Board of Commissioner Meeting Minutes (Approved) April 13th, 2023

ROLL CALL ( meeting called to order 19:00 hrs. on 04/13/2023 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	Morrell, Art	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 – MFD Board of Directors
Jared Brush	MFD Member
Greg Francesco	MFD Member
Robin Stewart Ha	Member – Citizens Advisory Committee	Fire Protection Within the Town of Mendon
Muffy Meisenzahl	Chair – Citizens Advisory Committee	Fire Protection Within the Town of Mendon
John O’Brien	New MFD Member	To Be Introduced to the District
David Yelle	Mendon Town Resident	Life Member MFD

PUBLIC COMMENT

New Member Introduction

John ‘Jack’ O’Brien received his formal introduction to the District as new member voted into the Mendon Fire Department at their April 10th meeting.

REVIEW / DISCUSSION REGARDING STUDY RESULTS FROM COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Muffy Meisenzahl was welcomed by Ryan Wilsey to the meeting to field any questions or discussion points regarding the study of Fire Protection Within the Town of Mendon. She prefaced with by reviewing that the committee recommendation was to consolidate into a town-wide district, and if all parties joined, it would result in a joint Fire District. A joint District (with 3-7 commissioners) would follow the same protocols & procedures, governing by the same state laws as a district. When asked by D. Considine about timelines to accomplish that type of effort, Muffy indicated given the typical timelines within a government context and the need for public hearings) a year seemed a reasonable estimate.

There was discussion regarding statements by some that it would take an act of the state legislature.

There was discussion regarding financial aspects of consolidate with respect to tax rates that might be expected, as well as assets and liabilities possessed by both the Town and Village Fire Protection District.

When asked about the possible expansion of the fire hall in the Village, she indicated the Village did close on the property in question but its real use is up for consideration. Chief Tschiderer stated that comments from Chief Trewer (Honeoye Falls Fire Dept.) indicated there were no plans of building a firehouse. Muffy outlined that the report contained informative graphics/data with respect to travel/response times for HFFD and MFD members to their firehouses. This would be of potential use if looking at where a station might be built.

In response to D. Considine’s question regarding the number one reason to consolidate, Muffy outlined the three basic tenets of life safety, property preservation and environmental protection as well as the safety of the members of the fire departments. Chief Tschiderer elaborated on what phase one of a consolidation effort would entail with respect to personnel issues in combining multiple organizations. Muffy outlined that consolidation would remove the Fire Protection District tax from the town budget, and helps look forward to sustainability/flexibility – giving a commission options to regionalize and look at districts in adjacent geographical areas.

David Yelle posed a question regarding how members would respond to calls between the consolidated parties. Chief Tschiderer discussed the increase in mutual aid responses ongoing with the goal of getting the right people with the right certifications on the right equipment.

Commissioner Wilsey and Judge Fletcher commended Muffy on her effort in guiding the study and the resulting report.

CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW

Future of the Local Fire Service Task Force – April 19th

Public Community Meeting-room request by the Chief. Motion to approve made by R. Wilsey and seconded by D. Considine. The motion passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0

SECRETARY ITEMS

LOSAP Report Status

T. Sellman reported that the LOSAP member info/status list has completed its 30-day posting period. Need to get R. Wilsey’s signature of acceptance on the 2022 Sponsor Authorization Form (which he did). The packet of: (a) all the approval forms, (b) member-info listing, and (c) copies of all member-beneficiary forms will now be sent to Penflex, well ahead of their deadline of July 1, 2023.

AFDNYS By-Law Changes

T. Sellman reminded Commissioner’s Shuler and Shipe of their expected attendance to vote for the By-Law changes as presented at the Annual Meeting of the AFDNYS at Turning Stone May 19th.

CORRESPONDENCE

None received to review.

MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT

Pond Road Property

M. Arman signed the contract to have member Chip Knapp put the two-acre department property (lot on Pond Road) up for sale. The appraised value was $ 62,000. The intention is to list it for $ 69,900.

Annual Department & District Banquet

M. Arman asked about status of the $125 gas/gift cards to members (given at the Department Banquet [April 15th]. S. Shuler indicated we’re all set.

CHIEF’S REPORT (by Chief Tschiderer)

CALLS (since 01/01/23)	87
APARATUS DAMAGE	Non-operational Blitzfire Monitor discovered at Chorley Wood Ct fire Nose-net of 364 damaged at same event ATV 3618 has transmission issue 3617 – cosmetic damage to bottom heat pan when it went off-road [Automatic alarm response and remedial training has taken place]
INJURIES	None Marcus Orduña and David Kester have been re-cleared by physician. Marcus work with training and is caught up and good to go. David needs some remedial training before going operational.

