EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

FEBRUARY 6, 2020

 

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District was called to order by Chairman Allyn Jackson at 7:30 p.m. Present were Commissioners Allyn Jackson, James Schaefer, Stephen Gregory, Michael Mattera and Robert Holley, First Assistant Chief Ted Jankowski, Second Assistant Chief Paul Sulzinski, Firehouse Attendant David Schaffauer (left 8:10 p.m.), First Responder Amit Patel (arrive 7:58 p.m.), Treasurer Colleen Pearsall and Secretary Lorraine G

 

 

FIREHOUSE ATTENDANT REPORT

See attached report.

Mr. Schaffauer advised the Board that there were a few issues with the computers this week due to an update. The Secretary’s computer, as well as Faith Erwin’s computer, were replaced. Mr. Schaffauer will give Commissioner Holley an inventory list of all the District’s computers.

Mr. Schaffauer also advised the Board that there is a fee for Microsoft Office - $250.00 outright for one computer or $10.00 per month for 5 computers. The Board authorized Mr. Schaffauer to go with the $10.00 monthly fee.

Mr. Schaffauer also advised the Board that there were some software glitches with the Finger Reader System.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

No items to be discussed.

EMS REPORT

See attached report.

STAFF REPORT

1. Noted.

2. Approval was given for Mr. Patel to hire an additional On Call First Responder.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

1. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the purchase of the medical supplies requested, at a total cost of $1,877.03 (Hammer Medical - $1,210.10, BoundTree - $447.99, McKesson - $218.94). Approved 5-0.

2. Prior to approval, Commissioner Jackson will look into the installation of a cable for the TV.

3. The Board will review the information regarding a futon, bed or recliner for the First Responder Room.

Commissioner Jackson recommended that Mr. Patel acquaint the On Call First Responders with the location of equipment and supplies, as well as the local streets in the community and not to rely on GPS. He also requested that the 80 car and the ambulances be cleaned on a regular basis.

MAINTENANCE REPORT

Work Order Report dated 1/1/20 to 1/31/20 was submitted to the Board.

CHIEF'S REPORT

See attached report.

REQUESTS

1. A motion was made by Commissioner Mattera, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, authorizing the purchase of three (3) sets of Husky X-act floor liners from Husky for the Chiefs’ vehicles, at an approximate cost of $725.00. Approved 5-0.

2. A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of three (3) sets of Chiefs’ badges, from Bill Fox Co., at an approximate cost of $825.00. Approved 5-0.

3. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, granting permission for the East Quogue Cub Scouts Pack 261 to use the Meeting Room on Saturday, February 15, 2020, for the Pinewood Derby Car Race under the supervision of member, Noel Feliciano. Approved 5-0.

4. The coat, which was in inventory, was given to Second Assistant Chief Sulzinski.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. First Assistant Chief Jankowski advised the Board that the thumb reader is working. He also advised the Board that the hydrant locator module does not include location by address. Mr. Schaffauer will see if there is another module that can be used. The Board advised the Chiefs that the MDT’s would first be installed in the Chiefs’ vehicles, 7-6-80 and the two ambulances and that this will probably take place after the Hampton Bays dispatching is up and running.

2. No discussion.

3. Tabled. Waiting for proposal.

4. The Board agreed with the Chiefs that such training would be beneficial. Second Assistant Chief Sulzinski was requested to do more research and, perhaps, Hometown Insurance may have something to offer.

5. First Assistant Chief Jankowski advised the Board that no members reported any discrepancies with the 2019 points.

ATTORNEY DISCUSSION

Mr. Glass not in attendance.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, accepting the Minutes of the January 2, 2020 Organizational Meeting and the January 2, 2020 Regular Monthly Meeting. Approved 5-0.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Mrs. Pearsall advised the Board of the following:

1. BNB Credit Cards were all received.

2. Positive Pay has been set up.

3. A letter will need to be sent to EZ-Pass changing the contact to Colleen Pearsall.

4. Completed NYS Retirement Webinar.

5. Received false alarms reimbursement and real property tax payments from the Town of Southampton.

6. Auditor will be here on February 20, 2020.

After all the 2019 bills and purchase orders were accounted for, there was a balance of $31,484.46 remaining in the General Fund. After a brief discussion, a resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2020-15. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to authorize the transfer of $31,484.46, the balance remaining in the General Fund after all the 2019 bills and purchase orders were accounted for, to the Communications Reserve Fund.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, approving the adoption of Resolution 2020-15. Approved 5-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Approved 5-0.

