March 24, 2008
Work Session
Present were: Mayor Bertrand, Councilors Lafleur, Cayer, Evans, Remillard, McCue, Goudreau, Donovan and Poulin. Fire Chief Randall Trull, Patrick MacQueen, Blandine Shallow, media and public were also present.
Fire Department Budget Review
Chief Trull had a Power Point presentation to explain the needs of his department. He described the standard operating procedures of the daily operations to keep the station and equipment in good operating order.
Duties of the Assistant Fire Chief include working on occupancy permits, building plans, reviews boilers, inspects schools, and places of assembly. The department works on fire prevention and public education. Multi family dwelling inspections are done through the fire department. When violations are written up, they need to be re-inspected until compliance occurs. The Fire Department has been the driving force in the 155 B process to bring dangerous buildings into compliance. Fire investigation is done after a fire and the paperwork can take days.
Mayor Bertrand asked when the State Fire Marshall is called in. Chief Trull stated that the Fire Department determines the origin of the fire and the Fire Marshall is called when there is a fatality, damage over $1 million or when the origin is suspicious in nature.
The Chief went on to say that the department has many training needs as each firefighter must certify on each piece of equipment. All of the officers have incident command training as well as HazMat training. The department is well equipped with vehicle extrication tools and they often respond to motor vehicle accidents. They respond with the ladder truck because it is the tool box and has everything on it that may be needed.
There are typically five big fires per year in Berlin; however last year there were fourteen. There are a lot of fires we don’t hear about because they are put out early. There are two shifts of four firefighters and two shifts of five firefighters. The Chief is asking for additional firefighters in his budget proposal. Councilor Goudreau asked what the extra person will do to help a fire situation. In response, the Chief noted that the extra person would give the OSHA standard of two firefighters in and two out.
Councilor Remillard made the point that if buildings were up to standard, it is likely that lives could be saved. Chief Trull did not disagree and added that sprinklers would add to the safety of buildings. Chief Trull established that there are high incidents of Worker’s Compensation claims due to the need for several trips by firefighters to carry tools and equipment.
At this time there are ten volunteer firefighters and they are called at every working fire; there is also a mutual aid agreement with surrounding towns. Volunteers show up five to ten minutes in.
Mayor Bertrand questioned the need for an additional assistant fire chief. Chief Trull responded that the new chief would be in charge of the housing inspection duties. Councilor Goudreau acknowledged the pride in the equipment and firehouse but questioned the daily standard care that is applied, asking if there is other work that can be done. Chief Trull indicated that everyone could be sent to inspector school at a cost of $20,000.
Councilor McCue asked about a revenue account for fire alarm user fees and there are no revenues. Chief Trull explained that he is working on a user fee for the fire alarm system that would have businesses using the master box system paying a fee. Those fees have not been put in place.
Councilor Lafleur confirmed that the Fire Department continues to apply for Homeland Security safety grants. Councilor Remillard asked about computer upgrades and Chief Trull noted that the Fire Department has yet to go on DSL but they have recently purchased firehouse software and will need additional computers for proper application.
Capital Improvements
Chief Trull confirmed that repair of the central fire station is an ongoing project. There’s not been an engineer looking at the building. There is cracking in the floor and walls. With regard to the fire prevention van the Chief noted that the van has been out of service for some time and the Assistant Chief has been using a pick up truck which is not adequate to take all the equipment he needs.
Mayor Bertrand affirmed that the next major apparatus that will be needed is a ladder truck as ours 13 years old. A 20 year old truck is beyond its life. Mr. MacQueen indicated that he would recommend bonding or a lease purchase rather than a yearly set aside amount for such a purchase. Fire protective clothing costs $1,598 per set and with the number of fires last year; the life of the equipment was shortened.
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Donovan moved with a second from Councilor McCue to enter into a non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2 (b) Strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining. The motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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