EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2025
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 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners Allyn Jackson, James Schaefer, Stephen Gregory and Robert Despres, Fire District Facilities Supervisor Dave Schaffauer, Medical Coordinator Brian Danowskil Chief Keith Phillips, First Assistant Chief Glenn Bullock, Third Assistant Chief Alex Gladding, Treasurer Colleen Pearsall and Secretary Lorraine Gregory.
FIRE DISTRICT FACILITIES SUPERVISOR REPORT
See attached report.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, authorizing Waterway to perform the Annual Pump Test, including Reports, at a cost of $1,440.00 and to perform the Annual Hose Testing, at a cost of $5,498.15. Approved 4-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, authorizing the purchase of one (1) APX8500 All Brand Mobile UHF-700/800 w/County Remote Mount from Multi-Media Communications, at a total cost of $7,696.25. Approved 4-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, authorizing the purchase of three (3) Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged Laptops from Fluid Imagery, at a total cost of $8,400.00. Approved 4-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Noted.
2. The Board requested Mr. Schaffauer to seek a proposal from Suburban Propane.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Maintenance Report dated 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 submitted to the Board.
MEDICAL COORDINATOR REPORT
See attached report.
MATERIAL REQUESTS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of the medical supplies requested from Bound Tree Medical, at a total cost of $214.675 and one (1) EMS Bag 02 Trauma AED Backpack from Medical Warehouse for the Chief, at a cost of $269.95. Approved 4-0.
REPORT DISCUSSION
1. NYSDOH EMS Operating Certificate – Noted.
2. Decision was made to stay with Dr. Minnerop
With regard to the training session, Commissioner Schaefer asked Mr. Danowski who the Infectious Control Officer is? Mr. Danowski advised the Board that he is and suggested that Jeff Corazzini be second in command.
CHIEF'S REPORT
See attached report.
REQUESTS
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of five (5) sets of gear, at an approximate cost of $5,000.00 per set. Approved 4-0. (Note: The Chief will furnish the names of those members needing gear.)
2. A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, authorizing the purchase from Firematic Supply of one (1) HUR273023000 Edraulic SC358E2 Combi w/EXL Batts and Charger, at a total cost of $16,698.00. Approved 4-0.
3. Tabled.
4. Approved under Fire District Facilities Supervisor Report.
5. Chief will supply the names of members needing repairs, etc. and repairs will be scheduled for April or May.
6. Tabled.
7. A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, authorizing the purchase of eight (8) Personal Safety Lights, at an approximate cost of $20.00 each. Approved 4-0.
8. Discussed previously.
9. A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of one (1) Pop Up Tent, at an approximate cost of $400.00. Approved 4-0.
10. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, denying the standby for the Bethpage Fire Department on 3/2/25. Approved 4-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. On order.
2. On order.
3. Noted
4. Commissioner Schaefer will arrange.
5. Discussed previously.
6. Mr. Schaffauer is handling.
ATTORNEY DISCUSSION
Mr. Glass was not in attendance. Chief Phillips asked the Board about the status of approving the By-Laws. The Secretary advised Chief Phillips that a letter was forwarded to the membership in October 2024 requesting that the “Seasonal Membership” Section be removed and then submit the Final By-Laws to the Board for approval. There was no response. A second letter was sent in January – a copy sent directly to Scott Flynn and a copy to the Department. Again, no response.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, approving the Minutes of the January 2, 2025 Organizational Meeting and the January 2, 2025 Regular Monthly Meeting. Approved 4-0.
TREASURER'S REPORT
ABSTRACT OF BILLS
A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregroy, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 24 checks totaling $39,365.91 and to authorize the transfer of $200,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 4-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from the Department regarding the swearing in of Shawn Meduski, Matthias Phillips and Thomas Kuroski as probationary members in the Department and the removal from the active rolls of Anthony Danowski, Robert Holley and Thomas Courtenay, a letter was received from the Ladies Auxiliary requesting use of the Meeting Room for their monthly meetings, an e-mail was received from the Town of Southampton Town Clerk regarding Town Board Resolutions RES-2025-14 and RES-2025-15, a copy of the letter sent to Governor Hochul by Suffolk County lawmakers and representatives regarding legislation pertaining to Volunteer Firefighters and a Facility Use Permit Application was received from Casey Ryckman regarding a Wildcat Fundraiser Family Fun Day on May 17, 2025.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that the 2026 Inspection Dinner will be at Giorgio’s , April 17, 2026. The cost per person for 140 guests is $185.00, plus tip.
