November 2023 Minutes

EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

NOVEMBER 2, 2023

 

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District was called to order by Chairman James Schaefer at 7:30 p.m.  Present were Commissioners James Schaefer, Allyn Jackson, Stephen Gregory, Ed Seltenreich and Robert Despres, Fire District Facilities Supervisor Dave Schaffauer, Medical Coordinator Brian Danowski, Chief Paul Sulzinski, Treasurer Colleen Pearsall and Secretary Lorraine Gregory.

 

 

FIRE DISTRICT FACILITIES SUPERVISOR REPORT

See attached report.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Mr. Schaffauer presented the following proposals for replacement of the heating system in the Steel Building:

1.  Mendenhall Fuel  -  $26,000.00

2.  Arenz Heating & Air Conditioning  -  $42,527.00

3.  Green Earth Plumbing and Heating  -  $31,600.00  #44-1 Navien NFC Installation

     Green Earth Plumbing and Heating  -  $24,850.00  #44-2 Biasi B10 Oil Burner

     Green Earth Plumbing and Heating  -  $23,729.00  #44-3 Reznor Gas Furnace

                                                                                                 and Navien Tankless Water Heater

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Seltenreich, accepting proposal #44-3 from Green Earth Plumbing and Heating, in the amount of $23,729.00 (Reznor Gas Furnace - $16,870.00, Navien Tankless Water Heater - $6,859.00).  Approved 5-0.

Mr. Schaffauer presented the following proposal from Command Fire Apparatus for a 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 SSV First Responder Chief’s Vehicle Red/Black – Fully Equipped, in the amount of $84,980.00.

After a brief discussion regarding the purchase of the vehicle, a resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2023-32.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to accept the proposal from Command Fire Apparatus, NYS OGS Contract, for the purchase of one (1) 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 SSV First Responder Chief’s Vehicle Red/Black – Fully Equipped, at a total price of $84,980.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Seltenreich, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting adoption of Resolution 2023-32.  Approved 5-0.

After a brief discussion, it was decided to keep the present 7-6-33 vehicle as a spare and to declare the 2006 Ford Van, 7-6-6, as surplus property and to offer it for sale or trade-in.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2023-33.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to declare the 2006 Ford Van, 7-6-6, VIN #1FBSS31L36DA37420 as surplus property and to offer if for sale or trade-in.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, approving adoption of Resolution 2023-33.  Approved 5-0.

MEDICAL COORDINATOR REPORT

MATERIAL REQUESTS

None.

REPORT DISCUSSIONS

1.  Noted.

2.  Noted.

3.  Noted.

4.  Tabled for further discussion.

5.  Westhampton Volunteer Ambulance is handled by an agency and is not directly involved in billing.  Suggest meeting with them to discuss a fee schedule.

MAINTENANCE REPORT

Maintenance Report dated 10/1/2023 to 11/2/2023 submitted to the Board.

CHIEF'S REPORT

See attached report.

REQUESTS

1.  Tabled.

2.  Tabled.

3.  A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Seltenreich, approving the purchase of four (4) Milwaukee M-18 12.0 Ah Batteries for 7-6-11, at a cost of $250.00 each.  Approved 5-0.

STATUS OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED REQUESTS

1.-3.  Taken care of by Mr. Schaffauer

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1.  Approved under the Fire District Facilities Supervisor Report.

2.  Noted.

3.  Items discussed at recent Officers’ Meeting:

     A.  Noted.

     B.  Noted.  However, the Board is not in favor of Chiefs only responding to automatic alarms.

     C.  Noted.

ATTORNEY DISCUSSION

Mr. Glass not in attendance.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting the Minutes of the October 5, 2023 Regular Monthly Meeting and the October 17, 2023 Budget Hearing Special Meeting.  Approved 5-0.

TREASURER'S REPORT

ABSTRACT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted and the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 20 checks totaling $43,638.47 and to authorize the transfer of $150,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account.  Approved 5-0.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

A letter was received from the Department regarding the probationary membership in the Department of Jesse Machado, a letter of response from SCWA regarding hydrant markers, a Leave Request Form from Allyn Jackson and a letter from the Town of Southampton Planning Board regarding The Garrison Subdivision..

OLD BUSINESS

Commissioner Seltenreich advised the Board that, due to material and installation costs, SCWA will not be installing the amount of hydrants originally requested.  The installation will consist of fourteen (14) new hydrants.  Commissioner Seltenreich will meet with the planner on site.

Commissioner Despres advised the Board that he has been in touch with Grant Guys and that he and Mrs. Gregory will work together on preparing a letter to them.

Commissioner Jackson presented the following three proposals regarding the preliminary engineering work to be performed regarding the possible addition to the Main Firehouse:

1. The Raynor Group                         $18,700.00
2. DiLandro Andrews Engineering $15,900.00
3. H2M Architects & Engineers $25,600.00

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, accepting the proposal from The Raynor Group, in the amount of $18,700.00.  Approved 5-0.

