HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-11 Fire District Meeting Minutes (draft)PRELIMINARY
DANBY FIRE DISTRICT
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
June 11, 2024
Commissioner Westmiller called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE:
COMMISSIONERS: OFFICERS:
Katherine Anderson
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: Marrell Cortright, Billing Clerk/Secretary West Danby Water District
Benjamin Coakley, Chairman West Danby Water District
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Marrell Cortright of the West Danby Water District asked why the District will now allow an office at the West Danby Fire Station.
Commissioner Freedman explained the request was sent the Fire District’s attorney for his advice. The Fire District’s attorney does
not approve of the Shared Agreement. Discussion followed.
Bid Opening: Cleaning Services: No proposals were received. Secretary directed to advertise again in the Ithaca Journal, Danby
News, Danby Town News, District Website, and to ask the Fire Companies to put it on their Facebook pages.
Minutes: Preliminary minutes for May 28, 2024, regular meeting and the May 28, 2024, budget workshop were forwarded to the
Town Clerk for posting on the Town’s website and posted on the Fire District’s website on June 10, 2024.
Commissioner Westmiller moved to approve the minutes of the for May 28, 2024, regular meeting and the May 28, 2024, budget
workshop. Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Treasurer’s Report:
• Emailed Financial Reports (Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss) to Commissioners/Secretary/Chiefs
• Emailed Equipment and Fuel Reports to Secretary/Chiefs
• Bank statements reconciled.
• Transferred $25.,000.00 from Apparatus account to NYCLASS account
Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 5 yes
0 no.
Approval of bills:
Commissioner Faehndrich made a motion to pay the vouchers as audited and approved on Operating Account Abstract 6-A claims
137-152 in the amount of $17,903.86. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs; Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Communications:
• Email from Town Supervisor, J. Gagnon, with signed Renewal and Ratification of Prior Shared Usage Agreement. Received
original too.
• Email from Board of Elections, New York State has cancelled the June 25th Primary, will not be using either station.
• Email from PERMA – Monthly Topics
• Email from PERMA’s Newsletter: June
• Danby News June newsletter
• Danby Town News June newsletter
• Email from AFDSNY – Region 4 Early Summer Summit June 22nd in Chemung New York
• Email from PERMA – Safety Tip Tuesday
• Email from PERMA conference survey
• Email from AFDSNY – Annual Meeting & Leadership Summit – October 20 – 23rd at Turning Stone
• Email from NYS Archives Newsletter
• Email from Kit Thompson, Commissioner at Belgium cold Springs Fire District regard OSHA Proposed Standard
• NYS Title for the new 1443 and license plate
Privilege of the Floor: NONE
CHIEF’S REPORTS:
DVFC: (Chief Gaden)
• Written report for May was received.
• Station Usage: Summer Market dates: June 21st, July 19th, August 16th and September 20th. Highway Department for
classroom training on July 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Ithaca City School District re-vote on budget on June 18th.
American Red Cross blood drive July 12th. Danby Democrats on July 25th.
• D. Dougherty, J. Forbes, I. Ross and S. Wyatt training request to attend Principal of Instruction at Dryden FD on following
dates (June 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd and 29th). No cost to attend and will carpool in 442. No milage reimbursement necessary.
• New dishwasher is onsite. Plumber will be coming soon to install.
• Received 3 pairs of boots for West Danby and 2 pairs for Danby
• Tompkins County Emergency Response needs the Fire District to adopt the amended Mutual Aid Agreement. Changed that
all trucks are to be NY State inspected. Will need it adopted annually.
• Discussed with membership the NYS Stipend for taking and passing the following courses: BEFO $750.00; IFO $1,250
and Fire Officer I $1,000.00. Told the membership they would receive a W-9 for reporting on taxes, apply for stipend
within 1 year, District adopting a policy that you have to be active a minimum of 6 months after you successfully complete
the class before the chief will sign off on the form. Discussion held.
• Asked to have shelves built in Chief’s Office. Will get quotes.
