EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
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 Ed Seltenreich, Chief Ted Jankowski, Treasurer Colleen Pearsall and Secretary Lorraine Gregory.
FIRE DISTRICT FACILITIES SUPERVISOR REPORT
See attached report.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Noted.
EMS REPORT
See attached report.
STAFF REPORT
1. Noted.
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 $2,072.00 (Bound Tree - $744.03, McKesson - $1,327.97). Approved 5-0.
2. Commissioner Seltenreich advised the Board that he has been in contact with a grant writer and that the cost of writing the grant may be $3,000.00. Commissioner Seltenreich suggested that the grant also include items requested by the Chiefs.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Work Order dated 10/1/21 – 10/31/21 was submitted to the Board.
Chief Jankowski requested that he be advised when items on the Work Orders have been resolved.
CHIEF'S REPORT
See attached report.
REQUESTS
1. The I-pads are in inventory. Mr. Schaffauer will order the brackets and install them.
2. and 3. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, granting permission for the grounds to be used for the Christmas Tree Sales in November/December and for the Benevolent Association to use the Meeting Room on November 17, 2021 for their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Approved 5-0.
4. and 5. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the purchase, from Westhampton True Value Hardware, of one (1) M18 Chainsaw for 7-6-1, at a cost of $500.00 and four (4) M18 batteries, at a cost of $129.00 each. Approved.
6. Tabled.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Progress.
2. Chief Jankowski advised the Board that it is difficult to get appointments with the Fire Academy for training and that he would like to investigate the use of ConX Boxes. Commissioners Jackson and Schaefer suggested “piggy backing” training with Riverhead or other neighboring Departments.
3. Tabled. Extra expense not budgeted for 2022. Commissioner Seltenreich stated that keeping the schedule going is difficult and that 70% of the calls are BLS.
4. Tabled. Demo taking place at the end of the year.
5. Commissioner Jackson stated the following regarding the vehicles:
a. Ambulance - Would prefer to continue purchasing from ProLiner and will make a cost comparison of base unit and extras.
b. 7-6-7 - At some point, declare as surplus property.
c. Fire Police Vehicle - Keep, for the time being.
d. 7-6-81 - Use as a trade-in for the Chief’s new vehicle.
e. Keep one vehicle for a Chief.
f. Purchase one vehicle for the Chief.
Chief Jankowski also advised the Board that the Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a Santa fundraiser in the parking lot on December 4, 2021.
ATTORNEY DISCUSSION
Mr. Glass not in attendance.
Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that he contacted Mr. Glass regarding the proper procedure for approving motions made at District meetings. According to Mr. Glass, there is no set rule and that there are several ways a motion can be approved. The Board is acting within the guidelines. Mr. Glass reminded Commissioner Jackson that the budget adoption must be done by a roll call (which we do) and that all major Resolutions or Motions must also be done by a roll call. The Secretary had also sent an e-mail to Mr. Glass (copy attached) regarding this subject.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Seltenreich, accepting the Minutes of the October 7, 2021 Regular Monthly Meeting and the October 19, 2021 Budget Hearing. Approved 5-0.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mrs. Pearsall advised the Board that she has been working on the LENS Program and that she is missing information on one employee and one member. Mrs. Pearsall asked the Board if there was a limit on the amount of points an individual would be allowed to have on their license before the Board would not allow them to drive District vehicles. Tabled.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Approved 5-0.
ABSTRACT OF BILLS
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Seltenreich, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 33 checks totaling $50,548.01. A transfer of funds was not required.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Miscellaneous correspondence was presented to the Board including a reminder regarding the SCFDOA Meeting on November 18, 2021 in Centereach, a memo from the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services regarding the Nor-easter 10/25-10/27/21 Damage Reporting and letters from the Department regarding the swearing in of Dr. Bruce Friedman and the fact that the letter sent to Chris Pinto notifying him that he has been removed from the Active Rolls was undeliverable.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Seltenreich advised the Board that he is still waiting for generator proposals for Station 2.
Commissioner Schaefer advised the Board that he and Commissioner Seltenreich had met with Hayley Schulz and that a decision was made to grant her Covid-19 salary.
Commissioner Jackson advised the Board of the expenses for the upcoming Inspection Dinner as follows:
Sparkling Pointe (venue) $5,250.00
East End Events Catering $205.00 x 150 persons = $30,750.00
Tent Rental $5,387.00
Security Deposit (damages) $1,500.00
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Mattera, authorizing the Treasurer to pay, out of the 2021 Budget, all of the required deposits due with regard to the upcoming 2022 Inspection Dinner. Approved 5-0.
Commissioner Jackson also advised the Board that, if the Board decides on using prefab buildings at the Main Firehouse and Station 2, prevailing wages would have to be paid.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Jackson presented a proposal from Bar Boys for the replacement of the coolers in the Firemen’s Room.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of one (1) Beverage Air Model No. B858HC-1-F-B and one (1) Beverage Air Model No. DD58HC-1-B from Bar Boys, including installation, removal of the old coolers and service, at a total cost of $7,790.00. Approved 5-0.
Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that he is working on the Capital Plan and that the plan for the replacement of vehicles is up-to-date.
No workshop scheduled for November.
At 9:00 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 5-0.
Submitted by
Lorraine Gregory, Secretary