that he provided his quarterly report to the Town of lthaca
Board at their meeting last night. He stated that the Town held a public hearing on a
proposed action that would remove lthaca College properties that have been
identified as tax exempt from inclusion in their fire district. That would result in the
City of lthaca Fire Department not having to provide fire protection services for those
properties, the College Circle apartments would still be covered. The proposal is an
effort by the Town to encourage lthaca College to contribute additional funds for fire
protection services provided by the City of lthaca Fire Department. This then would
reduce the amount of the contribution provided to the City of lthaca by the Town of
Ithaca for fire protection services by the City of lthaca Fire Department. The Town of
Ithaca drafted a resolution that would remove the tax-exempt parcels; however, the
Board did not take any action on it at the meeting.
Commissioner Hoard questioned whether the Board of Fire Commissioners would
have an opportunity to provide input on the Town's proposed action.
Chair Gilligan responded the contract between the City and Town of lthaca does not
include the Board of Fire Commissioners, therefore it cannot provide input about the
proposal. He noted that the contract does contain language that reserves the right of
both entities to change the area of coverage by the City of lthaca Fire Department for
fire protection services.
Chief Parsons responded that he would reserve any comments on the Town's
proposal at this time. He confirmed that the City of lthaca Fire Department would
continue to provide flre protection services to the College Circle Apartments, even lf
the proposal is approved.
City of lthaca No Re port
Audit: The audit was reviewed and approved by Vice Chair Sparks
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Chief Parsons arrived at the meeting at 1616 hours.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
Departmen t Reports:
Fire Chief Parsons'written monthly report will be attached to the minutes. He
highlighted the following items for the Board.
The Fire Department is fully staffed at this time, and four new firefighters were hired
and began work on Monday, February 13, 2017 , they will be heading to the Fire
Academy next week. The positions were funded by the SAFER grant awarded to the
City of lthaca Fire Department, the grant monies will be used to pay for the four new
fire firefighters through 2019; it covers all expenses, except uniforms.
Tompkins County Department of Emergency Management re-programmed all of the
County's mobile, station, and portable radios. The reprogramming included new
interoperable channels for mutual aid, and reallocation of special events channels to
additional coordination channels. lthaca Fire Department's radios were
reprogrammed in January, although there are a radios to catch up on.
The bids for purchase of a new compressor are due back to the City and will be
opened on Thursday, February 16th; the City was awarded a grant last year, and that
money is being used to purchase the compressor. Depending upon the results of the
bid opening on Thursday, a special meeting of the Board may be needed to approve
the award of the bid for purchase of the compressor. The urgency in approving the
bids is related to certain deadlines that have to be met for the use of grant funds.
The two new pumper engines arrived and staff is undergoing training on their use at
this time. Both engines should be ready to be put into full service by next week. As a
result, there is a resolution on today's agenda for the Board to approve of the
disposal of one of the two old engines. There will be another resolution to approve
of the disposal of the remarning surplus engine for the Board's March meeting.
2016 generated more revenue than previously for the department through
inspections and permits; it was a very busy year.
Fire calls remain on track with previous years and remain at average volume
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention - currently there are 13 active volunteer
flrefighters and fire/police members in the City of lthaca Fire Department. There are
also 7 career firefighters completing their probationary period very soon; so some
good strides have been made within the department as far staffing levels for the
department.
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The financial records for 2016 ate still open related to work that the Department of
Public Works provides for IFD; there was a delay in all the necessary entries being
made into the system for the year. He will provide a complete financial summary for
the Board once the records for 2016 are closed out.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
Chair Gilligan asked if next Tuesday would be soon enough for a possible special
meeting of the Board; or whether a meeting would be needed this week. Chief
Parsons responded that next week will fine, the only item on the agenda will be the
resolution to award the bid for the compressor. He won't know until after Thursday,
when the bids are opened, whether a special meeting will be needed or not.
Board members confirmed that they would be available next Tuesday at 4:00 p.m
for a special meeting, if needed.
Vice Chair Sparks asked the Chief what the plan is if the Six Mile Creek dam were to
fail (the tallest one with most water). The reason for the question relates to the recent
dam failure in California that has resulted in more than 200,000 people being
evacuated from their home.
Fire Police training was held on January 17, 2017. The topic was Curbside Manners
and Slress oI, the Slreers.
