HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BFC-2017-03-21Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2017
Present:
Chair Gilligan
Vice Chair Sparks
Commissioners Hoard and Guttridge
Fire Chief Parsons
Information Management Specialist – Myers
CC Liaison Gearhart
Call to Order:
Chair Gilligan called the meeting to order at 1603 hours.
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the February 14, 2017 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
Minutes - Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 14, 2017 Board of Fire
Commissioners meeting be approved as published.
Ayes (3) Gilligan, Sparks, Hoard
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Guttridge
Carried
Approval of the February 21, 2017 Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting
Minutes - Resolution
By Commissioner Hoard: Seconded by Vice Chair Sparks
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 21, 2017 Board of Fire
Commissioners meeting be approved as published.
Ayes (3) Gilligan, Sparks, Hoard
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Guttridge
Carried
Additions/Deletions to the Agenda:
Chair Gilligan requested the addition of a resolution entitled “Authorization to
Dispose of Surplus Gear” under New Business.
No Board member objected.
Chair Gilligan further requested the addition of a discussion item under New
Business related to a funding request from Lt. Tom Basher for a volunteer
recruitment/career day for Ithaca High School students.
No board member objected
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
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Awards, Commendations, and Recognition Items:
Chair Gilligan reported that the Recognition Certificates for members of the
Apparatus Specifications Committee are ready for presentation – hopefully by the
end of the month.
Persons Wishing to Speak to the Board of Fire Commissioners:
Mr. Lyman Baker addressed the Board to provide the following report:
RE: Work Hours in the City of Ithaca Cemetery
Dear Board,
Raymond B. Wheaton and Lyman E. Baker have walked through and around the
Firemen’s Section in the Ithaca City Cemetery for a total of 6 hours each. All is well.
Last month a few green sprouts were poking their heads out of the ground, they are
still there, but have not moved at all.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lyman E. Baker—IFD #3258
Mr. Lyman Baker further addressed the Board to raise the following
concerns/questions:
1. Approximately 20 volunteers participated in the New York State Certified
Fire/Police 21 Hour Training Course. The course occurred on the following dates
and at the following locations:
August 25, 2016: Pier Road,
August 30, 2016: CFR Building on Brown Road
September 4, 2016: CFR Building and nearby roadways.
As of March 21, 2017, none of the participants have received certificates of
completion for the training course from Albany, New York.
Can the Board of Fire Commissioners investigate why certificates have not been
issued and report back to the volunteers?
2. Changes in Numbering/Naming for Fire Stations and Fire Vehicles
In the past weeks there have been changes in Fire Station numbers and Fire
Vehicles numbers. In my opinion, the Ithaca Fire Department Fire Police need to
know of the changes - in writing. Perhaps a briefing at Station One could be held, so
everyone will be on the same page, so to speak.
Mr. Lyman Baker asked the Board about the recording of work done in the Firemen’s
Section of the City Cemetery performed by himself and Mr. Ray Wheaton.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
3
Chair Gilligan responded that the hours are recorded as volunteer service, and
reflected in the minutes of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Mr. Raymond Wheaton addressed the Board to report that new American flags are
needed for the Firemen’s Section of the Cemetery as well as for individual graves of
the firefighters buried there. He will be ordering 100 flags, which the Veteran
Firemen’s Association will pay for; however, he will be submitting a request to the
Board for reimbursement to the Veteran’s account.
He further reported recently there was a break-in at the Veterans Fire Station on
Elmira Road, it caused a lot of damage to the equipment stored there, but not to the
station itself. In response to that, the Vets will be putting in some sort of surveillance
camera that will be directed upon the 1896 Steamer display. He explained that the
City of Ithaca carries the insurance for the Steamer and the Vets for the facility and
other belongings. He feels that whatever the cost is for the surveillance equipment
should be picked up by the Board of Fire Commissioners. He will provide the exact
costs for the equipment to the Board at their April meeting, along with the specifics
on the equipment.
Chair Gilligan responded to the concern raised by Mr. Baker regarding the lack of
certificates presented to those attending the twenty-one (21) hour training course.
