Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2007
Present: Chairman David Simko, Dr. Richard Brown, Matthew Walton and Richard Dufour
Absent: Dean Michelson
Others Present: Fire Chief Chuck Stickler, Deputy Chief Greg Voelker, Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer, 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 Matthew Walton and seconded by Dr. Brown to accept the minutes of the April regular meeting as presented. Vote 4-0 in favor.
• Communications: None.
• Public Remarks: Deputy Chief Greg Voelker mentioned that Matthew Walton wrote a letter in the weekly paper and signed as a Fire Commissioner. If signed as a Fire Commissioner, the letter should be approved by the Commission. It was also mentioned that many of the membership would also like to write letters but at this time have been asked not to.
• 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:
• Fire Commissioner Seat - Chairman Simko introduced Richard Dufour as the new Commissioner to the Board.
• Appreciation Dinner – Chairman Simko thanked everyone involved in organizing the dinner and thanked Shawn Benoit, Brian Bochinski and Steve Palmer for the great job they did on the slide show. The Town Council and the public in general should see the presentation.
• Vehicle Maintenance – Chairman Simko sent a letter to the Chairman of the Board of Finance, Derek Johnson (Town Council), Alan Bergren (Town Manager) and Jeff Jylkka (Finance Director) regarding the line item overage of approximately $18,000 and the overage of heating oil. Dr. Brown suggested that the Commission proceed with a request for a special appropriation. Chairman Simko stated that the Finance Committee Chairman suggested holding off on unnecessary purchases until July 1st. The issue will be presented at the next Board of Finance meeting.
• May 18th Meeting– Chairman Simko informed the Commissioners that on May 18th a meeting will be held at the town hall between Derek Johnson (Town Council), Alan Bergren (Town Manager), Chief Stickler and himself to discuss the tax abatement, the FEMA grant closeout and the one time appropriation. Matthew Walton suggested that Chief Stickler put together a list of items that are mandatory on a yearly basis and present it at the meeting.
• Old Rescue Truck– Chief Stickler reported that the truck is currently listed on a bid site. The truck is still being housed at the sewer plant.
• Building Walk-thru – Chairman Simko asked how the items discussed during the walk-thru are progressing. Chief Stickler stated that the windows at Company #2 are replaced as well as the doors at Company #3 and Frank Grzyb is pricing out the doors at Company #1. Chief Stickler said that the other items will be completed as money becomes available.
• Capital Budget Requests – Chairman Simko stated that he would like to have the $20,000 allocated for a used pick-up truck placed in a sinking fund. If $20,000 is added to the sinking fund next year, we would have enough to buy a new outfitted pick-up truck. Chairman Simko said he will bring this up at the meeting with the Town Manager and with the chairman of the Board of Finance.
• Awards Program/Tax Abatement – Chairman Simko reported that the numbers have been sent to ACG and another spreadsheet will be sent with a few changes and additions. Chairman Simko stated that the Tax Abatement is current up in the air. Theresa Shulman asked Chairman Simko to verify 3 members on the list.
• FEMA Grant Process - Chairman Simko stated that the 2004 has been officially closed out and the 2007 grant has been submitted for $70,000 that would be for computer hardware and software. Chairman Simko will provide copies of the submitted grant to the Commissioners.
New Business:
• Jr. Women - Dr. Brown reported that the Jr. Women are looking to make donations to organizations and was wondering if the department is in need of a specific item that could be requested. Chief Stickler suggested a basket stretcher and floats for the stretcher. Chairman Simko asked that a request be put together and submitted to the group.
• Grants – Chairman Simko stated that he has received a call from Chief Reimondo to let him know of grants that possibly would be suitable for the fire department from Homeland Security. Deputy Chief Voelker suggested that Chairman Simko see if a communication plan need be in place to apply.
• Fire Extinguisher Contracts – Chairman Simko stated that he has heard nothing new on the fire extinguisher contracts yet.
• Vehicle Removal – Chairman Simko reported that the practice drill vehicle behind the firehouse at Company #1 will be removed soon.
• Approval of Purchases - Chief Stickler asked for the approval to purchase the following items:
Description |
Amount |
Account Number |
Vendor |
4 Life Vests |
$425.00 |
01220221-5690 |
L B Sea Marine |
1 ¾ hose 2 ½ suction hose PVC 2 ½ floating strainer |
$2,465.00 |
01220221-5690 |
Shipman’s |
Generator |
$2,190.00 |
01220221-5690 |
Midstate Tractor |
Computer |
$1,500.00 |
01220221-5744 |
CDW-G |
Pump Test |
$1,200.00 |
01220221-5330 |
First Line |
Hose Test |
$5,000.00 |
01220221-5330 |
Southeast Hose |
Mask Fitting |
$1,500.00 |
01220221-5330 |
Shipmans |
2 Training Classes |
$1,300.00 |
01220221-5330 |
CT Fire Academy |
Hood/Gloves |
$600.00 |
01220221-5690 |
Firematic |
10 Sets of Gear |
$15,341.00 |
Capital |
Firematic |
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Matthew Walton to approve the purchases as presented. Vote 4-0 in favor.
• Ambulance Donation – Hunt Voelker made the Commission aware that due to the hold up with the paperwork for the old ambulance the town has now lost out on the paint job. Vinyl Tech had offered to paint the vehicle for the cost of material only but due to the delay the students are no longer in school
• Boat Motor – Chief Sticker informed the Commission that L B Marine is looking at the boat motor due to problems that frequently occurred last year.
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Richard Dufour to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:58 p.m. Vote 4-0 all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki
Recording Secretary
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