The following people pafticipated: Dave Cornelius, Gary Bordoni, Jim Rogers,
Andrew Adams, Rob Longo, Jack Gould, Lyman Baker, Ray Wheaton, Morgan
Howland, Simon Velasquez and Bill Gilligan.
The February training topic will be use of the new radio protocols
The Fire Police Unit was not called on during the past month
On January 17, 2017 at 6:30 PM (1830), a special meeting of Company g members
was held for final approval and authorization to accept or decline the bids for the new
fire/police vehicle. The Company approved to accept the low bid.
Re spe ctf u I ly s u b m itte d,
Dave Cornelius
Chief Parsons reported that the new firelpolice vehicle will be delivered in 16 to 20
weeks; he is unsure as to whether or not it will be a 2016 or 2017 vehicle.
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Chief Parsons responded that the City has no concerns with its dams at this time;
however, there is a lot of silt that has to be dealt with in both of dams that might
cause some problems if not dredged soon. There is a conversation going on
currently about removing the 30' dam down because the creeks have a lot of volume
where the flow could be spread out if there were a dam failure. This is a topic that
has been discussed by the City, there are some areas in the flats that might be
affected by a dam failure.
Fire/Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius provided the following report for the Board:
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
Old Business:
Volunteer Recruitment ltems/lssues:
No new information at this time
Chief Parsons stated that volunteer recruitment county wide is down. New York
State is reviewing classes, recruitment, and the number of volunteers attending
training classes versus those that complete the classes. There is a new State Fire
Administrator, someone who has been in flre service for more than 30 years,
previously they were a Deputy Fire Chief in Albany. Someone such as that has a
first-hand perspective of the current situation being faced by fire departments and
volunteer companies across New York State as far as decreasing membership and
lack of volunteers. They are likely to be more accommodating to fire departments by
offering more training opportunities and assisting in the active recruitment of
volunteers. As recently as last month, Onondaga County released a report that
encourages municipalities to share their resources as a way to improve recruitment
efforts and volunteer membership. lf the results of that report are successful, it might
be a very good standard for other municipalities to follow. Chief Parsons will send
the link for the report to Board members.
Strateqic Planninq for lthaca Fire Department - Update:
Chair Gilligan reported that both he and Vice Chair Sparks met with the Mayor on
February 9th regarding the request to develop a strategic plan for the City of lthaca
Fire Department; it was a very productive and useful meeting. The Mayor indicated
that he was viewing the strategic planning process as two steps. The first step of the
process needs to be completed by October, which is the time of year when the
budget is presented to Common Council and discussed, the second step might
involve a consultant. The Mayor would like a recommendation from the Board with
details about a proposed plan that could be built into the City's budget for 2018,
related to the second step of the process; he is looking at this as a long term plan for
the department. During the meeting they discussed the scope of the plan as far as
whether it should just consider the current fire protection service area, just the city of
Ithaca or what other areas it might encompass. The Mayor felt it would be good to
include the entire fire protection service district for both the Town and City. That way
any implications as to what might be involved can be included in the plan. They
discussed issues that municipalities are having with the provision of EMS services
and lack of volunteers. He understands that the scope will be broad and encompass
a number of services that the fire department provides. lt will also include possible
impacts to other areas of City services, what might be done to address them, the
impact and use of volunteers, and opportunities for partnering with other
municipalities in Tompkins County. The City of lthaca is unique in that it is the only
municipality with full fire protection services provided by paid career firefighters;
other departments in Tompkins County are not set up that way. The Board should
take a look at various stakeholders, potential partners, and keep in mind the target
completion date of October to come up with preliminary plan/recommendation for the
Mayor to include in the 2018 budget. Discussions will also include apparatus, and
items from other strategic reports and plans. ln order to meet the October deadline,
the Board will need to schedule additional meetings outside of the regular Board
meetings to specifically discuss this plan.
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CC Liaison Gearhart arrived at the meeting at 1631 hours.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
He further explained that the Mayor did offer any available resources to assist the
Board in its efforts, which includes current support staff, representatives from the
City's Human Resources Department and City Attorney's Office; however, their
support will be limited due to other job demands. The hiring of a consultant would be
part of Phase ll. Part I of this discussion would be to identify resources for the Board
to help make recommendations and implement a stratetic plan.