He will contact IFD Training Officer Weinstein, who was not in his current position
then, to investigate the matter. He noted that NYS does not provide the certificates,
because that is something done by the local municipality.
Mr. Lyman Baker stated that the members of the Fire/Police would like to have
something that identifies them appropriately; in the past, identification cards were
issued.
The order of agenda items was adjusted to move the Fire Chief’s report to right after
the public comment period of the meeting because the Chief had to leave the
meeting early.
Fire Chief’s Report:
Chief Parsons provided the following highlights from his monthly report which will be
attached to the minutes:
The four new firefighters hired through the (SAFER) grant are currently at the Fire
Training Academy.
A purchase order has been issued for the new air compressor, with delivery
expected in April; it should be up and operational by June.
He has not heard back on the grant application for the purchase of gear extractors,
which are special washing machines for firefighter protective clothing.
Tompkins County Emergency Response Department is currently working on the
installation of a supplement to the current dispatch system. The supplement consists
of a new automated voice system that will result in quicker dispatch of emergency
personnel (up to 30 seconds shorter). The new system should be ready for use and
implementation sometime this spring.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
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Last month the Board of Fire Commissioners approved a resolution to change the
names of each fire station and the numbering the department’s apparatus. This item
will be on the April Common Council meeting agenda for approval. This change was
made in an effort to help eliminate the confusion currently experienced by both the
public and new staff. As far as notification to the fire/police unit and Company #9, he
did send an e-mail to each member, using their city e-mail address, explaining the
change. However, if members are only using their personal e-mail then they did not
receive the message. Efforts will be made to improve the communication to
volunteer members.
Commissioner Guttridge inquired as to what the latest update is on the 9/11
Memorial Committee.
Chair Gilligan responded that a list of committee members was recently provided to
him by the Fire Chief, so he will be sending out information to those members in the
near future to set up the first meeting.
A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the discussion at last month’s
meeting concerning the Town of Ithaca’s request that the City of Ithaca Fire
Department not provide fire inspection services to the campus of Ithaca College.
The discussion centered on how that change might affect the payment by the Town
to the City. Language in the contract between the City and Town stipulates that
services can be excluded from the responsibilities of the Fire Department, but it will
not affect the Town’s payment to the City.
Chief Parsons stated that if Ithaca College wants fire inspection services/coverage
by the City of Ithaca Fire Department, it can pay for it; however, a portion of any
revenue from Ithaca College would go back to the Town of Ithaca. He further noted
that this is strictly a Town issue - not a City issue.
Chief Parsons left the meeting at 1630 hours.
Membership Changes:
Chair Gilligan reported that a new member application was received, approved by
Company #9 as provisional member, met with the review committee and was
recommended and approved for membership. They seem very interested in
providing a public service to support the community.
Motion to Accept Hao Yan as a Probationary Member with the Ithaca Fire Department,
Company #9 – Resolution
By Vice Chair Sparks: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners accepts Hao Yan as a probationary
member with the Ithaca Fire Department, Company #9.
Carried Unanimously
Commissioner Guttridge asked whether there might be any meaningful training in the
short term that Mr. Yan could attend, so that he might be able to actively participate
with Company #9 on calls.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
5
Chair Gilligan stated that there will be a training held this summer in Cortland. Mr.
Yan is willing and able to attend this training and will be signing up for the course
soon.
Commissioner Guttridge wondered whether Mr. Yan, since he is already an EMT
through the Army Reserve, might be able to respond to any medical calls.
Chair Gilligan responded that would not be possible until he is fully training since IFD
firefighters who have EMT training are already responding to the calls.
Miscellaneous Reports:
Town of Ithaca: No report
City of Ithaca: No report
Audit: review of the audit is delayed because the Board’s regular meeting was
canceled last week due to the weather.
Department Reports:
Fire/Police Report:
Mr. David Cornelius noted that it would have been good if the Fire Chief had been
able to stay longer to answer the questions contained in the following report for the
Board:
Fire Police training was held on February 21, 2017. The topics were: McNeill
Insurance Company on-line training courses of which the group completed the 15
minute course; Fire Extinguishers for Firefighters.
