ROLL CALL ( meeting called to order 19:00 hrs. on 11/07/2024 by R. Wilsey)
| PRESENT | NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| Yes | Baumer, Heidi | Treasurer | |
| Yes | Considine, Dan | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Fletcher, William | General Counsel | |
| No | Friedlander, David | MFD 1st Assistant Chief | |
| Yes | Joint, Richard | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Sellman, Tom | Secretary | |
| Yes | Shipe, John | Commissioner | |
| No | 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 |
| Tony Blackwell | Territory Sales Manager, McNeil & Co. | District Insurance Representative |
| Greg Francesco | MFD Member |
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
OPERATIONAL – Personnel / Insurance
Counsel Fletcher introduced T. Blackwell from McNeil to start an informational session with respect
to previous proposals of hiring/procuring outside staff for onboarding/familiarization training of a
recent cadre of new members, and what impact/issues there may be on the District’s insurance
needs/exposure etc. The following summary points were made: (a) outside trainers brought on as
independent contractors would not be covered and would be responsible for themselves (b) if hired
as part-time employees, workers-comp additions to the District would be an option (based on their
MFD pay – not their pay at any other organization).
As a separate issue, T. Blackwell noted the webinars and other training resources through ESIP and
individuals from McNeil’s risk management department. Tony also offered assistance if needed
completing the District’s cancer policy renewal process. Commissioner Considine acknowledged he
would be doing that in the next week or two.
A third topic was raised with respect to a question by Commissioner Shuler regarding any age
limitations on Department members driving District vehicles with various classes of license
addendums (e.g. CDL). T. Blackwell indicated there is no age restriction from McNeil. McNeil
requires a valid NY State driver’s license and good driving record.
CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW
There following meeting room requests (for year 2024) were submitted for approval.
R. Wilsey motioned to approve all events, with a second by S. Shuler – passing by unanimous consent:
5-0-0. Deposit and Usage checks from Savvy Dog Sports were given to Treasurer Baumer.
Nov 12. Cub Scout Pack 105 Den Meeting 05:00 PM to 6:45 PM
Nov 14. Cub Scout Pack 105 Den Meeting 05:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Dec 29. Savvy Dog Sports (Arman sponsor) 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM
SECRETARY ITEMS
Past Meeting Minutes
D. Considine motioned to approve the October 17th 2024 District meeting minutes with a second by
R. Wilsey. The motion passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
District Elections
The only request for a candidate petition is from current Commissioner Shipe (whose term expires
December 2024).
Correspondence
Sellman pointed out note from MCFDOA announcing Firefighter I graduation at MCC on Jan 8th, 2025
– anticipated to apply to MFD member Joe Martin.
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (President Arman & V.P. Knapp)
- Pressure Washer for Wash Bay: Mike noted ongoing investigation into pricing of a proposal
from the Department to acquire a pressure washer that it would purchase with the District to
cover ongoing maintenance and service. - Village of Honeoye Falls: Mike initiated a discussion with respect to an approximate 9 minute
video with follow-up discussion at two HF Community meetings ( Nov 7 & 13) with respect to
Fire Department staffing. The presentation is on-line as well. - Upcoming Department Elections: President Arman initiated a discussion with respect to
current line officers being able to remain a viable candidate for the role they are currently in
(as outlined in a ‘Grace Period’ clause of District Rules & Regulations. After discussion, S.
Shuler motioned that the ‘Line Office Qualification Grace Period’ be amended to indicate:
“…shall be allowed to remain in their respective positions through December of 2025”. J.
Shipe seconded the motion which passed unanimously: 5-0-0. - V-Fire NY State Grant: C. Knapp noted that communication from the State indicated they will
be forwarding more info/instructions with regards to rules/stipulations/mechanisms
regarding disbursement and use of the $ 288K grant awarded. Chip explained that the money
will be deposited into an account defined by the Treasurer and that it will be up to the District
to track how it is spent. - Recruiting/Retention: C. Knapp outlined a proposal to hold a community CPR class (with class
participation incremented in groups of six slots, up to a maximum of 18 slots for a cost (based
on input by Chief Tschiderer) of $1500. D. Considine motioned to approve the proposal (with
a cost maximum of $1500) that was seconded by S. Shuler and then passed by unanimous
consent: 5-0-0.
