ROLL CALL ( meeting called to order 19:01 hrs. on 01/12/2023 by R. Wilsey )
| PRESENT | NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| Yes | Baumer, Heidi | Treasurer | |
| Yes | Considine, Dan | Commissioner | Arrived late. |
| Yes | Fletcher, William | General Counsel | |
| Yes | 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 | |
| Greg Francesco | MFD Line Officer (Captain) |
PUBLIC COMMENT
No responses of public comment at the time of offering.
CALENDAR / MEETING ROOM REQUEST REVIEW
A potential conflict was brought forth by M. Arman that the 3rd Battalion Fire Police Dinner is to be held the same date/time as the February 9th District meeting. Based on discussion, R. Shipe will have completed any tasks committed to perform prior (4 PM) to the district meeting. No conflict, so District meeting will proceed as planned.
SECRETARY ITEMS
Approval of December 13th, 2022 District Meeting Minutes: Motion to approve by S. Shuler with second by J. Shipe, passing with unanimous consent.
Approval of January 1st, 2023 District Organizational Meeting Minutes: Collective observations from R. Wilsey, A. Morrell and H. Baumer that this does not occur until the following next year’s Organizational meeting. Approval deferred.
Secretary Sellman seeking approval for audio-transcription software package (Otter.ai): cost is $ 8.33 / month subscription (annual basis). Motion made by J. Shipe to approve with second by A. Morrell. Motion passed by unanimous consent.
Secretary Sellman put forth invitation from Ken Bowers of Monroe County Fire District for their February 16th meeting. Discussion indicated that no one is available. T. Sellman to respond with this information update.
CORRESPONDENCE
LOSAP Participant List Approval
T. Sellman submitted (based on his understanding of parameters from D. Considine) the Department’s list of members and their corresponding LOSAP points. S. Tschiderer asked for clarification as he observed folks on the list but had not made their 50 required points. This started a lengthy conversation / Q & A session regarding what occurs in a situation where someone hasn’t made their 2022 points and what is the interplay with the 5 year (2017 to 2021) buy-back. D. Considine expressed that per Penflex, in scenarios that seemed to be unclear/questionable, the benefit should always favor a beneficial outcome for the firefighter. To S. Tschiderer’s initial query, T. Sellman pointed out that the list includes everyone, but that Penflex will use the 2022 values as presented to guide the payout/savings-push. Ultimately, D. Considine will be going to Penflex to clarify the rules of the buyback status for those not making their 2022 points. Discussion boiled down to two possible options: (a) if a member does not make 2022 points, then the buyback is sacrificed or (b) if a member does not make 2022 points, then their prior service year value is decremented each following year until they make the current annual LOSAP minimum – which if they don’t in multiple successive years, the buy-back would be totally exhausted.
R. Wilsey instructed that D. Considine will go to Penflex for clarifications and that this topic be put on the agenda for Feb 9th district meeting. The list-approval process is therefore deferred until next month.
Monroe County Fire District Officers Assoc. District Spreadsheet
T. Sellman circulated the spreadsheet to board members for their update and will submit to MCFDOA.
MENDON FIRE DEPT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT
M. Arman indicated nothing to report from the board as the first meeting is coming up Jan 17th.
Potential Source of Grant Money
M. Arman introduced a topic heard at the Mendon Citizens Advisory Committee regarding a $ 350 billion American Rescue Plan (RFP 72-22) for state and local government agencies to seek funding reimbursement due to COVID induced issues. Initial observation (a brief look through 50 pages) was that it didn’t appear a fit. S. Tschiderer elaborated that it had sections speaking to IT support and community engagement which might assist in addressing current needs for radios, pagers, computer upgrades, laptops, AV equipment in the public meeting room.
M. Arman spoke of a second state grant that applies specific to departments that are short staffed, with Senator Schumer pushing for $ 370 million more for this year. S. Tschiderer indicated that the grants pay out over a 3 to 5 year period and then the organization has to take it over.
CHIEF’S REPORT
| CALLS (since 01/01/23) | 10 |
| APARATUS DAMAGE | None |
| INJURIES | None |
Maintenance issue: 3C16 – check engine light and funky noises, going in for service on Monday.
Line Officer Items: R. Wilsey working pager issue, S. Marchese focus on firematic training and G. Francesco on EMS training. L. Marchese and M. Parker will be coordinating issues with existing equipment – applying strict adherence to documented purchase-order requests/processing. They will also be working to finalize inventory with District Administrator. Asst. Chief Friedlander and M. Mossow will head up new equipment evaluation/purchase. T. DeRuyscher (Safety Officer) will be focusing on cancer prevention materials. T. Lyons continues in charge of Fire Police.
