TOWN OF SOMERS
FIRE COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Bob McCulloch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Bob
McCulloch, David Palmer, Tony Bruno, and Carl Rohrbach
Members Absent: Alice
Van Tasel
Others Present: Bill
Meier, Walter Summers, Tom Mehl, and Bob Sciaretta
ELECTION
OF BOARD CHAIRMAN:
Carl
Rohrbach was unanimously elected new Chairman of the Board to replace Bob
McCulloch whose term is up in May 2003 and will not seek re-appointment to the
Commission.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
Wolf Schiessl is being honored May 1 by the Lion’s Club as their
“Man of the Year”
FIRE MARSHAL:
·
On a motion by Mr. McCulloch, seconded by Mr. Bruno, the
bills of the Fire Marshal dated 2/21/03 through 4/19/03 were unanimously
approved for payment.
·
The reduction in fire marshal’s
hours due to budget constraints is delaying some normal inspections. Fire investigation and inspections required
for licensing are not impacted. The
fire marshal expects to begin to catch up on normal inspections in July when
hours are restored.
·
The fire safety trailer will be at the Somers
elementary school May 2 and May 8. The
PTA has covered the cost. The Grammar
School of Somersville would also like to schedule the trailer at their expense.
·
The arson investigation session with the
Forensic class at SHS went well. The
fire marshal thanked all the organizations and people who help make this
session come together in 2˝ weeks.
·
A letter was sent to the State about upgrading
the hydrants near the prison facilities in town. The State rejected the request citing lack of funds.
·
The CT Water Co. is allowing only two new
hydrants this January to December period due to their budgetary constraints.
·
Annual alarm monitoring $800 fee for four town
buildings is due. The fire marshal was asked to speak to Tolland County Mutual
Aid about making a two month payment now to shift the annual bill to the
beginning of our fiscal year.
FIRE CHIEF:
·
Bob Sciaretta submitted a letter stating his intention to
retire from his Firefighter/EMT, supervisor position effective August
15, 2003. It was noted that Bob has
worked 15 years for the Fire Department and has been a Fire Services volunteer
for over 30 years.
·
The Board approved June training classes
for members of the paid staff. The
Chief has budget and manpower to cover town in their absence.
·
A program is in place required by the
Health Insurance Privacy Act (HIPA).
The Department has been through training. The Chief has appointed a Privacy Officer responsible for
compliance.
·
A policy covering backing up of vehicles
was provided to all department personnel.
·
The problem with the air conditioning in
the ambulance’s back compartment continues despite best effort to repair. A new system may be necessary to comply with
EMS requirements to keep the ambulance in service.
·
The budget will be tight to the end of the
fiscal year however should be okay assuming no major vehicle repair issues.
FIRE COMMISSION ORDINANCE:
Discussion
was held on the draft update of the proposed ordinance. Final version to be submitted back to the
Board of Selectmen expected to be completed for the May Fire Commission
meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion to adjourn was made at 8:40 p.m. by Mr. Bruno, seconded
by Mr. McCulloch and approved unanimously.
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 8pm at the Somers
Fire House.
Respectfully
submitted,
Carl
Rohrbach, Jr.