Colton Fire District Minutes: September 10, 2009
Present: Charles Wright, Paul Caster, Rick Wood, Dennis Eickhoff, William Smith, MJ Watson, Jerry Wilson (arrived late)
Others in Attendance: Judy Filiarecki
Eickhoff called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Wood moved and Wright seconded that the minutes of the July 9, 2009 regular meeting be approved. Carried Unanimously
Wood moved and Wright seconded that the minutes of the August 6, 2009 public information meeting be approved. Carried Unanimously.
Caster moved and Wood seconded that the following bills, individually approved by the Commissioners, be approved for payment: July Early Bills $ 120.95 August Bills 7,621.35 August Early Bills 124.19 September Bills 4,249.85 Carried Unanimously.
Eickhoff updated the Commissioners on the results of the recent hose testing in which 5 pieces failed: 3-2 ½ inch sections and 2 -1 ¾ inch sections. After discussion Wood moved and Wright seconded that that 4 lengths of 2 ½ inch hose, 2 lengths of 1 ¾ inch hose in orange, and 2 10' lengths of 2 ½ inch hose be purchased. Carried Unanimously.
Only one bid for the two fuel tanks had been received. Eickhoff opened the bid of $100 from Phil Wagner for the tank located at the Field. Caster moved and Wood seconded that it be approved. Carried Unanimously. No bids had been received for the South Colton tank with pump and it is to be readvertised.
Wood reported that he had priced chairs at a cost of $140 for 4 chairs including racks. Motion made by Wood and seconded by Caster to purchase 32 chairs in tan. Carried Unanimously.
Tear away vests in the same color are needed for everyone-fire, EMS, drivers, fire police, etc. Wmith is to get the numbers for the October meeting.
Trevor Wood's gear was discussed. The coat fits. Chad Crosby is to contact Bill Slater for pants and wildland gear. Aaron Johnson is now suited.
EMTs who are not fire trained need to get scene support training now.
The pager problem is now solved with 5 being returned from Wells Communication. After discussion with Wells, Apollo pagers are better and more reliable but Colton is having problems with them. Three were shipped back to Wells.
Smith to doublecheck couplings and order ones that are needed.
The DEC grant for a floating pump for the Department is a matching grant. The Department is currently deciding what will work best for them and anticipate cost of $1,000 to $1,900 range. They are evaluating gallons per minute vs. weight issue. The floating pump on the floor of the fire station was torn apart by Scott McRobbie but it has no pressure. Caster is to take it to someone else to look at and he suspects it is an impeller problem.
The radio situation on #16 was reviewed. Wells has replaced the parts and it appears to be operating OK.
Wood moved and Caster seconded that the District will match the grant for the floating pump. Carried Unanimously.
Regarding the certification for the ambulance bigger flashlights have been ordered. Four handheld lights with strobes on the back are required for each vehicle. Adapters might come with them. Caster moved and Wright seconded that they be purchased. Carried Unanimously.
TA-4 needs inspection. Wood and Eickhoff to pursue.
The lawsuit re: Sabin's dogs is still pending. The insurance company wants to use their own attorney. Commissioners were in agreement with the request.
Filiarecki reported that the website for the Fire Department is up and running. There is a history page up. She uses go-daddy to host the site at a cost of $15 per year which she paid as a contribution to the Department. She reported that mail boxes, an officers page, vehicle information, Chief's corner, a members only section can all be added. The recent photo of the quilts given to the rescue squad is now up on the site. There can also be a section on Fire District news. She has received inquiries about department/district matters and has responded to them. She inquired about the status of a new fire station and Wood replied that there is nothing definitive at this point.
Smith reported that the feedback he received was that there is a need for a station. Wood noted that the District had done a survey within the Department a couple of years ago and only 6 or 7 responses were ever received. Filiarecki stated that the Community needs to know about the amount of training required for Department members. Wood stated that there would not be a Community Center in any future station. A Class A building could be financed over a 30 year period while a Class C (metal) has to be financed over a much shorter period and would require more maintenance. He also pointed out that the Pierrepont and Parishville community centers are rented out almost every weekend. Colton currently has no place for a big wedding. Pierrepont is now finding that their hall is too small for some events. Smith noted that there is community support for a small station. Filiarecki requested clarification on eligibility to vote in District/Town elections. She stated that she was a legally registered voter in Arizona as well as Colton. She voted on national issues in Arizona and local issues in Colton. She considered it illegal that voters not registered in Colton could not vote on local issues.
The Commissioners informed Filiarecki that she could post on the website that the Commissioners were going to hold off on developing any building plans until the economy was better and they could investigate other options.
Smith stated that the community was not saying "no" to a new station and felt that they weren't totally informed. Wood replied that there was little interest when the project began and that three public informational meetings were held. Plans were also available at the Library. The Canton station is already too small and they are remodeling it to gain additional space. Eickhoff noted that the District tried to plan for future needs of the Town. Filiarecki noted that there was a lot of resentment in the community.
Caster moved and Wright seconded that the Commissioners adjourn to Executive Session regarding a personnel issue at 8:15 p.m. Carried Unanimously. At 8:20 p.m. the public session reconvened with no decision being made.
Eickhoff reported that information had been obtained from the District attorney on the steps needed should the District decide to sell the CR58 property. No decision made as to whether or not to proceed.
Watson presented the current financial statements and after reviewing interest rates with the bank recommended that the savings accounts be converted to money market accounts and/or Certificates of Deposit. Watson and Wilson will pursue after the September 30 interest is posted.
At this point, Chad Crosby entered the station to report a fire on Riverside Drive. Smith accompanied him in the truck. Wilson arrived after discovering that the fire was across the road from him and stayed for the balance of the meeting. Wood called appropriate authorities that a truck was out on a call.
The sewer at the South Colton station needs to be pumped out and will be pursued.
Eickhoff reported that three lots across from the Colton station are up for delinquent taxes. The Commissioners authorized him to pursue this with Laura Perry. Acquiring those parcels, two of which are contiguous to two Department-owned lots, would give the District a viable option for a location for a new station as well as provide parking.
Watson presented budget worksheets. After discussion, the only major improvement needed at this time was a new roof on the South Colton station. Watson to complete the 2010 budget.
Wood moved and Caster seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
M.J. Watson