Purchase Requests: new helmets for Chief (with modest shield) and 2nd Assist Chief, collar bag to enable more stabilization (3-4 additional patients) for 364
Dr. Cushman Relations: Chief had significant meeting with Dr. Cushman elaborating on aspects of our environment and what led to our purchase decision for Zoll system. This, and the training items developed (skill sheets, lesson plans currently being reviewed) has Dr. Cushman in support of the system though it’s incumbent that the department develop a good outreach training for mutual aid partners, Mercy Flight Central, and UMRC trauma center. Trauma is a unique environment as they need an ability to cut directly into heart area, but the AutoPulse compression band is in the way. Greg will be providing follow-up.
Training / SOG Updates: 1st Assist Chief and M. Mossow heading up activities regarding authoring of new / missing SOG’s.
Alternative to Current Foam: current foam on the engines has been identified as cancer agent and usage of same will result in fines from DEC. 1st Assist Chief Friedlander, T. DeRuyscher, and D. Sweet are investigating an alternative.
Exterior PPE Update: It was clarified by various commissioners that there had been a consensus to move forward and the Chief just needs to come up with a purchase request for same.
Discussion of Memorandum of Agreement Draft submitted by the Chief
Counsel Fletcher led off indicating the rationale of his recommendation that the board not sign the MOA was that the relationship between the board and Chief’s Office should be one of open and continuous communication. His understanding was also that with the county trainers, and also (with acknowledgement by Chief) with S. Marchese and G. Francesco now developing the training plans to be submitted to Chief for approval, then the training issues of the MOA will have been addressed.
With respect to the issue in the MOA regarding social media, Counsel Fletcher always thought the Chief should be in charge and there was consensus by the board that this it to be the case.
There was discussion surrounding the Chief’s request for a task force formation with neighboring fire response agencies as it relates to providing proper protection services to the district in a continual resource-constrained operating environment. The Chief made the point that the Citizens Advisory Committee will only be providing suggestions/observations, and that it will be up to the authorities having jurisdictions to take them and act on them how they see fit. The Chief proposed that the district give him permission to start an investigation into / and pursue establishing possible members of a committee from neighboring agencies that would take the recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Committee and develop operational proposals to address the needs of the district.
Dan Considine motioned that Chief Tschiderer investigate a committee that will take the output from the Citizens Advisory Committee and act as the Mendon Fire District’s agent in looking at the future of the District. S. Shuler seconded the motion which passed with unanimous consent.
Discussion of Chief’s Operational Plans
D. Considine requested the Chief review the plans outlined at the department meeting with respect to limitations/constraints when responding to calls with limited resources, especially in IDLH and EMS calls. Much of this surrounded the conditions/scenarios that require the call for mutual-aid to maximize safety for our members in combination with the most successful outcome for patients, fire victims and property.
Discussion Of Dispatch Event Location Issue
J. Shipe requested the Chief investigate issue with dispatch related to West Bloomfield Road with a Probst Rd cross street indication. Both Asst. Chief Friedlander and Chief Tschiderer indicated that there’s a programming issue / system problem downtown resulting from a GIS corruption.
Discussion Of Parameters Driving EMS Call Response
S. Shuler asked for status regarding the work between G. Francesco and Dr. Cushman with respect to better defining what EMS calls that department no longer must respond to. In the discussion, the Chief clarified that with Fishers Fire District, though a call may be ALS criteria in nature, we are not requesting ALS services; we are requesting manpower, bodies, e.g. more staff in support of an EMS call. He noted that once definitions are updated, Fishers will be responding to the ALS criteria calls and not responding to BLS calls automatically overnight.
Thanks For Returning To Serve
Art Morrell expressed his thanks to both Chief Tschiderer and Asst. Chief Friedlander for returning and remaining (respectively) to serve the District and Department.
TREASURER’S REPORT
H. Baumer reported she’s been preparing for the January 30th audit. Once complete, the audit is submitted to NY State sometime in February.
A. Morrell expressed thanks to Heidi for her assistance in an issue with Genesee Ford. She reviewed that vendors sometimes have problems since we don’t have a tax ID as they expect, we have a letter indicating we’re a municipality.
Heidi expressed continued frustration with the RG&E invoicing problems – months go without any bill and then a single invoice received saying we’re behind. Lack of invoices proves problematic as the audit requests information (e.g. kilowatt hours, etc.), yet RG&E doesn’t provide a mechanism to access the info.
R. Wilsey motioned to accept the Treasurer’s Report with a second by S. Shuler. The motion passed with unanimous consent.
OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Projects / Special Projects / Buildings & Grounds (as reported by J. Shipe and S. Shuler )
Building Keys/Locks: Locks on all outdoor-single doors have been changed. Use FOB’s until keys are passed out. One has been put in the KNOX box. The Chief indicated that with a recent find (and distribution), all mutual-aid agencies have a FOB for entry.
