ROLL CALL ( meeting called to order 19:00 hrs. on 05/16/2024 by R. Wilsey)
| PRESENT | NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| No | Baumer, Heidi | Treasurer | Out of area – work issue. |
| No | Considine, Dan | Commissioner | Out of area unexpectedly – work issue. |
| Yes | Fletcher, William | General Counsel | |
| Yes | Friedlander, David | MFD 1st Assistant Chief | |
| Yes | Joint, Richard | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Sellman, Tom | Secretary | |
| Yes | Shipe, John | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Shuler, Steve | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Tschiderer, Steve | MFD, Chief | |
| Yes | Wilsey, Ryan | Commissioner (Chairman) |
OTHER ATTENDEES NOTED
| NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| Mike Arman | MFD President | Representing MFD Board of Directors |
| Chip Knapp | MFD Vice President | Representing MFD Board of Directors |
| Mark Mossow | MFD Member | Lieutenant / Line |
| Earl Bendschneider | MFD Member | Treasurer |
| Muffy Meisenzahl | Chair – Citizens Advisory | Fire Protection Within the Town of Mendon |
PUBLIC COMMENT
Muffy noted that she had expected follow-up discussion with respect to consolidation efforts based on D. Considine’s comments at the May 9th leadership workshop. With Dan’s unanticipated absence, she requested if the topic could be moved forward in the agenda to determine when the next meeting would be. After brief discussion and quick calendar examination, August 8th was seen as the next leadership workshop. Commissioner Joint voiced his opposition to any consolidation efforts at this point. [ editor’s note: upon further examination, June 20th was found to have been overlooked and based on majority consent, determined that it would be the next meeting – all parties in attendance will be notified ].
CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW
There following meeting room requests (for year 2024) were submitted for approval.
Discussion ensued regarding the two events. The Shopping for a Cause request didn’t meet several criteria (no sponsor, a for-profit event – not appropriate as a tax entity, insurance issues) and therefore did not meet approval. S. Shuler motioned to approve the Scout event(s), seconded by J. Shipe and passing with unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
| May 17, 18-19 | Scouts Pack/Troop Crossover, BACO 17:00 – 20:00 |
| Oct 5 or Oct 19 | Shopping for a Cause 08:00 – 16:00 |
CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW (cont.)
Based on a point made by Chief Tschiderer, the approval for the Canine event is conditional that there’s no PM’s / hose testing, etc. scheduled for concurrent times. Treasurer Baumer inquired if the facility security deposit from their earlier rental should be returned – consensus was to simply hold the deposit for this new request. M. Arman also noted that the organization had given a donation in addition to the standard usage fee – and had left the facility well cleaned on departure. [ editor’s note: Sec. Sellman spoke with District Admin. Sweet : nothing currently scheduled as it’s so far out, and given the dates, he’ll avoid scheduling conflicts if at all possible ].
M. Arman inquired if the previously approved Monroe Cnty Fire Police Assoc Dinner (May 2nd) can include permission to serve beer and wine. After discussion, the board consensus was affirmative.
SECRETARY ITEMS
Past Meeting Minutes
S. Shuler motioned to approve the April 11th 2024 District meeting minutes with a second by J. Shipe. The motion passed with unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
Correspondence
Email from Pittsford Ambulance : Chief received commendation for his quick action in scene analysis / paramedic need identification and continued BLS care at 05/11/2024 EMS call, 3869 Rush Mendon Rd.
Complaint From Chief Regarding Commissioner Shuler : The complaint letter was previously sent to all commissioners for review. The letter surrounded the Chiefs charge of unprofessional conduct and disrespect shown to him by S. Shuler at the annual banquet in the improper use of Chief’s name. Both parties expressed their view and interpretation of events with apologies expressed by S. Shuler.
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (President Arman)
Member Resignation
M. Arman announced the receipt of a letter of resignation by Department Life Member and 7-year Past President Tim Baumer. There was discussion regarding his 27 years of service and current level of participation. His intention is remain active with the Exempt organization.
