October 2020 Meeting Minutes

EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

OCTOBER 1, 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, Robert Holley and Stephen Gregory, Chief Scott Flynn, First Assistant Chief Ted Jankowski, Secretary Lorraine Gregory and Treasurer Colleen Pearsall.

Note: This meeting is being kept to a minimum attendance due to the pandemic.

FIREHOUSE ATTENDANT REPORT

Mr. Schaffauer not required to attend the meeting.

See attached report.

Decision to fix the lawn mower or purchase a new one was tabled.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Approved.

EMS REPORT

Mr. Patel not required to attend the meeting.

See attached report.

STAFF REPORT

1. Noted.

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

2020-19. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain Hayley Schultz as an On Call First Responder with an hourly pay rate of $24.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Holley, accepting the adoption of Resolution 2020-19. Approved 4-0.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES                                                                                          

1. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of the medical supplies requested, at a total cost of $1,693.96 (Hammer Medical - $269.50, Zoll Medical - $39.32, BoundTree - $285.14, Teleflex - $1,100.00). Approved 4-0.

2. A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, authorizing the renewal of the When to Work Program, at a cost of $200.00. Approved 4-0.

3. Noted.

MAINTENANCE REPORT

Work Order Report dated 9/1/20 to 9/30/20 was submitted to the Board.

CHIEF'S REPORT

See attached report.

REQUESTS

1. Tabled.

2. A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, authorizing the purchase of one (1) TrueClot Tourniquet Trainer, at a cost of $550.00 and one (1) Rescue Essentials Bleeding Control Instructors Kit, at a cost of $1,365.00. Approved 4-0.

3. A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of one (1) M18 Dual Simultan Rapid Charger ($139.00), one (1) M18 Fuel 4-1/2” Grinder ($549.00), two (2) M18 Fuel Sawzall Kits ($638.00), one (1) M18 Fuel 16” Chainsaw Kit 12AH ($449.00), a total cost of $1,775.00. Approved 4-0.

4. A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Holley, authorizing the purchase of ten (10) Orange Probie Shields, at a cost of $42.99 each. Approved 4-0.

5. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Holley, authorizing the purchase of one (1) High Band Radio, at a cost not to exceed $1,000.00. Approved 4-0. (Note: Purchase to be made only if there is no radio in inventory. Mr. Schaffauer will be asked to check the inventory prior to purchasing a new one.)

6. A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, authorizing the purchase of eight (8) Large Pro Firefighter Gear Bags ($70.00) from Hi-Tech, at a total cost of $560.00. Approved 4-0.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. The Board would like to view additional vehicles and a purchase will not be made until the end of 2021. Commissioner Holley suggested that the Board establish a plan and set priorities.

2. Commissioner Holley will look for a grant writer for the radios.

3. To be discussed under Old Business.

4. Commissioner Holley will handle.

5. A letter will be forwarded to Chief Flynn, with a cc to Bill Potter, as a reminder to include with membership applications a copy of the individual’s driver’s license.

With regard to the Benevolent Thanksgiving Dinner and election, the Board advised the Chief that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions regarding social distancing and the serving of food, the dinner cannot take place this year, unless there is a drastic change in the restrictions.

Commissioner Schaefer reminded the Board that the District needs to have an Exposure Control Plan in place. Chief Flynn will follow up with Mr. Patel regarding the Exposure Control Forms. Commissioner Holley suggested getting in touch with the County for guidance.

ATTORNEY DISCUSSION

Commissioner Jackson suggested requesting Mr. Glass to attend the Organizational Meeting and one other meeting, perhaps mid-year or, as needed.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Holley, accepting the Minutes of the September 3, 2020 Regular Monthly Meeting. Approved 4-0.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The Proposed 2021 Budget, in the amount of $1,679,000.00, was adopted at the September 20, 2020 Workshop and it did not pierce the 2% cap.

Mrs. Pearsall reminded the Board that the Budget Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. The Secretary will handle the required postings.

A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Approved 4-0.

ABSTRACT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 20 checks totaling $34,452.20 and to authorize the transfer of $60,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 4-0.

COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

A letter was received from the East Quogue Fire Department regarding the swearing in of Ann Naughton, Joshua Davonski and Chris Pinto and the resignations of Danielle Tasso and Andrew Pisaneschi and an e-mail was received from the New York State Archives regarding adoption of the new LGS-1 Retention and Disposition Schedule.

OLD BUSINESS

Commissioner Gregory advised the Board that members have been cleaning out the Steel Building and Station 2 and that he is waiting for two additional proposals for the painting at Station 2. Some of the items that were cleaned out were put in the dumpster. Other useable items such as, boots, helmets, turnout gear and misc. items were donated for use by third world fire companies in need of equipment. These items were noted and the Secretary will forward the information to Appraisal Affiliates.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that the new siren pole is on order and a map is being prepared (approximately $85.00) indicating where underground utilities, etc. are located.

Commissioner Jackson presented a proposal from Uniden regarding the improvement of cell phone service in the building. A motion was made by Commissioner Holley, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, accepting the proposal from Uniden for the installation of a booster antenna on the pole together with boosters and antennas in the building for the improvement of cell phone service, at a cost not to exceed $2,100.00. Approved 4-0.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that the Anniversary Committee would like the Board to consider a Fire Department pin for the members. The Inspection Dinner has been cancelled and the deposit has not been refunded, therefore, the Committee would like to use the Suffolk Theater as the venue for next year’s Dinner.

Commissioner Jackson also advised the Board that he spoke with a landscape architect from Aralys Design Southampton and asked for design suggestions for the monument, flagpole, and the 9-11 and veterans memorials.

Commissioner Schaefer advised the Board that flu shots will be given at 7:00 p.m. before the start of the November Department meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Jackson suggested that the Board consider retro fitting a new ambulance instead of buying a stock vehicle.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Holley, authorizing the purchase and installation from ProLiner of two back up cameras and a new mirror for the Fire Police vehicle, at a cost of $975.00. Approved 4-0.

Commissioner Schaefer requested the Chiefs to relocate the American flags that are on the rear of the vehicles because the position they are in now block the brake lights.

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, accepting the probationary membership in the Department of Ann Naughton and the resignations of Danielle Tasso and Andrew Pisaneschi, pending the return of all District equipment issued to them. Approved 4-0.

Commissioner Schaefer advised the Board that he will be running for re-election in December.

2020-20. Whereas, Section 175-a of the Town Law, as amended, provides for a system of registration of Fire District elections; and

            Whereas, a register of eligible Fire District voters must be prepared prior to the Fire District election: and

            Now therefore, be it resolved that three resident election inspectors of the East Quogue Fire District, namely, Faith Erwin, Linda DeRosa and Patricia Despres be appointed to constitute the East Quogue Fire District Board of Elections for the 2020 Annual Fire District Election;

            And be it further resolved, that in case any of the members appointed therein are unable to assume or perform the duties required of them, the Board of Fire Commissioners will appoint alternates who are resident electors, namely, Patricia Densieski, Sue Little and Barbara Danowski;

            And be it further resolved, that the Chairman, Election Inspector and Poll Clerk be compensated in the amount of $50.00 for their services and attendance at the annual election which shall take place during the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.;

            And be it further resolved, that if clerical help is deemed necessary, this Board of Fire Commissioners will consider the appointment of such clerical persons upon the request of the Chairman of the Fire District Board of Elections.  

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, accepting the adoption of Resolution 2020-20. Approved 4-0.

A workshop was scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

At 9:00 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Holley, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 4-0.

Submitted by

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Lorraine Gregory, Secretary