Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners
Special Meeting of 3/13/12
Newtown Hook and Ladder Fire Department
Called to order 7:00 p.m.
Commissioners present: Burton, Cragin, Goosman, Jossick, Manna, and Nezvesky
Absent: Descheneaux
Fire Marshal’s Present: Halstead, Frampton, Ober and Clark
Guest: Mark Ouelette
There is an on-going problem with Wayne Ciaccia, Chief of Botsford Fire and Rescue Company. This issue needs to be addressed by the Commission and Botsford Fire and Rescue and Company.
The Town is now looking into issues that relate to the Board of Fire Commissioners.
The Atmosphere currently is very dishonest and untrustworthy.
Comments by Commissioners:
- Letter to John Kortze read into the minutes by Rob Manna (please see attachment A).
- Comments by Commissioner Burton read into the minutes (please see attachment B with multiple sections).
- Letter to Kevin Cragin from Chief Halstead read into the minutes (please see attachment C).
- Commissioner Nezvesky asked why all commissioners were not given the opportunity to present written statements. Cragin stated that all chiefs were invited and everyone was welcome to make comments.
- Commissioner Jossick agreed with some of Ciaccia’s statements in the letter to John Kortze. Jossick also feels that eels that United Fire and Rescue comes up short as compared to the other departments. He will look into the facts to be more prepared at the next regular monthly meeting. Jossick also commented that he would like Ciaccia invited. Cragin stated he is always invited to all meetings.
- Commissioner Manna stated that he was disappointed in a chief acting in this fashion. Stating that Ciaccia has not come to the commission to address his issues and that “back-dooring” the board is not acceptable. Things are fair when presented respectfully. Larger departments will get more funding due to their size. Manna also addressed the president of United Fire and Rescue, Mark Ouelette, asking him to come to the next regular monthly meeting with a resolution regarding the actions of Chief Ciaccia, or the BOFC will be forced to resolve it.
President Ouelette supports Ciaccia’s letter.
Commissioner Goosman stated she grew up in Botsford, and stated that this is a very emotional as at one time United Fire and Rescue was considered a laughing stock. All the men and women worked hard to bring the fire department to be respected and feels that this is bringing it back to being the laughing stock again.
Burton stated that the BOFC receives no credit for being the competent entity that it is. Issues should have been addressed by the BOFC.
Nezvesky feels standardization is not always necessary, especially as it pertains to uniforms and that it is not necessary to standardize. He felt that established rules were not explained to Chief Ciaccia. Nezvesky will compile a list of issues that will support Ciaccia’s letter. In addition, he doesn’t feel that United Fire and Rescue is the laughing stock of the Newtown fire departments.
Jossick stated that all five companies are very valuable to the town. Ask the BOFC to take a step back and have Wayne Ciaccia at the next meeting.
Chairman Cragin stated that any Commissioner who doesn’t agree with the Board’s charter should step down. This is not a personal issue -it’s going against the town charter. Ciaccia cannot continue to disregard the Board and the Charter, and abusing fire personnel with all his texting and emails. Cragin asked that all commissioners think about that issue. This issue will be placed on the agenda for the regular monthly meeting of March.
Burton addressed one more question towards Mark Ouelette asking if there were any financial issues with United Fire and Rescue and the misuse of funds. If there are any issues please bring then to the next meeting.
Cragin asked that Ciaccia attend the next meeting if at all possible as part of the responsibilities as chief. This would be beneficial to all involved.
The meeting was called to order at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Hennessey
Secretary
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