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (cont.)
School Property Tax Exemptions and NYS Credits
M. Arman reviewed plans by the Department’s BofD to revisit the 10% volunteer firefighter tax exemption issue with the intent to present a cohesive proposal near budget forming time (August – October).
Fire Department Annual Carnival
M. Arman reminded everyone of the upcoming carnival. Mike expressed his (and the Departments) thanks and gratitude for the work/effort of member L. Kaplan leading the replacement of the 5 light poles in the carnival parking area. Thanks were express also to helpers J. Shipe, J. Hastings and his associate Tommy. Kaplan’s work helped save thousands of dollars.
Fire Department Fund Raiser
M. Arman updated current status of the department fund-raising mailer results. There have been about 90 responses totaling $ 9K.
CHIEF’S REPORT
Items in addition to those outlined in Chief Tschiderer’s report ( See Appendix C pages for content presented).
Streamlight Scene Lighting
Chief presented a summary of the issues encountered over the last 6+ months with respect to failures of the newly acquired battery-powered scene lights manufactured by Streamlight. A manufacturing issue was identified such that all product make during August 2023 was bad. Per Asst. Chief Friedlander, of the six lights, two have been replaced new, two have been retrofitted and two remain in place until they demonstrate issues. Streamlight has admitted it is their problem and has been working to affect correction.
Details regarding PO’s below:
Purchase Requests
• Chief discussed selection of: battery-powered saws / grinder – K12, chainsaw, 9” angle grinder : $4574.94 . R. Wilsey motioned for approval of purchase that was seconded by J. Shipe. The motion passed with unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
CHIEF’S REPORT (cont.)
Purchase Requests (cont.)
• Chief discussed request by Fire Police Captain for Fire Police badges. The original projection of quantity three was revised to four (A. Torrey expressed desire to go to Fire Police) for a total of $ 409.64. R. Wilsey motioned for approval of purchase that was seconded by S. Shuler. The motion passed with unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
• Chief elaborated on a request with respect to new helmet shields (officer and firefighter) that use Velcro truck number to impart an accountability mechanism. After discussion (resulting in fine-tuning the order composition totaling $ 2470.50), R. Wilsey motioned for approval of purchase, seconded by J. Shipe. The motion passed with unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
• Chief initiated discussion regarding fully contained, modular replacement of the pickup-truck cap & slides for current and future vehicles under consideration to (1) improve fleet replacement efficiency (e.g. modular cap assemblies can be more easily transferred to next new vehicle) (2) better weather sealant / protection. (Note: assemblies made by IconicX Canada/Buffalo – sole source). Estimated price (including minor augmentation) in the vicinity of $ 16K. The first use would be to place it in 3C16 vehicle. At the end of discussion, D. Joint lobbied that the purchase decision be tabled to allow him to research it more. The consensus was to table with a timeframe of August for deciding – the Chief noting a current 10-12 week lead time and wanting to come to a conclusion prior to bad weather. • Chief also started discussion with respect to replacement of the current cascade air/SCBA filling station (which can’t be used with current SCBA bottles. Current price estimates for a 6000 psi 5-bottle system was approximately $ 12.8K. Issues regarding total capacity, cost / convenience tradeoff if not purchased, system longevity and amortized cost and lease vs purchase were covered. The decision was to have the district administrator pursue a path to investigate purchase cost (as it’s not sole source) and table approval pending further investigation.
TREASURER’S REPORT
H. Baumer (in absentia) supplied the monthly vouchers for signature approval (which transpired – see Appendix B. R. Wilsey motioned to approve payment for same, was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
Release of Air/Cascade System J. Shipe motioned that the current air-cascade system be placed out of service with a scrap valuation of $ 300. The motion was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0- 0.
OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Projects / Special Projects / Buildings & Grounds (S. Shuler / J. Shipe)
Landscaping & Grounds:
Seasonal mowing continues as necessary. Gardens were weeded and mulched – look good.
