MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

September 12, 2016

Board meeting called to order byDeputy Chairman A. Santamorena at 7:00PM. Along with Commissioner Santamorena,Commissioners John Soloman and Anthony LoContewere present. Also present were Chief A. Seicol,Assistant Chief A. Conte, Treasurer M. Lennon, Deputy Treasurer Frank Castellucci and FF J. Marello. Commissioner Manfredi arrived at 7:20PM. Commissioner M. Franzese arrived at 8:45PM. Secretary J. Soloman recorded minutes.

Secretary John Soloman presented the following minutes:

Regular meeting August 1, 2016 – Motion made by A. LoConte seconded by A. Santamorena. Voted and adopted 3-0.

FF Jeff Marello presented a resume, and stated that he would be interested in the position of Fire District Secretary for the upcoming year.

Communications: (new business, old business)

  • Copy of Journal News meeting notice; regular meetingSeptember 12, 2016
  • Rec’d annual budget hearing information from F. Simeone
  • Rec’d SVC award bank statement
  • Copy of bid documents sent out for bathroom renovation
  • Copy of SVC Award enrollment for new applicant
  • Rec’d on-site report of annual hosetesting
  • Copy of letter sent to FF R. Candrea; medical due
  • Rec’d information from Atlantic Westchester
  • Rec’d request from Fire Company for background check; new applicant
  • Copy of letter to Niles Agency; background check
  • Annual air-trailer certification
  • Rec’d annual medical exam results for FF M. Nangle
  • Copy of updated “fair labor Standards” poster
  • Copy of tax-exempt documents for SHELL oil company
  • Rec’d insurance certificate for Clean-Air Company
  • Rec’d background checks from Niles Agency; new applicant (fwd to Fire Co.)
  • Rec’d information from AAA Emergency Supply; air cylinder life cycle report
  • Rec’d annual Fire District election material from F. Simeone
  • Completed tax exemption status for Home Depot
  • Rec’d request from FF E. Carranza; Interstate Diagnostic Clearance
  • Rec’d Service Award bank statement
  • Rec’d letter from Fire Company; annual Christmas Tree Sale
  • Rec’d email from Chief; FF R. Robustelli on medical leave
  • Copy of letter to FF R. Robustelli; medical leave
  • Copy of updated Fire District classifications

Amended: September 12, 2016

Rec’d email from Chief regarding recent Town of North Castle Haz-Mat plan

Rec’d email from Chief regarding recent fire alarm at 50 Washington Ave.

Rec’d Svc Award enrollment for FF Diego Garcia

Rec’d request from Fire Co.; background check for new applicant

Copy of letter to Niles Agency; background check for new applicant

Chief’s Report: Chief submitted and discussed written report.

Chief requested cost for EMS seminars not to exceed $500.00, and permission to use Chief’s car for transportation. Motion made by M. Manfredi, seconded by A. LoConte. Voted and adopted 4-0.

Chief requested the purchase of two (2) hydrant gate valves for $648.00 (NYS pricing). Motion for approval J. Soloman, seconded by A. Santamorena. Voted and adopted 4-0.

Chief requested to amend his previous request of 5 sets of turn-out gear to 7 sets of turn-out gear. Motion made by J. Soloman, seconded by A. LoConte. Voted and adopted 4-0.

Chief mentioned that floor tiles in downstairs bathroom are lifting.

Asst. Chief announced upcoming meeting with Town officials.

Committees:

Alarms & Communications: Commissioner Manfredi reported progress on the security system upgrade.

Apparatus & Equipment: Commissioner Soloman reported that a past problem with fire pump governor on engine 74 has not re-appeared. Annual hose testing has been completed. Ground ladder and fire pump testing is still pending.

Building & Grounds: Commissioner LoContereported that several bid documents have been sent out for the upstairs bathroom but, at this time, only two have been received. He also presented two bids for electrical work both inside and outside of firehouse. Commissioner LoConte made a motion for low bidder, Ardee Electrical. Seconded by M. Manfredi, voted and adopted 4-0. Discussion continued with regards to current fence erected by Wallauers on Fire District property. Commissioner Santamorena will get bids for new fence.

Claims & Uniforms: Commissioner Santamorena asked about dress uniforms for new members. Both went to New England uniforms as nothing in stock would fit them. An additional purchase of uniform shirts may be necessary for next year.

