| PRESENT | NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| No | Baumer, Heidi | Treasurer | |
| No | Considine, Dan | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Fletcher, William | General Counsel | |
| Yes | Joint, Richard | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Sellman, Tom | Deputy Secretary | Elected Dept. Secretary 12/05/2024 |
| Yes | Shipe, John | Commissioner | Elected Commissioner 12/10/2024 |
| No | Shuler, Steve | Commissioner | |
| Yes | Wilsey, Ryan | Commissioner (Chairman) | Elected as Dept. Lieutenant 12/05/2024 |
OTHER ATTENDEES NOTED
| NAME | CAPACITY | NOTES |
| Friedlander, David | Public Gallery / MFD Member | Elected Deputy Chief 12/05/2024 |
| Knapp, Warren | Public Gallery / MFD Member | Elected Dept. VP / District Lt. 12/05/2024 |
| Tschiderer, Steve | Public Gallery / MFD Member | Elected Chief 12/05/2024 |
OPENING
The meeting was opened at 16:10 by Attorney William Fletcher. This was followed with Counsel
swearing in the newly elected District Commissioner John Shipe for a 5 year term ending December
31, 2029.
BOARD CHAIRMAN SELECTION
S. Shuler nominated R. Wilsey with a second by J. Shipe. The motion passed by majority vote: 3 (yes),
0 (no), 1 (abstain) [ R. Wilsey not voting for himself ]. The meeting then continued under the
direction of the new Chairman R. Wilsey.
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING NOTICE ATTESTATION
Past Secretary T. Sellman presented email confirmations received from the Honeoye Falls Sentinel
indicating receipt of both original and reminder requests submitted for public notification of this
organizational meeting (submitted 01/02/2024 and 12/11/2024 respectively). ( see APPENDIX A )
BOARD VICE-CHAIRMAN SELECTION
S. Shuler nominated J. Shipe with a second by R. Joint. The motion passed with unanimous consent
by those present: 4-0-0.
BOARD SECRETARY APPOINTMENT
R. Wilsey motioned to reappoint Tom Sellman as District Secretary, seconded by S. Shuler. The
motions passed by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0. S. Shuler noted the salary is set to
the budgeted amount: $7725 (See APPENDIX B line item SECRETARY) resolved at the October 2024
District Meeting.
2024 Organizational Meeting Minutes Approval
S. Shuler motioned for the approval of the minutes from the January 1st 2024 District Organizational
Meeting. This was seconded by J. Shipe and approved by unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0.
BOARD TREASURER APPOINTMENT
S. Shuler motioned to reappoint Heidi Bauer as District Treasurer, (noting a $7725 salary as resolved
at the October 2024 District Meeting [See APPENDIX B line item TREASURER] ), seconded by J. Shipe.
The motion passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
Treasurer Bonding and Payment Authorization Resolutions to be covered later in this document.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENT
S. Shuler motioned to reappoint Dale Sweet as District Administrator for the calendar year 2025
(noting a $72,450 salary as resolved at the October 2024 District Meeting [See APPENDIX B line item
Administrator] ). The motion was seconded by R. Joint and passed with unanimous consent by those
present: 4-0-0.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY SELECTION
R. Wilsey motioned to reappoint William Fletcher, Fire District Attorney (noting a retainer of
$11,000.00 for standard work as resolved at the October 2024 District Meeting [See APPENDIX B line
item Legal] ; extraordinary work will be assigned and compensated as agreed at the time for the issue
at hand. This was seconded by S. Shuler, and passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
DISTRICT DEPUTY TREASURER APPOINTMENT
R. Wilsey asked for a motion to reappoint Dale Sweet as Deputy Treasurer. The motion was made by J.
Shipe, seconded by S. Shuler, and passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP & DUES RESOLUTION
R. Wilsey motioned that the District will continue with the NYS Fire District Officers Assoc., NYS Chiefs
Association, Monroe County Fire District Officers. He also included the International Assoc. Fire Chiefs
(with a complement of five Commissioners, District Attorney and one Chief). Dues for NFPA to be
discontinued based on discussion. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent
by those present: 4-0-0.
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER RESOLUTION
R. Wilsey motioned that the District will continue with the Honeoye Falls Sentinel being the principle
newspaper and the Democrat and Chronicle as back up or if timing of publication is an issue. This was
seconded by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
OFFICIAL INSURANCE AGENCY RESOLUTION
S. Shuler motioned that the District will continue with McNeil & Co. This was seconded by R. Joint
and passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
OFFICIAL BANK INSTITUTION RESOLUTION
R. Wilsey motioned that the District will continue with Canandaigua National Bank. This was
seconded by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
DISTRICT RESERVE FUNDS RESOLUTION
R. Wilsey motioned that the District continues to set forth two Reserve Fund accounts as described
below. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed with unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0.