Chief Phillips stated that he would like to hold to tradition this year and have the members attend the dinner in uniform.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Schaefer advised the Chiefs that the Board had met with representatives from the Hills and was given a copy of the plans for an additional entrance gate. Commissioner Gregory gave a copy of the plans to the Chief.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Despres, approving the removal of Robert Holley and Thomas Courtnay from the Department’s Active Rolls. Approved 4-0. (Note: The Secretary researched the files and found that Robert Holley had been removed from the rolls prior, but never officially by a motion. A motion had been made at the August 3, 2023 meeting removing Anthony Danowski from the Active Rolls.)
The Board reviewed the proposals from Hometown regarding insurance renewals. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, accepting the proposals from FDM Preferred Insurance Company for the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law in the amount of $23,056.00 and the Workers’ Compensation Policy in the amount of $16,209.00. Approved 4-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, granting permission for the Ladies Auxiliary to hold their monthly meetings in the Meeting Room. Approved 4-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, denying the request from The Wildcat Education Foundation for use of the Department grounds on May 17, 2025 for a Family Fun Day. Approved 4-0.
A workshop was scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Cindy McNamara will be in attendance.
At 8:45 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 4-0.
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 February 6, 2025, meeting including but not limited to:
- General Maintenance and building care.
- Updated the website For the District
- Updated the sign.
- Picked up Alex’s Car from Village Autobody.
- MTC has been in to repair the fire alarm in the back building and station 2. The units have not been communicating to the county. The parts should be here Friday, and they will be back Monday 2/3/2025
- Went to Cablevision for a cable box for the district office. We will need to have a cable run to make it work. I will contact their installation department if you want to move forward.
- Working on adding Greg Celi as a user to the website.
- Quote for rugged laptops for 16,17, and 80
- Quote for triband radio for Alex’s car
- Quotes for Pump Tests and Hose Testing
Topics for discussion:
I would like to change websites /move platforms to something more user friendly. I have been looking at different platforms to host the website.
Green Earth Propane has submitted a proposal to change all the propane tanks and give you service at a discounted rate
East Quogue Fire Department
Chief Keith Phillips 1 st Asst. Glenn Bullock 2 nd Asst. Mark Gregory 3 rd Asst. AlexGladding
465 Montauk Highway, East Quogue, NY 11942 (T)631.653.5101 (F)631.653.5108
Date: 1/ 20/25
District requests:
1) 5 sets of new FF gear and additional 5 FF helmets to replenish
stock.
2) Combi tool for 7-6-1, to assist with vehicle extrication and
vehicle fires when tools are beneficial to gain access to various
portions of a vehicle.
3) EMS mule, to help facilitate with beach rescues, woodland rescues,
Specific cases on the Hill golf course, and special events.
(See Southampton Village EMS specs)
4) Updated EMS tablets for ambulances. Tough books are old.
5) FF gear repair. Many of members are in need of gear repair, name tags, and
alterations.
6) 8 Pick of Life Ice Awls (ice water rescue) to assist with ice water rescue calls
7) 8 Personal safety light, C-light (water rescue) to aid members with night
time water rescues.
8) 1 Tri Band radio for 7-6-33 vehicle. Vehicle currently cannot communicate
with neighboring districts.
9) 10x10 pop up tent w/ sides for FF rehab.
10) Approval for 1 Engine to standby for Bethpage FD on 3/2/25
(St. Patrick’s Day Parade)East Quogue Fire DepartmentChief Keith Phillips 1 st Asst. Glenn Bullock 2 nd Asst. Mark Gregory 3 rd Asst. AlexGladding465 Montauk Highway, East Quogue, NY 11942 (T)631.653.5101 (F)631.653.5108
Discussion: Status on (2) 10ft lengths of 3 inch hose for 7-6-8. (ordered)
Status on 1 ½” to 1” reducer for forestry hose 7-6-1 (ordered)
Grant ideas: Tri band for rigs & gear washing
Additional PESH/ OSHA training for dept members. McNeil online training is
also an option.
Status on 7-6-1 high band radio
QR code for membership application. Display QR code to public and on
Dept. webpage.Respectfully Submitted,
Keith Phillips