COLTON FIRE DISTRICT COMMISIONER MEETING October 14, 2010
Present: Dennis Eickhoff, Paul Caster, Charles Wright, Aaron Johnson, Bill Smith, Bill Slater, MJ Watson
Eickhoff called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Caster moved and Wright seconded that the minutes of the September meeting be approved. Carried Unanimously.
Wright moved and Caster seconded that the early bills in the amount of $116.68 and the regular bills in the amount of $3,246.69 be approved for payment. Carried Unanimously.
Eickhoff reported that the address used by M&T Bank had finally been changed.
Caster moved and Wright seconded that all roofing bids be accepted and that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, RSI Roofing. Carried Unanimously. Eickhoff will pursue building permit application with CEO Darren Richards.
Caster moved and Wright seconded that the bids for the driveway sealer be awarded to JB Sealer of Parishville in the amounts of $1,100 and $1,800. Carried Unanimously. It will be necessary to stay off the driveways for 48 hours.
National Grid will prepare an energy audit of both stations. Parishville experienced significant energy savings with their insulation.
Caster moved and Wright seconded that Fire Service Safety Testing do the ladder testing. Carried Unanimously.
Station #2 continues to have a pump issue. McRobbie and Angelberger think the strainer in the pond is plugged. McRobbie suggested that Mike Sutton be contacted to look at it but the pond needs to be lowered. The pond cannot be drained all at once since it will cause a road washout on Stowe Lane. Caster will contact Kevin Hawley regarding the use of town equipment to lift the gate. Caster noted that in the past the Town Highway Department used to truck out the mud that had accumulated.
On October 25 at 7 p.m. the Fire Department will be holding an executive committee meeting and requested the Commissioners to attend.
Wright reported that the Cascade System had been ordered and someone needs to install the electrical connection. It should arrive within 4 to 6 weeks. It will be delivered to S&L electric who will use their forklift to off load the equipment.
Eickhoff moved and Caster seconded that election inspectors be hired for the December election. Carried Unanimously.
Wright reported that 4 to 6 individuals still need EVOC I class and the insurance company will be contacted to set up the class. The District needs its own computer to run the keys on. Eickhoff will check state contract prices. Dell prices are currently in the $800 to $900 price range. Caster moved and Wright seconded to purchase a computer for the district. Carried Unanimously. Eickhoff will discuss type, etc. with the Library computer technician.
A fax is needed at both stations. Discussion ensued about using the existing phone lines. Eickhoff will check whether the same line can be used since Colton is Time Warner and South Colton is Verizon. The fax must be sent to both stations. There is also the possibility of using an e-fax with the new computer.
Smith reported that new gear was needed because of the new members. Caster moved, Wright seconded that 2 each of size 10, 11, and 12 regular boots be ordered, 4 fire fighter helmets, 2 pair SL gloves and XXL gloves be ordered. No extra wild land gear was needed. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Caster moved and Wright seconded that 4 to 5 links of 2 ½ inch hose be ordered since when hose is drying there is nothing to put back on the trucks leaving the trucks below capacity. Carried Unanimously.
The truck committee has been meeting and suggests that the engine and rescue be combined requiring one less bay in the new building. It would also save on the number of drivers needed. Discussion centered on a 1500 gal/minute pump, side mount panel to maximize storage, LED scene lighting, power cord for generator, Class A foam—essentially combining everything currently on E10 and the rescue truck. E81 has more suction for hydrants, etc. Someone has indicated an interest in buying R16. The estimated cost is $350,000 to $400,000 with a custom chassis with a cab over instead of commercial. This was tabled until Jerry Wilson and Dave Crosby could be present. Crosby had previously suggested that a bond for the new truck and the station be done at the same time.
Slater reported that the fire boat was at the South Colton Station. Slater will pursue hiring someone to pull the dock at a cost of $125.
There is also a need to clarify whether physicals are required. Because of the requirement, the department is losing interior firefighters. The policy could possibly be amended to cover the pulmonary function test at Potsdam Hospital or contact the DeKalb Health Clinic to perform the tests at a cost of $125 each. Currently DeKalb Clinic performs PFT for St. Lawrence County. Eickhoff will get further information on a local provider as an alternative.
Johnson asked about any criteria for department officers. The minutes of the Department need to be checked and he was advised to contact Marta Whalen.
ICS is required for grant applications.
Wright moved and Caster seconded that the 2011 budget be approved. Carried Unanimously.
A budget hearing will be held on October 19 at 7 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
MJ Watson
BUDGET HEARING
October 19, 2010Present: Dennis Eickhoff, Paul Caster, Charles Wright, MJ Watson
Eickhoff called the hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.
No members of the public were present. A rescue call occurred during the hearing.
The hearing adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
MJ Watson