Board of Fire Commissioners

Windsor Locks Fire Department

Minutes – Wednesday, November 12, 2014

1.  Call to Order

-The meeting of November 12, 2012 was called to order by Chairman Dennis Gragnolati at 7:34 p.m.

2.  Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

-Commissioners present: Dennis Gragnolati, Pat Courtney and David Montemerlo

-Commissioner absent: Dan Riley

-Chiefs present: Chief Ruggiero and Assistant Chief DeBella

-Fire Marshal present: Mike Sinsigalli

3.  Public Input –

John Kupernik asked for information about his case. None was available at this time. He is invited to attend the 25 year party for Brian Long on Saturday night.

4.  Secretary’s Report –

Chairman Gragnolati entertained a motion to approve the Secretary’s Report for the meetings of October 8 and October 22, 2014. Motion was made by Commissioner Courtney and seconded by Commissioner Montemerlo to approve the minutes as submitted. All Commissioners voted in favor of the motion.

Nikolai Jackson was sworn in as a new member of the Windsor Locks Volunteer Fire Department. All background checks and his physical are done.

5. Report of Officers

-Fire Marshal report –

-There were 10 code inspections conducted this period. A meeting was held at the high school regarding a renovation project, replacement of the HVAC and windows. The project will be done while school is in session.

-Three sets of plans were received and reviewed this period.

-Inspector Pascarelli will complete the third module of fire marshal certification on November 25th.

-Continuing inspections in the industrial area.

-Chief report

-There were 26 alarms and 4 drills

-Mandatory Annual Life Burn training sessions were held at the CT Fire Academy in October.

-The Department participated in the Towns’ annual Oktoberfest at the Noden Reed Farm.

-Had three sessions this week regarding the Tower 1 project. Training continues. Fleetmasters has been doing their final dealer prep on the apparatus.

-This Saturday is the 25 year party Brian Long is the recipient.

-We swore in 6 new members in the last year and lost one member.

6. Standing Committees-

Purchasing – Ongoing. We never got last year’s final print out of Capital. In the past we received a monthly printout of the Capital Improvements. Capital for this year wasn’t even put in the computer yet. We are trying to buy the air packs we were told we have $154,000 but can’t confirm that without the printout. We would like to get that.

Budget –Starting to talk about the new budget. Commissioner would like money put in for Class A Uniforms and some in for the pension.

Truck Committee – Finished with representatives from Sea Graves today. It’s going back to the shop Monday they will fix one small issue and put the rest of the equipment on. Frances picked November 24th to put it on the line provided the next two weeks we do a lot of drivers training on it. Frances asked for a list in a week as to who is trained and qualified to drive it. Its been very well received by the members and about 10 – 12 have already been through the drivers training. Meeting Wednesday night to go over the specs for the new engine. Hope to have the final price next week.

Training- We have been training on the new truck. Even if they don’t drive, members should learn how to operate it.

Building Committee – the Selectmen are meeting with the Chief of Police next week to go through the building downstairs then we will meet the group and go through the upstairs. Hoping it will go through this time.

Human Resources – Swore a new member in tonight and have two others in the pipeline. We are running a federal background check now. We get the same background check that the airport does.

Town Ordinance – No report

7. Old Business –

-We received a letter describing how 3 people helped get someone out of a 3rd floor fire many, many years ago and there were never any awards given out. He thinks it would be nice at this late date to give the award now. We currently don’t have an award program for that type of thing. It’s hard to give an award for bravery from so long ago without witnesses. We do it through the State and we don’t think the State would recognize this after so many years.

8. New Business –

-Next month for the Commission meeting Chief Ruggiero will be on vacation during the regularly scheduled time. Frances will cover for the Chief.

9. Appointments and Promotions – None

10. Correspondence – None

11. Public Input

Chairman Gragnolati entertained a motion to enter into executive session regarding a personnel issue. Present at the executive session were Commissioners Patrick Courtney, David Montemerlo and Dennis Gragnolati. Also present Fire Marshal Sinsigalli, Chief Ruggiero and Assistant Chief DeBella. Motion made by Commissioner Montemerlo and seconded by Commissioner Courtney to begin the session at 8:25 p.m. All Commissioners voted in favor of the motion.

Chairman Gragnolati entertained a motion to adjourn executive session at 9:05 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Courtney and seconded by Commissioner Montemerlo. All Commissioners voted in favor of the motion.

12. Commission Comments – None

13. Announcements – None

14. Adjournment

Chairman Gragnolati entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Courtney and seconded by Commissioner Montemerlo. All Commissioners voted in favor of the motion.

Submitted by Susan Urso,