Board of Fire Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 8, 2007
Present: Chairman David Simko, Dr. Richard Brown, Dean Michelson, Matthew Walton and Charles Gotta.
Others Present: Fire Chief Chuck Stickler, Assistant Chief Steve Palmer, Fire Marshal Phil Visintainer, Greg Voelker, Hunt Voelker and Jill Simko.
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 December regular meeting as presented. Vote 5-0.
• Communications: None.
• 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).
• Fire Chief Chuck Stickler’s Report: The Chief’s report is attached and made part of these minutes (available in Town Clerk's office).
Old Business:
• Awards Program – Chairman Simko stated that the Town Council liaison will be presenting the changes in the bonuses at the January 9th meeting. None of the bonuses will take effect until the 2007 awards.
• FEMA Grant. – Chairman Simko has completed the closeout of the FEMA 2004 Grant. Chairman Simko stated he will discuss with Jeff Jylkka how the invoices are tracked for future grants to make the closeout process more streamline.
• Grants – Chairman Simko asked that everyone start thinking of possible grant ideas for the upcoming grant process.
• Roof/Pipe – Charles Gotta asked if it has been documented anywhere that the Company #1 roof is still leaking. Jill Simko stated that she has brought this to the attention of the Finance Committee and will continue to do so.
Chairman Simko stated he has emailed Frank Gryzb on this matter and has requested a time be setup to walk through all fire houses with the Chiefs’ and other personnel to identify all the issues.
New Business:
• Award Program – Chief Stickler will email the updated list to Chairman Simko of all who are eligible for a good year before the next Commission meeting. Chairman Simko stated that ACG will be producing a W-2 for Jack Dolce’s widow.
• Budget– Chairman Simko announced that the 2007-08 budget must be submitted by January 19, 2007. The current department budget stands at $201,000 which was a 4% increase over last year. The capital budget allotments still remain for the ladder truck and the Chiefs’ vehicle repairs. Chief Stickler reviewed with the Commission the list of maintenance repairs that are currently in progress and those that need to be completed.
A discussion was held on the preliminary 2007-08 budget.
A motion was made by Dean Michelson and seconded by Dr. Brown to submit the preliminary 2007-08 budget as discussed. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Vehicle Maintenance- Chairman Simko stated that due to two unexpected vehicle repairs he will write a letter to the Finance Board and the Town Council asking for a one-time emergency appropriation.
• Year-end Report- Dr. Brown stated that he will put together a year-end letter from the the Commissioners to let the town know of the fire department statistics (ex: number of calls, rescues, etc.)
• Capital Budget – Chairman Simko stated that he met with Chief Stickler and Asst. Chief Palmer with regard to the coming years Capital Budget. Below are the suggested Capital Budget items:
1. Replace Chief’s Vehicle - $35,000
2. ¾ Ton Service Vehicle/Utility Vehicle - $40,000
3. New Computer System for Department - $40,000
4. Roof at Company #1 - $60,000
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Charles Gotta to submit the proposed Capital Budget items as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Approval of Purchases - Chief Stickler asked for the approval to purchase the following items:
Description |
Amount |
Acct. Number |
Vendor |
Improvements to Fire Police Van (To install converter/ Auto throttle and auto eject |
$1,500.00 |
01220221-5438 |
Monaco Ford /~ First Line |
Office Supplies |
$ 350.00 |
01220221-5611 |
Suburban Stationers |
Saws all |
$ 360.00 |
01220221-5690 |
Home Depot |
Air Testing |
$ 700.00 |
01220221-5330 |
Shipman’s |
Replacements for Meter |
$ 625.00 |
01220221-5690 |
Shipman’s |
Id Cards/Equip. |
$3,600.00 |
01220221-5690 |
~ |
A motion was made by Matthew Walton and seconded by Dr. Brown to approve the purchases as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Middlesex County Fire Chiefs- Chief Stickler brought to the attention of the Commissioners the new mutual aid agreement. Chairman Simko stated that he and the Chief will sign it.
A motion was made by Dr. Brown and seconded by Dean Michelson to approve the signing of the mutual aid agreement as presented. Vote 5-0 in favor.
• Workers Compensation Coverage- Chief Stickler asked that the Commissioners look into the current coverage and make sure that the volunteers are covered. Chairman Simko will get a copy of the town’s current plan and review it at the next meeting.
A motion was made by Charles Gotta and seconded by Dr. Brown to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:45 p.m. Vote 5-0 in favor
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki
Recording Secretary
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