Arlington Fire District

Arlington Fire District
11 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
www.afd.org
Business: (845) 486-6300
Fax: (845) 486-6322
For Emergencies
DIAL 911
“Safeguarding Our Community”
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
MEETING MINUTES
November 3, 2014
ATTENDEES:
Comm. James Beretta - Chairman
Comm. Peter Valdez
Comm. Richard Dore
Comm. Kenneth Muckenhaupt
Comm. Joseph Armstrong
Chief:
District Secretary:
Treasurer:
Tory Gallante
Renee O’Neill
James Passikoff
Chairman Beretta opened the Arlington Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners’ Monthly
Meeting at 7:00 p.m., with a roll call of the attendees and the pledge of allegiance.
I.
Abstract 14-11A was reviewed by Comm. Armstrong and Comm. Muckenhaupt.
II.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOIS MEETING MINUTES
A.
October 20, 2014 Board of Fire Commissioners’ Monthly Meeting
A motion was made by Comm. Beretta to approve the Minutes. Seconded by
Comm. Muckenhaupt.
B.
October 21, 2014 2015 Budget Hearing
A motion was made by Comm. Beretta to approve the Minutes. Seconded by
Comm. Dore.
-
III.
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
MONTHLY REPORTS - No reports given unless otherwise noted.
A.
Service Awards – Comm. Valdez & Comm. Muckenhaupt
1.
A motion was made by Comm. Valdez to pay the 2014
contribution of $55,909.84 and funds not be vested in PIMCO and
Multi Class Asset Funds. Seconded by Comm. Muckenhaupt.
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 1
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
B.
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
District Inspections – Comm. Valdez & Comm. Dore
1.
Tabled from last meeting: District Dinner arrangements
Comm. Dore reported that the District Inspection will take place on December 4th
with Chief Gallante, 1st Assistant Chief Richardson, himself and Comm. Valdez.
Comm. Dore reported that the District Dinner will be held on Saturday, December
13th at Christo’s.
A motion was made by Comm. Dore that the dinner is approved at Christo’s on December 13th at
$85 per person, not to exceed $10K. Seconded by Comm. Muckenhaupt.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – No
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 4 – 1
A motion was made by Comm. Valdez to raise the budget item for 2015 from $5K to $9K for the
District Inspection Awards Dinner for 2015 (by taking $4K from the Service Awards line item).
Seconded by Comm. Dore.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – No
Comm. Armstrong – No
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 3 – 2
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 2
APPROVAL OF 2015 OPERATING BUDGET:
A motion was made by Comm. Beretta to approve the 2015 Operating Budget of $16,410,300 of
which $15,849,700 is to be raised by real estate taxes, which represents a 1.7776% increase.
Seconded by Comm. Armstrong.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – No
Comm. Muckenhaupt – No
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 3 – 2
C.
District Officers / Chief Liaison – Comm. Dore & Comm. Muckenhaupt
D.
EMS & Paramedic Liaison – Comm. Muckenhaupt & Comm. Valdez
A motion was made by Comm. Valdez to no longer have the volunteers have to pay the $200 up
front (for the EMT-B course). Seconded by Comm. Muckenhaupt.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – No
Comm. Armstrong – No
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 3 – 2
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Public Relations – Comm. Dore & Comm. Armstrong
Equipment Maintenance – Comm. Dore & Comm. Armstrong
Buildings and Grounds – Comm. Beretta & Comm. Dore
Capital Equipment – Comm. Beretta & Comm. Armstrong
Union Negotiations & Contract – Comm. Armstrong & Comm. Muckenhaupt
Career Staff Liaison – Comm. Valdez & Comm. Muckenhaupt
K.
Volunteer Recruitment – Comm. Beretta & Comm. Valdez
Comm. Valdez offered Ralph Chiumento, the Director of Volunteer
Recruitment, the opportunity to discuss the current statistics of volunteers
in the District. We had 92 volunteers in January and as of October, we
have 84; 32 were dropped since January. Ralph reported that there is a
retention problem; wants to work with Manny to find out the cause.