I also think our group prefers to meet and do the on-line courses as a group. Some
of us are having problems signing in to the website. We also went over the new
radio protocols.
I think the group ended up with more questions than answers. Like: why are our
radios programed differently than the rest of the Departments? How do we get
assigned a “Coordination” frequency?
The following people participated: Dave Cornelius, Gary Bordoni, Jim Rogers, Rob
Longo, Jack Gould, Lyman Baker, Ray Canzler, Morgan Howland, Simon Velasquez
and Bill Gilligan.
The March training topic is supposed to be a CPR refresher.
The Fire Police Unit was called for wires down on Elm Street Extension, Jack Gould
and Dave Cornelius responded and Rob Longo called and said he could leave work
if we needed him.
We also received an e-mail request for help on Saturday March 11, 2017 with
Congressman Reed’s town hall meeting. Lyman Baker and Bill Gilligan reported to
Central Station and then found their services were not needed.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Cornelius
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
6
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the communication problems experienced
by the fire/police volunteers related to the new communication system, and what
could be done to make improvements. Chair Gilligan stated that he would make sure
Chief Parsons was made aware of the problem.
Old Business:
Volunteer Recruitment Items/Issues FASNY-Recruitment Event in April:
Chair Gilligan reported that this years’ recruitment event is scheduled for the last
weekend in April. Company #9 is interested in participating, and is making plans to
host an open house at Central Fire Station; time and details to be determined. It
would be good if new people could be recruited as members so that they could
attend the training being held in Cortland, New York this summer. He is hoping to
hear that another training might be offered in the fall as well. He will also reach out to
the City of Ithaca Fire Department Training Officer to determine whether there might
be another fire/police training course on the horizon either for Tompkins County or
one of its neighboring counties for volunteers to attend. Hopefully, additional
information will be available at the Board’s April meeting regarding specifics for
Company #9’s recruitment effort at the end of April.
Role of Board of Fire Commissioners - Common Council Working Group on
Boards and Committees:
Chair Gilligan reported that the working group reviewing boards and committees will
present their recommendations to Common Council on Wednesday, March 29th.
The presentation will include ideas from the working group’s meetings and the public
visioning meeting. The working group discussed deleting and/or consolidating the
large number of the City’s board's/committees; basically any board/committee that
wasn’t legally required. The quasi-judicial boards/committees will remain the same
with no changes. The goal is to streamline and structure meetings to allow for more
public input, as well as reduce the number of liaison assignments for Common
Council members.
He stated that his input to the working group would caution them not to hurry the
process, not to act just to act; re-organization is important. He feels that the Board of
Fire Commissioners is structured very well, and is better suited to discuss issues
surrounding volunteer recruitment for the City of Ithaca Fire Department, as well as
oversight of the 2% funds, and he is concerned about how any changes in the
structure of this board would affect those items.
CC Liaison Gearhart arrived at the meeting at 1705 hours.
CC Liaison Gearhart reported that there would be a Common Council Committee of
the Whole meeting on Wednesday, March 29th at 6:00 p.m. for presentation of the
working group’s draft recommendations. This will provide council members an
opportunity to offer their initial reaction to the group, and a chance to provide their
opinion of the recommendations. He cautioned, the Board that this is just the
beginning of the process, which will then become part of the City Administration
Committee agenda items. Opportunities for public comment, as well as other
scheduled public sessions will be provided. If the concerns/input on the
recommendations can be addressed along the way without pushing too quickly, the
working group’s goal is to finalize it in a way so that if any of the proposed changes
to the structure of the boards and committees that requires the public vote of
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
7
approval, that those items can be ready to meet the deadline for submissions of
items to the Board of Elections for inclusion on the November general election ballot.
Right now, the working group is not sure what, if any, changes that would involve.
He noted that the Fire Chief is aware of the recommendations; Chief of Staff, Dan
Cogan, shared it with senior staff.
The recommendation from the working group is to provide four “umbrella
commissions” under which current boards/committees would be consolidated based
upon similar themed topics. The proposed commissions are currently proposed as:
1. Mobility and Transportation
2. Community and Quality of Life
3. Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources
4. Public Safety and Information
Under that structure, the Board of Fire Commissioners would be included in the
Public Safety and Information commission. That would mean that the Board of Fire
Commissioners would no longer exist.
