Volunteer Study Committee Minutes
Date: August 18, 2014 Time: 7:00 Place: Fire Station
Attendance –
( P ) David Bridgewater – newer member of the GFD
( P ) Kristine Hall – Past officer of the GFD
( P ) Paul Haut-Renaud – Past member of the GFD
( P ) Lee Leblanc – member of the GIVers
( P ) Bob Marshall – Planning Board Chairperson, Committee Assistant Chair Person
( P ) Jim Murphy – Deputy Rescue Chief of the GFD
( P ) Glenn Roberge – Police Officer of the GPD, Committee Chair Person
( P ) Loren White – Fire Chief of the GFD, Committee Secretary
( E ) Margo Charig Bliss - BOS Liaison
( P ) Deb Davidson - BOS informational
( P ) Karen Day - BOS informational
Public – Diane Boilard, Lenny Boutin, Jim & Kris Ferriea, Shawn Plourde
Secretary White arrived at 7:10 to begin keeping minutes as the proposed GFD Volunteer Firefighter Survey was being discussed.
Survey discussion - It was decided that all surveys would be returned to the town offices from where
they will be sent and include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. The Fire Department will cover the estimated $86.00 expense of the Survey distribution.
Run Report Request - a request was made for a run report from the Fire Department referencing the
number of calls, number of personnel that respond and the hours of occurrence with a ratio summary. Chief White indicated that he did not see the value of such an analysis as it did not address his perception of the problem. Bob M. took offense to this comment to which Chief White apologized. Kristine Hall offered to assist with the process.
Paul Haupt Renaud - asked to take the floor to share documents in his possession from past members
of the Greenfield Fire Department. Because of the context of the documents presented vocally
by Paul HR, Chairperson Roberge offered Chief White the opportunity to comment, responding that he would not dispute the content of documents and did not feel it should be further discussed in a forum such as this meeting. Someone suggested that “this discussion should not take place in a public forum” that it should be considered a “personnel issue” particularly in the authors absence. Paul HR pointed out that Mr. & Mrs. Ferriea were present and asked if they cared to speak on their behalf. After their statement, Chief White offered to speak with them after the meeting. Paul HR asked a question that solicited a comment from Deb Davidson on behalf of Joel Boutin to which Chief White again offered to discuss at a later time. Paul HR went on to question the fire departments management style.
Department Terminations - There was some discussion about terminations from the department. Chief
White pointed out that not everyone is cut out to be a firefighter, that a rotten apple can spoil the bunch and stressed the importance of working effectively and well with others given the hazardous environment the fire department members are expected to work in confidently.
Non-resident membership - The question of having members from towns outside of Greenfield was
brought up as being inconsistent. Chief White indicated that the department Bylaws provides the details of this. Paul HR asked why a Bennington residents application was not acted on, Chief White stated that he does not remember the name or recall ever seeing the application.
Fire Department Bylaws - Karen Day asked if the group could be provided a copy of the Bylaws and
offered that they could/should be made available on the Town’s Web site. Chief White offered his concerns that it could possibly be a deterrent to potential applicants but will send them to the committee members with the meeting minutes. SOG’s (standard operating guidelines) were also inquired of. Chief White offered that they were primarily safety related but there are some that pertain to new members which will also be provided. Karen also asked if there were department minutes and suggested that they should be made public. Chief White disagreed and someone else offered that some of the discussion in the meetings should not be considered appropriate for public view.
Karen D. offered to create a spreadsheet summarizing the results of the survey and write a cover letter
to go out with the survey. Chairperson Roberge accepted and will share the results and work with her.
Meeting Frequency - We briefly discussed meeting more frequently and it was decided that we should
reconsider frequency as informational momentum builds or warrants but strive to make more progress with a town meeting report in mind.
Publicity – Concern over letting the residents know of our progress and keeping the need for
volunteers in the public eye for potential prospects was offered as a benefit. Chief White indicated that he would work on a regular submission that would be a benefit to the cause.
Minutes of our last meeting – We did not proof discuss or proof our last meetings minutes which were
provided electronically along with the previous meetings that some members stated that they had not received as well as the information that was provided from Lee LeBlanc’s brother.
Items to DO – From 7/21 mtg.
1) Next we discussed approaching local businesses for allowing their staff to
respond to Fire & EMS emergencies from work. Margo Charig offered to craft a letter for consideration at next month meeting. We discussed inviting local employers to our October meeting for discussion on the topic.
2) Karen Day asked about putting a submission in the Greenfield Spirit this month ASAP. Glenn
indicated he felt it would be better to wait for the next issue when we would have more progress to share.
3) We closed the meeting with plans to focus on Volunteering at the next meeting.
Our next meeting is scheduled and publicly posted for 7-PM, September 15th, at the Fire Station.
Respectfully Submitted, Loren D. White Committee Secretary
| 
