Most Recent Meeting Minutes
1/16/08 Minutes
Minutes of Regular Meeting
January 16, 2008
PRESENT: Commissioners Weitz, Nappi, Murray, and Chairman Woehrle
Attorney Hayner, Secretary Ostrander, Chief Lingenfelter, 2nd Assistant Chief Elliott,
and several guests.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. under the direction of Chairman Woehrle.
Motion/ Weitz, 2nd/ Nappi: To approve the minutes of the December 12, 2007 Regular Meeting.
Passed 4-0.
Motion/ Weitz, 2nd/ Nappi: To approve the minutes of the January 3, 2008 Organizational Meeting.
Passed 4-0.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- An open competitive eligible list for Firefighter/Paramedic from Schenectady County Civil
Service Commission established on 8/21/07.
- A letter from Gregg Pelliccia notifying the Board that he married and would like his wife
added to the health insurance through the Fire District.
- A letter from Ellis Hospital Stroke Center acknowledging and commending excellent triage,
accurate patient evaluation, and timely transportation provided to a stroke patient on
10/12/07 by AEMT’s Congdon, Tietz, and Vena as well as members Hafner and Siler.
- Notarized copy of the legal notice announcing the Organizational Meeting.
- December Fire District Affairs bulletin.
PRIVILAGE OF THE FLOOR: No one spoke from the floor.
BILLS:
Motion/ Murray, 2nd/ Nappi: To pay bills #2007-636 through 2007-695 and # 2008-001 through
2008-019 totaling $53,770.08. Passed 4-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: No report.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Commissioner Murray reported that the year-end report showed that the overtime
budget was only over by $9,600 for 2007. Chief Lingenfelter stated that there might be Worker’s
Compensation payments that are not yet included in that total which will lower that number and
could even place us under budget.
Commissioner Murray also reported that we were on track to have the audit completed by mid-
March.
INSURANCE: No report.
MEDIA RELATIONS: Commissioner Weitz reported that a media event might be planned jointly
with Ellis Hospital to promote the Lifepacks that are coming to NFD#1 and to educate the public on
early access to the system. The new defibrillators are currently being manufactured and may take
around sixty days for delivery.
APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT: Chief Lingenfelter reported that Car 428 was undergoing some
significant repairs. The 4-wheel drive was repaired, transmission serviced and fuel system serviced
for a cost of approximately $1,200.
COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION SERVICES: No report.
EMS & EQUIPMENT: No report.
FACILITIES: No report.
ELECTIONS: No report.
PROTECTIVE GEAR & UNIFORMS: No report.
SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM: Chief Ostrander reported that he is working on the 2007 totals.
INSPECTION & INSTALLATION: Chief Ostrander reported that everything is in place for the
inspection/installation dinner.
REPORT OF THE CHIEFS:
Chief Lingenfelter:
- Considering the current shortage of firefighter/paramedic candidates within Schenectady County
and the expected demand in 2008, Chief Lingenfelter asked the Board to modify the residency
requirements on our firefighter civil service announcement to modify the residency restriction on
taking the exam to include all of New York State, and change the residency requirement for
appointment to include Schenectady County and all counties contiguous to Schenectady
County. This should increase the number of candidates available for appointment to future
firefighter/paramedic positions in the department. The City of Batavia had advertised their exam
statewide last year and still had difficulty finding suitable candidates.
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- A meeting with a systems engineer from Omni computer is scheduled next week to assess our
computer systems maintenance and repair options.
- Our two current portable fire pumps have become unreliable and after over 25 years of service
are in need of replacement. Authorization is requested to purchase two gas powered portable
pumps at a total cost of $1,791.00.
- Request authorization to attend the bi-monthly Career Fire Chief’s meetings in 2008 not to
exceed a cost of $200 per meeting for dues, meals, and lodging expenses.
- Incident Report:
2007 2006
December Incidents: 163 172
EMS 120 137
Fire/Other 43 35
YTD Incidents: 1963 1725
Other Activities: Emergency Callback: 12 hours
Fire Prevention Details: 1 hour
In-service Training: 123 hours
Fire Company Drill: 171 hours
Chief Ostrander:
- Chief Ostrander reported that in the winter months, the Chief’s cars are always outdoors and
subject to snow and ice build-up on the windshield which delays response to calls. He proposed
purchasing remote car starters for the chief’s cars. Quotes have been received from two vendors
and LaRosa’s Automotive, which is the lowest quote, is recommended since he does all
electrical work on the district vehicles.
- Chief Ostrander also reported that volunteer firefighters Siler and Hafner have completed the
State Firefighter1 course and also firefighter Rodd has completed EMT the EMT course.
Assist. Chief Elliott:
- 2nd Assistant Chief Elliott reported that the annual inventory and inspection of turnout gear has
been started.
Report of the Niskayuna Permanent Fireman’s Association: No report
Report of the Grand Boulevard Fire Company: Lt. Vena reported that the GBFC approved
$3,000 to purchase search and rescue ropes for apparatus and personal ropes for interior
firefighters. This equipment is the GBFC gift to the District for the year.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Based on the resolution at the Organizational Meeting, the GBFC will be notified when to hold
their special meeting for nomination of chiefs in 2008.
- The Chiefs met with Newkey Media Solutions to go over the new web page. Several items are to
be delivered to them to get this project completed.
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- Chairman Woehrle spoke with the new Town Supervisor about purchasing fuel through the
Town account. The Town and Fire District attorneys will meet and write an agreement to
purchase gasoline from the Town.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman Woehrle announced that the inspection of the stations would begin on Saturday, January
26, 2008 at 10:00 am at the Balltown Road Station.
Motion/ Nappi, 2nd/ Weitz: To authorize the Chief to attend the Career Chiefs Meeting in January.
Passed 4-0.
Motion/ Nappi, 2nd/ Murray: To replace the portable pumps as reported at a cost of $1,791.00.
Passed 4-0.
Motion/ Nappi, 2nd/ Weitz: To purchase remote car starters for the Chief’s vehicles at a cost not to
exceed $300 each. Passed 4-0.
Motion/ Weitz, 2nd/ Nappi: To authorize the Chairman to enter an agreement with the Town of
Niskayuna for the purchase of fuel for district vehicles. Passed 4-0.
Any Additional Business to come before the Board: None
Motion/ Nappi, 2nd/ Weitz: To adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, interview results,
Board issues, and negotiation issues at 7:50 p.m. Passed 4-0.
Chairman Woehrle returned the meeting to Regular Session at 8:57 pm.
Motion/ Nappi, Second/ Murray:
To appoint Nicholas Persons to the position of entry level Firefighter/Paramedic effective February
8, 2008 with a salary and benefits per the agreement with the NPFA and with a one-year
probationary period as required by Schenectady County Civil Service. This appointment is
dependent upon passing medical examination and arson background check.
Commissioner Robert Murray: Yes
Commissioner Vincent Daly: Absent
Commissioner Steven Weitz: Yes
Commissioner Thomas Nappi: Yes
Commissioner Edward Woehrle: Yes
The Resolution Passed: 4-0
Motion/ Nappi, 2nd/ Murray: To adjourn at 8:58 pm. Passed 4-0.
?
The next Regular Meeting is Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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John E. Ostrander III
Secretary
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