Town Office Building July 9, 2013
Selectmen’s Conference Room 6:00 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. with Selectmen Littell & Blessington, WHFD Chief Snyder, WFD#1 Chief Millix and members of both Fire Departments.
A. Meeting with Fire Chiefs of WFD#1 & WHFD
First Selectman Mailhos thanked the Chiefs for coming. She clarified that we are looking for ways to improve ways the departments work together and more efficiently.
Selectman Blessington began the meeting with the discussion of the Jared Sparks cell tower stating that he has heard conflicting information. WFD#1 Chief Millix stated that 3 years ago he had heard that the DOT was planning to abandon the site, but was also aware that the tower needed work and would need to be evaluated (noting that if you look up at the tower, it leans to one side). In the meantime, information on the new cell tower (on Route 74) had come about. The Fire Department attended a public hearing and had asked AT&T for permission to put their equipment on the newly proposed tower on Beckers quarry. Permission was granted from AT&T at the public hearing. Chief Millix stated they had then backed off the Jared Sparks site. He added that the tower on Jared Sparks is useless as it
sits and definitely needs an evaluation. He cautioned that if an evaluation is done, it would need to meet 2012 building code (whether you plan to use it or not). Most likely a new tower would need to be erected in its place which could cost around $5,000 to $7,000.
WHFD Chief Snyder stated that Assistant Chief Mike Makuch was the one pushing for the Jared Sparks tower, noting that Mr. Makuch spent a lot of time researching it – he didn’t want to see it go; especially because it was so inexpensive.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Board made a decision at an earlier meeting on the tower with the assumption that nothing was wrong with it also noting that the quarry site has not been built yet and there is no definite date on when it will be. Discussion was held on the urgency of purchasing the tower. Chief Millix and Chief Snyder stated that the radios are currently on WHFD’s tower works well right now. They also have access to alternate towers around the surrounding area; therefore it is not critical to pursue the site, noting that the better option would be the tower on Becker’s quarry. Chief Snyder was in agreement.
Chief Millix suggested having a propagation study conducted on both Jared Sparks site as well as the “to be constructed” tower on route 74. The evaluation will then show the areas which would have proper and / or deficient radio coverage. He stated that such a study could be done in 5 to 7 days. Lastly he said we are never going to get 100% of the town; but we also do not have any “dead areas” where we cannot communicate with other stations. Chief Snyder was in agreement.
First Selectman Mailhos asked for a unified proposal from Emergency Services. Selectman Blessington agreed and sated that we need an individual from each department or one person to represent both departments, rather than having various people representing each department at various meetings.
Discussion was held on spending and budgets. Selectman Blessington said a sore spot we have when it comes to spending is the perception that each department has it’s own priorities. First Selectman Mailhos agreed that there are two sets of priorities and two sets of funding, but there is only one town that needs coverage. She added it is the age old subject that comes up every budget and CIP season. Selectman Blessington stated it can be expensive, adding that budgeting is more complicated than discussing a cell tower.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that next budget season; the BOF and BOS will be looking for a clear message that is unified. Selectman Blessington asked how the budgeting process works.
Chief Millix said it is status quo; and pretty easy to figure out; we are only talking about a $130,000 budget (per department). The main items it is based on the cost of heating oil, electricity and phone. They then work backwards with maintenance of vehicles, gear and equipment. Selectman Blessington asked if the problems come from CIP items. First Selectman Mailhos stated that one of the questions that comes up is when one department is purchasing hoses or gear, for example why are they not being purchased together to save money. She clarified there is always a reason why they were not purchased together, but she noted that she would like to see more effort – especially when it comes to the bigger ticket items. She added it is hard to convince people that our town needs
more apparatus. Chief Millix reminded the Board that there are numerous studies sitting on a shelf that have a specific apparatus replacement and refurbishment schedule but it has never been followed. He stated he is not sure who is going to make the decision, but he said that the two departments are going to justify and argue their needs. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the Selectmen don’t get to decide. She said the CIP Committee should really be the authority.
Chief Snyder said that it seems like the request is to have the two departments streamline it between themselves, but he warned that even if they presented their list of CIP needs as one he does not feel it will solve the problem. Chief Millix added that he would like to see a plan and suggested having the Selectmen (or someone) adopt a plan and start it from 2013 to 2017 which will state major capital expenditures. He clarified that their budgets are easily explainable but then added it would be helpful, especially when going to CIP each year, because they could simply refer to the plan that was already decided. First Selectman Mailhos cautioned that Board members can change in November, and they might not want to follow that plan.
Dick Claus, Jr. suggested going back to the “old way” which was to split one mil and 7/8th equally divided between each department and there were no questions asked on how the money was used. There was no CIP process back then and that is how WHFD got their building paid off. That is also how each Department would purchase apparatus. He added that people say that we have too many trucks, but yesterday WHFD got called to assist a fire in Mansfield requesting two tankers an engine tank as well as a standby company. He stated it was a combination of a shortage of people as well as equipment.
Selectman Blessington asked when the process switched over to preparing and submitting budgets? WFD#1 president Gantick stated it happened in the mid 1980’s and it was realized that each Department was getting a few hundred thousand dollars each; it was no longer acceptable.
Chief Millix cautioned that process and asked if that is the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars for public safety. First Selectman Mailhos also asked if it gives the Town any accountability. Selectman Blessington said that is something that should be given some thought because it seemed to work at one time; adding that it is more likely they would make wise decisions with their money; rather than steer things through the BOF. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the word “wise” is subjective; especially when there are so many opinions and concepts.
Selectman Littell stated that he had tried to start a group gear purchase plan on the CIP which would ensure that both departments were following proper OSHA guidelines. He added that if gear is purchased in groups, it is more likely to get a better rate that way. He then added at the time, the Chief of WHFD had told him that WHFD does not follow OSHA guidelines, and that Selectman Littell (who sat on BOF at the time) was attacking WHFD. Selectman Littell clarified that he was trying to help and protect the members reiterating that the OSHA requirement is to recycle gear after 10 years. He then clarified that his intent was not to cut into the budget set aside for physicals.
Chief Millix asked what the recourse is if the Board of Finance is under the impression that the money is being wrongfully spent? Who has the authority to stop them from spending? Selectman Littell said the hope is that it will not happen and we need to trust the Officials. Chief Snyder said in the past it has been trustworthy and it should hopefully remain the same.
Selectman Littell suggested cutting the fund to where it would be sustainable which would drop the town obligation down.
Selectman Blessington stated we are not going to settle this tonight but we have a direction that we might want to look at. He is not sure if it is workable or not. We have to look at all the expenditures. First Selectman Mailhos will ask the Business Manager to work up the numbers.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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