ROLL CALL ( meeting called to order 19:00 hrs. on 04/11/2024 by R. Wilsey)
| PRESENT | NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| Yes | Baumer, Heidi | Treasurer | |
| Yes | Considine, Dan | Commissioner | |
| 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 |
| Greg Francesco | MFD Member | Captain / EMS Captain |
| Earl Bendschneider | MFD Member | |
| Kelli Ricker | MFD Member |
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW
There following meeting room requests (for year 2024) were submitted for approval. M. Arman brief the board on the request by the Canine Event for greater access to the station physical plant. S. Shuler motioned to approve the requests, seconded by R. Wilsey and passing with unanimous consent: 5-0-0
| April 21 | D. Bendschneider Family Baptism 13:00 – 17:00 |
| August 20-21 | Savy Dog Sports Canine Sport Scent Detect Event 08:00 – 17:30 |
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
R. Wilsey motioned to approve the March 14th 2024 District meeting minutes with a second by S. Shuler. The motion passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0
Secretary Sellman formally presented the 2023 LOSAP report listing received back from the Department after completion of the posting period (with no changes since original posting). Upon approval, this packet to be sent to Penflex upon Board approval. S. Shuler motioned to accept the 2023 report packet and correspondingly sent to Penflex. This was seconded by D. Considine and passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
Communication : Chief noted request made by family of motorcycle accident survivor (Rt 64 & Smith with CPR save) to meet with all responding agencies (to express their thanks). Chief will forward any details to Secretary Sellman. [ editor’s note: as discussed at April Dept. Meeting – event scheduled for April 27 @ approximately 13:00.]
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (President Arman)
School Property Tax Exemptions and NYS Credits
Mike reviewed strategy for revisiting effort to work with Honeoye Falls Board of Education towards consideration of adopting the 10% tax exemption for firefighters. He also discussed current proposals under review at the state level to increase the $200 NYState tax credit for firefighters to $800. Mike emphasized importance of everyone contacting their State legislators to lobby in support of the changes.
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (cont.)
Member’s Building Project
Mike reviewed status of project and elaborated on upcoming meeting with local architect Robert Meehan.
Fire Department / District Annual Banquet
M. Arman reviewed expected head count, status of District gifts to members, special guests expected ( Diana PFersick – FASNY [30+ yr member of Rush FD ).
Recruiting Update ( given by C. Knapp )
Chip outline the many aspects being used by the Department with respect to recruiting & retention: working to get into the high school for RAM recruitment, lots of photo sessions to create media resources, lots of good training sessions to engage current membership and continuation of working with local business – possible burn-event at 20 Deep Winery (vine burning).
New York State ( Gov. Hochul’s) Capital Funding / Equipment Grant Program
Chip elaborated on the two-prong approach for pursuing grant money (a) for physical build-out and (b) for equipment ( $ 280K and $ 83K respectively). Chip reiterated that the District is constrained by NY State to pursue only one of the aforementioned options, not both . C. Gates ( Town of Mendon Building Inspector) and K. Ricker (using some Pike Construction resources) have been involved from a fact-finding perspective. There was general discussion with respect to bunk-in possibilities. Kelli Ricker presented (with subsequent discussion) a preliminary design approach and cost estimate as generated by Pike Construction Services. D. Considine led focused discussion on items proposed in the equipment direction. The discussion ended with points being made that (a) the operational size of the district feels the bunk-in option will lead to improved call responses (b) the department needs to be queried regarding giving up space for the build-out (c) approval by Town of Mendon building inspection dept. required and, (d) majority Board approval required.
The consensus was that the larger (build-out) grant direction should be pursued (with the possibility of returning grant $$ to NY State if overall project approval can’t be obtained.
CHIEF’S REPORT
Items in addition to those outlined in Chief Tschiderer’s report ( See Appendix C pages for content presented).
• Reviewed agency coverage for District during Annual Banquet (Saturday evening).
• Thanks expressed to President Arman as liaison with family of past Chief Don Scott Code F
• CAFS extinguishers (with one remaining – waiting for O-ring) modified – one extinguisher on all suppression pieces and one in Chief vehicle.
• All Streamlights returned and in service – keeping older white scene lights during test period
• Moving line officer meetings from the second Wednesday to the second Monday of each month – going with an 18:00 start-time, before the standard drill time of 19:00.
• Demo of battery-powered saws – with a focus on circular saw coming week of April 16th
Purchase Requests
• Updated: Firefighter Helmets & tetrahedron stickers (qty. 13 / 20 respectively) $7764.80
R. Wilsey made a motion to approve the purchase requests. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0
TREASURER’S REPORT
H. Baumer presented monthly vouchers for signature approval (which transpired – see Appendix B. Heidi’s continued soliciting for anticipated large expenditures noting she just placed $350K in the CD.