Recommendations from the working group would then go to the standing committees
of Common Council for further discussion and review, and then to Common Council
for final approval.
The goal of the working group was to determine what the regular/routine activities or
items that all the boards/committees work on regularly versus the special topics or
one time topics. The idea is that, for example, the Public Safety and Information
Commission would like to develop a strategic plan for fire services, so an ad hoc
group would be formed of content experts to meet and come up with a proposed
strategic plan. Once the plan is approved, the ad hoc committee would be
disbanded. Another example would be, the topic of chicken keeping in the City of
Ithaca, it may not be clear what board/committee would be the appropriate one to
come up with a recommendation, so a temporary ad hoc group would be formed that
would on the topic and provide a recommendation to the commission under which
they assigned.
In addition to ad hoc type committees, some sort of database would be created with
information about individuals in the community with certain expertise on particular
topics that could be called upon to meet as a group for a specific purpose for as long
as they might be needed. It would be a way to engage the public in meetings that
they are particularly concerned or interested in so they can offer valid and
appropriate input.
CC Liaison Gearhart provided information on the draft recommendations relating to
how the various boards/committees have been grouped together under the above
four commissions. He stated that this information is provided as a guide only for
discussion purposes, so it is subject to change based upon input receive from
Common Council members and the public. He also shared information as to the
proposed make-up of the commissions, which would include the permanent
assignment of administrative and applicable department staff, a Chair and six
appointed members, for a total of seven voting members. The Chair will be selected
based on demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings. A majority of members (i.e. at
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
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least four) must be City residents. Each commission will have additional non-voting
members assigned as subject matter experts. Commissions will meet monthly in the
evening in City Hall.
Commissioner Guttridge stated that the Board of Fire Commissioners has a
resolution on today’s agenda to act upon the disposal of surplus equipment. How
will those types of items be taken care with the proposed new committee structure.
CC Liaison Gearhart responded that the Board of Fire Commissioners is the only
committee (other than the quasi-judicial ones) that has that authority. He
encouraged Board members to keep that in mind so that it can be shared at one of
the upcoming public sessions.
Chair Gilligan wondered whether the working group had discussed how the current
fire department volunteer structure and system would be addressed under the new
Public Safety and Information Commission.
CC Liaison Gearhart responded that one of the items on the sample proposed
agendas for the new commissions includes reports from volunteers, which would
include the volunteers with the City of Ithaca Fire Department.
Chair Gilligan stated that the oversight and administration of the volunteers with the
fire department is unique to the Board of Fire Commissioners. In the future, who
would be the link between the recruitment, volunteer vetting, training, and work of
volunteers? He is concerned, since this can be very time consuming, that it might be
overlooked by the larger commission, rather than a specific board.
Mr. Raymond Wheaton stated that he is concerned with the distribution of the 2%
funds to Company #9, the Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association, and career staff
in the future.
Mr. David Cornelius expressed his strong objections and concerns regarding
eliminating the Board of Fire Commissioners and the impact that it would have on
the volunteer component of the department.
Chair Gilligan stated that if the responsibilities of the Board of Fire Commissioners is
changed or the Board is eliminated entirely because of the recommendations being
proposed, and the City Charter is changed, 2% funds could then default to New York
State. He encouraged those present to attend the Committee of the Whole meeting
on March 29th, as well as upcoming opportunities for public input at both the April 5th
Common Council meeting and the April 19th City Administration Committee meeting.
Input should be provided to the working group about these concerns, and what the
removal of the 2% funding could mean for the volunteers of the City of Ithaca Fire
Department. The current communication between the City of Ithaca, Company #9,
and the Veteran’s Firemen’s Association is already challenged and difficult at times;
what will happen in the future?
Chair Gilligan stated that similar statements were made at the public meeting that
presented results of an ongoing study on the possible consolidation of police
services between the City of Ithaca and the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
9
Issues were raised relating to training and how services are delivered as well as
concern over responsiveness from one entity compared to another.