Chief Parsons stated that for Phase I he would offer some logistical support, once
the stakeholder group has been identified. He will develop some presentations that
would help them better understand all that is involved in the operation of a fire
department. Examples of those resources would be an attorney who specializes in
fire law, information from lnternational Organization for Standardization (lSO) and
how they look at fire services (there may be a minimal cost involved), the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) related to sections 1710 and 1 720 in order to
gain a sense of standards, bring in someone from the Firemen's Association of the
State of New York (FASNY), and someone from New York State Fire Chief's
association regarding different organizational structures and formats of fire protection
services. The presentations would provide the stakeholders with the information and
knowledge they will need to develop a strategic plan for the City of lthaca Fire
Department. He will also provide a presentation on how the City of lthaca Fire
Department operates, information on its strengths and weaknesses, including a
SWAT analysis, and what opportunities and threats exist. He asked whether any
Board member had thoughts on concepts about where they might want to go with
the plan, there should be no boundaries. lt really comes down to just three
categories - downsize, re-organize or expand? That may be a conversation that the
stakeholder group might want to have. He noted that expansion is hard due to costs,
downsize the department or re-organization as the focus and topic of discussions
about the plan.
Vice Chair Sparks stated that some would argue that the fire department has already
been downsized.
Chair Gilligan stated that he would like to try to set up a meeting after March 14rh to
discuss with the preliminary stakeholder group, including a representative from the
Ithaca Paid Firefighter Association, an officer and Asst. Chief from the fire
department, the request from the Mayor and determine how to proceed from there.
Vice Chair Sparks reminded Board members that frequent meetings will need to be
scheduled and the work on any recommendation completed in an expedited manner
in order to meet the Mayor's October deadline to submit rts recommendation.
Role of Board of Fire Commissioners - Common Council Workino Grouo on
Boards/Comm ittees:
CC Liaison Gearhart reported that the working group has completed a draft proposal
that would restructure the way boards and committees would function in the City.
The committee has scheduled a special Common Council Committee of the Whole
meeting for Wednesday, March 29, at 6:00 p.m. to present the proposal. The plan is
what can be referred to as a "themed" committee structure; where committees would
be combined together under like themes. The committee is hoping that their
proposal will not add another committee level, and the proposed structure would
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Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
begin to change some, if not all, of the current board and committee's work. A lot of
detail still needs to be worked out; once the proposal has gone before Common
Council, it will go back to the committee to tweak as needed, and then additional
meetings will be scheduled throughout the early summer for more public
participation. The committee hopes to put the final structure in place by September,
the reason being whether or not any of the proposed changes to committees might
be subject to referendum, which would require the public to vote on it at the general
election in November. lf that is the case, there are certain deadlines requrred by law
to submit referendum items to the Board of Election so they can be considered in
November.
He further explained that he is not sure how the proposal will impact the structure of
the Board of Fire Commissioners. The entire goal of the committee has been to
achieve fewer boards and committees for the City since there are instances where
the work of one board overlaps with another. The idea is to have fewer boards with
dedicated staff support because, operationally, the City does not have the staff to
attend multiple meetings of all the current boards and committees, and boards that
have dedicated support staff seem to function better.
A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the current clear inequities that
affect the quality of the work of the boards and committees related to whether or not
they have a dedicated chairperson and a dedicated support staff to assist them.
911 Memorial Commiftee:
Chief Parsons will have information on this topic for the Board's March meeting
Resolution Authorizinq Use of 1 896 Steamer bv the lthaca Paid Firefiqhters
Association
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, members of the lthaca Professional Fire Fighter's Association
(l.P.F.F.A.), and members of Company t have requested to march in the St.
Patrick's Day Parade in Binghamton, New York on Saturday, March 4,2017,
and
WHEREAS, the members of the lthaca Professional Fire Fighters Association
participating in the parade will be off duty during the parade; and
WHEREAS, the lthaca Professional Fire Fighters Association, has requested
the use of the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer to be pulled in the parade;
and
WHEREAS, the lthaca Professional Fire Fighters Association will hire a team
of horses and driver to pull the 1896 Amencan LaFrance Steamer in the
parade; and
WHEREAS, the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer is currently housed and on
display under the stewardship of the lthaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's
Association (IWFA) at their facility on Elmira Road under a longterm
agreement between the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners and the
Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association; and
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Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Fire Department will provide the department's
special services vehicle to transport members, and a pickup trucutrailer
combination to transport the '1896 American LaFrance Steamer to and from
Binghamton, New York; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners hereby
approves the lthaca Professional Fire Fighters Association request to use and
display the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer on Saturday, March 4, 2017, in
the St Patrick's Day Parade in Binghamton, New York; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the lthaca Professional Fire Fighters Association will
coordinate with the lthaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association to make
arrangements to pick up the 1896 American LaFrance Steamer at a mutually
agreeable time within the week preceding the parade and return it to the
Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association facility on Elmira Road
sometime during the week following the parade; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the lthaca Professional Fire Fighters Association shall be
financially responsible for all costs, including but not limited to liability
insurance, for the team of horses and their driver.
