BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
August 8, 2011
“UNAPPROVED MINUTES”
Present: Chairman David Simko, Richard Dufour, Dean Michelson and Richard Brown
Absent: Leroy Goff
Others Present: Chief Paul Owen, Assistant Chief Martin Swan, Fire Marshal Rich Klotzbier, Lou Harris, Mike Rich, Lou Harris, Charles Spakowski, Joe Guest and Phil Visintainer.
Chairman Simko called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at Company #1 on Barton Hill Road.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Richard Brown and seconded by Dean Michelson to accept the minutes of the July Regular meeting minutes as presented. Vote 4-0.
- Communications: Chairman Simko stated that they would be brought up under other concerns.
- Public Remarks: None.
- Fire Marshal Rich Klotzbier’s Report: The Fire Marshal’s report is attached and made part of these minutes.
- Fire Chief Paul Owen’s Report: The Chief’s report is attached and made part of these minutes.
Old Business:
- Company #2 Generator status: Chairman Simko stated that the generator has been ordered and will be here in 4-6 weeks.
- Company #2 Roof Status: Chief Owen stated that he spoke with Frank Grzyb today and there is an issue with the contractor that is being used and we are looking for work to be started in two weeks.
- Company #2 Tree Removal Status: Chairman Simko met with Coopers Tree Removal today and Valero to get two quotes one to remove and one to prune the trees that are near the firehouse. A brief discussion was held.
- Lock Box Status: Chief Owen stated that the lockboxes are in and will be installed at the schools and the town hall.
- Training Mileage: Chairman Simko spoke to Lisa at the town hall and the mileage reimbursement is at .55 ½ cent a mile. Lisa also gave a recommended form that should be submitted monthly.
- Deputy Fire Marshal Recommendation; Chairman Simko stated that interviews were held last week and a recommendation of the interview panel made up of Richard Dufour and the Fire Marshal from Portland was passed along to the town.
- 999 Foundation Grant – Chief Owen stated he is getting the pricing on the thermal imaging camera and Chairman Simko stated that he will assist in writing the narrative. The grant is due September 1st.
New Business:
- Furnaces were serviced and cleaned – Chairman Simko stated that according to Frank Grzyb the firehouse furnaces have been cleaned and serviced. Marty Swan mentioned that during the cleaning of Company 1 firehouse the technician stated that the furnace had some serious issues.
- Recorder for Meetings: Chairman Simko stated hat after his meeting this is still under discussion. Chief Owen stated that after some research we may be able to get tapes for the current recorder at Staples. He will check to see if this is agreeable to the town.
- Lawn Maintenance -Firehouses: Chairman Simko stated that Frank Grzyb is working on this issue. Marty Swan stated that he was told that if someone talks to Keith Hayden the public works crew would be willing to cut Company 2 as well.
- Reese Hitch for pickup - None
- Radio list with new prices: Chairman Simko passed out a narrative to the Commission and the Chiefs for review and a discussion was held before he submits it to the Town Manager tomorrow. Chairman Simko stated that this issue will probably be on the September council agenda. Once this is approved by the town, Chairman Simko will check on the bid process so the Fire Chief and the officers can put together a bid package.
- Company #2 Excuse Slips: Chairman Simko's would like Company 2 to fill out excuse slips. Chief Owen stated that he will handle this item.
- Other Concerns:
Boat Launch – Chairman Simko asked if we still launch from Middle Haddam. Marty Swan suggested that if any river calls come in that Portland or Middletown should be called automatically. Chairman Simko will contact Keith Hayden and the Parks Director to see who can clean out the launch site to make it accessible to the fire department. Chairman Simko asked that the Chief and officers if there were other areas in town that need to be made more accessible to the department
Walk thru of Fire Houses -. The Commissioners will schedule a walk through of the three fire houses.
Ramps – Chief Owen mentioned that the ramps at all three houses and the retaining wall were in need of repair.
Boat Parade – Chairman Simko stated that the Boat Parade will be Saturday at 2 and asked that the department put in the pontoon boat.
Exhaust System – Chairman Simko stated that exhaust system has been approved. Chief Owen stated Dan Burdick is working on this.
Jaws of Life– Chairman Simko stated that the Jaws have been approved for purchase. Chief Owen stated that he will have the information for the next meeting.
Fuel Management System– Chairman Simko stated that Keith Hayden requested information needed to implement the new fuel management system.
Description Amount Account Vendor
Landing Zone Lighting $800 01220221-5658 Scranton
(for Lifestar)
Traffic Vests
Safety Tape $1,000 01220221-5658 Galls
Reflective Tape
Alpha Pagers $3,300 01220221 -5654 TBD
Pagers w/ charges $8,550 01220221- 5654 Scranton
Roll up Cover $2,423 01220221-5438 Hartford Truck
(for Squad)
A motion was made by Dean Michelson and seconded by Richard Brown to approve the purchases as presented. Vote 4-0 all in favor.
A motion was made by Richard Brown and seconded by Richard Dufour to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:11 p.m. Vote 4-0 all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin A. Olzacki
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