He further stated that the working group was charged by the Mayor and Common
Council to come up with recommendations as to how the city’s boards and
committees might be consolidated in an effort to improve efficiency and utilize
volunteer members in a meaningful and productive way. He is not particularly happy
about the proposal for the Board of Fire Commissioners; however, he understands
the need for the review to be done. He noted that it is better for Board members to
know what is being considered and have information ahead of time so as to have an
opportunity to provide input. It would be useful for the Board of Fire Commissioners
to work on a summary of the tasks it is involved with regularly such as recognition
efforts, distribution of 2% funds, the volunteer component and their concern about
what would happen in the absence of the Board to volunteers. This information
could be provided to Common Council in response to the proposed
recommendations by the working group.
Strategic Planning for Ithaca Fire Department – Discussion:
Chair Gilligan reported that recently there have been discussions regarding billing for
mutual. This topic, along with other issues concerning equipment purchases,
training, etc. will be covered as the Board begins the strategic planning process.
It was an interesting presentation in terms of proposed structure and resources.
Tompkins County has an interest in the program due to the sheriff’s operations and
road patrol; however, it was noted that the sheriff’s department does not need to
provide road patrol because their minimum legally required mandate is to serve
warrants and operate the jail.
In preparation for the start of the Board’s work on a strategic plan, he attended the
first public meeting regarding the possible consolidation of police services. There
were about 30-40 people there including a number of representatives from the
steering group. The consultant provided a presentation of the work done thus far,
there will be some focus group sessions scheduled to allow for public input when the
next phase begins. They expect to have inventory of each department that will be
fairly comprehensive. The consultant will also be speaking to the police/security staff
at all three local colleges to understand the distinction between a police officer and
college campus police.
It was an interesting presentation in terms of proposed structure and resources.
Tompkins County has an interest in the program due to the sheriff’s operations and
road patrol; however, it was noted that the sheriff’s department does not need to
provide road patrol because their purpose is to serve warrants and operate the jail.
During the question and comment session various individuals expressed concern
about the responsiveness and manner of the response by members of the different
agencies to the public they serve. Some community members felt some situations
were not handled appropriately. City residents indicated that their costs were high
related to being double taxed – paying both county taxes for the county sheriff
without receiving any particular service provided by them, and City taxes for the
services provided by the City of Ithaca Police Department.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
10
The Mayor is looking at the strategic planning by the Board as a two phase process.
The first phase will include internal processes. Topics would include different
governance structures for fire departments and the creation of fire districts – both
involve research into what other fire departments look like in other municipalities.
Chair Gilligan asked Board members to think about and identify people they view as
stakeholders in the fire department’s planning operations, and whether they should
be included through the whole strategic planning process or staged as particular
topics are discussed. They could always look further to expand the core group as
meetings proceed.
Commissioner Guttridge stated that he was recently discussing this topic with two
members of the Tompkins County legislature. The county is not legally authorized to
provide fire services, it falls under responsibilities of municipalities; however he
would be curious to explore what the creation of a fire district might involve. What
are the possibilities legally and what would it mean to various tax payers in various
municipalities.
911 Memorial Committee:
Chair Gilligan indicated that Commissioner Hoard is the Board’s representative on
the committee. He hopes to schedule a meeting either late this month or early April.
New Business:
Chair Gilligan stated that he received a request letter from Lt. Tom Basher that the
Board could either act upon tonight or at the April meeting.
The request regards “Career Day” which is held at Ithaca High School as a
recruitment effort by Lt. Basher and other staff of the fire department. It has resulted
in about 20 young adults that are interested in City of Ithaca Fire Department. In
conjunction with the annual FASNY Recruitment Day at the end of April, Lt. Basher
plans to also invite the high school students to participate in a similar recruitment
effort geared just for the students, and has requested funding from the Board for that
event. The Veteran Firemen’s Association has offered to host a “Welcome event
and breakfast” at their station. He is hoping that the City of Ithaca Fire Department
will cover lunch and expenses at training center related to the event. Funds are also
needed to pay for career day tee shirts and information binders (which contain
contact numbers for the fire department, the human resources department,
application information, information about a ride-a-longs with the fire department,
and other pertinent information). It would also be nice to have the fire department,
Company #9, and the human resources department provide funding support for the
event.