Carried Unanimously
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Fire Department's 1995 HMEiSaulsbury Pumper
Truck (VlN #44KFI42825W217978) has been removed from active service since
January 7 ,2017, and
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Fire Department has no need for the '1995
HME/Saulsbury Pumper Truck; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of lthaca hereby
declares said truck surplus; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners directs the truck be sold
according to NYS Law and the Code of the City of lthaca; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the proceeds from such sale shall be deposited into the City of
Ithaca General Fund, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a credit shall be posted to the City of lthaca Fire Department
revenue accounts reflecting the sale of the truck.
Carried Unanimously
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February 14,2017
New Business:
Approval of Disposal of Surplus 't995 HME/Saulsburv Pumoer Truck -
Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Vice Chair Sparks
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Fire Department has purchased and taken delivery of
a new 2016 Seagrave Pumper Truck as a replacement for the 1995 HME/Saulsbury
Pumper Truck; and
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
Approval of Disposal of Surplus 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe - Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, The City of lthaca Fire Department has purchased and taken delivery of
a new 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe as a replacement for their 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe; and
WHEREAS, the 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe (VlN #1GNEK13226J117346) has been
removed from active service since January 1, 2017 , and
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Fire Department has no need for the 2006 Chevrolet
Tahoe; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of
Ithaca hereby declare said vehicle surplus; and, be it further
RESOVLED, That the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners directs the vehicle
be sold according to NYS Law and the code of the City of lthaca, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the proceeds from such sale shall be deposited into the City of
Ithaca General Fund; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a credit shall be posted to the City of lthaca Fire Department
revenue accounts reflecting the sale of the vehicle.
Carried Unanimously
Reouest for Aooroval to Rename Ci of lthaca Fire Deoartment Stations -
Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Fire Chief made a recommendation to the City
of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners at its January 10,2017 meeting, to
rename the City of lthaca Fire Department's four fire stations; and
WHEREAS, the recommendation was made by the Fire Chief in order to
make it easier for both the public and new firefighters to learn the names of
each of the fire stations; and
WHEREAS, the recommendation from the Fire Chief is that the fire stations,
two of which are located in the City of lthaca and two of which are located in
the Town of lthaca, be renamed based on their location; and
WHEREAS, the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners support the
request and agree that renaming the fire stations will make it easier for
everyone to know the location of each station; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners approves the
request to rename the City of lthaca Fire Department's four flre stations as
follows:
Central Station
Station 9:
Station 5:
Station 6:
Station '1 - Central
Station2-EastHill
Station 3 - South Hill
Station4-WestHill
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Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners approve the
use of funds from the Fire Department's operating budget to pay for the
expenses related to new signage for each fire station; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of lthaca Fire Department make the necessary
arrangements to implement the requested name change for the four fire
stations immediately.
Garried Unanimously
Charles W. Heath Exemplary Service Award:
Chief Parsons reported that this item would be discussed at the Board's March
meeting.