Apparatus
| Vehicle/Equip | Issues/Problems/Plans |
| 364 | Air brake issue: identified 05/02 PM – required multiple trips by mechanic due to defective replacement part. Completed repair 05/08 AM. Thanks to the District Admin expressed by D. Joint for taking care of issue. |
| 365 | No issue |
| 367 | No issue |
| 3617 | No issue |
| 3618 | No issue |
| Haul Trailer | No issue |
| 3c16 | No issue |
| 3c26 | No issue |
District Administrator’s Report:
See Appendix A for copy of the District Administrator’s report.
R. Wilsey made a motion to approve D. Sweet’s report with a second from J. Shipe. The motion passed by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
Personnel
Leadership
There was general discussion regarding the recent leadership workshop on Thursday May 9th. Chief reported two community members ( Muffy Meisenzahl, Mendon Town Supervisor Moffitt) attended, noting it was a good session with a hour spent each on (a) proposed changes to OSHA 1910.156 regulations ( NFPA inclusions), (b) status / issues with respect to Joint Consolidation proposal ( Fishers Fire District, HF Fire Dept., Mendon Fire District, Mendon Fire Protection District).
Recruitment
The outcome of the ‘Recruit NY’ event was noted by multiple folks as being a disappointment in that no outside folks attended. This was especially remarkable given the departments huge effort in promotion – locally in posters strategically placed in the community, tons of social media advertising, the digital sign and lots of word-of-mouth.
C. Knapp briefed everyone on recruiting activates in conjunction with the carnival: recruiting tent & photo-booth within the beer tent. Working on developing give-aways for interactive press-the flesh efforts.
Information/Technology (from R. Wilsey)
– The laptop for Assistant Chief Friedlander was acquired.
– Quotes obtained for projectors but waiting on analysis of mounting scheme. This was followed general discussion regarding pricing of speakers (similar to ones used at banquet).
OLD BUSINESS
Consolidation
There was continued discussion with respect to outcome of studies related to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Fire Protection within the Town of Mendon. There were observations questioning the lack of advantages to MFD constituents when considering a Honeoye Falls / Mendon merger in the context of expected tax rates. Further observations express concern for the expenses anticipated as it is felt that Honeoye Falls needs a new firehouse and ladder truck.
HFL School Tax Exemption
There was continued discussion with respect to development of relationships and how to approach the HFL-CSD Board closer to budget time to advocate for a 10% property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters.
NEW BUSINESS
Failed Air Conditioning System 2nd Floor of Station
J. Shipe brought forth a proposal that would remedy the failed AC system. HVAC (and exempt MFD member) contractor Michael Schueler provided an estimate for the materials with a calculated invoice for labor of $0. The material cost estimated is $ 8261. The cost for an additional laborer is going to be paid for by the Mendon Fire Department. S. Shuler observed that there are building repair funds budgeted. J. Shipe made a motion to proceed with the repair with the stated cost. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
New York State Capital Funding / Equipment Grant Program
As part of the process to submit for NYS Grant Program, MFD VP C. Knapp explained that he needed to establish a SAM (State and Municipal) Grant financial account (the destination of possible grant funds) for the District. The cost was $ 599. S. Shuler motioned to approve a voucher to reimburse C. Knapp. This was seconded by R. Wilsey and passed by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
At 20:23, R. Wilsey made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by S. Shuler, passing by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0
During the adjournment, Commissioner Shuler repeated his apology to Chief Tschiderer for not correctly using Chief’s name.
Respectfully Submitted by
Tom Sellman
District Secretary,
Mendon Fire District
Corrections:
Version Draft-V2 : corrected ‘Notes’ of attendee’s Mossow & Bendschneider
APPENDIX A: (cont.) District Administrator Report ( Part 2 of 2 )
APPENDIX B: Treasurer’s Report Vouchers
APPENDIX C: Chief’s Monthly Report
