MENDON FIRE DISTRICT
Board of Commissioner
District Meeting Minutes (Approved)
September 11th, 2025
ROLL CALL (meeting called to order 19:00 hrs. on 09/11/2025 by R. Wilsey)
| PRESENT | NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| YES | Arman, Mike | President | |
| YES | Baumer, Heidi | Treasurer | |
| YES | Considine, Dan | Commissioner | |
| YES | Fletcher, William | General Counsel | |
| YES | Friedlander, David | MFD Deputy 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Francesco | MFD Member | Newly elected Lieutenant |
| Matthew Brassie | New MF Department RAM Member | Board Introduction |
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dept. President Arman introduced Matthew Brassie, a new (but third generation) member candidate introduced at the Sept 8th Mendon Fire Department meeting. Matt gave a brief summary of his background as an incoming freshman at FLCC, studying cybersecurity – looking to go into law enforcement. It was noted that his father David and grandfather Larry Pierce were members.
CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW
The following meeting room requests (for year 2025) were submitted for approval. Secretary Sellman indicated calendar is free for them. S. Shuler moved to approved the requests. Seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
09-17 Moving party for Anne Eilinger – ( Debbie Hastings )
10-10 HFL Youth Cheerleading – pizza bonding event ( Danielle Liberatore)
12-06 Mendon Community Nursery School – gingerbread houses (Amy Tschiderer)
SECRETARY ITEMS
Past Meeting Minutes: S. Shuler motioned to approve the V2 version of the meeting minutes for the August 14th District meeting. Seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
Calendar Reminders: Secretary Sellman reviewed several calendar items coming up in the next couple months including:
- AFDSNY annual meeting in Saratoga Springs Oct. 2nd – 4th
- Budget Hearing & District Meeting – Oct 21st
- Nov 20th November District Meeting
- District Elections – Dec 9th (Commissioner Shuler’s term expiration)
Terminology Synchronization
Secretary Sellman noted that Department By-Laws and District Rules and Regulations are out of sync on a given officer position. By-Laws reference a ‘Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief’ whereas Rules and Regulations reference ‘1st Assistant Chief and 2nd Assistant Chief’. R. Wilsey motioned that the District Rules & Regulations be brought in sync with the Department By-Laws. Seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
District Correspondence:
Note was received from Penflex confirming a deposit of the LOSAP funding (invoiced in June).
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT (Vice President Knapp)
Members Building
President Arman summarized a report given at the Sept Department meeting. Drawing have been received from contractor allowing pursuit of all required permits. The current building needs to be cleaned out – J. Hastings to perform demolition. 30% down has been given to FLC. Electric to current building shut down. J. Shipe inquired as to competitive pricing pursued with respect to site work and interior work. Mike explained that there had been three quotes when a ‘renovation’ approach was planned. With the ‘replacement’ approach, not so much. The Department ended up using one of the ‘renovation’ contractors.
Recruiting / Retention NYS Grant
Mike explained that there was a late start in trying to apply for recruitment/retention grant brought to the Departments attention by Senator Helming. The 7 to 10 days necessary to qualify as a volunteer department was in excess of the deadline. Mike felt there was good learning as to the process and information required, and that MDF Board member B. Schmitt would be in a good position for the next time.
Mike has become aware of an open house at HFL high school with an invitation to talk about our Explorer program. Mike is speaking with firefighter Yates (recent RAM) about perhaps participating.
CHIEF’S REPORT
See Appendix A for content presented in Chief Tschiderer’s report.
Purchase Orders
- 25-19 : Bosch Saw Blades: web pricing comparison @ $ 19.99
- 25-20 : T & J Rescue Enterprises TL-9 Plate for Hurst Tools (3 prices) : $ 790.00
- 25-21 : Bridgehill EV Fire Blanket & two EV Emergency Shutoff Plugs : $ 3140.00
- 25-22 : Hose nozzles, gated wyes and 2.5” hydrant gates : $ 7675.13
- 25-23: Striping/Lettering for new 367 truck Ewing Graphics : $ 1412.79
R. Wilsey motioned to accept the purchase orders – seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
Officer Election/Nomination Confirmation
Chief introduced the nomination (e.g. election) by the Department for Greg Francesco to be a Lieutenant. – R. Wilsey motioned that G. Francesco be confirmed as a District Lieutenant. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Voucher & Reconciliation Review
Treasurer Baumer reviewed the voucher and reconciliation statements. See Appendix B for submitted content.
Proposed 2026 District Budget
Treasurer Baumer began a discussion (with thanks to all that participated) to review the results of the September 4th District Budget Workshop. The workshop identified some surplus for 2025 that can be used for some capital items using this year’s budget. There will be a need to generate a corresponding permissive referendum to support the draw against reserves. The items (with final pricing still in progress) include 5” hose and DCON seats for the engines.
Heidi continued to review the various line items and adjustments (up & down) that were identified via the workshop. She also identified the projected $ 50K transfer to capital. See Appendix D for the proposed 2026 budget.
At the end of discussion, R. Wilsey, motioned to (a) accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills, and (b) adopt the proposed 2026 budget. This was seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.
OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Projects / Special Projects (S. Shuler)
NYS VFIRE Grant Project Status
S. Shuler led a discussion regarding status of the Grant Project, indicating that of the three organizations that had expressed possible interest in the project, two ( Taylor, and DGA Builders either backed out or had a conflict). The remaining firm ( Nichols Construction ) submitted a proposal that he’ll distribute to everyone that’s currently involved (or interested ). There was preliminary discussion about an initial meeting of folks to start moving forward – looking like around Sept 25th.
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 |
All trucks have been inspected. 3c26 got new front brakes.
Buildings and Grounds (S. Shuler)
3 year interval reached to start re-bid process for mowing & snow plowing contracts. RFP’s expected
to be sent out soon to Collins, Josh, and Moreland.
J. Shipe suggested (from the budget workshop talks) that perhaps with the new members building project (with concrete apron) – it might be wise to defer the driveway sealing until spring of 2026.
Personnel & Leadership
District Administrator’s Report
S. Shuler motioned that the District Administrator’s report (see Appendix C) be approved. This was seconded by J. Shipe and passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0
Leadership
Dan indicated he’s looking at calendar to come up with the next workshop.
Information/Technology (R. Wilsey)
Anticipating delivery of some new laptop computers next week. Ryan indicated he’s still working through issues dealing with the newest Dell representative with respect to contract pricing.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
G. Francesco expressed his thanks for all who have supported him and appreciation for the confirmation as Lieutenant.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
At 20:47 R. Wilsey motioned to adjourn, seconded by S. Shuler, passing by unanimous consent: 5-0- 0.
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by
Tom Sellman,
District Secretary
Mendon Fire District
See PDF below to download a copy of the minutes and view Appendices.