Commissioner Westmiller made a motion to adopt the revised 05/29/2024 Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response Fire
& Emergency Medical Services Mutual Aid Plan. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Roll call vote followed:
Commissioner Anderson: Aye; Commissioner Faehndrich: Aye; Commissioner Freedman: Aye; Commissioner Grigg: Aye; and
Commissioner Westmiller: Aye. Motion adopted 5 yes 0 no 0 abstain.
Commissioner Faehndrich to accept station usage as follows: Summer Market dates: June 21st, July 19th, August 16th and September
20th. Highway Department for classroom training on July 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Ithaca City School District re-vote on budget
on June 18th. American Red Cross blood drive July 12th. Danby Democrats on July 25th.. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Westmiller. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Westmiller moved to accept training requests by D. Dougherty, J. Forbes, I. Ross and S. Wyatt to attend Principal of
Instruction at Dryden Fire Department on June 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd and 29th. No cost to attend and will carpool in 442. No milage
reimbursement necessary. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
WDFC: (Chief McCray)
• No written report for May was received.
• Copies of paperwork for the new 1443 given to Treasurer Hart.
• Medline invoices given to Treasurer Hart
• 1443 lengthy discussion on cost to purchase after market items such as cap, contractor styes boxes, shelving, rope lights, grill
guard etc. Chief needs to obtain 3 written quotes.
COMMITTEES:
PURCHASING: Under Approvals. Nothing further
BUILDING/GROUNDS:
• Commissioner Westmiller reported he spoke to the company who was the successful bidder for lawn mowing at both station.
He authorized the extra charge to vacuum up at both stations and remove the clippings from both stations.
• New flagpole at Danby has been installed.
GRANTS:
• Commissioner Anderson reported no news yet on the Infrastructure NYS grant
INSURANCE: NONE
TECH: NONE
TRUCKS:
• License plates for newly purchased 1443 were given to Chief McCray to use when taking to Company doing installation work to make it into a
fire truck. Will not renew registration after 2 years as fire apparatus is exempt.
• Chief McCray said the current EMS vehicle 1442 will remain 1442 but will be used primarily for going to trainings and classes but also as a
backup EMS vehicle.
TOWN BOARD: NONE
RECORDS:
• Physicals are scheduled for June 24th at 5:00 p.m.
• AEDs for Danby and West Danby had Annual testing on 06/04/24. West Danby – 4 Philips FRX1, 1 Cardiac Science G3:
1 Philips unit needs a battery, maybe others as well if they are same age. Also needs 2 sets of Philips pads. Danby – 6
Philips FRX, 2 Lifepak 500: all batteries and pads were good.
POLICY:
• Will discuss creating a policy on the State Reimbursement Program.
MEMBERSHIP/TRAINING:
• Brief discussion on the District reimbursing Danby Volunteer Fire Company up to $500.00 for posters and table. Will
need receipts.
LONG RANGE PLAN:
• Commissioner Freedman will get update on paving the apron at the Danby Fire Station.
AUDIT: NONE
BUDGET:
• Workshop begins June 25th after regular meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
• Proposed contract with Brooktondale Fire District for Fire Protection discussed.
Commissioner Westmiller moved to adopt a resolution to contract with the Brooktondale Fire District for Fire Protection and resolved
that pursuant to Town Law 176(22), the Danby Fire District contract with the Brooktondale Fire District to provide emergency services
to areas of the Town of Danby, to which the Danby Fire District is unable to render adequate and prompt service due to the terrain. To
approve the proposed 4-year contract with Brooktondale Fire District pending a Public Hearing and a date for said Public Hearing to
be in October 2024 prior to the Budget Hearing. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Roll call vote followed: Commissioner
Anderson: Aye; Commissioner Faehndrich: Aye; Commissioner Freedman: Aye; Commissioner Grigg: Aye; and Commissioner
Westmiller: Aye. Motion adopted 5 yes 0 no 0 abstain.
NEW BUSINESS:
• Tompkins County Board of Elections asked we review a 4-year contract for using stations as poll sites. Discussion held.
Decision that Board would not accept the proposed contract as written.