Capital Reserve: The purpose of this account is to recondition / replace apparatus and other capital items not included in the annual operating fund.
Building Repair: The purpose of this account is to fund unanticipated or long term structural and
building improvements not normally included in the annual operating fund.
FIRE DISTRICT LINE OFFICER APPROVALS
The following table (outlining the District Line Officers for 2025 as previously resolved at the
December 10th , 2024 District Meeting) was reviewed.
2025 Line Officers as Resolved by the Mendon Fire District
| Position | Officer(s) |
| District Chief | Steve Tschiderer |
| 1st Asst. Chief | Dave Friedlander |
| 2nd Asst. Chief | Peter Kester |
| Captain | Marc Parker |
| Lieutenant | Casey Fitzpatrick Ryan Wilsey Chip Knapp |
| Fire Police Captain | TBD |
| EMS Officer | Chip Knapp |
——————— START COMPREHENSIVE RESOLUTION APPROVAL ————————–
As agreed to by all board members, the resolutions below (due to their similarity and/or exact
reproduction as resolved in 2024) were passed en masse once the entire group was put forth.
Reimbursement Rate, Operational Committee Appointments, District Meeting Dates/Time, District
Workshop Meetings Dates/Times, District Election, 2025 Conference Participation, Mendon Fire
Department Event Approval, Public Notice Posting, Invoice Payments Without Prior Board
Authorization, Investment Of District Funds Resolution, Annual Audit Process, Ada Title II, District
Rules & Regulations, Conflict Of Interest, Treasurer’s Bond, Annual Audit Firm
————————————————————————————————————————
REIMBURSEMENT RATE RESOLUTION
Mileage will be reimbursed at whatever the current 2025 IRS rate is at time of reimbursement
submission. As of 01/01/2025 it was $0.70/mile.
OPERATIONAL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS RESOLUTION
| COMMITTEE | ASSIGNMENT |
| Apparatus | R. Joint, J. Shipe |
| Buildings and Grounds | J. Shipe, S. Shuler |
| Personnel | D. Considine, S. Shuler, R. Wilsey |
| Insurance | D. Considine, S. Shuler, J. Shipe |
| Information / Technology | R. Wilsey |
| Purchases | Dale Sweet, R. Wilsey |
| Special Projects | S. Shuler |
| Long Term Planning | D. Considine, S. Shuler |
DISTRICT MEETING DATES/TIME RESOLUTION
After discussion, it was agreed that unless there are special circumstances that arise, or if NYS or AFDSNY stipulate otherwise (elections, budget hearing, etc.), normal meetings will be the 2nd Thursday of the month starting at 19:00. The discussion included taking into account pre-planned scheduling conflicts of the Commissioners. The dates selected reflect the agreed upon schedule for Editors Note: AFDSNY June-July Fire District Affairs specifies Election Day to be the second
Tuesday in December in accordance with Town Law §175.
| MONTH | DAY | NOTE |
| January | 9 | |
| February | 13 | |
| March | 13 | |
| April | 10 | |
| May | 8 | |
| June | 12 | |
| July | 10 | |
| August | 14 | |
| September | 11 | |
| October | 16 | Budget hearing can be any week day : note budget must be adopted by Nov 4th |
| November | 13* | |
| December | 9 | Tuesday (Std Meeting + Election Day) |
| Jauary of 2026 | 1 | Organizational meeting @ 16:00 Swearing-in Ceremony @ 17:00 |
It was noted in discussion the November date is tentative (possible Florida Conference conflict).
Secretary Sellman to put meeting dates into Red Alert calendar for additional transparency.
DISTRICT WORKSHOP MEETINGS DATES/TIMES RESOLUTION
It was agreed that there will be a workshop meeting for the following matter:
- Budget Workshop: date and time is TBD – typically August to early September.None.
DISTRICT ELECTION RESOLUTIONS
Date/Time Resolution
Until otherwise, and in keeping with the AFDSNY June-July Fire District Affairs article (which
references Town Law §175), the election will be held December 9h from 15:00 to 21:00.
Adoption of Fire District Election Chairman and Payment Provision Resolution
Mendon Fire Department President Mike Arman was appointed as the District Election Chairman
with the authority to appoint two election inspectors/ballot clerks. Payment of a sum of $100 (due
to the District’s extended election hours) for each official was approved.
Absentee ballots
The consensus of the board is to NOT support use of absentee ballots.
