Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 9, 2007
Present: Chairman David Simko, Dr. Richard Brown, Matthew Walton, Richard Dufour and Dean Michelson
Others Present: Fire Chief Chuck Stickler, Assistant Chief Steve Palmer, Deputy Chief Greg Voelker, Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer and 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 Dean Michelson and seconded by Dr. Brown to accept the minutes of the June regular meeting as presented. Vote 4-0 in favor.
• Communications: Chairman Simko received an Application for Benefits form for the Awards Program from Walter Rutkowski asking to withdraw his money. His normal retirement date has been reached and he is eligible for a payout. A check will be made out to him.
• Public Remarks: None.
• 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:
· Pump Testing -Chief Stickler reported that the pump testing is being completed and all trucks that have been tested have passed inspection.
· Forestry Tanker 2-12- During the Memorial Day weekend the Tanker might have blown a head gasket and has been repaired and will be returned this week.
· Engine 4-12 – has had a leak that has been repaired.
· Ambulance Association- Chairman Simko inquired as to what was presented to the Fire Department at the Ambulance Annual Meeting. Chief Stickler stated that a plaque was given to the department and is hanging on the wall.
· Water System- Chairman Simko discussed the letter that the Commission sent to the Town Council in support of the proposal 5. Chairman Simko stated that there is going to be a meeting on Tuesday, July 10th at 4:30 to discuss the proposals.
· Bids for Wall & Re-point Chimney- Chairman Simko announced that the bid notices have been posted for repairing the wall and re-pointing the chimney and the bid deadline is July 18, 2007.
· Tax Abatement– Chairman Simko spoke with Marie Durkin who stated there have been some problems with how the tax abatement showed or did not on Fire Department members taxes. The tax office will know more information by the end of the week as to what may have happened. Amended Tax statements will be sent out.
· Secretary– Chairman Simko stated that the Commissioners have to fill out a Personnel Action Request form to reflect the increase in the Secretary’s annual salary. After a brief discussion it was decided that the hourly wage would be $18.00 which would work out to roughly 33 hours a month and 8 hours a week.
· Rescue/Ambulance– Chairman Simko stated that the new Rescue Truck (old ambulance) is being re-outfitted and the progress is coming along well.
· Firehouse Software – Chief Stickler reported that the current fiscal year’s truck maintenance is being entered in the system.
· CRCOG– Matthew Walton handed out packets describing the Captain Fire Mobile Data Communications that was discussed during the last meeting. A discussion was held after reviewing the information received and it was decided by the Commissioners to table this topic until more information can be obtained.
New Business:
• Technology Committee Meeting – Chairman Simko attended a town Technology Committee Meeting and as a result was asked to send a copy of what the Fire Department submitted as a request in the current FEMA grant application with regard to computers, software, etc. So it can be reviewed at the next meeting.
• Bylaw Proposals – Chief Sticker reviewed the following three proposals with the Board of Fire Commissioners:
1. Change the wording in Article XIV (OATH) from “fireman” to ”firefighter:
A motion was made by Richard Dufour and seconded by Dean Michelson to approve the bylaw change as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
2. Delete the wording in Article II Section 1 (OFFICERS) that states “one whom shall be from a different Company than the other”
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Dean Michelson to deny the bylaw change as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
3. To add the wording in Article VII (MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS) that would state “To Elect the Chiefs to a two-year term. The positions shall be staggered by electing two Chiefs’ on even years, and one Chief on odd years. The word term is for the two year cycle. Not intended to limit the member’s availability to hold said office”
A motion was made by Richard Dufour and seconded by Matthew Walton to deny the bylaw change as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Approval of Purchases - Chief Stickler asked for the approval to purchase the following items:
~Description |
Amount |
Account~ Number |
Vendor |
Slidemaster |
$700.00 |
01220221-5690 |
Innovative Industries |
(2) Tom-Toms |
$508.80 |
01220221-5430 |
Scranton Communication |
Painting R-212 |
$1,751.40 |
01220221-5438 |
Belltown Motors |
5" Hose |
$10,000.00 |
To Be Determined |
Shipman’s |
Computer Tower 2 Laptops |
To Be Determined By State Bid System |
To Be Determined |
To Be Determined |
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Matthew Walton to approve the purchases as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
Annual Meeting– Chairman Simko and the Commissioners discussed the upcoming Annual Meeting.
A motion was made by Matthew Walton and seconded by Richard Dufour to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:50 p.m. Vote 5-0 all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki Recording Secretary
| 
