Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2007
Present: Chairman David Simko, Dr. Richard Brown, Dean Michelson, Matthew Walton and
Others Present: Fire Chief Chuck Stickler, Assistant Chief Steve Palmer, Deputy Chief Greg Voelker, Marty Voelker, Hunt Voelker,
Chairman David Simko called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. at Company #1 on Barton Hill Road.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Mathew Walton and seconded by Dr. Brown to accept the minutes of the February regular meeting as presented. Vote 3-0 in favor.
• Communications: Chairman Simko received communications regarding continuing education for Rich Klotzbier.
• Public Remarks: Marty Voelker asked the Commissioners if anyone looked into the purchasing of property on Hog Hill & Route 16 for a future Company #2 firehouse. Chairman Simko said there is council sub-committee to look for property. Matthew Walton is going to inquire with Melisa Engel who is part of the Facilities sub-committee to see if the town has given any thought to this property or another in the Company #2 area.
• 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:
• Vehicle Maintenance – Chairman Simko stated that if a vehicle needs to be taken off the road, the apparatus should be pulled off line until the repairs have been made. Chief Stickler reported that Tanker 2 and the Fire Police vehicle are currently out of service while various work is being done to each,. Chairman Simko suggested that all vehicles be logged on the Firehouse Software so all work done to the vehicles, dollars spent and number of hours used can be tracked.
Chairman Simko stated that due to two unexpected vehicle repairs he will again contact the Finance Board and the Town Council asking for a one-time emergency appropriation. A discussion followed concerning how emergency repairs do and should effect the Vehicle Maintenance Repair line-item.
• Awards Program – Chairman Simko reported that the list was posted and no one has come forward with any problems. He will put the information into the spreadsheet and run the numbers. Chairman Simko requested a list of officers for 2006. There was roughly $87,000 in gain on the investment this year.
• Bonuses – Chairman Simko said that the revision of the Award Bonuses is on the agenda for tomorrow evenings council meeting.
• Workers Comp. – Chief Stickler reported that the town does have an insurance consultant and has current copies of the VFIS and State Fire Assoc. policies. Chairman Simko stated he will contact the consultant to get more information we need a complete understanding of what is covered and what is not covered for the members.
• Budget – Chairman Simko stated that the Fire Department has an appointment on March 24th at 10:00 am to review the 2007-2008 budget that was submitted.
• Roof – Chairman Simko said that on Wednesday, March 14th there will be a walk through of all fire houses to discuss issues in the buildings with Frank Grzyb and Alan Bergren.
• Gear – Chairman Simko asked that a listing of PPE gear be put together so it can be tracked for replacement and repair and he would like the gear to be cleaned and repaired on Schedule. Chairman Simko stated that the SOG will be put on the computer to make it easier to update.
• Old Rescue Truck– Chairman Simko reported that pictures have been taken of the rescue truck and given to Jeff Jylkka, he has not heard anything yet.
• Hydrant – Chairman Simko reported that the pump has been installed but needs to be tested, but testing is not scheduled until after the warranty is up. Deputy Chief Voelker suggested that the Board of Fire Commissioner write a letter with regard to this to the Town Manager.
• FEMA Grant Process - Chairman Simko stated that he has given Rich Klotzbier the 2006 FEMA grant so the numbers can be updated. The grant would include the hardware, 7 workstations, VPN, etc. Rich is also contacting the software company to see if anything new is coming up and to get the current pricing.
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Matthew Walton to draft a letter and send it to the council regarding the way the close out of a previous grant was not handled properly. Vote 3-0 in favor. 1 abstention.
New Business:
• Bylaws – Chairman Simko reported that at the March Department meeting two changes to the bylaws were suggested: 1) that the word fireman be changed to fire fighter; and 2) to change the Chiefs’ terms to 2 year terms and that the term should be staggered. (Chief and Deputy will be on even years and Assistant will be the odd year) The term change will be presented again at the June meeting since it effects another section of the bylaws.
Chief Stickler has appointed a bylaws committee and Jerry Cloutier will head it up and is looking for more member participation.
• Tax Abatement – Chairman Simko stated that he has received emails from the Jeff Jylkka with regard to Ken Ferner (who isn’t an active member). Ken's name appeared on the list back in 2004 and 2005 with $ 0.00 next to his name. Jeff Jylkka said in his email that from now on the Finance Director will audit the tax abatement list once it is completed and before it goes to the Tax Collector. Chairman Simko stated that when he sends the list in he will send it to both Jeff and Marie Durkin.
Hunt Voelker brought to the Board of Fire Commissioners questions as to what qualifies members for a good year with regard to the Tax Abatement List. A discussion followed. Dr. Brown suggested this discussion be tabled to the next meeting.
Chairman Simko will obtain a definition of how abatements are applied. Chairman Simko requested a list of all new fire fighters and anyone who has left the department in 2006.
• Fire Commissioner Seat - Chairman Simko stated that at the last Council Meeting Russ Oakes resigned and requested that Charles Gotta be reappointed. The Council will be appointing a person to fill the seat.
A motion was made by Dean Michelson and seconded by Dr. Brown to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:30 p.m. Vote 5-0 in favor
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki Recording Secretary
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