Chair Gilligan stated that the total funding being requested is $630.00. He wondered
if Board members had any thoughts or questions about the request, and if they
would like to discuss it today. If the Board supports the request and would like to
help fund the event, a resolution will need to be on the Board’s April 11th agenda for
approval.
Board members expressed their full support for the request and feel it is appropriate
to have both events dovetail together on the annual recruitment day event being held
at the City of Ithaca Fire Department. It is encouraging to know that youth in the
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
11
community are interested in the fire department and serving their community. There
could be a huge benefit for both the city and the students as a result of the efforts of
Lt. Basher and the City of Ithaca Fire Department personnel in their active
recruitment efforts at Ithaca High School.
Mr. Raymond Wheaton (as former Asst. Chief for the City of Ithaca Fire Department)
noted that the fire department should have a line item in their operational budget that
might also be used to help fund the event.
The Board agreed to wait until their April meeting to vote on the resolution in support
of this request.
Authorization to Dispose of Surplus Gear - Resolution
By Commissioner Guttridge: Seconded by Commissioner Hoard
WHEREAS, in the performance of their duties, the Firefighters of the Ithaca
Fire Department wear protective clothing designed for Structural Firefighting;
and
WHEREAS, NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of
Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
states that Structural firefighting ensembles, and ensemble elements shall be
retired when it is no more than ten years from the date the ensembles or
ensemble elements were manufactured; and,
WHEREAS, NFPA 1851: also requires Structural firefighting ensembles and
ensemble elements that are worn or damaged to the extent that the
organization deems it not possible or cost effective to repair them shall be
retired; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of Ithaca
declares the list of protective clothing found in Appendix A of this resolution as
surplus; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board directs the protective clothing to be disposed of
in a manner as recommended by NFPA 1851, Laws of New York State, and
the Code of the City of Ithaca; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the proceeds from any sale of protective clothing shall be
deposited into the City of Ithaca General Fund; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a credit shall be posted to fire department revenue
accounts reflecting the sale of the items.
Carried Unanimously
Correspondence:
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company
for the donation fund dated February 28, 2017 had a beginning balance of
$2,997.91, and an ending balance of $2,997.91, reflecting no activity.
Chair Gilligan reported that the bank statement from the Tompkins Trust Company
for the Rescue Squad Donation Fund had a beginning balance of $1,847.65, and an
ending balance of $1,847.76, reflecting .11 interest earned.
Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 21, 2017
12
Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1754 hours.
___________________________ ____________________________
Sarah L. Myers, William Gilligan,
Information Management Specialist Chair
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: March 14th, 2017
Re: Fire Chief’s Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administration
1) Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
1 Chief
1 Deputy Chief (per diem)
6 Assistant Chiefs
8 Lieutenants
47 Fire Fighters
63 Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of February 28th, 2017 – 64
a) Vacancies
None
b) Retirements:
None
c) Hiring/Promotions
None
Page 2 of 5 - Fire Chief’s Monthly Report March 14th, 2017
2) Budget Report
a) 2017 Budget: Budget Summary – see accompanying report
3) County Communications and 911 Programs:
a) Tompkins County is in the process of installing and testing an automatic voice
dispatch system. The new dispatch system will cause an automated voice to be
transmitted alerting responders of an emergency incident. The system will reduce
the time between when an incident is entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch
System, and a voice alert goes out to the fire stations and voice pagers.
4) Grants and Donations
b) A new breathing air compressor was ordered after the Board of Fire
Commissioners awarded the bid to Jerome Fire Equipment in February. The
compressor will be delivered in April. The funding for the compressor is coming
from the 2015 Assistance to Firefighting Grant Program. We are approved to
receive $45,455 towards the replacement of the compressor.
