Gilford Fire-Rescue
Board of Fire Engineers
28 November 2007
The Board of Fire Engineers met in regular session on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 39 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, New Hampshire.
Present: Chairman William Akerley, Engineer Philip Brouillard, Engineer Mark LaBonte, Chief James Hayes, Deputy John Beland, Lt. Michael Balcom and Executive Secretary Catherine M. Reitz.
Guests attending: Paul DeMinico, Superintendent of Schools and John Markland, Police Chief.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 0819 hrs.
I. Salute to the Flag: All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The agenda was rearranged to accommodate guests, Mr. DeMinico and Chief Markland.
Lt. Balcom, Mr. DeMinico and Chief Markland reported on the recent training they, along with Fire Inspector Pendergast, attended in Jacksonville, FL earlier this month regarding “Safe Schools Interagency Planning Team”. This cooperative training between the SAU, Fire, Police and the county Judicial system is to target troubled students and facilitate the resources to intercede in their destructive behavior patterns. Funding for this training was provided by the US Department of Justice through a grant written by Sergeant Kris Kelley. Both Lt. Balcom and Inspector Pendergast were appreciative of the privilege to attend this important training.
II. Adoption of Minutes: Minutes of October 19, 2007 were reviewed, motion to accept and were unanimously approved.
III. Budget Review:
A. 2007 Budget Review: Chief Hayes presented an overview of the current budget status. A few line accounts will be over expended by the end of the year, however the bottom line of the budget is sufficient. We have expended 85.5% thus far, below average for this time in the budget cycle.
B. 2008 Proposed Budget: Chief Hayes has met twice with the Budget Sub Committee of John O’Brien and Dale Dormody. The entire Budget Committee will review the Fire-Rescue budget tomorrow evening. Two issues of the Sub Committee were $500 for the ceiling mounted projector and the vehicle for the Fire Inspector.
Two of the three hydrants at the pond on Alvah Wilson Road are out of service. The bids received to make the needed repairs are over $40,000. The scope of the work will need to be reevaluated.
IV. Apparatus & Equipment:
A. New Engine: Production on the chassis began on 11/26/07. It should be completed within three weeks and moved to the KME factory. All changes have been satisfied. Construction will take 150 days at KME. We expect a March 2008 delivery.
B. Engine 2: The left front tire has been replaced three times in the last four years. The problem has been identified as an alignment issue. While the rim is barely within manufactures specification, the Chief will have Patsy’s in Concord hydraulically correct the axle to allow proper alignment adjustments to be made. There is paint peeling off the body of the truck in the area that was not painted in June.
This will be taken care of after the first of the year while the warranty is still in effect. Estimated time out of service is three days. Lakes Region Fire Apparatus worked on the foam system calibration mode. The tech instructed staff on how to adjust this in the future. The motor that lifts the cab is corroded. LRFA will provide a quote to make this repair.
C. Rescue 1: The problem with the brake air system, due to repeated International parts failure, has been resolved. The generator has been repaired by MB Tractor & Equipment. The Hurst Tool gas power unit has been rebuilt three times. A fourth rebuilt is not an option. The Board of Selectmen authorized the purchase of a full size 5.5 horsepower Honda that can operate two tools simultaneously for $7,978.
D. 8B1: Chairman Akerley will contact a local marina for a price on moving the Fire Boat to Dave’s Motorboat Shoppe for winterization.
E. Forestry 2: 8F2 has been winterized.
F. Rescue Trailer: FF. Campbell has outfitted the Rescue Trailer. It will be stored in the lower bay this winter.
V. Training:
· Deputy Beland reported that the lap top for the simulation training arrived this week.
· The Engine Company Operations Class was a success. FF. Proulx and FF. Thevenin were able to complete many of their probationary requirements during these evolutions.
· Deputy Beland completed the Master Training Schedule for 2008. He has had positive feedback from staff on the training provided this year.
· NH DMV will conduct CDL licensing here on 12/8/07. Ten people are expected to participate.
· Five applicants to the Call Company will be interviewed on 12/9/07. Chief Hayes has agreed to allow NHCTC students back into the program. The ultimate goal is to reestablish our Live-In Student program. Recommendations of applicants will be presented to the Board of Fire Engineers at the December meeting. One Call Company firefighter has resigned due to his inability to complete training and call back requirements.
· FF. Barrett has completed over half of Firefighter Level I training.
· FF. Kyle Davis will test for her Intermediate license on 12/10/07.
· Lieutenants Latosek and Mercuri have achieved certification for AARF.
· Staff is building a prop that will provide up to eleven training evolutions.
· Deputy Beland and FF. DeCarli will graduate from the Local Government Center next week with certification in the Level I Leadership Program.
VII. Other Business:
· FF. DeCarli has decked the Annex off of the Weight Room. Department records currently stored in the Mezzanine will be relocated to the Annex. Chief Hayes will contact the Board of Selectmen regarding SAU storage under the Administration Wing. Two quotes, not exceeding $5800, have been received to build a stairway into the basement to the Admin Wing.
· Code of Ethics – Engineer Brouillard explained his request to have this issue tabled until next month. At this point, Engineer Brouillard exited the meeting.
· ISO Rating – Chief Hayes will forward a memo to the Board of Selectmen challenging the inaccuracy of this report.
· Comstar – Ambulance collections have decreased in 2007. The Town does not have an agreement with Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance company and rates were not increased in 2007. Chief Hayes will write a memo to the Selectmen to request that the ambulance rates be increased for 2008 and to suggest the Board sign agreements with insurance companies. This will assure that the maximum allowed for service will be paid directly to the Town instead of being paid to the patient who may or may not forward payment to the Town.
With no further business, Engineer LaBonte moved to adjourn at 1119 Hours. Motion was seconded by Chairman Akerley. Vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted:
Catherine M. Reitz
Executive Secretary
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