Gilford Fire-Rescue
Board of Fire Engineers
16 April 2008
The Board of Fire Engineers met in regular session on Wednesday, 16 April 2008 at 39 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, New Hampshire.
Present: Chairman William Akerley, Engineer Philip Brouillard, Engineer Don Spear, Chief James Hayes, Deputy John Beland, Lt. Richard Andrews, Lt. Nick Mercuri, FF. Scott Mooney, FF. Brian Blanchette and Executive Secretary Catherine M. Reitz.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 0817 hours.
I. Salute to the Flag: All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Adoption of Minutes: Minutes of March 19, 2008 were reviewed, motion to accept and were approved. Motion carried.
III. Budget Review:
A. 2008 Budget: The year-to-date anticipated expenditures are on track.
V. Apparatus & Equipment:
A. Engine 1: The new Engine has arrived but is not yet in service. There are minor issues that will be repaired by Bulldog Fire Apparatus. KME and Bulldog have requested that Engine 1 be exhibited at the New England Fire Chief’s conference for three days in June. At this time, the flow meter will be installed.
B. New Ambulance: The differences between the final two ambulance manufactures in design lay out, availability, service and warranty were discussed. Permanent and Call Staff have had the opportunity to compare several demos. Upon the recommendation of Chief Hayes, Engineer Spear moved to purchase the new ambulance from Sugarloaf Ambulance & Rescue Vehicle a PL Customs Titan Series 2008-09 with a General Motors chassis for a total of $170,475. Engineer Brouillard made the second. Vote was unanimous. Expected delivery is 220 days from the time PL Customs receives the chassis.
Lt. Andrews attended the EMS conference this spring and had the opportunity to examine automatic stretchers. Retail, the stretcher is $12,000 (a regular stretcher is $4,000), it weighs 20 lbs. more, maneuverability is reduced and battery maintenance is an issue. The 20 extra pounds of this stretcher is a concern for responder back injuries. Lt. Andrews said the company is working on creating a lighter version of the automatic stretcher.
C. General Repairs: Lakes Region Fire Apparatus repaired the pump and the valve leak on Engine 2 which was more than anticipated. Winnipesaukee Truck completed the service on all large apparatus. DPW had to keep up with its own repairs due to the harsh winter. DPW inspected the Forestry. Belknap Tire completed inspections on all staff vehicles. New front brakes were installed on the Utility by DPW
D. Truck Committee Report: This committee has divided into sub groups to identify the mission and specific systems to spec the Rescue. Target date of replacement is 2010. Budget figures must be finalized by the third quarter of 2009 for the 2010 budget request. A heavy duty rescue from Maine will be available for viewing at the Station on May 6th at 5:30 PM.
E. Forestry: The Town Mechanic has not had an opportunity to inspect their former chassis to see if it is worth retrofitting for the Forestry. The old Forestry is still in service.
V. Training:
Deputy Beland reported that Permanent and Call Company Staff trained 5417 hours in 2007 on a variety of topics.
Deputy Beland and Lt. Mercuri are now certified Haz-Mat Technicians.
FF. DeCarli attended the FDIC in Indiana last week.
EMT-P Mello-Andrews attended the EMS Expo in Baltimore and has several new training ideas.
Several Department members have taken advantage of various training opportunities sponsored by Fire Instructors & Officers Association. These are offered at a low fee. The networking with other firefighters is beneficial.
Deputy Beland will receive instruction on suppression systems in relation to large box stores and mills at the National Fire Academy in June.
The Lieutenant’s Exam will be held April 28 – 29th. We are on a two-year cycle for testing. Currently, FF. DeCarli is authorized to work out of rank. FF. Madon will test this year.
FF. Mooney and FF. DeCarli will attend ARFF – Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter training.
Upcoming training includes Haz Mat drills, becoming familiar with Engine 1, and a combined training with Alton and Laconia Fire Departments centering on preplanning.
VII. Fire Prevention:
Inspector Pendergast continues his work on regular annual building inspections as well as residential and preplans. Upcoming building projects were discussed.
He and Lt. Balcom continue to work with school officials and the police department on the Safe Schools Initiative.
As of May 1, 2008, all natural and propane gas installers must have a license issued by the NH State Fire Marshal’s office in order to obtain permits in the Town of Gilford.
Due to environmental issues, the State has banned clean construction debris burning by commercial builders. Homeowners may still burn debris however they wish they may sign a fire permit for the builder to burn however they must be present during the burn and assume all responsibility.
No action has been taken regarding Inspector Pendergast assuming the part time position as Health Inspector.
VIII. Personnel:
A. Probation Status: FF. Proulx has completed all requirements to become eligible for full time status. It is anticipated that FF. Thevenin will complete all requirements prior to his anniversary date in May.
IX: Other Business:
A. Chief Michael D. Mooney: A moment of silence was shared honoring former Fire Chief Michael D. Mooney of the Gilford Fire-Rescue Department upon his passing 8 April 2008.
B. 2nd Annual Awards Night: The awards presentation and pot luck dinner will be held on 18 April 2008 beginning at 1830 hours at the Elks Club on Sugar Bush Lane. The Elks waived the hall rental fee in their appreciation of Firefighters.
C. Fire Act Grant: Chief Hayes has submitted this grant. He now needs to write to the Congressional delegation soliciting their support.
D. Building Project Updates:
Upon the request of Chief Hayes, Public Works Director Sheldon Morgan has agreed to allow Fire Department employees to work on building projects off duty. Therefore, FF. DeCarli will demolish and re-saw the construction debris from the basement area. FF. Blanchette will complete the electrical work. And FF. Proulx will paint the new sheetrock in the stairs to Administrative Storage area. The only cost for these projects will be for materials.
E. Other: The Engineers were concerned for personnel who responded to the double fatality of the two young men on 9 April. Deputy Beland stated that one individual was counseled. For the most part, firefighters and EMT’s heal together.
With no further business, Engineer Brouillard moved to adjourn at 0958 Hours. Motion was seconded by Engineer Spear. Vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted:
Catherine M. Reitz
Executive Secretary
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