Board of Commissioner District Meeting Minutes (Approved) March 14th, 2024

ROLL CALL ( meeting called to order 19:02 hrs. on 03/14/2024 by R. Wilsey)

PRESENT	NAME	CAPACITY	NOTES
No	Baumer, Heidi	Treasurer
No	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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW

There following meeting room requests (for year 2024) were submitted for approval. S. Shuler motioned to approve the request, seconded by R. Wilsey and passing with unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

March 20	Cub Pack 105 den meeting 6:30-7:30 pm
March 22-24	Troop 105 Pancake Breakfast F: 4-8pm Sat & Sun: 7am-3pm
April 6	Last Call & Reception Past Chief Scott 10:30 – 14:00
April 16	3rd Battalion Past Chiefs Dinner : from 16:00 – 21:00
May 2	Monroe County Fire Police Assoc. 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Oct 1	NY Forest Owners Assoc. W. Finger Lakes Chapter (Arman)

Secretary Sellman noted the following inquiries were received. The inquisitors have been given application forms and the rules/regulations/cost companion document. They were also informed of the need for some department sponsor/connection.

End of March	HFL Wrestling : banquet facilities (have not heard back)
April 7th	Baby Shower (Mendon Resident)
July 7th	Society for Creative Anachronism – pavilion & station for 200 attendees

SECRETARY ITEMS

S. Shuler motioned to approve the January 18th 2024 District meeting minutes with a second by J. Shipe. The motion passed with unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

Secretary Sellman formally presented the 2023 LOSAP report listing that has been posted since February 8th on the station bulletin board. J. Shipe motioned to accept the listing with a second by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0. The report package goes back to the department to incorporate any changes brought forward by LOSAP participants. Once any changes (none expected) have been finalized, the listing will then come back to the District for certification, and ultimately sent on to Penflex as our 2023 submission.

Secretary Sellman inquired of the Board if they planned to approve the same gas reimbursement gift-card for members at the Annual Banquet and Inspection Dinner. After discussion, it was resolved by unanimous vote of members present (4-0-0) that S. Shuler would acquire up to, but not to exceed 43 (current active member estimate) $100 gift cards that would go to all members in good-standing based on year 2023 evaluation criteria.

Sellman inquired if everyone was in receipt of the Assoc. of Fire Districts NYS proposal for changing of their by-laws to be voted on at the Fall General Meeting at Turning Stone. Not all commissioners had seen it, so Secretary Sellman indicated he would forward a copy to all the commissioner’s for their familiarization. [editor’s note: 2 issues: (a) splitting of Secretary-Treasurer position into two separate roles and mechanism of establishment (b) scheduling changes for board meetings ].

Communication : None received other than what has been documented above.

MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (President Arman)

OSHA Fire Brigade Std 1910.156 / Proposed Incorporation of various NFPA

M. Arman started discussion (as a result of the McNeil Roundtable Talk held hours prior to this meeting) regarding the referenced talk – and the comment period ending May 6th baring a 90-day extension (which has been requested). Possible actions discussed include having each commissioner to formulate their own request for comment period extension – focusing on a small (but perceived significant) standards felt to be an issue. Chief Tschiderer reviewed the timeline of the changes and various levels of support by organizations/municipalities – suggesting that the District might consider a two-prong approach: ( one addressing comments and one addressing adherence). It was noted that the District’s approach to fitness and medical focus and recent incorporation of Line Officer Qualifications already addresses several areas well. One improvement opportunity noted was in the area of Community Risk Reduction. R. Wilsey requested this topic be put on the agenda for the next District Meeting.

New Member Introduction

M. Arman introduced Ben Cook, a newly voted-in member of the Department to the District members present. It was shared that Ben is a graduating senior from HFL, set to attend RIT (playing lacrosse) is an entrepreneur having started Cook Outdoor Contracting. He received unchallenged approval by Board members.

EMS Incentive Program

M. Arman reviewed a program soon to be implemented in Steuben County to address shortages in EMS resources. The program would pay $1800 for the successful completion of an initial EMS certification course and $400 for successful re-certification. There was discussion regarding the possibility of the District implementing something similar ; dollar amounts, length & level of service obligations by incentive recipients, and budget impact were also discussed. J. Shipe noted that the recruiting/retention $$ often referenced visa vi D. Considine wasn’t formally budgeted. R. Wilsey requested this topic be put on the agenda for the next District Meeting.

Recruiting & Retention

C. Knapp presented several aspects of the recruiting and retention efforts ongoing – development of marketing / media material, challenge coins to (a) recognize exceptional service by the chiefs (b) act as a member token for interaction with other fire-service individuals. R. Wilsey motioned the District approve $500 for thirty of the District Chief Coins. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0.

Chip also noted effort to extend interaction with the local businesses and merchant organizations. Chip reviewed that he’s working on a proposal to develop a recruitment incentive program. M. Arman reminded everyone of the Open House to be held at the station on April 14th – part of the Recruit New York Weekend.