Commendation to Members of the City of lthaca Fire Department Apparatus
Specifications Committee for Their Outstandinq Work - Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, Common Council as part of the 2015 Capital Project Budget,
approved the City of lthaca Fire Department request for the replacement of
one Pumper Engine; and
WHEREAS, in order to prepare the bid package for the new engine, a City of
Ithaca Fire Department Fire Apparatus Committee was established, which
included Lt. George Apgar, Lt. Otis Jackson, Firefighter Adam Buck, and
Firefighter Kevin Whitney; and
WHEREAS, the Committee convened to review and determine the
specifications and options needed for the new engine in order to prepare the
bid document that was published for vendors as per requirements for capital
project purchases; and
WHEREAS, the Apparatus Specifications Committee, after careful review and
consideration, recommended that the seven bids received be rejected
because they did not meet the required specifications or comply with budget
requirements; and
WHEREAS, after additional time and meetings were spent between the Fire
Chief, the Apparatus Speciflcation Commrttee members, and the Deputy City
Controller, a determination was made to purchase the engine through an
alternate bid process authorized by General Municipal Law $103; and
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2016 the bids, specifications, options, and
proposals were received and reviewed by the City of lthaca Fire Chief, Deputy
City Controller, and Apparatus Specifications Committee members; and
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Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
WHEREAS, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), a political
subdivision of the state of Texas through a competitive bidding process
consistent with New York State law, provided the bid that met the
speciflcations and requirements as determined by the City of lthaca Fire Chief
and the Apparatus Specification Committee members; and
WHEREAS, in April 2016, a contract was finalized with Seagrave Fire
Apparatus, lnc. of Wisconsin for the purchase of the new pumper engine,
under the terms established by the H-GAC bid program; and
WHEREAS, in June 2016, a decision was made to also replace a second
pumper engine that had been rn service fo|l6 years due to significant
corrosion of its frame, age, cost to repair, and the fact that it was due for
replacement in 2020; and
WHEREAS, approval was subsequently given by Common Council and the
Town of lthaca to amend the City of lthaca Fire Department Capital Project
Budget to use funds originally planned for capital repairs to the Department's
Heavy Rescue Vehicle towards the replacement of a second pumper engine;
and
WHEREAS, since the original order was done under contract with Seagrave
Fire Apparatus, lnc., the addition of another engine to the contract would
provide savings to the City of lthaca by ordering two engines at once and both
would be completed and delivered at the same time; and
WHEREAS, in December 2016, the Apparatus Specification Committee
members traveled to the factory in Wisconsin to perform a final inspection of
both trucks, prior to delivery to the City of lthaca; and
WHEREAS, both engines were delivered to the City of lthaca Fire Department
in early January 2017 , and
WHEREAS, the Apparatus Specifications Committee members, after more
than a year of dedicated work, time, and travel finalized the project to their
satisfaction and were then able to recommend that the two new pumper
engines be put into service by the City of lthaca Fire Department at the end of
January 2017 , now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners wishes to
extend their appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Apparatus
Specifications Committee for the significant investment of their time and
energy in preparing bid documents with specifications outlined for the
engines, reviewing the bids, and for their travel to Wisconsin to insure that the
pumper engines met the requirements of the department; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners hereby
acknowledges the significant contribution by members of the Apparatus
Specifications Committee in the purchase and delivery of two new Seagrave
engines for the City of lthaca Fire Department, and be it further
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 14,2017
RESOLVED, That the City of lthaca Board of Fire Commissioners hereby
approves and issues individual Certificates of Commendation to the members
of the Apparatus Specifications Committee for a job well done in overseeing
the delivery of two new Seagrave pumper engines that will better assist the
members of the City of lthaca Fire Department in performing their critical
firefighting work for the City of lthaca.
Carried Unanimously
Ad iournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1713 hours.
Sarah L. Myers,
lnformation Mgt. Specialist
William Gilligan,
Chair
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Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
February 13, 2017
The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissioners quarterly report to the Ithaca
Town Board for the fourth quarter of20l6.
Included with this reDort are:
. The Fire Chiels Report given at the January 10, 2017 BFC meeting. This includes the
Fire Marshal's Report & Fire Prevention Bureau activity.
. The department call activity reports for January 1- December 3 I . 2016. Total calls were
5,132 (slightty lower than prior 2 years - 5,149 & 5.164).
. The financial operations summary through December 31,2016.
Fire Department Ope rational Staffins (December 3 1, 2016).
. As of December 31,2016 the active Uniformed staff totaled 62 (l Chiei 6 Assistant
Chiefs. 8 lieutenants, & 46 Fire Fighters plus I Deputy Chief on per diem). In addition
there is I Administrative Coordinator for a total of 63 personnel.
. As of December 3l't, there was one vacant hrefighter position created by the retirement
olAsst. Chief Mike Schnurle in October. This position was filled by recruit firefighter
Alexandra Gresov in January 201 7.
. Brian Weinstein was promoted to Assistant Chief and Greg Stillwell to Lieutenant in
December 2016 to fill the openings created by Asst. Chief Schnurle's retirement.