Home Improvement: Steve reported he needs to convert old spreadsheet of items – and need to add some items: tree trimming, sidewalks. R. Wilsey asked for spreadsheet at next meeting. Projection screen for public meeting area is in transit.
Dry Hydrant Review: It was reported that for a site to be considered from an insurance standard, there has to be a right-of-way / easement, and a 30 year drought study. Of the two sites under consideration, only 1642 W. Bloomfield satisfies the 30 yr. mark. The 217 Parrish Rd does not. John needs to investigate easement issues with homeowner – M. Arman is neighbor and volunteered to go along. Commentary indicated that for ISO acceptance, the District has to own the hydrant and perhaps give it to the department.
Apparatus ( as reported by A. Morrell )
| Vehicle/Equipment | Issues/Problems/Plans |
| 3617 | Purchase request for 2780.20 : new drive tires (tires/install/disposal) |
| 364 | Art OK’d brake-drum maintenance. |
| 3c16 | Key-FOB broke – will take to dealer to get new key programmed. |
| 3c36 | Gas FOB and 100 gal/month allowance being rescinded for now – can be reconsidered going forward. |
Acquisition of replacement for 367:
Art Morrell discussed supply-chain issues and made a strong suggestion that we order a heavy-duty pickup to replace the current 367 truck (which would be pushed-down to similar status as the current 3c16 vehicle, allowing for removal of the ‘white Chief’s truck from service). Consultations would be conducted with the truck committee and Line for input. R. Wilsey motioned that we order a turn-key 3/4-ton, 4 door, 4-wheel drive, heavy-duty pickup with 8 ft. box, equipped for towing. D. Considine seconded the motion which passed by unanimous consent.
District Vehicle Use Policy Change:
Art Morrell asked for (and received) consensus to pursue changes to the Rules/Regulations as it pertains to District vehicles (focus is on the Chief’s vehicles).
Bad Gas Disposal:
A department member turned it in to the county disposal site, but we lack a receipt. A. Morrell expressed that the District needs to be more formal in the process used, so that we have evidence of following the proper course of actions.
Personnel ( as reported by D. Considine )
District Administrator’s Report: D. Considine made a motion to accept the District Administrator’s Report. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent.
Leadership: Based on calendar conflicts, next Leadership Workshop to be scheduled for Feb 21st, 2023 from 18:30 to 20:30. J. Shipe offered up a Pizza-D’s gift card to the commissioners (received from several individuals from MCSO) to be used for the Workshop.
Fitness Center: D. Considine requested a post-dated order for $20 (clubs for the workout area). Dan made a motion to purchase a used SkiErg fitness machine from Eke for $ 850 for the fitness center downstairs. This was seconded by J. Shipe and passed with unanimous consent. Due to lack of participation, the Yoga sessions will be cancelled by Dan.
Insurance: D. Considine and J. Shipe met with insurance company representative Gary Wilkens so that he can quote a policy.
Payroll: ADP updated to use new pay-rates (as detailed in the Jan 1st Organizational meeting) for the district administrator, treasurer and secretary.
Information/Technology ( as reported by R. Wilsey )
Ryan is currently reviewing current computer resources currently in place. Discussion was held in consideration of new laptops to be acquired for the secretary and treasurer. In summation, the secretary confirmed that all data from prior secretary now uploaded to District Google Drive and made available to the board. T. Sellman did inquire as to the potential for remote access to RedAlert as a convenience – which will be investigated.
Ryan investigating additional laptop needs for the ongoing training program – need by Chief and/or training officer needs further analysis.
New pagers found to be missing recharging cords and we have no chargers. If they are to be re-issued, then cords will need to be purchased.
OLD BUSINESS
Employee Handbook Status
In response to an inquiry from A. Morrell regarding the status of a paid-employee handbook, it was agreed that there would be a review session at the normal district meeting on March 9th, 2023. R. Wilsey reminded everyone the need for a job description to be written for the Deputy Secretary position.
An initial proposal from D. Considine was that payment to the Deputy Secretary would be in arrears. There was discussion regarding how the district will view and account for effort that’s expended in the context of Deputy Secretary vs. the context of a volunteer Line-officer with ‘training’ as a focus (a non-paid position). It was noted that there has not been sufficient direction as to what is expected in each of the different contexts. The consensus was that this issue is to be among the focus points at the upcoming February Leadership Workshop.
NEW BUSINESS
None brought forward.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None brought forward.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 21:06 proposed by S. Shuler and seconded by J. Shipe with unanimous consent.
Respectfully Submitted by
Tom Sellman
District Secretary, Mendon Fire District
See Appendix Items:
Vouchers Submitted by Treasurer : Appendix A
District Administrator’s Report : Appendix B
Draft MOA submitted byChief : Appendix C
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