New York State ( Gov. Hochul’s) Capital Funding / Equipment Grant Program

Chip reviewed the $88K in equipment items being pursued with the grant program. He also started a discussion centered on developing a separate grant proposal (as to not be dependent on the equipment grant), to tap into the $20 M segment of the Grant Program’s Capital Funding in consideration for the development of bunk facilities. R. Wilsey reminded Chip to speak with Building Inspector Gates with respect to code compliance. Chip requested permission from the District to pursue discussion with the Building Inspector, and to attain three bids for NYS satisfaction. Ultimately this received tacit approval after a few informational points were raised by various board members.

CHIEF’S REPORT

In addition to the items outlined in Chief Tschiderer’s report ( See Appendix C pages for content presented, and Apparatus Damage notations are tabulated in the Apparatus Report Table below ).

• Reviewed individuals out-of-service for medical issues – with recovery plans noted.

• Reviewed individuals still in need of equipment inventories.

• Fuel-spill material (from FedEx crash) reimbursement request submitted.

Purchase Requests

• SCBA Quick Release Straps (qty 20) $399.80

• Bullard Helmets (qty 13) $5,376.67

• EMS Equipment & Consumables (Battery, BP Cuff, Stethoscope) $1216.93

• Physio Control AED Pads $1770.00

R. Wilsey made a motion to approve the purchase requests. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

Chief Tschiderer led the discussion outlining the aspects/approach/capabilities with respect to start the process of replacing 367 (see Appendix C). He then requested approval from the board to initiate the mini-bid process. Chairman Wilsey motioned to approve the mini-bid process. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

Chief Tschiderer presented a new SOG detailing the policy guidelines for MF District responders in the context of an emergency response to the scene in their personal vehicles. This is being trialed currently with C. Knapp. (See Appendix D for the SOG). R. Wilsey made a motion to approve the draft document. This was seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

Chief Tschiderer also presented an overview of the operational plans by Monroe County (and the Department in specific) for the upcoming solar eclipse event. He and Asst. Chief Friedlander developing IAP – central is to staff an engine for local needs with 367 & ATV planned for patient extrication duty in conjunction with possible NYS Thruway response.

TREASURER’S REPORT

H. Baumer was absent but prepared the monthly vouchers for signature approval (which transpired – see Appendix B. In response to Heidi’s earlier email question soliciting anticipated large expenditures, Chairman Wilsey had provided a reminder of expenses for the upcoming FDIC conference. There was a brief discussion regarding the planning & implementation of the United Diagnostic Services Health Scan for members of the department.

OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS

Capital Projects / Special Projects / Buildings & Grounds (S. Shuler / J. Shipe)

Landscaping & Grounds:

S. Shuler noted he’s contemplating near-term plans (needing some coordination effort) for maintenance on the sidewalks and a paint-job / restriping of the parking lot. Steve to pursue appropriate parties involved in supplying the resources to complete the jobs.

M. Arman noted that the Department was planning on replacing five light poles on the carnival grounds (awaiting approval at next Department meeting April 1st).

Apparatus

Vehicle/Equip	Issues/Problems/Plans
364	Windshield gasket (long term problem) has been re-sealed.
365	No issue
367	Missing portable radio adapter found – confirmed broken.
3617	Ornamental trim from driver-side pond-rack
3618	Continuing to monitor hitch ( possible warping ) 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. S. Shuler made a motion to approve D. Sweet’s report with a second from R. Wilsey. The motion passed by unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

Personnel

Prompted by President Arman, there was general discussion with respect to plans/anticipated participation (quantity and from what organizations) for the ultrasound screening tests that D. Considine has been shepherding with United Diagnostic Services. Wilsey to speak to Dan.

R. Joint reported (presenting his certificate for filing) that he completed the commissioner’s training. Richard also commented he’s seeking reimbursement for the associated $125. When inquiring as to what must be done (in addition to receiving personal physician authorization) to complete his return to duty, he was directed to get the final approval from the District physician at Health Works

Secretary Sellman inquired as to the outcome of discussions with Fire Police Captain Rosenshein and the Line regarding points to be awarded for their training drill time. Brief discussion indicated there is confusion as to the results of discussions.

There was brief discussion regarding Captain Francesco’s training progress. Greg noted he’ll be completing Fire Instructor II in the upcoming week. He also pointed out that internal issues are best reviewed in a context of department privacy / locale and not be debated while on-scene at an incident.

Information/Technology (from R. Wilsey)

– Planning on purchasing some updated computers on government bid shortly (replacing older systems).

– Xerox finally accepted their copier back.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

At 20:21, R. Wilsey made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by S. Shuler, passing by unanimous consent of those commissioners present: 4-0-0

Respectfully Submitted by

Tom Sellman

District Secretary, Mendon Fire District

APPENDIX A: District Administrator Report ( Part 1 of 3 )