2016 Budeet -The total 2016 approved operating budget (excluding benehts and debt service) is
$6,119,063. Expenditures as of December 3l,2016 were $5,877,122. This is
approximately 96% ofthe department's operating budget, leaving a balance of
approximately 4% for the final quarter with some additional expenditures/adjustments to be
recorded when the City Controller's office finalizes its year end activity. A small budget
surplus is expected at the end ofthe year.
Bud - The 2017 lthaca Ci ty budget was approved by Common Council in November20t7
2016. The Ithaca Fire Department's budget increased by slightly less than 2o/o, to $10,060,747
including debt service and employee benefits. The 2017 budget includes lunding for afull time
deputy chiefposition beginning in December of20l7.
Station 9 (Collesetown) - Currently there is no specific altemate site under consideration for
relocation of Station 9, but the future ofthis station is still an open issue. The BFC will be
including this issue in its discussion ofdeveloping a strategic plan for the Ithaca Fire
Department. (next item)
Stratesic Plan for Fire Department - The Mayor has asked the Board of Fire Commissioners
to take the lead in developing a strategic plan for the Fire Department. The Board began
discussions ofwhat the planning process would entail at its January meeting. Subsequent to the
January discussion. a meeting was held with the Mayor to clarily the scope of this effort and the
potential resources available to support the effort.
Apparatus - The two new pumper engines ordered from Seagrave Fire Apparatus. LLC were
delivered in January 2017. They have been placed into service and orientation on their operation
has been conducted over the last few weeks.
Grants
The Department has received a grant for $45,455 towards the replacement of the 20 year old
compressor that is used to refill the departments breathing air tanks. Specifications have been
prepared for this equipment and is expected that the Controller's Office will be sending out the bid
request in the near future.
The department has been awarded a $634,016 SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Emergency Response) grant to add 4 additional career staffto the department for a 2 year period.
The positions are fully funded on the grant and require that no reduction from cunent staffing
levels occur during the grant period. At the end of the period the City will have to determine il
the positions will continue to be supported on the department's operating budget. Four individuals
have been hired to fill these positions and will begin training at the Fire Academy later this month
(along with the individual filling the previously vacant position discussed earlier.)
Board of Fire Commissioners
The BFC meeting agendas/minutes (dating back to October 1987) may be accessed from the
Board olFire Commissioner's section of the City Website at:
http://www.cityofi thaca.ore/367lBoard-of-Fire-Commissioners
BFC Vacanc 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 ofthe department and the
effort to increase the effective use ofvolunteer's in the department it would strengthen the Board
if the individual appointed had experience/knowledge/skills in one or more of the 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 ofthe Board and reflect the
community sewed by the fire department.
The time commitment for a board member is approximately 1-3 hours per month. The Board
meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at 4 pm at Central Fire Station.
day ofthe month at 4 pm at Central Fire Station.
Volunteer Proqram Development
There are currently l4 active members of Volunteer Company No. 9 who serve the department.
ln addition, there are 3 provisional members ofthe Company who are currently enrolled in the
County's Basic Exterior Fireground Operations course (BEFO). This course is scheduled for 79
hours, primarily on Saturdays and runs through mid-May. All 3 are interested in becoming
certified as interior firefighters and it is expected that the County will offer the interior training
course later this year.
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to lthaca Town Board
February 13,2017
Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to lthaca Town Board
February 13, 2017
There is an additional company member who completed the formal interior course in December
and is receiving departmental training to allow him to also serve as an interior fire fighter. This
will bring the number ol interior volunteers to 5.
An ad hoc committee consisting of 2 members of the Board (Commissioners Gilligan &
Guttridge), Chief Parsons, Assistant Chief /Training Officer Weinstein, plus a member from
Company 9 will continue working to address various volunteer issues including training,
recruitment. and retention.
Other Items Items in r0 S
I There has been an improvement in the on-going issue with the CAD (computer aided
dispatch) system used by the 9l I Center. It appears that software and hardware updates
made by the dispatch center as well as quality control training have improved the
Center's protocol for dispatching a Fire Engine to certain lower risk EMS calls. This will
potentially allow a reduction in the number of EMS calls requiring a response from the
Department.