Chip initiated a discussion with respect to documenting the incentive program with a
December presentation to the membership. At the end of discussion, it was agreed that C.
Knapp would supply the commissioner’s his proposal (and any survey data that can be
attained) that would be considered at their upcoming retreat in Florida (along with other
proposals discussed at the leadership workshop [e.g. pay-per-call incentives, etc.]. The
results of any Florida retreat deliberations would be given back to Chip for incorporation into
a formalized proposal to then be presented and voted on at the December District Board
meeting. The goal is to have a definitive presentation/roll-out to the membership at the
January Department meeting. - Outside Training Assistance: C. Knapp noted he is working with Counsel Fletcher on a posting
for the part-time trainers and that he would forward the increased insurance costs
anticipated (as based on input from T. Blackwell’s evaluations at McNeil). D. Considine
asked and received the proposed wage cost for the 6-month training program – it is also
attached (see Appendix D – as included from the October meeting minutes).
CHIEF’S REPORT
See Appendix C for content presented in Chief Tschiderer’s report.
Purchase Requests
- Rental PPE for new firefighters Buchanan & D’Alesandro (12-month contract) – $ 3680.00. After discussion, S. Shuler made a motion to approve the purchase request. This was seconded by D. Considine and passed unanimously: 5-0-0.
Chief noted that 3C-16 (Chief’s vehicle) needs an oil change. Consensus was just take it to Mendon
Autoworks.
Chief reminded the Board of the need to dispose / out-of-servicing the Echo chainsaw, the Cutter’s
Edge chain and circular saws, and the Honda Generator/Light.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Baumer noted that a tax-cap review of the District is being held Friday Nov 15th to make
sure we’re staying under the cap. No issues anticipated.
Heidi also notified the Board that McDonald’s CPA firm is not going to perform our audit anymore
(discontinuing that service). There was discussion about a possible alternative firms: Mengel
Metzger Bar & Co ( Tom Zuber ) with a notation that a more significant cost can be expected
(between $ 12K and $15K) – this seems to be in alignment with bids from other firms for another
District that ranged between $12 K and $ 23K. Chief forwarded several name of firms and Heidi will
pursue getting quotes in preparation to discuss at the December meeting. Heidi noted that the
District will probably need to supply a formalized list of District Equipment.
Treasurer inquired if there were any larger expenses for year-end equipment needs as there were a
little more funds available than anticipated. D. Considine inquired about the LOSAP funding, but
discussion noted that a current year’s obligation is paid the following mid-year.
R. Wilsey made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report and pay the bills. The motion was
seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent. See Appendix B for the vouchers
presented and approved.
OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Projects / Special Projects / Buildings & Grounds (S. Shuler / J. Shipe)
J. Shipe presented a purchase request for door replacement and nine door repairs. This was
presented in the context of using the City of Rochester bidding process with : Alliance Door &
Hardware, Inc. S. Shuler motioned for approval ( $ 8808.59.00 ). This was seconded by D. Considine
and passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
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 |
Commissioner Joint noted that all maintenance has been done on the engines and tender, ATV
batteries replace and the water heaters on order.
District Administrator’s Report:
R. Wilsey made a motion to approve D. Sweet’s report with a second from S. Shuler. The motion
passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0. ( See Appendix A for the report.)
Personnel & Leadership ( From D. Considine)
Next leadership workshop scheduled for November 06 @ 18:30.
R. Wilsey asked if it has been determined whether a MFD member under 21 years of age that has
a current CDL (Commercial Drivers License) can be certified as a MFD firefighter driver within the
context of the District’s insurance. D. Considine indicated he would research with the District
insurance (and determine if there are any caveats/restrictions).
Information/Technology (from R. Wilsey)
- Internet backup changed ($300). He will get the projector and speakers for the community room
- finalized for the December meeting’s approval.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
At 19:57, R. Wilsey made a motion the Board go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing
employment legal or other matters. This was seconded by D. Considine and passed with unanimous
consent: 5-0-0.
At 20:38, the Board exited Executive Session and the regular meeting resumed. S. Shuler made a
motion that the District allows Gregory Francesco to use the fitness center when no one else is using
it, and that his private email be included in the “members’’ alias. The motion was seconded by R.
Joint and passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
At approximately 20:40, S. Shuler made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by J.
Shipe, passing by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted by
Tom Sellman
District Secretary,
Mendon Fire District