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 3
Banners are up on the firehouses. Social media banner ads should start in
the next week or two.
IV.
L.
M.
N.
Volunteer Liaison – Comm. Beretta & Comm. Valdez
District Safety & Health – Comm. Dore & Comm Muckenhaupt
Strategic Plan – Comm. Beretta & Comm. Dore
O.
Finance Committee – Comm. Beretta & Comm. Armstrong
Comm. Armstrong reported that he is still auditing the accounts, abstracts.
P.
IT Operations Committee - Comm. Valdez & Comm. Muckenhaupt
Comm. Beretta reported that there was a County meeting on shared
services. Follow up meeting is next week.
Q.
Croft & Rochdale Leases – Comm. Valdez & Comm. Armstrong
Comm. Valdez reported that he obtained additional information from our
Attorney and Croft’s Attorney; will discuss in Executive Session.
CORRESPONDENCE
A.
Tabled from 10/20/14 meeting: Letter dated October 16, 2014 from Captain Jason
Lomoriello of Rochdale Fire Company requesting use of 32-16 and a staff vehicle
for their annual Santa Run on Saturday, December 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m.
A motion was made by Comm. Valdez to approve the Santa Run for Rochdale and use of 32-16
on December 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All members must follow all AFD’s Operating
Procedures and NYS Traffic Laws. Also approve the use of a staff vehicle. Seconded by Comm.
Muckenhaupt.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
B.
Tabled from 10/20/14 meeting: Letter dated October 14, 2014 from Kimberly
Barela, Plaza Manager of the Poughkeepsie Plaza requesting a fire truck for
“Santa’s Arrival” on Saturday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m. (Croft’ request)
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 4
A motion was made by Comm. Muckenhaupt to approve “Santa’s Arrival” at 10:00 a.m. for
Croft’s request with Captain Kotas in charge and following AFD’s Operating Procedures and
Regulation’s and NYS Traffic Codes. Seconded by Comm. Dore.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – No
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 4 – 1
C.
E-mail dated October 19, 2014 from Captain Nathan Robbins of Engine Co. #1,
submitting his letter of intent to run for Assistant Chief Engineer – North Division
in the upcoming Department Election.
D.
E-mail dated October 29, 2014 from 2nd Assistant Chief Eric Philipp of Croft
Corners Fire Company, submitting his letter of intent to run for 2nd Assistant
Chief Engineer in the upcoming Department Election.
E.
E-mail dated October 29, 2014 from 1st Assistant Chief John Richardson of Croft
Corners Fire Company, submitting his letter of intent to run for 1st Assistant Chief
Engineer in the upcoming Department Election.
F.
Thank you letters and pictures received from the 1st grade students in Mrs.
McGuire’s class at Arthur S. May Elementary School thanking AFD for coming
and teaching them about fire safety.
G.
E-mail dated October 31, 2014 from EMS Captain Michael Hogan of Croft
Corners Fire Company, submitting his letter of intent to run for EMS Captain in
the upcoming Department Election.
H.
E-mails dated October 31, 2014 from Bob Mahoney, Corresponding Secretary of
Croft Corners Fire Company regarding the following:
1.
CCFC Executive Committee dissatisfied with 50% reduction for
2015 Awards dinner support.
2.
V.
CCFC Executive Board dissatisfied with making volunteers front
money for EMT training.
SCHOOL REQUESTS
The following members have been approved by Chief Gallante to attend the courses
listed below. The training requested is either located in county or is a course to maintain
certification and therefore is for Commissioners notification purposes only:
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 5
A.
“Firefighter I Update”, November 18, 2014 at Dutchess County Fire
Training Center.
1.
Justin Carlon (No costs, 4 hours own time not requesting
use of District vehicle)
2.
Justin Drum (No costs, 4 hours own time, not requesting
use of District vehicle)
3.
John Ortiz (No costs, 4 hours own time, not requesting use
of District vehicle)
4.
George Finn (No costs, 4 hours own time, not requesting
use of District vehicle)
B.
Andy McCaffrey: “EMS Connections: Dedicated for Life EMS
Conference”, November 8, 2014 at Dutchess Community College. ($40
registration, 10 hours own time, not requesting use of District vehicle)
C.