2 The Board is hotding information sessions regarding departmental operations prior to the
beginning ofthe lormal BFC meetings. The Board had a tour ofcentral station and the
apparatus maintained there prior to its October meeting. These sessions provide an
opportunity to leam more about specific areas of department operations such as
organization of department into shifts, protocols for dispatching apparatus based on
criteria established with County 911 center, EMS catl response protocols. Hazmat
operations, Code division work, Rope rescue operations, water rescue, equipment and
vehicles used by the department, etc. In conjunction with these sessions, the Board is
also discussing with the Chief the possibility of scheduling an annual or semi-annual
session at the training center that would provide an opportunity to provide a live
demonstration ofthe responses required by the department to emergency incidents.
3 Charter Review- the Board is continuing its discussion of the role of BFC. We anticipate
working with the Board's Common Council Liaison Gearhart, the Common Council, and
Town Board to develop recommendations for clarifying and updating the role of the
BFC. The Board has responded to a survey requested by the Common Council's
Working Group looking into ways of making City Boards and Committees more
effective and effi cient.
4 Resource recovery/False Alarm Policy - Currently on hold pending review with the City
Attomey.
5 County Fire-Disaster - EMS Advisory Board- no new action on this issue.
6 Training Center Facility Project -no construction has been authorized due to the training
site being located on land designated as City Park land. The Training facility witl be
included in the strategic planning process.
Respectfully Submiued, Bill Gilligan, Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners
CITY OF ITHACA
310 West Green Street Ithaca, New York 11850-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Telephone: @7n72-1234 Fax: 6O72,72-2791
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Tom Parsons, Fte Chief
Date: February l4th,2Ol7
Re: Fire Chief s Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners
ADMINISTRATIVE DTVISION
Administration
l) Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
Chief
Deputy Chief (per diem)
Assistant Chiefs
Lieutenants
Fire Fighters
Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of January 31"t,2017 - 64
a) Vacancies
o None
b) Retirements:
o None
c) Hiring/Promotions
1
1
6
8
47
63
Page 2 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report February 14th\ 2016
Budget Report
a) 2017 Budget: Budget Summary - see accompanying report
3) County Communications and 911 Programs:
a)In January, the Tompkins County Department of Emergency reprogramed all
county mobile, station, and portable radios. The reprogramming included the new
interoperable channels for mutual aid, and reallocation ofspecial events channels
to additional coordination channels.
4) Grants and Donations
a)On May 20th,2016,I received word from U.S. Senator Charles Schumer's Office
that the Ithaca Fire Department was the recipient ofa grant under the 2015
Assistance for Firefighting Grant Program. We are approved to receive $45,455
towards the replacement of the @mpressor. The bids for the compressor are
scheduled to be opened on Thursday February 16th,2017.
b) On September 96,2016; Senator Charles Schumer's Offrce informed us that the
Ithaca Fire Department is awarded a SAFER Grant for hiring frefighters. The
award will fund salaries and benefits for four career firefighters for two years.
The total award is $634,016. Our two year period ofperformance began on
February l3'h,2Ol7 with the hiring of four additional firefighter. The period of
performance for the grant will end on February 12th,2019.
5) Collegetown Fte Station
s)
No Update
Apparatus
a) Two new pumpers have been delivered. Ownership ofthe vehicles has been
transferred to the City oflthaca, and career staffhas been training on them over
the past three weeks. They will be going into service soon.
Effective February 13th,2017: John Foster, Connor Jones, Michael Rankin,
and Brandon Cary have been hired to fill the four fuefighter positions funded
under the FEMA SAFER Grant.
2)
Page 3 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report February I 4th.- 2O1 6
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of Activities for January 2017:
Complaints Received I I
Referred to the City Building Division l0
Referred to the Town oflthaca 1
Investigated bythc Fire Prevention Bureau 0
Inspections: 88
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance
City - Permit Required City Fte Safety
Town Fire Safety & Property
City - Sprinkler Inspections
City - Altemative Fire Protection Systems
City - Fte Alarm Inspection
City - Standpipe Hydrostatic Test
City - Standpipe Flow Test
City - Fire Pump Flow Test
City - Elevator
29
33
1
16
0
6
2
t,
(,
I
Permits or Certificates: 70
Operating Permit - Assembly Occupancy 22
Operating Permit - Hazardous Occupancy 0
Operating Permit - Lumber Yard 0
Operating Permit - Elevator 4
Operating Permit - Fireworks 0
Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy 5
Certificate of Compliance - School 0
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 4
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 1
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Pump 0
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Standpipe 0
Occupancy Posting Certificate 34
Certificate of Compliance - Altemative Suppression 0
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There were no fire investigations in January.
