EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

APRIL 4, 2019

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 7:35 p.m. Present were Commissioners Allyn Jackson, James Schaefer and Michael Mattera, Chief Scott Flynn, Second Assistant Chief Ted Jankowski, First Responder Amit Patel and Treasurer Nancy Knotoff.

FIREHOUSE ATTENDANT REPORT

See attached report.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the purchase of a desk chair for the Commissioner’s Office, at a cost not to exceed $200.00. Approved 3-0.

2. Approval given for the John Deere mower to be taken to Loper’s for servicing.

3. Tabled – product and pricing information requested.

4. Landscape maintenance will be put out to bid. Lawn cutting will be done by Firehouse staff. Commissioners Schaefer and Mattera will prepare the bid.

EMS REPORT

See attached report.

STAFF REPORT

1. Noted.

2. A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

     2019-19. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain Thomas Fauteux as an On Call First Responder with an hourly pay rate of $22.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, approving adoption of Resolution 2019-19. Approved 3-0.

3. Noted.

4. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, accepting the resignation of Michelle Feeley as an On Call First Responder. Approved 3-0.

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 $413.00 (Hammer Medical - $325.30, McKesson - $87.70). Approved 3-0.

2. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, approving the Preventative Maintenance renewal for the Zoll X Series Monitor, at a cost of $3,953.25. Approved 3-0.

3. Noted.

4. Noted.

5. Noted. (Note: Ms. Knotoff advised the Board that she prepared a check for $100.00 to be submitted with the Controlled Substance License Renewal. The check was needed prior to the meeting.)

6. Noted.

With regard to the difficulty in getting On Call First Responders on the weekends, a resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2019-20. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to increase the Saturday and Sunday hourly pay rate for the On Call First Responders to $25.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, approving adoption of Resolution 2019-20. Approved 3-0.

MAINTENANCE REPORT

Work Order Report dated 3/1/19 to 3/31/19 was submitted to the Board.

CHIEF'S REPORT

See attached report.

REQUESTS

Request 1. - A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, granting permission for Amie Mazurkiewicz to use the Meeting Room on April 14, 2019 for a birthday party. Approved 3-0.

Request 2. - Commissioner Jackson suggested that the Chief ask Mr. Schaffauer to look for the frame on Amazon.

Request 3. - Commissioner Jackson advised the Chief that Brendan Dickson is a Benevolent Member and is not entitled to submit a request for use of the Meeting Room. Commissioner Jackson suggested that someone else submit the request on Brendan’s behalf.

Request 4. Sean McDermott will be asked to submit a written request.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Chief Flynn is in the process of compiling numbers.

2. Second Assistant Chief Jankowski gave Commissioner Jackson a new worksheet on the proposed Red Alert update (copy attached) and reminded the Board that the prices may increase the longer we wait.

3. Commissioner Jackson will follow up.

Chief Flynn advised the Board that First Assistant Chief David Rosante will be back on April 12, 2019, unless there is a major incident, and that he is expected to spend a week with his family before returning to duty as First Assistant Chief.

ATTORNEY DISCUSSION

Mr. Glass not in attendance.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that he had spoken to Mr. Glass regarding the District providing 24/7 On Call First Responders. Commissioner Jackson was concerned that, if the District does not always offer paramedics, will it be held liable. Mr. Glass stated to Commissioner Jackson that it is up to the District to maintain the service it feels is appropriate. The District does not have to offer paramedics, EMT’s are sufficient. However, the District might be in a bind if it advertises or promotes the fact that it provides medical service 24/7.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, accepting the Minutes of the March 7, 2019 Regular Monthly Meeting, with noted correction. Approved 3-0.

TREASURER'S REPORT

A motion was made by Commissioner Mattera, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Approved 3-0.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

Miscellaneous correspondence was presented to the Board including a letter from Joyce Petkus asking the District to vote for her as Secretary/Treasurer in the upcoming AFDSNY election and a letter from the Town of Southampton regarding Res-2019-406 waiving the fee for the Memorial Day Parade.

OLD BUSINESS

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that the new 7-6-14 truck will be here on Monday and that Mr. Schaffauer will install the lights.

A motion was made by Commissioner Mattera, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, authorizing the trade-in of the old 7-6-14, 2004 GMC Utility Truck, minus the lights and siren, to North Shore Chevrolet/Smithtown. Approved 3-0. (Note #1: Without having seen and inspected the vehicle, the trade-in may range between $12,000.00 - $15,000.00). (Note #2: After physical inspection, the trade-in amount was $10,000.00.)

After a brief discussion regarding the new Chief’s vehicle (7-6-32), a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the purchase of one (1) Command Box for the new 7-6-32 vehicle from North Shore Chevrolet/Smithtown (BOCES Bid), at a cost of $2,970.00. Approved 3-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the purchase and installation of the light and radio packages, as well as the installation of the Command Box (BOCES Bid 16/17-008R), by North Shore Chevrolet/Smithtown, at a cost of $19,788.00. Approved 3-0.

A discussion regarding the Employee Handbook was tabled since Commissioner Davonski was not in attendance and she is in charge of the project.

Chief Flynn advised the Board that everything is in order for the Dinner Dance. Standby has been arranged and there will be one paid On Call First Responder on duty.

Commissioner Jackson reminded the Chief that May 31, 2019 is the physical deadline. Members who haven’t taken their physicals will be suspended and that includes social activities.

Commissioner Jackson also advised the Board that James Carter did not pass his physical. A letter will be forwarded to him advising him that his application for membership cannot be approved by the Board.

Commissioner Mattera advised the Board that the cooler project is all set to go.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, accepting the renewal from Waterway for the Annual Hose Testing, at a cost of $2,745.00 and the NFPA Equipment Testing, at a cost of $1,520.10. Approved 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the Board to vote for Joyce Petkus, candidate for the Secretary/Treasurer office for the ASDFNY.

Commissioner Mattera suggested that the District replace the outdoor sign with an electronic one.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that 7-6-11 is out-of-service and that RVI quoted repairs at approximately $49,790.00 and that Commissioner Gregory got a quote in the amount of $31,050.00 from Firematic for the same repairs. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, accepting the proposal from Firematic to do the necessary repairs to 7-6-11, at a cost of $31,050.00. Approved 3-0.

Commissioner Jackson asked the Chiefs to form a Truck Committee and requested that at least one Commissioner be on the Committee. A decision needs to be made within a year regarding 7-6-11 and the rescue truck.

Commissioner Jackson recommended that the District sell the Zodiac boat and the funds could then be used to offset the cost of repairs to 7-6-11. A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, to offer the Zodiac boat, engine, trailer and radios for sale. Approved 3-0. Commissioner Jackson will get a value on the items. Chief Flynn suggested keeping the boat slip. (Note: The wet suits, life jackets and Mustang suits will be kept.)

Commissioner Jackson reminded the Board that the District is hosting the Suffolk County Fire District Officers Meeting on May 16, 2019.

ABSTRACT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 34 checks totaling $29,757.65 and to authorize the transfer of $60,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 3-0.

At 8:50 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, calling the meeting into Executive Session to discuss the diversion of certain positions within the District. Approved 3-0.

At 9:20 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Mattera, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, calling the meeting out of Executive Session. Approved 3-0.

A workshop was scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

At 9:21 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 3-0.

Submitted by
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Lorraine Gregory, Secretary

Notes and recording taken by Treasurer, Nancy Knotoff