STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION
Monthly Meeting
May 19, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT
Marvin C. Sharp, Chairman
Bob Ricker, Vice Chairman
Kenneth H. McMahon
Douglas S. Murray, Sr.
David J. Roberts
Allison Reardon, Deputy Attorney General
Patrick Matthews, M.D., SFPC BLS Medical Director
Grover P. Ingle, State Fire Marshal
Robert Newnam, Director, State Fire School
Sherry Lambertson, Executive Specialist
GUESTS
Michael Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal
Dick Ward, Assistant State Fire Marshal
John Rossiter, SFMO
R.T. Leicht, SFMO
Lou Amabili, Hockessin
Steve Wilson, Flying Fish Saloon
Dave Heffline, Flying Fish Saloon
Jeff Clark, Land Tech Land Planning
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 2
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Sharp called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REGULAR SESSION
APPROVAL OF APRIL 21, 2009 COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
It was moved by Commissioner Murray, and seconded by Commissioner Roberts that the minutes of the April 21, 2009 Commission meeting be approved as amended. Motion carried. Commissioner McMahon did not vote.
REPORT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Agency’s Activity for the month of April is as follows: investigations 62– (criminal 30- /accidental 27– undetermined 5-); arrests 2-: inspections 868– (health care 7-/deputy 131/day care 25/ - tech services –333 “QAP-372”); complaints-19; plan reviews 340-; PRUF revenue collected $89,774 year to date $1,018,244; total overtime hours worked 155.5-; time off in hours (Deputies) 516.5 (vacation 105.0- /compensatory leave 67.5- /sick leave 201.5- /holiday 135.0- /compassionate 7.5)
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Personnel Issues
The vacant Deputy Fire Marshal I position is moving forward with hiring requirements. Fire Marshal Ingle hopes to present a name for hire at the June meeting.
Deputy Fire Marshal John Krzysiak is out on extended medical leave for 12 weeks due to an injury. He has reported that his recovery is going well.
Administrative Specialist Stephanie Goodyear is out of work on medical leave. She is expected to return to work in June or possibly July.
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 3
Personnel cont.
Telecommunication Specialist II, Lily Medina has resigned from the agency to accept a position in the private service. Her last day of employment was May 15th. Because of the current hiring freeze Fire Marshal Ingle has a plan in place to cover the DFIRS Program to meet the obligations of the federal government. Some cuts will be made to the program due to lack of staffing. Notification has been sent to the Chief’s and Fire Recorders.
Service Awards for time in state service have been presented to Rebekah Legar – 5 Years, Scott Bullock – 10 Years, Jim Hargett – 15 Years, and Dick Ward – 30 years.
It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Commissioner Roberts to send a letter of recognition to each of service award recipients for their dedicated service to the Office of State Fire Marshal. Motion carried.
Commission Recognition of State Fire Marshal
The Commission congratulated Fire Marshal Ingle for receiving the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service on May 4, 2009. The Fire Prevention Commission nominated Fire Marshal Ingle for this award for making significant contributions to his Agency’s mission and goals. The Commission recognizes Fire Marshal Ingle’s contributions, achievements, and dedication to his agency, employees, and citizens of Delaware. It was with great pleasure that the Fire Prevention Commission recognize Fire Marshal Ingle as an asset to their team. The Commission presented Fire Marshal Ingle with two framed photos of the event.
Proposed 2009 Fire Prevention Regulations Update
Fire Marshal Ingle presented the Commission with the proposed 2009 Fire Prevention Regulations Update. There are not a lot of changes in this update. A summary of the changes were supplied for review. After a public hearing is held the updated regulations will be reformatted into a new style by the Register of Regulations. This will not change the content of the regulations.
Fire Team USA
Fire Team USA has scheduled a Sprinkler Workshop/Seminar for June 16th and 17th. The Fire Prevention Commission received an invitation to attend this event. This invitation has been sent to all of the state associations, county associations, and fire chiefs.
SFPC Minutes
May19, 2009
Page 4
Dover Downs Race
The Office of State Fire Marshal will assist the City of Dover Fire Marshal at the Dover Downs Race, the weekend of May 30th. One person will be assisting them so it will not affect the staffing level. Commissioner Roberts asked that Fire Marshal Ingle supply him with a cost estimate of assisting this event.
