Volunteer Incentive Committee Meeting
Meeting minutes Oct. 27, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm by Ron Masters.
Present were: Mike Balf, Jim Barton, Cal Meyers, Dave Lockwood, Dan Schnobrich & Ron Masters
Absent were: Marie DeSousa & Gil Hayes
Minutes of the meeting of May 12th were reviewed. A MSC was made by Jim Barton and 2nd by D. Schnobrich.
Both departments provided the committee with data of the 1st quarter of the fiscal year ‘08/’09. BBFD spent $20,299.50, WHPFD spent $14,932. This total is within the budget estimate for the quarter which is $45,000.
The committee discussed the possibility of making improvements to the Volunteer Incentive Program. The committee has previously discussed increasing the pay per call out from $10 to $12 and also increasing the incentive pay for department officers. Both departments agreed that some improvement in the program is needed. Both departments continue to have staffing concerns particularly during the day time hours.
The committee agreed to the following action items:
· Review data from the last two years and prepare a proposal to put before the Board of Selectman.
· Chairman Masters to meet with the first Selectman to advise her of our plans as soon as possible.
· The committee will meet again on Nov. 10 to finalize a revised proposal to present to the Board of Selectman.
· Meet with the Board of Selectman and present the proposal.
The committee was provided with an article regarding a bill, HR3648, passed by the House Representatives and the Senate, which prohibits the federal government from taxing benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. A copy of the article will be forwarded to the first Selectman for review and follow up.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald Masters
Committee Chairman
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