Commissioner Jackson suggested that the Board meet with the Department members to discuss the plans for the expansion and to look for their support.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Chief that, when the fencing was installed for the Seafood Beer Festival, Jack Ryckman had marked the location of the sprinkler pipes and heads.  However, the markers were ignored and fencing was installed at the markers and penetrated the sprinkler system. The repair cost was $770.00.  This area is now off limits for the installation of snow fence.

The Board decided to make “in-house” repairs to the ambulance’s bumper.

Commissioner Schaefer requested the Training Schedule from the Chief.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that we have the ability to improve the radio reception/transmission by installing a repeator on the antenna on Grant Boulevard.  New wiring will be required and an enclosure will be needed for the repeater.  Dennis is capable of doing the work which would cost approximately $30,000.00.  Commissioner Jackson stated that he has already discussed this project with Randall Weichbrodt, Esq.

After a brief discussion regarding use of the Main Firehouse on Election Day by outside entities, a motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, stating that the Main Firehouse may not be used by the Sheriff’s Department, Board of Election employees and other outside entities as a place to congregate on Election Day.  Approved 5-0.  (Note:  In case of an emergency situation, the community will be better served by their being present at the school where the elections are held.)

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Despres, tabling the vote on the membership of Jesse Machado until several areas on his application are completed.  Approved 5-0.

After a brief discussion regarding The Garrison Subdivision on Lewis/Old Country Roads, the Board has no comments and recommendations to make at this time, except for Resolution 2010-77 – General Requirements and Recommendations.

A Workshop was scheduled for November 30, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

At 9:36 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Seltenreich, seconded by Commissioner Despres, to adjourn the meeting.  Approved 5-0.

Submitted by                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Lorraine Gregory, Secretary

 

East Quogue Fire District’s House Attendant Report

 

 

To the Board of Fire Commissioners,

This is the attendant’s report for November 2023, meeting including but not limited to:  

• General Maintenance and building care.
• Updated the website For the District
• Updated the sign.
• Disinfected the Meeting room, Chief’s office, and Corp room. Along with the Firemen’s room and bathrooms every Wednesday.
• Fountian was winterized.
• Sprinklers were blown out.
• Reset timers for lights around the building.
• 3-inch hose Came back from Firematic as 2, 25-foot lengths.
• Throw sticks came in.
• Partner saw blades came in 14inch.
• Structural firefighting gloves came in.
• Master stream has been ordered and should be here sometime by Christmas.
• The back building heating system has been replaced and is working.
• Had to call the propane company for a delivery due to leaving the doors open and the heat running.
• Green Earth will be in next week to get the tank and finish up.
• McNeil and Co would like to know when the repairs on the ambulance will be scheduled.
• Working with our rep from ATT to resolve the texting issue from Red Alert

 

Topics for discussion:

Quotes for Bailout training

Quotes for Chiefs car Radios one from Commteck and one from Motorola

Quote for the Hot Stick

Quotes for the meters (if they come in before your meeting tonight)

Quote from TK Elevator for the Phone replacement

 

 

 

 

November 2023Chiefs Report to District

 Members,

     I apologize for this report finding you all late. I have a new computer and had some technical difficulties sending the first report.

Requests:

1. (4) Milwaukee portable lights Model # 2366-20 Approximate cost $150.00 Each @Home Depot.
2. (4) Milwaukee M-18 Batteries for lights. 2 Pack 5.0 Ah batteries cost $200.00 each at HD

Reasoning: Portable lights will aid in lighting emergency scenes and increase safe operations by increasing visibility of possible hazards. These lights are also capable of being hooked up to an extension cord if power is available.

3. (4) Milwaukee M-18 0 Ah Batteries for 7-6-11. Approx. cost $250.00 ea. @ HD

Reasoning: We have 11 Milwaukee tools but only 9 batteries, all of them 5.0 Ah. The 12.0 batteries will enhance our capabilities for longer and more rigorous operations with energy hungry tools such as the chainsaw, reciprocating saw and band saw.

Follow up on previous requests:

1. Master stream for 11’s Bucket.
2. Partner Saw pull start from 1.
3. Horse shoe pin that was broken, supposed to be replaced by John.

Discussion:

1. Replacing 33 vehicle with newer vehicle. Word is that vehicle will become more difficult to acquire in the next few years.
2. Letters have been sent to members not meeting the Class A firefighter standards set by the Department.
3. The officers had a lengthy discussion on attendance on calls. We have had some very light crews especially on late night and early morning calls. Some idea that were floated by the officers to increase attendance: Looking for any input.
4. Programming pagers to have a channel with General Tones only. Members are turning off their pagers at night so as not to be disturbed by Rescue tones.
5. Making Automatic alarms Chiefs only calls, thereby decreasing the number of calls available to members for their minimum #
6. Duty Engine crews.

Respectfully, Paul Sulzinski COD