Work Session
February 22, 2011
Present were: Councilors McCue, Remillard, Danderson, Rozek, Evans, and Poulin; Mayor Grenier entered the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Others present included Chief Randall Trull, Corinne Cascadden, Roland Théberge, media and public
Councilor McCue informed the Council that Mayor Grenier would be late and he opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Fire Department Update
Chief Trull reported that the Assistant Chief has been in place at the Fire Department for 2 months and he has been making progress with the new payment fee schedule and setting the ground work for administering the vacant building ordinance. The assistant chief is aggressive and pro-active.
Chief Trull went on to say that he has a staff of volunteer firefighters and he is working to have them certified to the level of firefighter 2 which would allow them to work a fire with less supervisory staff present. This training will require 120 hours of their time, with classes being taught by Chief Trull on Monday nights until 2013. Councilor Remillard confirmed that training will be held in Berlin at the fire station. Councilor Rozek questioned whether their time is donated and Chief Trull noted that the volunteers are paid a $20 flat fee per month.
Another task being worked on is the inspection of multi-family buildings and so far two have been closed. There are six slated to be inspected in March and more in the coming months. Councilor Rozek affirmed that the buildings are being chosen for inspection by condition and Chief Trull elaborated that the ones that have the highest violations and high incident rates with multiple stories are done first.
The owners of vacant buildings will soon be contacted to secure their buildings in accordance with the ordinance. Councilor Remillard asked about bank owned properties and the Chief noted that banks are made to comply with the ordinance as well. There is some leeway in the ordinance that allows securing by locking the doors but once a property becomes blighted, doors and windows are to be boarded. He added that vacant buildings are being destroyed by not being winterized. Once water enters the electrical panels, it becomes a fire hazard.
Chief Trull established that fire officer training would normally cost about $4,000 per individual. The department bought the curriculum for $900 and Chief Trull is a certified trainer. He plans to implement the program in house which will meet the intent of the code but the officers won’t be certified at this time. Councilor Remillard acknowledged that this 120 hour course will be a requirement for officers. The Chief noted that he will continue to work with the State to get the certification. Councilor Danderson affirmed that the course will be taken during work hours.
Councilor Evans asked about what he perceived to be a “grandfather clause” on how old buildings are supposed to meet code. Chief Trull explained that “existing” in the fire code, is whatever fire codes were in place at the time the building was built. Councilor McCue confirmed that when properties are being renovated, new has to meet current code.
Mayor Grenier asked about the condition of the fleet and Chief Trull mentioned that though the crew does a great job with vehicle maintenance, the ladder truck is in the capital improvement plan for replacement. Councilor Rozek asked for the mileage and hours on the truck.
Councilor Danderson asked for an activity report to include the percentage of respondents of firefighters when they are off. He commented that there are quite a few with day time jobs and one with a legislative position; he wanted to know that they are reasonably responsive. Chief Trull assured that those who have jobs always respond. Councilor Danderson said that he is not opposed to increasing the pay of the call department since it will be tough to hire new firefighters. Councilor Danderson added that he feels the fire department should help shovel hydrants when Water Works is behind. This would also be good pr for the fire department because ultimately response time and safety are most important. In extreme winters, the practice should be reviewed.
Chief Trull recounted that the fire department will be working on routine inspections of all equipment and apparatus to get a good ISO rating.
Councilor McCue turned the meeting over to Mayor Grenier.
Grant Application for Boiler for High School
Corinne Cascadden reported to the Council that the schools are working on a project to convert heating systems to biomass and how to fund such a project. Senator Shaheen’s office made her aware of a grant available for engineering services. The schools are doing everything possible to cut operating costs in all areas, including electricity and manpower.
Councilor Danderson questioned the Honeywell contract and Ms. Cascadden acknowledged that it is being reviewed by the Board; however time is needed to train custodians to do the maintenance work that Honeywell does now. Councilor Rozek stated that some control systems may be exclusive to Honeywell and it would be in the City’s best interest to be prepared for that.
Other
Councilor Evans reported that BIDPA has been working to get the Rite Aid building back on the tax rolls. There are no current offers and the Authority is going to review bids from real estate agents, to sell or lease the building.
Bickford Place is an outside park near the Rite Aid building and is close to completion. When the park is finished, it will be donated to the city and the City Manager has assured BIDPA that the park can be maintained by Public Work and Recreation staff. Councilor McCue noted that the Drive in the 50’s on the first Thursday in June would be a good time to have a dedication for the park.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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