3) Public Education and Special Events
Page 4 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report February 14tl\ 2016
Public Education Events:
Fire Drills Witnessed:
Child Safety Seat Inspections:
2
0
1l
r)
2)
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Emergency Response:
Emergency Response:
January 2017 Resoonses -367 Incidents
City of Ithaca:
Town oflthaca:
Mutual Aid:
251 Incidents (68.39%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
AlarmsA{o Fires:
Severe Weather:
Other:
l l4lncidents (31.06%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture:
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
Alarms/No Alarm:
Severe Weather:
2lncidents (0.54%)
Fires:
Overpressure/Rupture :
EMS/Rescue:
Hazardous Conditions:
Service Calls:
Good Intent:
Alarms.No Ftes:
4
0
99
12
t3
38
85
0
0
I
0
70
2
6
16
19
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
Page 5 of 5 - Fire Chief s Monthly Report February 14tl\ 2016
Severe Weather:0
S imultaneous Incidents : 56 Incidents (1 5.26%)
3)Emergency Management:
No Report.
Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report4)
Support
1) Training
Qua(erly Report
2) Training Center
Quarterly Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
2)
Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
There are currently 13 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police; and 7 Probationary
Volunteer Firefighters
There are no applications pending review by the interview committee and Company 9.3)
1)
DECEMBER 2OI7
Revised
REVENUE YTD REVENUE PCT Collected
Remoining
REVENU E
Averoge
Mthly Projected
565 $64,000 sr,000 $63,000 .000 $0
Home & Comm Services i89 $o 0%$o $0
Public Sofety Services $s00 0%$s00 $o
Fire Prolective Services 2262 $3,033,000 5o 0%$3,033,000 $o
Renlol of Reol Property 24t0 $ r ,000 so 0%$r i.000 $0 $0
Renlol of Equlpment 24t 4 .$o $0
1
$0
Public Sofely Permits 2550 $ 12,000 5475 $r1,s2s 475 l$o
Fines & Forfeited Boil t0 ,$o 0%$o $0
Minor Soles 2655 $100 0%$r00 $0
Sole of Equipmenl 2665 $20,000 so 0%$o
lnsuronce Recoveries 2680 $r s,000 50 $r5,000
Olher Compensolion for Loss 2690 $50 $50 $o
Refund Prior Yeor Expense 27Ol SSO s0 r$50 $0
Gifls & Donotions $782,904 5o
:.
$0 $0
Gifts & Donolions (12250)$0 s0
Unclossified Revenue $300 0%$o $o $0
Home & Community Service 3989 $0
0%
$0 $o
$o4389 $292,060 $0 $oPublic Sofety
s4,230,964 s'r.475 0.4%53,134,225 sr.475 50
7 REVENUE SUMMARY BY ACCOUNT
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I
t2 $o
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6.298.082 26.708 25,86t 3,270 17 6.023 12,7 69120,754 6.624 372.OO9 94%5,926,O73
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54
DECEMBER 2OI7
Revised
REVEN U E YTD REVENUE PCT Colecled
Remoining
REVENUE
Averoge
Mthly Projected
Fire Code lnspection 1565 $64,000 5r,000 $63.000 $r .000 $o
Home & Comm Services 2189 $o 0%
Public Sofety Services 2260 $500 0%$s00
Fire Protective Services 2262 $3,033,000 $3,033,000 $0 $o
l
$0Rentol of Reol Properly 24 I I ,000 so 0%$ ,000 $0
Rentol of Equipment i2u 4 0
Public Sofety Permits 2550 $r2,000 s475 $r r ,525 $o
,1,,,,,
'$oFines & Forfeited Boil 26 t0
Minor Soles 2655 ,$1oo 0%r00 $o
i
Sole of Equipment 2665 $20,000 s0 $o go :$o
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lnsuronce Recoveries 2680 $r5,000 s0 0%
Olher Comp ensolion for Loss 2690 0%$o
So $0
Gifts & Donotions $7 82,9O4 $o
Gifts & Donotions {12250)705 $0 s0
Unclossified Revenue 2770
Home & Community Service
Public Sofeiy
$o
$292,A60
$0
$0
$o
$0
3989
4389
s4,23O,964 sr,47s o.0%s3,134,225 sr,475 S0
7 REVENUE SUMMARY BY ACCOUNI
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Refund Prior Yeor Expense 2701 $50 $o
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