Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2007
Present: Chairman David Simko, Dr. Richard Brown, Dean Michelson, Matthew Walton and Russell Oakes.
Others Present: Fire Chief Chuck Stickler, Assistant Chief Steve Palmer, Deputy Chief Greg Voelker, Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer, Marty Voelker, Hunt Voelker, Derek Johnson (Town Council Member) and Jill Simko (BOF)
Chairman David Simko called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Company #1 on Barton Hill Road.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Dean Michelson and seconded by Dr. Brown to accept the minutes of the January regular meeting as presented. Vote 4-0 in favor 1 abstention.
• Communications:
Chairman Simko introduced Russ Oakes as the new Fire Commissioner replacing Charles Gotta whose term expired in November 2006.
Chairman Simko reported that ACG will be sending a 1099 to Jack Dolce’s widow.
Chairman Simko stated he has received communications from FEMA regarding the grant for computer training equipment which has been reviewed by a panel of peers and scored well enough to be funded. However, incomplete fulfillment of requirement from a previous grant prevents FEMA from funding this grant.
• Public Remarks: Marty Voelker asked the Commissioners to speak with Frank Grzyb regarding the windows at Company #2. They have not been fixed yet. Chairman Simko said he would email Frank regarding this matter.
• Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer’s Report: The Fire Marshal’s report is attached and made part of these minutes.
• Fire Chief Chuck Stickler’s Report: The Chief’s report is attached and made part of these minutes.
Old Business:
• Capital Budget Meeting– Chairman Simko stated that he attended a meeting where the department capital budget requests were addressed. Below is the outcome of that meeting.
1. Replace Chief’s Vehicle - $35,000 - Cut
2. ¾ Ton Service Vehicle/Utility Vehicle - $40,000 - Funded
3. New Computer System for Department - $40,000 - Cut to $10,000
4 Roof at Company #1 - $60,000 - Cut to $15,000
• Awards Program – Chief Stickler gave Chairman Simko the final awards program printout. The list will be posted at Company #1 and #2 for 30 days and finalized at the next meeting.
• Bonuses– Chairman Simko stated that this still has not been resolved by the Council but it is on the agenda for the Tuesday, February 13, 2007, meeting.
• Workers Comp. – Chairman Simko reported that he has received a copy of all insurance policies the town has for the fire department. Chairman Simko suggested that once the Commission has a chance to review the material, someone with expertise be brought in to look over our coverage’s and possibly suggest what coverage the department should have.
• Budget – Chairman Simko stated that in the 2007-2008 budget the BOFC Secretary salary has been increased. The position will not only be taking minutes for the meetings but will take on more projects for the Commissioners and the Chiefs.
• Gear– Chairman Simko asked that Assistant Chief Palmer put together a list of gear which will be put on a spreadsheet. The town has established in the capital budget a line that enables the department to purchase 5 sets of gear per year. Chairman Simko would like 10 sets ordered immediately (this will include the 5 sets that were not ordered last year). Chairman Simko also asked the Chiefs’ to review the SOG on cleaning procedures and to come up with a working plan for the next meeting.
• Roof – Chief Stickler stated that after a meeting with Frank Grzyb regarding the Company #1 roof and the leaks, Franks stated that the lower roof will be replaced first and then progress to the other roofs in years to follow.
New Business:
• Ambulance Donation – Chief Stickler presented the conditions given by Rich Lintz from the Ambulance Association with regard to the retired ambulance being donated to the fire department. Chairman Simko stated he will contact Rich to discuss the restrictions. The commissioners felt that Restriction #1 should be removed.
• Training Bill– Chief Stickler brought to the Commissioners attention a bill that is being presented in the state. The State of Connecticut is proposing that all entry level courses be paid for by the state. Chief Stickler asked that the Commissioners review the handout and consider supporting the bill. Chairman Simko said he will write a letter of support to our representatives.
• FEMA Grant Process- Chairman Simko stated that the 2007 FEMA grant process opens soon and will close at the end of April. Chief Stickler reported that Assistant Chief Palmer is working with Shane Benoit and Mike Scranton to gather information for a communication grant
• Vehicle Maintenance- Chairman Simko reported that at this time he has not heard back from the Finance Board regarding his request for a one-time emergency appropriation for the Vehicle Maintenance line-item.
• Approval of Purchases - Chief Stickler asked for the approval to purchase the following items:
Description |
Amount |
Acct. Number |
Vendor |
Repairs to Generator |
$691.16 |
01220221-5430 |
Cummins Metropower |
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Dean Michelson to approve the repairs of the generator as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
Description |
Amount |
Acct. Number |
Vendor |
Water for Co #2 |
$350.00 |
01220221-5440 |
Poland Springs |
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Matthew Walton to approve the purchase as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
A motion was made by Dean Michelson and seconded by Dr. Brown to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:40 p.m. Vote 5-0 in favor
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki
Recording Secretary
| 
