MENDON FIRE DISTRICT MINUTES
December 14, 2021
The meeting called to order at 19:00 Hrs.
Attending: Art Morrell, D.Considine, John Shipe, Steve Shuler, Ryan Wilsey, Secretary J. McGinnis, Treasurer H. Baumer, Counsel W.Fletcher, L.Marchese, M.Arman, Sierra Marchese, Chief P.Kester (via Zoom), D.Ackerman, D.Friedlander, G.Francesco, A.Torrey
Public Comment: NTR
Calendar & Requests for Meeting Room: NTR
Correspondence: NTR
Board of Directors’ Report:
–There was a BOD meeting 12/7/21.
–The banquet is still scheduled for 1/29/22
–The BOD will address any issues arising from the 12/9/21 election
Chief’s Report:
–YTD Calls: ? Damage: 365 Injury: 0
-Chief Ackerman commended the Department for a fine response during the recent windstorm.
-Chief Ackerman reported on a recognition award from ADT Systems in the amount of $10K. The Board thanked Chip Knapp for his work in securing this award. J.Shipe made a motion to accept this award donation, 2nd by D.Considine. Motion approved unanimously 5-0. D.Considine made a motion to use $2892.00 of this money to purchase replacement hose nozzles from Churchville Fire Equipment (PO#12-10), 2nd by A.Morrell; Motion approved unanimously 5-0.
-Chief Kester described his decision to suspend
firefighters K.Morrell, L.Marchese, and G.Francesco for unsafe operations involving truck#365 during the 12/12/21 drill. With Board verbal approval
Chief Kester then reinstated firefighters Morrell and Marchese with
the provision that they undertake remedial training as described by the chief. Chief Kester said he would reinstate firefighter Francesco if he resigned his duties as firematics captain (staying on as EMS captain) for one year in order to improve his officer skills level and judgement.
Commissioners Shuler and Wilsey strongly expressed opposition to such a forced resignation saying that such action was detrimental to the development of firefighter Francesco and to his morale, as well as being detrimental to Department morale. There followed a long discussion of the matter (during which firefighter Francesco was present) and during said discussion Commissioner Morrell asked firefighter Francesco several times what the district could do to assist him without obtaining a definitive response. Discussion ended with G.Francesco resigning as fire captain.
Minutes
–S.Shuler made a motion to approve the November minutes, 2nd by J.Shipe. Motion approved unanimously 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report:
–The treasurer remarked on to-date unsigned vouchers. Everything else is in good shape.
–S.Shuler made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, 2nd by A. Morrell Motion approved 4-0. (Commissioner Considine absent from the room for the vote).
Capital Projects/Special Projects:
–Commissioner Schuler presented 3 quotations for a new outdoor sign. Stewart Signs for $19.4K, Skylight Signs for $28.6K, and Toth Sports for $27,950.00. Based of thorough research and analysis of services provided
Commissioner Shuler recommended the district award the project to Toth Sports. S.Shuler then made a motion to purchase a sign from Toth Sports, 2nd by J.Shipe. Motion approved 4-1, Commissioner Morrell dissented feeling that there are other projects that are more important.
Apparatus:
-365 Has some problems, parts have been ordered. 364 Needs some work done.
Building & Grounds:
–Some finishing work needed around the generator shed, J.Shipe is aware of it. Will be completed when weather allows.
-Dale’s Report:
-D.Considine made a motion to approve Dale’s report, 2nd by J. Shipe. Motion approved unanimously 5-0.
-Leadership: D.Considine inquired if the Chief would be interested in a Chief Officer Development Program he discovered. Chief Ackerman said he would be provided the program was legitimate and not an internet rip-off of some sort. D.Considine will leave it up to the chiefs to decide.
-Recruitment and Retention: D.Considine emphasized that all steps must be taken to ensure that all members of the department are in good standing when LOSAP begins.
Technology:
–Xerox machine will be gone within 8 weeks, replaced by Toshiba. There is $1650 due on the Xerox contract, but Toshiba is paying us $2K so it evens out.
–Plans are to switch to a Microsoft platform.
Old Business:
-No cell tower decision yet.
-A.Torrey still working with D.Considine to resolve FEMA ID issues.
One deadline is 12/16/21.
New Business:
-S.Shuler made a motion to renew Int’l Fire Chief’s membership at
$1680.00, 2nd by R.Wilsey. Motion approved unanimously 5-0.
-The following hard copy items are attached to the district hard copy of the minutes:
1) Secretary’s meeting notes.
2)Dale’s Report
3)Treasurer’s Report
4) Losing Sign Quotes.
5)Copy of Purchase Order 12-10 for nozzles
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by R.Wilsey, 2nd S.Shuler,
motion approved unanimously 5-0, meeting adjourned at 20:20 hrs.
Respectfully Submitted,
John M. McGinnis
Secretary
Mendon Fire District
*The intent of public comment time is to allow a non-commission member to comment on any topic. The commenter may not receive an answer to their question or a response to their comment, as the board may need to research a subject or confer with counsel on the topic prior to giving a response. The time allotted for each person commenting is limited to three (3) minutes.