The following claims were presented by the Treasurer:

1085 for the sum of $2575.64; motion made by A. Santamorena, seconded by A. LoConte. Voted and adopted 3-0. Commissioner Manfredi was in abstention.

1074 thru 1084 (includes 2 electronic payments to Con Edison)for the sum of $3606.60; motion made by A. Santamorena, seconded by A. LoConte. Voted and adopted 4-0.

1086 thru 1107 (1093 is void), (includes electronic payments for EFTPS, Verizon and two for Selective Insurance) for the sum of $17272.75, motion for payment by A. Santamorena, seconded by A. LoConte.Voted and adopted 4-0.

1112 for the sum of $113.00; motion by A. Santamorena, seconded by A. LoConte. Voted and adopted 4-0.

Old Business:

  • Rec’d price quote from Hudson Valley Fire Eq.; hose bed covers for L-47.
  • Rec’d price quote from Fred Cook; Hall Ave. dry-hydrant flushing. No action.
  • Copy of letter to “MCI” long-distance carrier; for tax exemption status
  • Rec’d price quote from Anthony Bellantoni (upstairs bathroom); updated RFQ sent out.
  • Rec’d price quote from Montero Constr.(upstairs bathroom); updated RFQ sent out.
  • Rec’d price quote from ACB builders(upstairs bathroom); updated RFQ sent out.
  • Information due from jr. corp.; training certificates & updated medical information, by-laws, & program.
  • Email from Town Board member Barbara DiGiacinto; use of firehouse during disaster (how many people).
  • Letter to West. Cnty. Emer. Svcs.; ambulance dispatch
  • Letter to Police Chief Peter Simonsen; EMS in NWP
  • Current agreement with Wallauer’s for use of property. Commissioner Manfredi will contact ex-Commissioner John Delano (currently member of Town planning board), and ask how Fire District should proceed with regards to moving fence.
  • Disclaimer posted on web-site
  • Rec’d price quote for front door recruitment advertisement
  • Rec’d copy of Operating procedures & guidelines from Chief Seicol; no action as yet. Fire Commissioners need to review.
  • Rec’d programming request from ex-Chief Brehmer (mayday button); Commissioner Manfredi will review
  • Letter from CBE Group; collection agency for VERIZON
  • Equipment collection past members; Chief Seicol will follow up.
  • Pending policy’s; workplace violence, youth program (annual training for workplace violence & sexual harassment)
  • Town of North Castle; EMS discussion

Projected for 2016:

Renovate upstairs bathroom

Training prop rear yard

Front apron re-seal

Several asphalt re-paving areas

Kitchen chairs

Upgrade security cameras

Siren pole

Possible Health care

1st floor infrared heating

Amended: September 12 to include

There were no additional items

New Business:

  • Discuss proposed budget for 2017
  • Rec’d information for annual budget hearing
  • Rec’d information for annual election
  • Rec’d letter from Fire Co.; annual Christmas tree sale. Motion by A. Santamorena, seconded by M. Manfredi. Voted and adopted 4-0.

Amended Sept. 12, to include:

Rec’d email from Chief; Town of North Castle Haz-mat plan (presented Sept, 2016 and adopted Aug. 1, 2016). Chief stated that Town must include the fire departments before establishing a policy such as this. Fire Commissioners need to contact Town officials for discussion.

Rec’d email from Chief; Alarm at 50 Washington Ave.; confusion existed that caused a delay of several minutes before the fire department was notified.

Asst. Chief stated that Town should have policy for cisterns used for fire protection.

Fire & Drill Reports: There were no fire reports submitted for approval.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’sreport was submitted for September 12, 2016. Fire Commissioners reviewed same. Motion made by M. Manfredi, seconded by A. LoConte. Voted and adopted 4-0.

Proposed budget for 2017:

Treasurer presented previous year proposed budget along with a copy of 2016 working budget. Fire Commissioners reviewed and made updates. Treasurer will assemble and circulate to Fire Commissioners. Secretary reminded Fire Commissioners that proposed budget must be finalized and sent to Town of North Castle no later than October 3, 2016.

Motion to adjourn at 9:20PM by J. Soloman, seconded by M. Manfredi. Voted and adopted 5-0.

Submitted

John R. Soloman

Secretary