September Monthly Meeting Minutes 2018

EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING

SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District was called to order by Chairman Aaron Sacks at 7:30 p.m. Present were Commissioners Aaron Sacks, Allyn Jackson, James Schaefer, Jennifer Davonski and Michael Mattera, Chief Scott Davonski, First Assistant Chief Scott Flynn, Second Assistant Chief David Rosante, Firehouse Attendant David Schaffauer (left at 8:08 p.m.), First Responder Amit Patel (left at 8:00 p.m.), Treasurer Nancy Knotoff and Secretary Lorraine Gregory.

FIREHOUSE ATTENDANT REPORT

See attached report.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

A brief discussion ensued regarding the new phone system. Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that, according to the Fire Marshall, under Town Law, we cannot use Optimum (Cablevision) lines for alarms and that Optimum will not certify alarm lines. Commissioner Sacks will contact the Optimum representative for more information and suggested that we contact the Fire Marshall to see what documentation is required from Optimum.

Commissioner Sacks gave Mr. Schaffauer permission to purchase the Leaf Catcher Shoot and the Electric Power Washer.

EMS REPORT

See attached report.

STAFF REPORT

Noted.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

1. A motion was made by Commissioner Davonski, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, authorizing the purchase of the medical supplies requested, at a total cost of $1,653.93 (Hammer Medical - $438.31, Stryker - $950.00, Moore Medical - $178.10, Iron Duck - $87.55). Approved 5-0.

            After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the purchase of one (1) Stryker/McGrath Laryngoscope from Physio Control, Inc., at a cost of $2,745.50. Approved 5-0.

2. Noted.
3. Noted.

4. A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, to reimburse Mr. Patel $175.00 for his ACLS Certification. Approved 5-0.

5. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Davonski, authorizing paid First Responder Amit Patel and Lieutenant Keith Phillips to attend the EMS World Expo Conference, in Nashville, Tennessee, October 29-November 2, 2018, at an approximate total cost of $6,500.00. Approved 5-0.

6. On order.

MAINTENANCE REPORT

Work Order Report dated 8/1/18 to 9/6/18 was submitted to the Board.

CHIEF'S REPORT

See attached report.

REQUESTS

Request 1. - Approved above.

Requests 2.–3. - A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Davonski, granting permission for Sean McDermott to use the Meeting Room on November 10, 2018 and January 12, 2019 for Baby Showers. Approved 5-0.

Request 4. - A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Davonski, authorizing the purchase of the fire prevention materials requested, at a total cost of $4,632.40 (Crown Awards - $269.54, Alert All Corp. - $4,362.86). Approved 5-0.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Chief Davonski advised the Board that the Department had received the $1,500.00 grant for Wildland gear and equipment from the NYS DECA. However, the grant will be given only if the gear/equipment cost is more than $3,000.00, which it is. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the District to reimburse the Department $2,000.00 to cover the cost of the gear/equipment requested as part of the NYS DECA grant. Approved 5-0.

2. Progress.

3. Commissioner Sacks advised the Chief to use the Red Alert System to input additional     7-6-1 maintenance issues so that they can be passed on to Fully Involved.

ATTORNEY DISCUSSION

Mr. Glass not in attendance.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Davonski, accepting the Minutes of the August 2, 2018 Regular Monthly Meeting. Approved 5-0.

TREASURER'S REPORT

A motion was made by Commissioner Davonski, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, adopting the Proposed 2019 Budget in the amount of $1,470,000.00 which is under the 2% Tax Cap. Approved 5-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Mattera, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, authorizing the Treasurer, Nancy Knotoff, to make transfers from the Money Market Account to the Checking Account via the Internet and to provide Commissioner Schaefer with printed confirmations. Approved 5-0.

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

COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE

Miscellaneous correspondence was presented to the Board.

OLD BUSINESS

Commissioner Mattera advised the Board that the fences will be replaced by the end of the month.

Commissioner Davonski advised the Board and the Chiefs that the Intercom System has been installed in 7-6-16.

Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that the East Quogue School is in favor of the shelter and that a meeting should be scheduled at the firehouse with all involved agencies.

Commissioner Jackson also advised the Board that he had called Commander to discuss the numerous invoices received regarding the generator repairs. As yet, he has not received a return call.

Commissioner Jackson asked Commissioner Sacks if there was any progress with the Town’s Radio System. Commissioner Sacks will follow up on this project.

Commissioner Sacks advised the Board that Command Fire Apparatus has made an offer to purchase 7-6-5 for $15,000.00. A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2018-31. The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to accept the offer from Command Fire Apparatus to purchase the 1993 Seagrave 1250 GPM Pumper - 7-6-5, as is, with no equipment included, for $15,000.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sacks, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, accepting adoption of Resolution 2018-31. Approved 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, granting permission for Commissioners Schaefer and Davonski to hire two additional On Call First Responders. Approved 5-0.

Commissioner Jackson stated that the Board should consider updating the Radio Room. This project may cost as much as $100,000.00 and, perhaps, the Board should consider hiring a grant writer and applying for a grant. Chief Flynn stated that the other alternative would be going with Hampton Bays for radio coverage. Commissioner Schaefer stated that the cost may be as much as $26,000.00 a year.

At 8:30 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, calling the meeting into Executive Session to discuss the proposed acquisition of real property, increasing paid staff and changing the Treasurer’s position from elected to appointed. Approved 5-0. (Note: At this point, the Chiefs left the meeting.)

At 8:55 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, calling the meeting out of Executive Session. Approved 5-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Sacks, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, to put to vote in conjunction with the December 11, 2018 Commissioner’s Election that, effective January 1, 2019, the position of Treasurer shall be an appointed position rather than an elected one. Approved 5-0. (Note: Mr. Glass will be asked to prepare the necessary paperwork.)

ABSTRACT OF BILLS

A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Davonski, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 32 checks totaling $21,715.65 and to authorize the transfer of $50,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 5-0.

At 8:58 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Davonski, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 5-0.

Submitted by
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Lorraine Gregory, Secretary