ABSTRACT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 28 checks totaling $185,913.21 and to authorize the transfer of $225,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 5-0.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

A letter and proposal were received from Waterway regarding the annual hose testing and an invitation was received from the Suffolk County Fire District Officers Association regarding the upcoming Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner.

OLD BUSINESS

Commissioner Holley advised the Board that no one knows exactly why some 911 calls go to the County while others go to the Town. There is an agreement on file between the County and Ex-Chief Greg Celi splitting the calls. The County monitors our calls when they can. Commissioner Jackson asked if there is a way that the process can be changed.

Commissioner Holley stated that the camera is working for the ID Code and that he will be in the                  office on Saturday to process members.

Commissioner Gregory advised the Board of the following:

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Holley, accepting the proposal from Brad Hammond Building & Zoning, in the amount of $975.00, regarding a code analysis of the Main Firehouse and Station 2. Approved 5-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Holley, accepting the proposals for the renovation of the Commissioners’ Office as follows:

            Office Furniture - Legendary Office Furniture - $9,345.73

Painting - Tauruscustompainting, Inc. - $3,150.00

(Note: Minus $650.00 Main Entrance – prep walls and painting. This was included in the proposal, but is not part of Commissioners’ Room project.)

            We’ll Floor “U” Inc. – Flooring - $6,600.00

                                                                                                                                    Approved 5-0.

Commissioner Gregory also advised the Board that the Dispatching Agreement with Hampton Bays has been finalized and will be forwarded to the East Quogue Board for signatures. Commissioner Gregory will contact Dennis to set up a timeline and suggested that the Chiefs meet with Hampton Bays dispatch to see how the entire operation is going to work. The project is expected to begin on March 1, 2020.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, authorizing the Chairman to sign the Dispatch Agreement with the Hampton Bays Fire District contingent upon the Agreement being written the way we were told. Approved 5-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2020-16. WHEREAS, the East Quogue Fire District (“EQFD”) is in receipt of a proposed Municipal Cooperative Agreement for Shared Communication, Technology and Infrastructure (the “Agreement”) with the Hampton Bays Fire District (“HBFD”) for the term March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, EQFD wishes to enter into such agreement for the advantages and benefits to EQFD to be obtained thereby, including but not limited to the dispatch and communications benefits set forth therein; and            

WHEREAS, EQFD and its attorney have reviewed the contract form and find that it is properly formatted as an Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners of EQFD is specifically permitted by Article 5-G of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York to enter into such Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreements;

now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the proposed Municipal Cooperative Agreement for Shared Communication, Technology and Infrastructure with HBFD for the term March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2025, is approved.

The matter was put to a vote with the results being:

Chairman Allyn Jackson - Aye

Commissioner James Schaefer - Aye

Commissioner Stephen Gregory - Aye

Commissioner Michael Mattera - Aye

Commissioner Robert Holley - Aye

Resolution 2020-16 was duly adopted.

Commissioner Schaefer reminded the Board and the Chiefs that physicals will be taking place on Saturday, February 8, at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that he had been discussing with Proliner the purchase of a new 2020 Chevrolet LS 4x4 EMS vehicle. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2020 Chevrolet LS 4x4, red with a black top, including lighting and a command box, at a cost not to exceed $65,000.00. Approved 5-0. (Note: The District will contract for the lettering at an approximate cost of $1,500.00 and the old EMS vehicle will be traded in. Trade-in value not yet determined.)

Commissioner Jackson asked First Assistant Chief Jankowski for an update on the Membership Recruitment Program. First Assistant Chief Jankowski advised the Board that two candidates will be presented to the membership next week and that the County will be holding an Open House in April.

After a brief discussion regarding the Zodiac boat, a resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2020-17. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to declare the Zodiac boat, motor and portable dock as surplus property and to offer them for sale with an asking price of $8,500.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, approving adoption of Resolution 2020-17. Approved 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Holley, accepting the proposal from Waterway to perform the annual hose testing, at a cost of $2,650.00, the annual appliance testing, at a cost of $1,464.00 and the pump testing, at a cost of $300 per pump. Approved 5-0.

Commissioner Schaefer presented proposals from Pine Edge Landscaping for the 2020 season for the Main Firehouse and Station 2. He will seek two additional proposals.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, authorizing Commissioners Jackson, Schaefer, Gregory and Holley and Secretary Lorraine Gregory to attend the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York 2020 Annual Meeting, at the Marriott Long Island in Uniondale, New York, April 30-May 2, 2020, at an approximate cost of $3,500.00. Approved 5-0.

The Board decided to change the day of “as needed” workshops. A workshop was scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

At 9:25 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Holley, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 5-0.

Submitted by
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Lorraine Gregory, Secretary