Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
August 13, 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, Hunt Voelker and Rich Stansfield
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 Dr. Brown and seconded by Matthew Walton to accept the minutes of the July regular meeting as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Communications: Chairman Simko received an email from the Town Manager requesting the Fire Department annual report information. The report will be sent in tomorrow.
• Public Remarks: None.
• Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer’s Report: The Fire Marshal’s report is attached and made part of these minutes (available in Town Clerk's office). Phil discussed the Royal Oaks development and the installation of the three 10,000 gallon water tanks installed by the builder for fire department use. He also explained that the fire hydrants in the development cannot be used by the fire department until Royal Oaks is hooked up to the town water system. They do not have enough water to support the fire hydrants.
• Fire Chief Chuck Stickler’s Report: The Chief’s report is attached and made part of these minutes (available in Town Clerk's office).
• Awards Program Presentation - Rich Stansfield from ACG Associates gave the yearly update on the awards program.
• Annual Meeting Discussion - Chairman Simko stated that due to two terms of BOFC members being up in November holding a vote to elect a Chairman and Secretary now would not be proper. A brief discussion was held and the following motion was made. The election will be held at the September meeting which will be considered the Annual Meeting.
A motion was made by Matthew Walton and seconded by Richard Dufour to hold the Board of Fire Commission Annual Meeting in conjunction with the September meeting. Vote 5-0 in favor.
Old Business:
• Meeting w/ Town Council Liaison – Chairman Simko reported that he and Chief Stickler met with Derek Johnson to discuss various concerns and issues that the fire department has been having. Derek Johnson would like to have a meeting in the near future that would include the Finance Director, Jeff Jyllka. Chairman Simko held a meeting with Jeff Jyllka to resolve past issues and to focus on future communications between the Fire Department and the Finance Department.
• Wall/Chimney- Chief Stickler stated that the bids should have been opened to repair the wall and re-pointing the chimney but to date no work has begun.
• Tax Abatement- Chairman Simko reported that the tax abatements have been applied. Hunt Voelker stated that he has received an amended statement.
• Rescue/Ambulance– Deputy Chief Voelker stated that the truck is going out to be painted this week and Chief Stickler reported that the slide shelf for the generator has come in.
• Technology Committee Meeting – Chairman Simko said that he has received a notice of upcoming committee meetings, but the Fire Department has not been on the agenda to date. The schools and Town Hall have been their main focus.
• Bylaw Proposals – Chief Stickler stated that any changes to the bylaws which were rejected by the Commission would come from the membership and would have to be presented and then voted on by the membership. The changes would then come back to the Commissioners in December or January at the earliest.
• Truck Maintenance/Repairs – Chief Stickler reported that the ladder truck is at First Line getting scheduled maintenance and repairs as needed. Tanker #2 is out for repairs and is coming back this week. Tanker #1 just returned from being serviced. The fire police van will be going out for repair this week or next.
New Business:
• Water System Referendum– Chairman Simko stated that the referendum for the new water system is supposed to be on the ballot during the November election to get optimum voter turn-out.
• Workers Comp Ins. – Chairman Simko reported that he has placed calls to reach the person who assisted the Portland Fire Department with their insurance polices. Chairman Simko has left message and is waiting for a return call, but in the meantime will continue to try to get in touch with him.
• Annual Statement – The Board of Fire Commissioner’s and Fire Department’s Annual Statement was discussed. It was felt that the matter of the Fire Department’s fleet getting older should be mentioned as a real issue. The line item for Vehicle Maintenance has gone over what was budgeted for the last three years and will probably go over again this year. The vehicles will require an increased investment for maintenance seeing that they are aging.
A motion was made by Matthew Walton and seconded by Richard Dufour to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:23 p.m. Vote 5-0 all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki Recording Secretary
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