OUTLINE OF COMMISSIONER ELECTION CYCLE
| Commissioner Name | Term End-Date |
| Dan Considine | 12/31/2027 |
| Richard Joint | 12/31/2028 |
| John Shipe | 12/31/2029 |
| Steve Shuler | 12/31/2025 |
| Ryan Wilsey | 12/31/2026 |
2025 CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION RESOLUTION
| Conference / Location | Dates | Planned Attendees |
| FDIC / Indianapolis, IN | April 07 – 12 | Five personnel total |
| Fire Fusion / Charleston, SC | Oct. 14 – 16 | 1 Chief, 2 Co. Officers |
| NYSAFC Conference & Fire Expo / Syracuse, NY | June 04 – 07 | 2 Chiefs, 2 Co. Officers |
| IAFC Fire-Rescue / Kansas City, MO | Aug. 13 – 16 | Commissioners, 2 Chiefs |
| AFDNYS Leadership Expo / Saratoga Springs, NY | Oct. 02 – 04 | Commissioners, 2 Chiefs, 2 Co. Officers |
| IAFC – Symposium / Clearwater, FL | Nov. 13 – 16 | Commissioners, Attorney, Two Officers |
2025 CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION RESOLUTION (cont.)
The district requires at least one chief to be in town during any training trips.
MENDON FIRE DEPARTMENT EVENT APPROVAL RESOLUTION
The following Mendon Fire Department Events were approved in advance by the Commissioners.
Super Bowl Party ( February 9 )
Banquet ( April 5 )
Carnival ( May 29 – May 31 )
Carnival Volunteer Appreciation @ OKBeer ( TBD – August )
Clambake ( Middle of October – TBD )
Fall Festival / Halloween
Veterans Day Steak Dinner ( Nov 8th timeframe )
3rd Battalion Organization Events hosted by Mendon Fire
Discussion by Chief indicated that this year would be 3rd Battalion Banquet, but he believes that
event is not yet been finalized.
PUBLIC NOTICE POSTING RESOLUTION
Mendon Fire District Public Notices will be posted at the Mendon Town Hall, the Mendon Fire House,
the District website, and the digital sign in front of the station.
INVOICE PAYMENTS WITHOUT PRIOR BOARD AUTHORIZATION RESOLUTION
The Treasurer is authorized to pay utility charges, health insurance, credit card charges, fuel bills, and
copier invoices without prior authorization of the board.
INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS RESOLUTION
The Treasurer may, with the approval of the Mendon Fire District, invest funds not needed for
immediate expenditure, in certificates of deposit and other financial vehicles authorized by law,
provided however that the board must authorize any withdrawals and investments.
ADA Title II RESOLUTION
The District Administrator will lead the survey committee to inspect the buildings of this district with
compliance of the Americans with Disability Act, Title II.
DISTRICT RULES & REGULATIONS RESOLUTION
The Board of Fire Commissioners will continue with its approval of the Mendon Fire District
Commissioners Rules and Regulations for the year 2025 or until reviewed by the board and updated.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST RESOLUTION
The Board of Fire Commissioners hereby directs that all employees and officers of the District submit
a disclosure statement with respect to any dealings of such individuals with the district where they
are employees, shareholders, directors, officers or owners, or partners and /or if there is any other
conflict of interest with those of the District.
TREASURER’S BOND RESOLUTION
The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Mendon Fire District hereby approves the treasurer bond in
the amount of $1.5 million.
ANNUAL AUDIT PROCESS RESOLUTION
The annual audit required by Town Law is to be scheduled by the Secretary or the Treasurer, and the
results rendered to the Commissioners. Further, the treasurer is directed to file a copy of the annual
financial report to the state comptroller as required by General Municipal law, section 30.
ANNUAL AUDIT FIRM RESOLUTION
The commissioners shall retain Stokes, Visca, Hucko & Barone, LLC (SVHB) as the District Auditor to
conduct the annual audit of 2024.
———————— END COMPREHENSIVE RESOLUTION APPROVAL ————————–
R. Wilsey made a motion to approve the above comprehensive resolution group for 2025 with a second by S. Shuler. The motion passed with unanimous consent by those present: 4-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
R. Wilsey made a motion at 16:33 to adjourn. This was seconded by S. Shuler and passed by
unanimous consent of those present: 4-0-0.
Editor’s Note: Thanks expressed to the following Mendon Fire Dept. Auxiliary members for their
help with the reception that followed the Organizational Meeting and Swearing-In Ceremonies:
Marilyn Arman, Ruth Buys, Irini Karipidis, and Mary Knapp.
Respectfully Submitted by
Tom Sellman
District Secretary,
Mendon Fire District