APPROVALS TRAININGS, ITEMS OR SERVICES TO BE PURCHASED:
Commissioner Westmiller made a motion to approve up to $350.00 for the purchase of 1 battery Philips AED union and 2 sets of
Philips pads. Purchase requested by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Westmiller made a motion to approve Secretary Gaden attending the June 2024 Summit of the Southern Tier
Association of Fire District and Emergency Services in Chemung New York on June 22, 2024 at the cost of $35.00. Training
request by Secretary Gaden. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Freedman made a motion to approve up to $1,600.00 for replacement of batteries on 1401 by Ward’s Apparatus.
Purchase requested by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Faehndrich made a motion to approve the emergency repair of apparatus bay door at West Danby Fire Station by
Cortland Overhead Doors. Requested by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Freedman made a motion to approve the emergency repair of the valves on 1421 by Ward’s Apparatus. Request by
Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Westmiller made a motion to approve the purchase of $4.98 at Lowes for gaskets for West Danby’s garden hose.
Purchase requested by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Griggs. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Westmiller made a motion to approve the purchase up to $428.00 at Home Depot for a cordless reciprocal saw for
West Danby. Purchase requested by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Faehndrich made a motion to approve the purchase up to $99.00 at Lowe’s for a shop vac for West Danby. Purchase
requested by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Freedman. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Anderson made a motion to approve up to $100.00 at Lowes or Home Depot for hardware and coat bar in Equipment
Room. Purchase request by Chief McCray. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Faehndrich made a motion to amend motion made on May 14, 2024 for Tod Sukontarak to repair the sign at the West
Danby Fire Station for $600.00, amend it to approve up to $750.00 for repair by Tod Sukontarak. Request by Chief McCray.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Commissioner Westmiller made a motion to approve up to $500.00 for office supplies for the District Office. Request by Treasurer
Hart. Motion seconded by Commissioner Faehndrich. Motion carried 5 yes 0 no.
Next Meeting date and time:
• 06/25/24 at 7:00 p.m. – Regular Meeting with Budget Workshop to follow.
Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Gaden Secretary
DANBY FIRE DISTRICT
RESOLUTION BY THE MUNICIPALITY OR FIRE DISTRICT HAVING
JURISDICTION OVER THE FIRE COMPANY, FIRE DEPARTMENT OR
EMERGENCY SERVICE AGENCY
Resolution No. 2024-06-11.1
Commissioner Wayne Westmiller offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED that the Danby Fire District encourages the participation in the Tompkins County Fire/EMS Mutual Aid Plan
as now in force and updated from time to time and certifies to the Tompkins County Board of Representatives through the Director of
the Department of Emergency Response, that no restriction exists against Mutual Aid as defined by the Tompkins County Fire/EMS
Mutual Aid Plan by Fire Company, Fire Department, or Emergency Service Agency to participate in such plan.
RESOLVED FURTHER that a copy of this resolution be filed with the Department of Emergency Response.
Seconded by Commissioner Kevin Faehndrich and the Board of Fire Commissioners voted as follows:
Name: Voting: Aye or Nay:
Commissioner Anderson Aye
Commissioner Faehndich Aye
Commissioner Freedman Aye
Commissioner Griggs Aye
Commissioner Westmiller Aye
Vote: In Favor _5 Opposed __0 Abstain __0
Carried: June 11, 2024
(Date)
________________
Sharon Gaden, Secretary
Danby Fire District
AT A METING OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
OF THE DANBY FIRE DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF DANBY
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS
STATE OF NEW YORK
RESOLUTION OF THE DANBY FIRE DISTRICT
TO CONTRACT WITH THE BROOKTONDALE FIRE DISTRICT
2024-06-11.2
RESOLVED, that pursuant to Town Law 176(22), the Danby Fire District contract with the Brooktondale Fire District to provide
emergency services to areas of the Town of Danby, to which the Danby Fire District is unable to render adequate and prompt service
due to the terrain.
Motion made by Commissioner Westmiller, seconded by Commissioner Griggs, and adopted by the following vote:
Commissioner Anderson Aye
Commissioner Faehndrich Aye
Commissioner Freedman Aye
Commissioner Griggs Aye
Commissioner Westmiller Aye
Adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Danby Fire District on June 11, 2024.
______________________________
Sharon Gaden, Secretary
Danby Fire District