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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 9, 2023 approved Fire District MinutesBoard of Commissioners Organizational Meeting Minutes October 9th,2023 Meeting called to order at 18:30 hours by G.Hollister,Commissioner. Opening Remarks: J.Mathews sent a correspondence via email stating his absence is due to an untimely plane delay. He wishes the other BOC conduct business as usual despite his absence. Public Floor (3 minutes for each public member): Robert Lynch: Mr.Lynch personally invites the Board of Commissioners and fire company representatives to a public town hearing on Tompkins county’s use of a new “EMR fly car system”.The idea of this system is to supplement EMR services in the area.Newfield’s town hearing was very controversial,and the outcome could effect the fire company operations. Mr.Lynch is also asking for a refferancum on the October 31st election regarding the bond of apparatus.Mr.Lynch would like to see an informational meeting explaining the reasoning for bonding,as well as information on paper of finances before and after bonding to provide a visual for town residents. Reading of Last Meeting’s Minutes: Motion was made by R.Wishna to accept the minutes of the September 25th meeting. 1st Motion:R.Wishna,2nd Motion,G.Hollister.All in favor,none opposed or abstained. Carried. Treasurer’s Report: Read by Cortney Bailey,Treasurer No report.We have no funds currently due to the new start-up of the Board of Commissioners. Old Business: Bonding: Per B.Pinsky (lawyer)generally bonds are not combined due to the different ages of the apparatus. BOC is scheduling a public’s hear for the 3rd week of October.The hearing has to be the 3rd week of October due to time constraints. The BOC discussed interest rates for bonding:B.Pinsky stated bond interest rates depends on the term (7-10 years give best). Formal inquiry is needed at this point according to B.Pinsky. Election: The special election for the budget/bonding has to be held at the fire company,that was what was advertised. Pollers are needed.Secretary of BOC will be overseeing the polls,2 more pollers are needed.Pollers need to be available all day.Discussion was held. Motion made by G.Hollister to have the Enfield Town Clerk advertise the need for pollers on the website/paper.1st motion:G.Hollister,2nd R.Wishna.All in favor,none opposed. Carried. Town law 175 was discussed:“2b) In fire districts in which there is additional personal registration,the board of fire commissioners shall publish a resolution at least twenty-seven days prior to election day,which shall designate the dates prior to registration day on which the inspectors of election shall meet to commence the preparation of the register; the place in each fire district where such ameetings,registration,if any,and election shall be held; the hours for such meetings,registration,if any,and election; but in no event shall the hours for registration be less than the hours from six o'clock in the evening until nine o'clock in the evening. Such resolution shall be adopted at least thirty days prior to election day.”This was clarified by the lawyer in a more free-term,and is subject to interpretation.The election times will stand as they are read in the notice for election. Budget: Discussion was held about public hearing for election:We would need to have the hearing in the 3rd week of October;Friday is not ideal,latest old be Thursday. Motion was made by R.Wishna to have the public hearing at 1845 hours on October 19th,2023.No BOC meeting after.Meeting held at Town Court Building. 1st Motion:R.Wishna,2nd:B.Rollins.All in favor,none opposed.Carried. Motion was made by R.Wishna to have a BOC special meeting on November 2nd at 1845 hours at the Town Court Building to discuss and finalize the budget following the special election.1st motion:R.Wishna,2nd:B.Rollins.All in favor,none opposed.Carried. Enfield Fire Chief ’s Report: Presented by Greg Stevenson,EFVC Chief Report of Alarms:See attached Chief Stevenson reports that the fire company completed annual hose and ladder testing;overall it went well.Chief Stevenson reports we use a company called Waterway,who is highly accredited to providing a good service every year.Hose and ladder testing is to the NFPA 1962 standard. Chief Stevenson remarks on questions about the general elections in December;qualifications and policies have not been made known for this.B.Pinsky stated he is working on the SOPs for the BOC. Enfield Fire President’s Report: Presented by Denny Hubble,EVFC President of Board of Directors Discussion was held on worker ’s compensation insurance:President Hubble asks the BOC how the configuration is going to be handled between the fire company and the fire district due to this specific insurance being July -July 2024.President Hubble will be working on this with the BOC. President Hubble reports that the government money that was talked about in the previous meeting was discussed among the fire company board of directors;essentially the town can do whatever they want with it,it is their money. Discussion was held on cancer insurance;this is separate from worker ’s compensation insurance. The state implemented this insurance several years ago as a requirement.This will have to be discussed to decide who will be providing this insurance. Liaison Report: None New Business: October 21st Election: Many remarks have been made about the bad timing of the election on October 31st:the BOC wishes to clarify that the election being held on October 31st was not of malicious intent.The BOC has to adopt the final budget by November 4th.Severa other factors regarding the laws when posting a notice,having a hearing,etc.have gone into planning this election. Unfortunately,there was no other date to do this election.The BOC appreciates the residents’ cooperation and understanding on the time crunch the BOC has been put in. Closing Remarks Next Meeting:Public hearing,October 19th @ 18:45 (6:45pm) Attendance: Commissioner: Geoffrey Hollister Commissioner: Robyn Wishna Commissioner: Barry Rollins Commissioner: Marcus Gingerich Treasurer: Cortney Bailey Secretary: Alexis Comparetta Absent:Commissioner: James Mathews (excused). Public was in attendance at the open meeting.Executive session was held following the open meeting. Meeting adjourned at 20:15 hours. Motion was made by G.Hollister to enter the executive session at 20:15 hours.1st G.Hollister, 2nd:R.Wishna.All in Favor,none opposed.Carried.Session adjourned 20:40. Respectfully submitted, Alexis Comparetta Secretary,Board of Commissioners