MVA at 251 & West Bloomfield – no significant injuries. Required technical skills to pop door and separate vehicles.
Chief’s vehicle going to Mendon Collision for cleaning in preparation of it being used for folks to go to FDIC. Smoke contamination from Chorley Wood Ct. fire.
Small working fire at Smith and Mile Square Rd.
CO detector activation early Easter morning – had to call Fishers for due to not enough interior qualified responders from Mendon.
Purchase request made for 10 sheets drywall – building prop for wall-breach training ($200).
EMS restock request for $450.83: new seals for EMS bags, saline, Oxygen tubing (destroyed by mice infestation), expired Narcan. Closet cleaned and examined for mouse ingress/egress.
Purchase request for new upgraded stethoscope to assist in better blood pressure assessments – $180.66 (to go on 367).
Seek approval to replace 50’ long 2” hose damaged (belongs to Fishers) at Chorley Wood fire.
Seek approval $719 for black & green exterior hoods, qty 30 particulate hoods for $3000.
Seek approval $ 1175 for five buckets of the new foam. Two per engine and one to be stored (but unopened) with the ProPack on top the 3617.
Seek approval for $ 1410 for 30 gallons of foam to replace that used from a neighboring department for the Chorley Wood fire.
Seek approval for $ 735 for ICS kit with 10 vests for the Chief’s vehicle.

After presentation of all purchase requests, R. Wilsey motioned that all requests made be approved with a second from A. Morrell. The motion passed by unanimous consent: 5-0-0.

Chief thanked the board for approving the meeting-room request for the Local Fire Service Task Force. He reviewed that the initial few meetings will only be with agency chief officers to better ensure a consensus of operational trajectory. He noted that eventually each organization will have a small set of representatives that can actively participate in meetings. Addition folks that may be interested will be able to participate in a listening-only fashion.
Two FireDex turnout sets (for Assist Chief Marchese and Firefighter Sellman) received to start trial. Chief noted that it’s different material (TPL different than Morning Pride), but still within the safe parameters required. It is not the Viking gear that is ‘exterior’ rated – it’s interior rated. He went on to confirm however that new exterior turn-out is actively being planned.
Chief will be going to FDIC.
Offline pagers and radios are still being worked (nailing down actual inventory and physical location of equipment).
Conversations have started with A. Morrell regarding longevity of Chief vehicles and 367. Looking at alternate modular storage units for vehicles that make just-truck replacement an easier task.

TREASURER’S REPORT

H. Baumer announced that due to good rates, she has put some funds into 30-day CD’s. See Appendix A for this meeting’s Vouchers.

Heidi will be issuing a check to S. Shuler for the BJ’s Gift Cards for banquet.

Art Morrell made a motion to pay the bills with S. Shuler seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously: 5-0-0.

OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS

Capital Projects / Special Projects / Buildings & Grounds (as reported by S. Shuler)

S. Shuler garage doors complete. Still investigating station sidewalk replacement started. staged for this and next (2024) summer. J. Shipe indicated they should include a little lip to keep the mulch in the beds. Steve indicated that the District had to re-bid the mowing contract and to expect the cost to have increased.

J. Shipe noted that the screen in the meeting room has been completed. Next project is the door and FOB for the downstairs cage. John also clarified that all five outside doors have had their locks changed (based on question from Art).

Apparatus

Vehicle/Equip	Issues/Problems/Plans
364	hose net ripped – but back in service
365	Blitzfire out of service
367	No issue
3617	after ditch removal has heat pan damage, Art will repair work. No functional problems
3618	transmission issues
Haul Trailer	No issues
3c16	needs interior cleaning prior to FDIC trip due to smoke contamination
3c26	needs a new battery and new circuit belt. Also work to be done with the emergency lighting system for the front turn signals. R. Wilsey commented it also needs lights added to tailgate

Art Morrell initiated a discussion regarding (1) the not-to-exceed mileage on the Chief’s vehicles, (2) the selection process to determine temporary responsibility of the Chief’s vehicle should he be out of town for an extended timeframe, and (3) the frequency of washing the vehicle.

Ultimately, A. Morrell motioned that the District Rules and Regulations be changed to reduce the mileage from 18,000/year to 12,000/year. Included in the motion was the stipulation of a goal that the vehicle should be washed at least once in a two week period. Further, it was motioned that a language change be made to indicate that it’s the Chief’s discretion as to who receives the vehicle for the period of time when the Chief is out of town. J. Shipe seconded the motion which passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0.

Based on a query by J. Shipe, Art clarified that he is in the process of developing a specification for a pickup truck. Then, depending on availability, he will approach the board with a quantity – with an ideal of two and then relinquish one out of service.

