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Home My WebLink About2023-12-12 Fire District Meeting Minutes PRELIMINARY DANBY FIRE DISTRICT MINUTES OF THE REGULAR EETING December 12, 2023 Commissioner Westmiller called the regular meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. ATTENDANCE: COMMISSIONERS: OFFICERS: Katherine Anderson (Absent) Kevin Faehndrich Joseph Freedman Charlotte Griggs Wayne Westmiller Bonnie Hart, Treasurer Sharon Gaden, Secretary, Deputy Treasurer John Gaden, Danby Fire Chief Robert McCray, West Danby Fire Chief PUBLIC: Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Minutes: Preliminary Minutes for November 14, 2023, regular meeting, were sent to the Town Clerk on November 28, 2023, for posting to the Town’s website. Minutes were also posted to District’s website. Commissioner Freedman moved to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2023, regular meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Treasurer’s Report: • Equipment and Fuel Reports sent to Chiefs and Secretary • Balance Sheet and P & L Reports sent to Commissioner and Secretary and Chiefs • Bank Statements Reconciled • Received updated Enhanced Cancer Insurance renewal $3524.18. (3501 -2023) • Electric/Solar billing received and paid. Feb – May 23 (4) months • Received electrical Solar billing from Town. • I would like to attend commissioners training as audit only $50. • Approval for VISA – Lunch and OSHA training Food • Insero sent the requested information to the new auditor. December 4th • Kinsley - 2 work quotes to be completed next year. They would like them both signed so they can order parts this year at the price quoted 8/2/23. • Ace Security coming 12/18/23 to work on door locks. Abstract 12 A $15,256.89 claims 306 – 323 12 B $11,047.96 claims 324 - 339 Commissioner Freedman moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Communications: • Email with PERMA annual member survey • Email from BH Cleaning Services, Inc. introducing themselves • Email from Chief Gaden regarding Knox Connect License Renewal • Organization Transcript received for each Fire Company • Email from Attorney Butler in response to question on NYCLASS • Email from NYS Archives – webinar “Ask Us Anything About Planning a 2024-25 LGRMIF Grant Application • Email from AFDSNY New Commissioner Training (Treasurer would like to attend (audit only $50) • Email from PERMA Interactive Online Driver Training • Email from Attorney Butler regarding question on requiring a CDL license • Email from NYS Archives – webinar “Digital Imaging” • Email from Occustar about openings for physicals at Brooktondale FD • Email from NYS Archives – December RM Webinars • Email from PERMA upcoming events • Email from AFDSNY – mini summit in White Plains April 26th and April 27th • Email from West Danby EMS Director regarding proposed changes to NYS EMS Certification & Education Regulations Part 800 • Email from Com. Anderson regarding AFG Grant for Extrication Tools • Email from AFDSNY regarding 2024 Edward “Ned” Carter Memorial Scholarship application is now being accepted • Email from Attorney Butler regarding West Danby Water District • Correspondence from Attorney Butler regarding 2024 retainer $1,457.50 • December edition of Danby News • December edition of Danby Town News • Maguire Thank you for servicing 2020 Chevy Tahoe • NVFC Pipeline Incidents free training notification • Pinsky Law Group brochure • Insurance information for Absolute Commercial Kitchen Cleaning • Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization letter, check will go towards Danby’s additional extrication tools. Privilege of the Floor: NONE APPROVAL OF BILLS: Commissioner Freedman moved to pay the vouchers as audited and approved on Operating Account Abstract 12-A $15,256.89 claims 306 – 323 and Abstract 12-B $11,047.96 claims 324 - 339. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. CHIEF’S REPORTS: WDFC: (Chief McCray) • Written report for November was received. • SCBA air pack was damage during IFO training. Will contact MSA dealer to have it repaired • Station usage: 12/15/23 L. Barton & J. Warner for a birthday party; 12/16/23 Christmas Banquet and presenting M. Westmiller with a 50-year award; 12/17/23 L. Wilcox birthday party; 12/25/23 A. Griffin Christmas party Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept station request usage as follows: 12/15/23 L. Barton & J. Warner for a birthday party; 12/16/23 Christmas Banquet and presenting M. Westmiller with a 50-year award; 12/17/23 L. Wilcox birthday party; 12/25/23 A. Griffin Christmas party. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. DVFC: (Chief Gaden) • Written report for November was received. • 1 potential new member, gave paperwork to Secretary Gaden • 1 member voted in as probationary member, Stephen Sauer, by membership. Letter received from Secretary Gaden • Station usage: 12/18/23 Fire Company Holiday Party at 6:30; 01/13/24 G. Shuttle for a birthday party; 01/19/24 Red Cross blood drive. • All 5 members enrolled in the EMT class have passed their practical’s and are waiting for the State to contact them for the written exam • Chief’s personal vehicle will be going to Admirals to have the lightbar installed • 421 Def head has been replaced. On board air compressor – Admiral will replace • 443 back up alarm quit working. Admiral will replace • New extrication tools will soon be delivered and then training will begin. Commissioner Freedman moved to accept the request for the station usage as follows: 12/18/23 Fire Company Holiday Party at 6:30; 01/13/24 G. Shuttle for a birthday party; 01/19/24 Red Cross blood drive. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept Stephen Sauer as a new member, with proof of physical. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. COMMITTEES: PURCHASING: NONE BUILDING/GROUNDS: • Commissioner Westmiller reported the Danby roof is waiting for tin work to be completed by Hale Roofing and they will be looking into leak in meeting room. • Door into meeting room at Danby Fire Station will be repaired by Ace Security on December 18, 2023 • Discussion held on Attorney Butler’s email about the West Danby Water District. Decision made to have Attorney Butler to prepare the necessary documents GRANTS: NONE INSURANCE: • Commissioner Freedman discussed a new program – Member Assistance Program which can be offered through Accident and Health to assist members with personal issues through counseling. The cost is $4.56 per member as an add-on. Commissioner Faehndrich made a motion to add Member Assistance Program to the current Accident & Health Policy for a cost of $4.56 per member and to also include employees. