Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 4, 2007
Present: Chairman David Simko, Dr. Richard Brown, Matthew Walton, Richard Dufour and Dean Michelson
Others Present: Fire Chief Chuck Stickler, Deputy Chief Greg Voelker, Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer, Hunt Voelker
Others Absent: Assistant Chief Steve Palmer (Business Trip)
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 May regular meeting as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Communications: Chairman Simko received a letter from the East Hampton Ambulance asking for a member of the Commission to attend their annual meeting on June 4th. Chairman Simko notified Rich Lintz that due to the Fire Commission meeting date being changed, no one would be able to attend.
• Public Remarks: None.
New Business:
• Water System- Chairman Simko stated that the Town Council is looking for feedback from the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Fire Chiefs on the proposed water system. Five (5) basics proposals have been presented and Chief Stickler said that the Fire Department would recommend proposals 5, 4 and 3 in that order. Derek Johnson stated that the town is looking at the allocation vs. tax payer costs.
A discussion of the various proposals was held.
Chairman Simko stated that it doesn’t make sense to back any other proposals than 4 or 5. Dr. Brown mentioned that proposal #5 would increase the number of users. The Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chiefs agreed in there support of Proposal #5.
A motion was made by Richard Dufour and seconded by Matthew Walton to support Proposal #5 for the advantages in coverage in fire protection. Vote 5-0 in favor.
Chairman Simko will put together a letter and forward it to the Chiefs’ and the Commissioners for their review.
• Company #3 Water– Chairman Simko received a report from Thad King stating that the water at Company #3 had been tested and was okay.
• Meeting with Town Hall– Chairman Simko reported on his meeting with Derek Johnson (Town Council), Alan Bergren (Town Manager) and Chief Stickler. During the meeting tax abatement was mentioned and the possibility of printing checks to the membership for $650.00 vs. receiving a $1,000.00 abatement. Chairman Simko stated more information will have to be obtained before a decision can be made. Capital items were also discussed, especially the utility truck and vehicle maintenance. It was mentioned that the monies in the capital line will be rolled over to the next year with the possibilities of more if approved in the next budget process Dean Michelson suggested purchasing a cab and chassis with the $20,000 allotted and then look to outfit the vehicle over time.
• Oil Bills– Chairman Simko stated that the oil usage was discussed and it was felt that the bills should be tracked closer so a better projection can be made for the next fiscal year.
• Appropriation– Chairman Simko reported that an appropriation will not be made until the next fiscal year and a list of purchase orders that need to be left open will be given to the Board of Finance Chairman.
• Insurance– Chairman Simko met with Bob Dean regarding the Fire Departments insurance coverage and according to him the Board of Fire Commissioners is covered by workers compensation insurance. Mr. Dean also stated that if any of the membership has any questions with regard to the department/individual coverage he can be emailed directly. Mr. Dean requested that the list of vehicles be updated with any new vehicles or changes to the current list. Matthew Walton suggested inviting him to the next meeting to explain the policies
• CRCOG– Chairman Simko spoke with Chief Reimondo regarding the availabilities of computer equipment and programs through the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG). This will be looked into further.
• Tax Abatement– Chairman Simko stated that the questions regarding 3 members have been cleared up.
• Old Rescue Truck– Chief Stickler reported that the truck was sold for $5,200 and is going to Ecuador.
• Rescue/Ambulance– Chief Stickler stated that the newly donated Ambulance that is being re-outfitted as a rescue truck went to its first call at the lake and was used to keep fire personnel warm during the search.
• Budget – Chief Stickler reported that after necessary repairs and normal operating bills, the budget is currently $1,200 over budget.
• 2007-2008 Budget – Chief Stickler brought to the Commissioners attention the expenditures that will be needed early in the new budget year.
Cleaning Service Contracts- United Cleaning Contractors will be starting cleaning of the fire houses in the new fiscal year. This will be taken out of the Cleaning line item.
Route 66 Collision- The rescue truck/old ambulance will be painted for $2,000 and decals will be applied by Sign Pro for $1,500-2,000. Chief Stickler will get another quote before the July meeting.
Forestry Tanker 2-12- During the Memorial Day weekend the Tanker might have blown a head gasket and it will be sent to First Line for a quote on repair. The Fire Commissioners stated that if the vehicle needs repair to get it done.
Hose - Engine 1 and 2 are short roughly 800 feet of hose and nozzles and will cost a total of $14,000 ($8,000 for the hose and $6,000 for the nozzles) in the new fiscal year. This does not include any hose that needs to be replaced as a result of the hose testing that will be preformed.
Tom-Tom- Two units will be purchased for $250 each to assist with mutual aide calls to other towns.
• Firehouse Software – Chief Stickler reported that the current fiscal year’s truck maintenance is being entered in the system.
• Grant- Chairman Simko stated that he has printed out the 2007 FEMA grant and will give a copy to the finance department and leave a copy at the fire department for all to review.
A motion was made by Matthew Walton and seconded by Dean Michelson to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:05 p.m. Vote 5-0 all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki Recording Secretary
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