5) Collegetown Fire Station
No Update
5) Apparatus
No Update
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of Activities for February 2017:
Complaints Received 30
Referred to the City Building Division 19
Referred to the Town of Ithaca 4
Investigated by the Fire Prevention Bureau 7
Inspections: 119
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 47
Cit y - Permit Required City Fire Safety 47
Town Fire Safety & Property 4
Page 3 of 5 - Fire Chief’s Monthly Report March 14th, 2017
City - Sprinkler Inspections 16
Cit y - Alternative Fire Protection Systems 0
City - Fire Alarm Inspection 5
City – Standpipe Hydrostatic Test 0
City - Standpipe Flow Test 0
City – Fire Pump Flow Test 0
City – Elevator 0
Permits or Certificates: 133
Operating Permit – Assembly Occupancy 13
Operating Permit – Large Assembly Occupancy 4
Operating Permit – Hazardous Occupancy 0
Operating Permit – Lumber Yard 0
Operating Permit – Elevator 5
Operating Permit – Fireworks 0
Certificate of Compliance – Occupancy 8
Certificate of Compliance – School 2
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 5
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 0
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Pump 0
Certificate of Compliance – Fire Standpipe 0
Occupancy Posting Certificate 96
Certificate of Compliance - Alternative Suppression 0
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There were no fire investigations in February.
3) Public Education and Special Events
Public Education Events: 1
Fire Drills Witnessed: 0
Child Safety Seat Inspections: 4
OPERATIONS DIVISION
1) Emergency Response:
2) Emergency Response:
Page 4 of 5 - Fire Chief’s Monthly Report March 14th, 2017
February 2017 Responses - 399 Incidents
City of Ithaca: 260 Incidents (65.16%)
Fires: 4
Overpressure/Rupture 0
EMS/Rescue: 92
Hazardous Conditions: 7
Service Calls: 6
Good Intent: 43
Alarms/No Fires: 106
Severe Weather: 0
Other: 2
Town of Ithaca: 137 Incidents (34.34%)
Fires: 2
Overpressure/Rupture: 1
EMS/Rescue: 81
Hazardous Conditions: 3
Service Calls: 1
Good Intent: 31
Alarms/No Alarm: 18
Severe Weather: 0
Mutual Aid: 2 Incidents (0.50%)
Fires: 0
Overpressure/Rupture: 0
EMS/Rescue: 0
Hazardous Conditions: 0
Service Calls: 0
Good Intent: 2
Alarms/No Fires: 0
Severe Weather: 0
Simultaneous Incidents: 61 Incidents (15.29%)
3) Emergency Management :
No Report.
4) Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report
Support
1) Training
Page 5 of 5 - Fire Chief’s Monthly Report March 14th, 2017
Quarterly Report
2) Training Center
Quarterly Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
2) There are currently 13 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police; and 7 Probationary
Volunteer Firefighters
3) There are no applications pending review by the interview committee and Company 9.
Ithaca Fire Department
Municipality, District, and Incident Type Responses
February 2017
District Fire
Overpressure/
Rupture EMS/Rescue
Hazardous
Condition Service Call
Good Intent
Call Alarms/No Fire
Severe
Weather
Special
Incident
Type Total
Percentage of
Incidents
City of Ithaca 4 0 75 6 6 33 91 0 2 217 54.39%
City of Ithaca - Cornell Property 0 0 17 1 0 10 15 0 0 43 10.78%
City of Ithaca - Ithaca College 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
City Cascadillla Creek Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
City Fall Creek Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
City Six Mile Creek Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Town of Ithaca 1 0 68 3 1 16 12 0 0 101 25.31%
Town of Ithaca - Cornell Property 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 6 1.50%
Town of Ithaca - Ithaca College 1 1 13 0 0 11 4 0 0 30 7.52%
Town of Ithaca - Six Mile Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Town of Ithaca - Buttermilk Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Town of Ithaca - Treman Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Outside Ithaca 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0.50%
Total 6 1 173 10 7 76 124 0 2 399 100.00%
District Fire
Overpressure/
Rupture EMS/Rescue
Hazardous
Condition Service Call
Good Intent
Call Alarms/No Fire
Severe
Weather Other Total
Percentage of
Incidents
Total City 4 0 92 7 6 43 106 0 2 260 65.16%
Total Town 2 1 81 3 1 31 18 0 0 137 34.34%
Outside Ithaca 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0.50%
Total 6 1 173 10 7 76 124 0 2 399 100.00%