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. TECH: • Discussion held on Chief Gaden replacing his laptop TRUCKS: NONE TOWN BOARD: NONE RECORDS: • The 2023 reports for annual testing of hose, ladders and hard suction units have been received from Waterway and copies given to Chiefs • The mandatory OSHA training was held on December 9, 2023. A few members/commissioners still need to take it. POLICY: • All policies were reviewed as follows: o Policy #1 Training and Conference Request and Funding Policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #2 Use of Fire District Building and Properties Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #3 Policy with Respect to Pregnant Firefighters. Discussion held on amending policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to amend policy with changes discussed. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy # 4 Fire District Vouchers Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #5 Procurement Policy Resolution Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #6 Office Retention and Disposition Schedule Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #7 Personnel Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #8 Commissioner Elections Commissioner Freedman moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #9 Code of Ethics Commissioner Griggs moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #10 Policy for Public Access to Records Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #11 Harassment Policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #12 Training Policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #13 Workplace Violence Prevention Policy Commissioner Freedman moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #14 Apparatus Driving Policy. Discussion held on amending policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to amend policy with changes discussed. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #15 Policy for Social Media and Instant Technology Use Policy Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #16 Investment Policy. Discussion held. Com. Freedman will review further and bring back recommendations to next meeting o Policy #17 Firefighter Life Insurance Policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #18 Rescue Rope Policy Commissioner Freedman moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #19 Persons Previously Convicted of One or More Criminal Offenses Policy Commissioner Griggs moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #20 Medical Examination Policy Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #21 Motor Vehicle Record Policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #22 Credit Card Usage Policy. Discussion held on amending policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to amend policy with changes discussed. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #23 Fund Balance Policy. Discussion held on amending policy Commissioner Freedman moved to amend policy with changes discussed. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #24 Computer & Internet Use Policy Commissioner Griggs moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #25 Uniform Policy Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #26 Substance Use Policy Commissioner Freedman moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #27 Electronic Banking Policy Commissioner Faehndrich moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. o Policy #28 Non-Travel Related Refreshment and Meal Expenditure Policy and Procedure Commissioner Freedman moved to accept current policy as written. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. MEMBERSHIP/TRAINING: NONE LONG RANGE PLAN: • Commissioner Freedman reported on Long-Range Plan Commissioner Faehndrich made a motion to approve proposed Long-Range Plan. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. AUDIT: NONE BUDGET: NONE Motion by Commissioner Westmiller, seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich, to enter Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing complaint form received for harassment. Carried 4 yes 0 no. The Board entered Executive Session at 9:10 p.m. Present: Commissioner Faehdrich, Commissioner Freedman, Commissioner Griggs, Commissioner Westmiller, and Secretary Gaden. Motion by Commissioner Faehndrich, seconded by Commissioner Westmiller, to end the Executive Session and to proceed with open session. Carried 4 yes 0 no. The Board returned to open session at 9:25 p.m. Present: Commissioner Faehdrich, Commissioner Freedman, Commissioner Griggs, Commissioner Westmiller, Secretary Gaden and Treasurer Bonnie Hart. Decision to have Secretary Gaden contact complainant and request for complainant to provide further information. OLD BUSINESS: NONE NEW BUSINESS: • Commissioner Freedman discussed NYCLASS. Fire District will research joining this in 2024. APPROVALS of TRAININGS, ITEMS OR SERVICES TO BE PURCHASED: Commissioner Faehndrich moved to approve request by Treasurer Hart to audit commissioner training through AFDSNY in the amount of $50.00. Motion seconded by Commissioner Westmiller. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Freedman moved to approve the Visa charge for breakfast and lunch expenses for the mandatory annual OSHA class in the amount of $450.00. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Westmiller moved to approve up to up to $2,300.00 for the purchase from Strobes and More for a light bar for Chief Gaden’s personal owned vehicle. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Westmiller moved to approve up to $250.00 for the installation of light bar on to Chief Gaden’s vehicle by Admiral Specialty Vehicles. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Westmiller moved to approve $45.00 for to pay Danby’s FASNY dues. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Westmiller moved to approve up to $200.00 for S. Sauer physical through Occustar. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Faehndrich moved to approve up to $900 for Admiral Specialty Vehicles to repair the onboard compressor in 421. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Faehndrich moved to approve up to $200 for Admiral Specialty Vehicles to repair the back-up camera on 443. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Freedman moved to approve up to $1,000.00 for the purchase from EM Apparatus for dash light, rear, and grill lights for Chief McCray’s personal vehicle. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Freedman moved to approve up to $600.00 for the purchase of box lights for 1442 from Whitmore Fire Store. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Faehndrich moved to approve up to $325.00 for the purchase of a computer desk for the Chief’s Office at the West Danby Fire Station. Motion approved by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Commissioner Freedman moved to approve up to $100.00 for the purchase of 7 binders by the Secretary for new policy manuals. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no. Next Meeting date and time: • 12/19/23 at 7:00 p.m. – Special meeting • 12/26/23 at 7:00 p.m. – cancelled • 01/09/24 at 7:00 p.m. – Organizational meeting Meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Gaden Secretary