Maykel Herrera: “Scene Support Operations”, November 9 – December 7,
2014 at Pleasant Valley HQ. (No costs, not requesting use of District
vehicle)
The following school requests require approval by the Board of Fire Commissioners:
A.
Erin Hanlon: “Fire & Arson Fatality Scene Investigation”, November 24 –
25, 2014 in St. Louis, MO. ($285 registration, $250 lodging, meals per
policy, cab fare & airport parking, $550 airfare, approx. $100 for course
materials, not requesting use of District vehicle, 26 hours own time, - 90%
covered by Fire Investigation Grant (No backfill or overtime costs);
deferred to the BOFC by Chief Gallante
A motion was made by Comm. Muckenhaupt to approve. Seconded by Comm. Dore.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
B.
William Steenbergh: “Fire & Arson Fatality Scene Investigation”,
November 24 – 25, 2014 in St. Louis, MO. ($285 registration, $250
lodging, meals per policy, cab fare & airport parking, $550 airfare, approx.
$100 for course materials, requesting use of District vehicle, 16 hours
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 6
District time, 10 hours own time - 90% covered by Fire Investigation
Grant (No backfill or overtime costs); deferred to the BOFC by Chief
Gallante
A motion was made by Comm. Muckenhaupt to approve. Seconded by Comm. Dore.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
VI.
COMMISSIONERS ITEMS - No reports and/or discussions unless otherwise noted
A.
2015 Budget Process - (Budget Hearing: October 21, 2014) – no report unless
otherwise noted
1.
Subject to certain restrictions, make changes, alterations and
revisions to proposed budget. (TL§181[3][b])
2.
Adopt final “2015 Annual Budget” - (TL§181[3][b]) – (must be
adopted on or before November 4th)
Treasurer Passikoff recommended that the BOFC authorize that we will not
override the tax cap.
A motion was made by Comm. Beretta for the 2015 Budget that we are not going to override the
tax cap. Seconded by Comm. Armstrong.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
B.
Commissioner Election Process – (Commissioner Election: December 9, 2014) –
no report unless otherwise noted
1.
10.28.14 – Secretary O’Neill requested the lists of registered voters
as of November 16th from the Dutchess County Board of Elections.
To be delivered to the District by November 18th.
2.
10.29.14 – Secretary O’Neill e-mailed the legal notice of the
Commissioner Election to the Poughkeepsie Journal. Must be
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 7
published anytime between November 5th – 12th as per TL§175(1).
Confirmation received that it will be published on November 7th.
VII.
DISTRICT STAFF ITEMS
A.
Chief - Tory Gallante
1.
Awarded two grants totaling $155K in conjunction with the City of
Poughkeepsie FD & LaGrange FD. $55K for Rope Rescue which
is City of Poughkeepsie’s grant & $100K for Trench Rescue
Operations, which is our grant; $0 match grants, provisions such as
mileage and retirement.
A motion was made by Comm. Dore to approve the Chief to sign off on the awards. Seconded by
Comm. Muckenhaupt.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
2.
Notice of retirement received for an individual for December 2014.
Requesting to order the Promotional, Firefighter and
Firefighter/Paramedic lists from Civil Service.
A motion was made by Comm. Beretta to approve to get both civil service lists. Seconded by
Comm. Dore.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – Yes
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
3.
Request received for “Toys for Tots” boxes to be placed at HQ and
Station 3.
A motion was made by Comm. Beretta for “Toys for Tots” boxes at those locations. Seconded
by Comm. Dore.
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 8
B.
Assistant Chiefs
1.
1st Assistant Chief – John Richardson
A.
Thanked the BOFC for approving the Inspection
dinner.
2.
C.
B.
Thanked the BOFC for the motion to the increase
the funds for the Inspection dinner for next year.
C.
Thanked the BOFC for the motion to drop the $200
upfront cost to the volunteers for the EMT course.
C.
Thanked the BOFC the approval on the Santa
items for Croft and Rochdale.
D.