Water Utilities
Fire Marshal Ingle commented that he was approached by Artesian Water prior to the Joint Sunset Committee Hearing regarding the issues that they have in existing communities. A committee will be set up to meet with the water utility companies after July that will include the Fire Marshal and a Commissioner.
Reporting Requirements – Fire Departments
Fire Marshal Ingle has been asked to supply information regarding fire department reporting requirements from his agency. DFIRS is the only reporting requirement that the Office of State Fire Marshal has listed by law. There is not a legal requirement for the false fire alarm reporting. It is a cooperative effort on behalf of the Fire Marshal and fire departments.
DNREC Burning Ban
The DNREC Burning Ban was placed in effect on May 1st and will continue until September 30th for the entire state of Delaware. The Office of State Fire Marshal will assist them if needed. The Office of State Fire Marshal will respond if a Chief is having difficulty with a home owner, but it will be turned over to DNREC to do the follow up.
Jurisdictional Fire Marshal Meeting
Fire Marshal Ingle reported that a Jurisdictional Fire Marshal’s meeting has been scheduled for May 22nd at 10:30 a.m. in the New Castle Division.
ACTION ITEMS
No report at this time.
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 5
FIRE MARSHAL/FIRE SCHOOL
No report at this time.
MISCELLANEOUS
No report at this time.
REPORT OF THE FIRE SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Director
· Protocols – status – 393 EMT’s still require the Protocols. Notices have been sent out to Fire Chief’s, EMS Officers, and the individual EMT-B’s. Classes have been scheduled at the Division’s and In-Service. Senior Instructor Brennan is taking care of this task.
· Student Injuries:
o Structural – In-service – shortness of breath – transported – treated and released
o Basic – Smoke House – passed out – transported – treated and released
o Basic – Smoke House – overheated – treated, continued training
o Basic – Smoke House – previous surgery – felt pain – transported – admitted
· Staff Vehicle requests – Director Newnam is still in the process of trying to get approval for the staff to use their vehicles for commuting to and from home. Director Newnam is unaware of where this will go. He commented that Fleet Services continues to ask for more documentation and he is complying with their requests.
· Nine of the Thirteen Ambulance companies have responded to an information request by the State Fire School. This will bring their records into compliance with the Fire Prevention Commission regulations. JoAnn Didonato has done a good job gathering this information.
· Public Health – partnership with EMT-B information for Medical Reserve Corps
· Grant Writing – The Fire School plans to run a Train the Trainer program for the grant program through Training Directors. The school intends to run more grant writing seminars to assist the fire companies.
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 6
Staff Activities
· IMT – exercise on May 6, King (IC) and Reynolds (Logistics)
· Vehicle usage log – Director Newnam has requested that his staff begin using a vehicle usage log. This was suggested by Fleet Services to track vehicle mileage. Commissioner Ricker asked what kind of questions the school is being required to respond too regarding the vehicles. Fleet Services has suggested that the staff members work at the division sites to save money. Director Newnam said that it is not feasible for his staff to work out of the divisions in New Castle and Sussex County. Fleet Services stated that it cost the state $71,000 per year for the take home vehicles. Director Newnam did not agree with this figure. He was asked if there would be a cost savings for them to park the vehicles at the divisions and commute from those locations. He responded that it would not create a savings to do so. Fleet Services recommended flex schedules, not working from the Dover office every day, etc. Director Newnam explained that his staff does not come to Dover everyday and because of their schedules; they do occasionally work from the divisions. Director Newnam commented that if they are forced to park the vehicles at the divisions, it will change how the school currently does business in some cases.
· Time management review of staff activities. Director Newnam has requested that his staff document the work that they do on a daily basis to insure that time spent on work is adequate and is equal among the staff.