J. Shipe also inquired about the status of possible backup cameras on the apparatus. Although there was differing opinions, Art indicated that moving forward, new apparatus will be specified with backup cameras. There was a further suggestion that it include an audio microphone as well. The topic of additional / more powerful lighting to aid in visibility was also discussed.

Personnel (reported by D. Considine)

Leadership: Active Member Status

Dan asked about the status of members that are straggling with respect to meeting ‘active’ member status. Per M. Arman, the Board is working through this review process and will be consulting with the Chief for plan forward. T. Sellman noted that the proposed By-Law changes remain tabled since the December Department Meeting.

Out of District Call response by District Administrator

There was much discussion about pros/cons of letting the District Administrator respond to mutual aid calls. Chief Tschiderer received a letter (see Appendix C) from Chief Faugh (Rush) certifying D. Sweet as an Interior firefighter in good standing and that Chief Faugh has no objection to Dale being a mutual-aid member within Mendon Fire Department. During the course of discussion, D. Considine motioned that Dale be allowed to go to calls within the Town of Mendon that was seconded by A. Morrell.

This passed by a majority: 4-1-0 with S. Shuler objecting. Additional discussion transpired to quantify the roles that Dale will operate within for mutual-aid calls. D. Considine introduced a motion that Dale’s roles would be within the context of an exterior-driver/pump operator and EMT. This was seconded by R. Wilsey and passed with unanimous consent: 5-0-0.

R. Wilsey to work with Chief Tschiderer at FDIC on a policy draft to address the process for mutual-aid members to qualify for a role as interior.

Insurance: Explorers

Art Morrell requested a discussion with respect to the support for Explorers and their ability to more actively participate in calls, especially in the context of insurance coverage. D. Considine indicated that D. Sweet has been trying to ascertain actual coverage that supplied by BSA Seneca Waterways Council.

Dan has also been looking into the (R)estricted (A)ctivity (M)ember programs. Per Dan, this program would require a change in department By-Laws to include members of this age group and increase the insurance to cover this type of member.

The discussion illustrated the disappointment of some older Explorers of being told they could go to calls but then told the opposite a short time later. Chief explained that the reality is that an Explorer as an individual can’t respond, but if the entire Explorer Post is activated, then they can do scene support functions if under the guidance of trained Explorer advisor(s) while maintaining all their proper personnel ratios. R. Wilsey summarized that the full Post activation-method can serve as the backstop process while Dan and others investigate the RAM’s program and required insurance coverage. G. Francesco noted that he understood that Mark and Eric Hanson (from Honeoye Falls Fire Dept.) are Explorer advisors through us and should be on our insurance for that role. Dan noted that our insurance is probably good from a perspective of injury, etc. to themselves, but is lacking from a liability perspective (they damage/hurt an outside party). To assist in a post-activation context, Chief thinks Explorers should be taken off Responder – and let them be called up by the Explorer advisor(s).

District Administrator’s Report: See Appendix B for copy of the report. D. Considine made a motion to approve the purchase requests with a second from S. Shuler. The motion passed unanimously: 3-0-0

District Handbook: A. Morrell inquired to S. Shuler and J. Shipe as to status of Personnel Handbook. After discussion, a target of the June District meeting was set by R. Wilsey.

Line Officer Qualifications: Chief Tschiderer requested that we have discussion in this regards at the next District Meeting – certainly before November elections; as he views decisions from the last election cycle have had 2nd and 3rd order effects that are negatively impacting the organization.

Incident Review: A. Morrell commended Chief on the review/assessment of Chorley Wood fire sent out to the membership.

Information/Technology (from R. Wilsey)

– Two new computers implemented first floor of station – waiting for two more to get implemented upstairs. Chief has been issued a laptop. The line has a laptop that is a shared resource as well as three desktops (that’s 1.5 computers for each training person).

– Once all systems have been received, implemented and reviewed for impact, then depending on budget, R. Wilsey to evaluate one more floating laptop for training. G. Francesco made a request for the ability to remotely access RedAlert – which Ryan noted is problematic based on how the application is written. Ryan responded to J. Shipe’s inquiry about iPad support for RedAlert indicating that it’s interface-interaction is not ideal.

OLD BUSINESS

Post discussion, the plan is to get 40 BJ’s Gift cards for the banquet gifts.

J. Shipe noted the announcement of Ken Preston diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

Art Morrell noted he just signed the order/contract for annual hose testing with same company as previous years.

NEW BUSINESS

None brought forward.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None brought forward.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn at 21:08 proposed by R. Wilsey and seconded by D. Considine with unanimous consent: 5-0-0

Respectfully Submitted by

Tom Sellman