RE: Comm. Armstrong’s comment about paying for
guests of members at the inspection dinner – this
has been researched in the past and he believes that
it is the Comptrollers opinion that it is legal and
allowable within the law.
2nd Assistant Chief – Eric Philipp – (absent)
Assistant Director of EMS – David Violante
1.
EBOLA Update: P.P.E preparedness training going well.
November 10th is training for the volunteers; can schedule more if
necessary. Most equipment is in or on order; working with the
County and other agencies as this is a moving target. We are well
protected.
2.
Our Lady of Lourdes – received a check today for the standby.
3.
RE: EMT Courses – will amend the process to remove the $200
and change the wording. Will confer with our legal counsel to
develop final contracts based on today’s amendments.
4.
BOFC had asked him to find out the status of Roberto Milanese
and his EMT school request – he has dropped the class; no costs
involved.
5.
Today there was a call for a 3 month old in cardiac arrest. From the
initial 911 call, our response time, begun CPR, ALS treatment and
arrival to the hospital was a total of 10 minutes. Recognized Seth
Goldstein, Justin Carlon, Doug Parrish, Eric Philipp, Andy Mihans
and Steve Tuttle for their involvement.
6.
Working with the Town Police on Naloxone training for
overdoses.
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 9
D.
7.
Working with ZOLL for the next two weeks – a trial monitor /
defibrillator; going through process to see which one is the best for
the District; part of the defibrillator grant.
8.
The DOH is amending Part 800 of §3002 of the Public Health
Law; the changes are in a public comment period and related to
certification, re-certification, CME, required conduct, and
suspension and revocation of certification. We don’t know what
the changes will yet mean for us but we will follow the information
and continue to advise the District.
9.
Had our NYS DOH Agency Inspection, including our EBOLA
Preparedness. Thanked the volunteers and career staff, chief and
chief officers, administrative staff and commissioners, who all
contributed to the success of the organization. Job well done.
Treasurer - James Passikoff
1.
Since the budget was approved tonight, he will bring copies to the
Town Clerk tomorrow.
VIII.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - No action(s) taken by the Board, unless otherwise
noted
IX.
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD - No action(s) taken by the Board, unless
otherwise noted
X.
ITEMS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
1.
Comm. Valdez
A.
Real property discussion regarding leases
2.
Chief Gallante
A.
Potential retirement of an individual
B.
Potential promotion of an individual, career staff
3.
Comm. Beretta
A.
Employment history of an individual
With no further open business to discuss, a motion was made by Comm. Beretta to adjourn to
Executive Session at 8:41 p.m. Seconded by Comm. Armstrong.
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
XI.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 10
The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:35 p.m. and returned to Open Session. Comm.
Beretta stated that two additional items were discussed in Executive Session, both were
employment history of a particular individual.
XII.
OPEN ITEMS
As a result of Executive Session, a motion was made by Comm. Muckenhaupt to approve
the appointment of Steve Tuttle as a permanent Lieutenant with a date to be determined
by the Chief and Civil Service. Seconded by Comm. Dore.
POLL OF THE COMMISSIONERS
Comm. Dore – Yes
Comm. Muckenhaupt – Yes
Comm. Beretta – Yes
Comm. Armstrong – Yes
Comm. Valdez – (not in the room for the vote)
-
XIII.
Motion Carried, 4 – 0
ABSTRACT APPROVAL
A motion was made by Comm. Muckenhaupt to approve Abstract 14-11A in the amount
of $284,935.95 consisting of 48 checks. (The Board notated an email from Gail Phillips
stating that the payment of $245.28 to Patrick Finn for mileage should be charged to
account 5419 rather than account 7122) Seconded by Comm. Dore.
-
Motion Carried, 4 – 0 (Comm. Valdez was not in the room for the vote)
With no further business to conduct, a motion was made by Comm. Beretta to adjourn the
meeting at 9:38 p.m. Seconded by Comm. Muckenhaupt.
(Comm. Valdez returned to the meeting room)
-
Motion Carried, 5 – 0
Respectfully Submitted,
Renee O’Neill
District Secretary
Board of Fire Commissioners Monthly Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2014
Page 11