TOWN OF SOMERS

FIRE COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Thursday, August 18, 2005

 

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:           Frank Lawlor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:            Alice Van Tasel, David Palmer, Frank Lawlor

 

 

MINUTES APPROVAL:            The minutes of the June 16th meeting were approved unanimously

 

CORRESPONDENCE:                    None

 

FIRE MARSHAL:                       No Report

 

FIRE CHIEF:         

 

  1. David Pinney will be working with Tolland County regarding a county initiative to develop a CAD/CAM map of the town.

 

  1. On October 2nd there will be an OPEN HOUSE at the County Dispatch Center.  Renovations at the center have recently been completed.

 

  1. The Capitol Regional Council is developing a program to “build” a “reverse 911” system in all area communities.  This system would allow emergency alerts to be directed out to appropriate individuals and entities.

 

  1. Somers does not have its own paramedic.  We will now be using the paramedic services of Manchester Hospital that will provide coverage for the town 7 days a week from a base at Johnson Memorial Hospital.  Billing for this service will not be “bundled”.  Services for the town ambulance and the paramedic will be billed separately, which may impact some residents’ insurance coverage.

 

  1. The 04-05 budget year was completed with a slight surplus.  Approximately $6000 in unspent funds was returned to the treasurer.

 

  1. The town has purchased a new ambulance.  Somers was able to obtain a “demonstrator” which meant significant savings ($128,000 vs. $135,000) and a shorted arrival date.  Delivery is expected in late August or Early September.  After delivery State of Connecticut certification will be required before the town will be permitted to have both Ambulances in service. We expect to have both rigs operational by December.

 

  1. Stocking Costs for the new Ambulance will be approximately $7000.  A significant portion of these funds will have to come from the 05-06 operating budget.

 

  1. Somers has been notified that we have been awarded a FEMA grant of approximately $112, 000 which will be used to obtain new Scott Air Packs.  The grant will require a 10% match from Somers.

 

 

TANKER SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Members of the “specifications committee” presented its proposed specifications for the New “Tanker” Truck which was approved during the budget process.  The committee has done a wonderful job of planning for town needs while keeping in budget constraints in focus. 

 

The committee proposed a Kenworth chassis rather than a custom rig.  This will insure dependability and readily available service.

 

The truck will have a “portable” tank and “quick-dump” capabilities.  It will also be a “Class A” pumper and carry a 35 ft. ladder

 

The expected useful life of the tanker is 30 years.

 

The cost of the tanker will be approximately $340,000, most of which has been included

 in the budget.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Van Tasel and seconded by MR. Palmer to approve the proposed specs and to authorize the chief or his delegate to issue RFP’s.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUDGET UPDATE:

 

Sky-rocketing fuel costs will inevitably impact the Fire Department’s operating budget in the months ahead.  Costs of gasoline, heating oil, and electricity are expected to climb dramatically,

 

ADJOURMENT:

 

A motion was made by Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mrs. Van Tasel and unanimously approved to adjourn at 8:30