CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE
TOWN OF WILLINGTON
WILLINGTON, CT ~06279
Meeting Minutes
Willington Fire Department #1, Inc.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Members Present: Members Absent:
John Patton – Chairman Jim Poole, Vice-Chairman
Tyler Millix Allen Furphy
Jim Bulick Melissa Welsh
Peter Latincsics Ken Schoppmann, BOF Chairman
Donna Latincsics, Business Manager
Christina Mailhos, First Selectman arrived at 7:17 P.M.
Chairman Patton called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm.
Jim Bulick moved to approve the minutes of June 11, 2012.
Donna Latincsics seconded the motion.
All in favor. Motion carried.
- Discussion of CIP Projects – Willington Fire Department #1, Inc.
Chief Millix gave a tour of the apparatus and equipment housed at WFD#1.
The Ambulance is a 2006 model and the odometer is currently at 102,000 miles. It is slated to be replaced on the CIP in 2013-2014. Chief Millix stated that it makes a lot of money for the Town. Peter Latincsics asked the reason for the size of the current apparatus. Chief Millix stated the chassis is larger, which holds more weight. Stuart Cobb, Assistant Chief concurred and stated that usually if there is more than two people in the back working on a passenger, the smaller vehicles are deemed overweight, which put more wear on the smaller chassis thus replacing brakes and the front end almost yearly. Stu then stated that the width of the back is also preferable, as the stretcher can be accessed from either side, rather than just one, as in the smaller
units. Chief Millix stated that the ambulance covers a lot of I-84, generally from the Rest Areas to the Mass. Stateline at Exit 74.
The CIP request for 2013-2014 to replace the ambulance is slated for $200,000. Chief Millix added that the Fire Department will investigate whether or not the old one should be kept, to have two in service, or trade it in.
ET 313 (formerly ET249 at WHFD) was then discussed. The truck was transferred from Willington Hill Fire Department, when they received their new truck. It now resides at the South Station. It was purchased by WHFD in 1981 and was refurbished in 1995, WFD#1 replaced the front shock mounts, which were not operational when it was transferred. Chief Millix stated that WFD#1 will keep it running as long as they do not have any failures.
Squad (Rescue) 113 was purchased in 2003. It is the first truck that goes out to every fire and auto accident. It is a rescue pumper with CAFS (compressed air foam system). Stuart Cobb stated that it has the capability of putting out a car fire with only using 15 gallons of water, but it can hold up to 600 gallons. Chairman Patton stated that it looks very similar to the rescue truck at WHFD. Chief Millix then showed the Hurst tool, and the Jaws of Life tools. Chairman Patton asked if the equipment is compatible with WHFD’s. Chief Millix stated that they are not compatible, due to design. Chairman Patton stated that if we had one overall department in town, we probably wouldn’t need two of these trucks. Chief Millix
stated that is a matter of opinion. This truck was designed to replace having to take three vehicles to an auto accident. With the exception of the ambulance the truck was designed to be able to immediately mitigate any rescue or fire type emergency at the scene of an accident without the need for an Engine Tank to respond. This is important due to the declining number of volunteers and never knowing exactly what type of response you will get outside of the ambulance and Squad.
Tower 113 was purchased for $10,000 about 6 years ago from the Hartford Fire Department. It has been used to fight chimney fires. It has currently been put up for sale due to unanticipated costs to upkeep the apparatus.
The 2001 Ford F350 pick up truck is also slated for replacement in 2013-2014. The pick up has 107,000 miles and is used heavily. Not only does it haul items to and from accident / fire sites, it plows the parking lot as well as dry hydrants around Town every winter. The truck is also used to assist the Town Public Works Department to plow intersections as well as parking lots. It also goes out in front of the ambulance in inclement weather to assure access onto certain roads and or driveways. The floor is rotted and has other serious rust issues.
The Building was then reviewed. It was built in 1981; and has not been altered other than the 4th bay, which was added in 1996. The front of the building was replaced as it was rotted. The roof was replaced last year. The floor was an early CIP request, and redone in 1996; it is still in good shape, as it is maintained properly.
Chief Millix stated that over the years, the building was manned from 8AM – 5:30PM, then to 12 hours per day, and now they are staffed 24-7. He added that the building was designed to be a wonderful garage, but not designed to hold a staff of workers who are there 24-7. We need to provide a proper ventilation system for the building. Chief Millix stated that Stuart Cobb has been trying to get a ventilation system through a FEMA grant, but has been unsuccessful; therefore the ventilation system will be an item on the next CIP request for the Department. Stu stated that there are a few options for the ventilation system and the one they are looking at is called a direct capture; including a hose and rails that meets up to the exhaust pipe with a pressure
sensor, that deters the exhaust from entering the building. Chief Millix added that right now, the workers need to clean the utensils in the kitchen and other areas regularly prior to using them each time, because areas become covered with exhaust soot from the apparatus being started and backing into the garage.
A tour of the building found the office, the radio room, which holds a Murphy bed. The back conference room, which also functions as the EOC in emergency events, holds a conference table, another Murphy bed and communication equipment. Along the back of the bays, there are the rest rooms, a shower room and in the very back is the kitchen.
Chief Millix then commended Stu, as he has written many other grants for both Fire Departments as well as the Town. We received many items such as the compressor (which fills the air tanks for the fire fighters), air packs, the forestry truck for WHFD, the generator at WFD#1, as well as the generator at HMS, which was used twice (for a week each) last year. WFD #1 recently received a washer and dryer as well. He added that in the past few years, it has become more difficult to get grant money for the larger items.
Next meeting will be held at Willington Hill Fire Department on November 12 at 7:00 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robin Campbell
Recording clerk
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