Commissioner Joint inquired if the Treasurer had received an invoice for his Fire Commissioner Training course – with a negative acknowledgment.
Commissioner Shuler inquired as to where the spend vs. budget (focus on training budget) amounts stand. This was in effort to examine the possibility of creating EMS training reimbursements – as a motivational tool. Heidi indicated this year’s budget was a flat carryover from the prior year, and that last year’s budget was fully spent (budget $34.5K : spent $35K) – drawing the conclusion that there’s no excess funding available for new EMS consideration currently. J. Shipe suggested that it could be made a budget item next year.
S. Shuler made a motion to pay the monthly vouchers. This was seconded by D. Joint and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Projects / Special Projects / Buildings & Grounds (S. Shuler / J. Shipe)
Landscaping & Grounds:
Landscaping has been sprayed. In a planning phase to determine what will be done this year.
Apparatus
| Vehicle/Equip | Issues/Problems/Plans |
| 364 | No 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.
J. Shipe relayed a request from Dale that was formulated from an interaction at past Chief Don Scott’s funeral. Dale spoke with Myron Kowal (manager of ROC Maidan collection center, Webster, NY – a Ukrainian relief organization), requesting old turnout gear and fire hose. The resulting discussion indicated that any of the expired turnout in the basement is fair-game ; hose is different. Per Chief Tschiderer, there may be some old 5”, but the extra 3” that’s part of a warranty claim would not be available. S. Shuler made a motion to approve D. Sweet’s report with a second from R. Wilsey. The motion passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0
Personnel (D. Considine )
Commissioner Considine reviewed interest level currently expressed in the United Diagnostic Services screening, and requested that the District budget for up to 30 members ( $325 / member). J. Shipe motioned to approve the request, seconded by R. Wilsey. The motion passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0. President Arman asked if it was open to the auxiliary.
Commissioner Considine confirmed to Commissioner Shuler that monies to fund the members will be coming out of the fitness budget. He also confirmed that auxiliary members are welcome to participate, but in the context of self-pay. Secretary Sellman will send out sign-up instructions/notices to the auxiliary.
Leadership
Considine reviewed / reminded the board of his proposal to move (due to availability & schedule issues of probable attendees) the next leadership workshop to Thursday May 9th. He elaborated on the issues for discussion, including: (a) impact of 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), and (c) current leadership health/status. Dan motioned to have the workshop May 9th (no change in time specified) with a second by J. Shipe. The motion passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0 Secretary Sellman noted he will send notice to the Honeoye Falls Sentinel.
Training
There was a brief discussion regarding an upcoming FASNY Webinar (May 6 : at URL https://tinyurl.com/ycycst9h ) to cover (within the law) implementation of a Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend. Chief Tschiderer noted that C. Knapp has been doing some review of classes and intended $$ as part of Recruitment/Retention efforts. G. Francesco also noted that recent MFD members have had to fill out 1099 forms as part of class registration – e.g. groundwork is already being laid.
There was general discussion with respect to a ‘RAM Hold Harmless’ hazard recognition form created but so far not ever used. Based on commentary, the consensus was that (a) in the future, it should accompany the RAM application as part of the onboarding process and (b) should be given out to current RAM members for completion.
Information/Technology (from R. Wilsey)
– Planning on acquiring (a) laptop for Assistant Chief Friedlander (thru Dell government bid/PO processing) and, (b) monitor requested by Training Officer Francesco (using same process).
– Looking to terminate ADT contract and swap to Doyle Security for key-fob service. By going with Doyle, it’s a less expensive rate and they include 100 key-fob’s without additional charge.
There was a brief discussion (initiated by President Arman) regarding upgrading audio/visual system resource for the public community room (dropping in a projector). Commissioner Wilsey advocated going through Dell for the projector (since they’re already under contract). There was no consensus on a definitive plan, though there was recognized to be a frequent topic of improvement.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Treasurer Baumer inquired if there was a budget workshop on the calendar. It was found lacking on examination. After discussion of dates, R. Wilsey motioned that a budget workshop be placed on the calendar for August 22, 2024 at 6 PM. This was seconded by J. Shipe and approved by unanimous consent: 5-0-0
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
At 20:27, R. Wilsey made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by S. Shuler, passing by unanimous consent: 5-0-0
Respectfully Submitted by
Tom Sellman
District Secretary, Mendon Fire District
Edits:
Draft-V2 : Chief’s Report : clarified schedule change in monthly Line Officer Meetings
APPENDIX A: District Administrator Report ( Part 1 of 2 )
APPENDIX A: (cont.) District Administrator Report ( Part 2 of 2 )
APPENDIX B: Treasurer’s Report Vouchers
APPENDIX C: Chief’s Monthly Report
