WEATHERSFIELD FIRE COMMISSION

Minutes - January 5, 2011

Ascutney Volunteer Fire Station

1: Call to Order-

Pat Daniels called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

2: Attendance-

Members Present: Darrin Spaulding, Jeff Ingalls, Dave Fuller, and Dan Boyer, and Pat Daniels

Public Present: Josh Compo, Steve Brown, Mychael Spaulding, Tracy Dauphin, Josh Dauphin, Shawn Brown, and Jim Mullen.

3: Comments from Citizens-

There was none.

4. Additions to Agenda-

There was none.

5: Approve Minutes of Last Meeting(s)

Dave Fuller made a motion to accept the minutes of December 1, 2010 as presented. Dan Boyer seconded it. Four members voted in the affirmative and 1 abstained due to being absent. The motion passed.

6. Review Fire Commission Financial Monthly Report(s)

Pat Daniels stated that she does not have a copy of the reserve fund, but there has not been much change. Both fire departments have received their insurance reimbursements.

Dave Fuller discussed the section on maintance of dry hydrants. Jim Mullen mentioned that the work has been done for the dry hydrants at Heiser's and in Weathersfield Bow. Some of the work done was more than just a fix. The total cost was $5600. He stated that John Arrison has been approved to do work on the Route 106 at the bridge for a cost of $825.00, but the work will need to be done in the spring. WWVFD has found that it is not pumping correctly. Jeff Ingalls said that Westley Hazeltine wants him to get a tester from Springfield.

Dan Boyer said that in the past they did not want to put in a new motor there because it might get destroyed by the rocks and debris. Jim Muller stated that John Arrison has been authorized to install a new cup to prevent from spray. He will check with Westley Hazeltine to make it a priority.

Dave Fuller said that WWVFD has a bond payment of $11.207.53. He said it is not the same as the budget and wanted to know if it is a one-time payment. Jim Mullen said that less than that was paid. The Town paid the correct amount. Dave Fuller wanted to know if it should be the exact bond payment. Jim Mullen said it could be a one year payment. He will ask why it is different.

7: AVFA Monthly Report

Darrin Spaulding presented his report to the Commission.

8: WWWVFD Monthly Report

Jeff Ingalls stated that the department has received 147 calls. They are having a supper this Saturday from 5:3 to 6:30.

9: New Business

1. Insurance Forms and flow charts-Jim Mullen

Jim Mullen went over the incident report. Each fire department has copies. If they run out, they could get copies from Shirley. Pat Daniels said that the Safety committee meets the third Thursday of each month. Ray Stapleton, Chet Stone, Mike Barry, Pat Daniels, Chris Adams regularly attend the meetings. Chris Adams chairs it.

Tracy Spaulding wanted to know what if a fire department member gets hurt on the weekend. Since they are supposed to report within 72 hours, who should they contact? Jim Mullen said that they should tell their chief and then the chief would contact him. Dan Boyer said that the department heads should be the ones to contact the town manager. Jim Mullen said that it is 72 hours to make sure that it happened at work and there are no issues with workmen's compensation.

2. 2011 Insurance Rates for each department

Pat Daniels said that she gave both departments copies of their rates for this year. AVFD's subtotal was $2256 with a $130.62 credit and a net of $2125.38. WWVFD ‘s subtotal was $1349 with a $78.11 credit and a net of $1270.89. Darrin Spaulding said that he does not have a breakdown of everything. AVFD past insurance premium was $1200. WWFVD past premium was $900. Jim Mullen said that it should be in the budget since Chris gave it to him.

3. Knox Box Keys-How many does each department have and where are they?

Pat Daniels was contacted by a school official and told that different organizations use the school. If the fire department is using the building for anything, they need to get a key from the office. Darrin Spaulding said that his department has 3 keys and he knows where they are located. Jeff Ingalls said the same thing. Pat Daniels mentioned that the knox box keys for any company are suppose to be used in an emergencies only.

4. WWVFD_New fire truck to replace Engine 3

Jeff Ingalls said that his department wants to wait till next year or have it as a separate ballot. The department has not really discussed it. Pat Daniels said that when WWVFD gets closer to an idea in regards to what they want, it should come to the Fire Commission to discuss it. They should look into something that could hold 1800 gallons.

Dan Boyer said that it should be a full penny on the ballot for the fire department reserve fund. Dave Fuller wanted to know when Ascutney would want a new one. Darrin Spaulding said in 5 years. Josh Dauphin said that if they switch to a tanker it could only hold 2 packs. There are not as many compartments on a tanker. They are looking at both tankers and engines.

Dave Fuller said that either one could use a tanker. They could buy a used wheeler and mount a tanker. They could get by with a used tanker versus a pumper. They need to get water at fires. Josh Dauphin said that you just can't have a tanker. You need a pumper to pump it.

Dave Fuller made a motion to increase it to a full penny for the reserve fun and have it as a separate article. Darrin Spaulding seconded it. All were unanimous.

5. Are Firefighter Stipends Considered Wages?-VLCT December Newsletter

Pat Daniels said that Steve Heir sent her a copy of this which is just informational since our fire department members do not get paid or receive a stipend.

10: Old Business

1. Hazardous Waste and Emergency Services Reimbursement Ordinances Adopted by Select Board on December 16, 2010.

Dave Fuller said that it should say what vehicles, not all other vehicles. Jim Mullen said that between now and February the Select Board could have an amendment to adjust the wording. Dave Fuller said that the fees can be amended with 25% of the fees going into the Town Reserve Account. This is our own rates, not the upper valley fees. There is no labor charge included. Jim Mullen said that you could only charge an hourly rate for police and Town highway personnel. Pat Daniels said that effect February 15, 2011, the Town will take over the billing.

Dave Fuller made a motion to make an amendment on page 8, under fire department vehicles, change all other vehicles to forestry trucks and request it to go before the Select Board at their next meeting. Dan Boyer seconded it. All were unanimous.

11: Next Meeting Agenda Items

Darrin Spaulding made a motion to not have a meeting in February and have the next meeting on March 2, 2011. Jeff Ingalls seconded it. All were unanimous.

12: Adjourn

Dave Fuller made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM. Darrin Spaulding seconded it. All were unanimous to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Diana Day