Programs/Courses
§ Current Month
o Basic Fire Fighting Skills – 215 students
§ 79% pass rate on the Haz. Mat. Awareness Certification Exam
o Industrial Confined Space Rescue – 21 students
o Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher – 10 students
o Structural Brigade Skills – cancelled
o Fire Fighter Self Survival – 44 students
o Truck Company Operations – 19 students
o Advance Exterior Brigade – NFPA 1081 Certification –
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 7
o Certification Testing
§ Fire Fighter I/II – 14 students
§ Fire Officer I – 3 students
§ Fire Officer II – 6 students
§ Rescue Tech. Vehicle – 4 students
o Driver Operator = 15 students
§ Divisions Usage
o New Castle – 13 classes scheduled
o Kent – 8 classes scheduled
o Sussex – 6 classes scheduled
§ Additions – Revisions
o Updates completed to Structural FF Skills – Ventilation, Salvage/Overhaul, Search
o Update completed to Basic FF Skills – SCBA
o Update to Crew Leader – theory completed, evolutions in process
EMS
§ Current Month
o First Responder – Sussex Division - 22 students
§ Programs cancelled at New Castle and Kent
o Protocols – 3 classes currently scheduled
o June EMT weekday program has 39 students
Delaware Risk Watch Report
Director Newnam supplied a Risk Watch report for the Commission’s review.
Public Education Activity Report
§ Current Month
o DSFS Displays – 24 scheduled events
o Fire Safety Programs – 5 scheduled
o DSFS Tours – 6 scheduled
o DSFS Float in the Del-Mar-Va parade
o Red Clay school – Highlands – thank you for a special program
Maintenance – Building and Grounds
§ Steps in New Castle to be replaced on the structural building in June
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 8
Financial
§ Pass Due Billings
o 30 days – 10,632.68
o 60 days – 66.00
o 90 days – -0-
o 120 days – -0-
§ 8000 Tuition Fund – 357,180.00
§ 8200 Haz Mat Tech Fund – 203,861.00
§ Accounts receivable – 25,091.00
§ Revenue Comparison
o Tuition – 2008, 50,105.25 – 2009, 47,143.44
o Haz. Mat. – 2008, 5,400.00 – 2009, 6,630.00
§ Special Funds Summary report submitted to the Commission for review.
§ Expenditure Report submitted to the Commission for review.
Staff and Office Staff Meeting Minutes
Director Newnam submitted minutes of the staff meetings for the Commission’s review.
Personnel Issues
§ Crystal Wisk – report to work date of May 18 – Director Newnam reported that he met with Crystal Wisk on May 18th regarding her work status. She continues to attempt getting short term disability approved. The date for this approval has changed to June 1st. At that point it will be determined if she will remain an employee of the State Fire School.
§ Libby Carey remains out on medical leave until June 18th. She will keep the school updated on her return to work date.
Fire Marshal/Fire School
No report at this time.
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 9
Action Items
No report at this time.
REPORT OF THE BLS MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Matthews discussed the impact of the swine flu in Delaware. The CDC was in Newark, Delaware tracking confirmed cases in that community.
He also discussed the CPAP Pilot Program. The current groups participating in the program have been successful. They have for the most part agreed to use the CPAP OS.
Dr. Matthews is going to check on comments made by Commissioner Murray regarding EMT-B patient care reports not making it into patient files in a Sussex County hospital.
It was moved by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Commissioner Roberts to go into Executive Session for personnel reasons. Motion carried. The Commission entered Executive Session at 9:44 a.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Commissioner Murray to go out of Executive Session. Motion carried. The Commission exited the Executive Session at 9:50 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION
ACTION ITEM
Fire Marshal Employee
It was moved by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Murray to authorize Fire Marshal Ingle to make a tentative employment offer to the person he recommended for the vacant Deputy Fire Marshal I position. Motion carried. Commissioner McMahon did not vote because he participated in the interview process.
REPORT OF DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
No report at this time.
SFPC Minutes
May 19, 2009
Page 10
ACTION ITEM
FOIA Policy Draft
The FOIA Policy has been tabled due to Deputy Attorney General Reardon’s current work load.
DEMSOC
Vice Chairman Ricker updated the Commission on the recent DEMSOC meeting. It was reported that OEMS has hired a full time programmer for the EDIN program and they are going to move towards a web based system. The Scope of Practice Issue and the Renaming of EMT’s was also briefly discussed. There seems to be a move towards that advancement of EMT’s that will require more hours of training. Director Newnam explained that this change would be a new standard where current duties and names would change in the EMS field.