EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
JULY 3, 2025
The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District was called to order by Chairman James Schaefer at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners James Schaefer, Allyn Jackson, Stephen Gregory, Robert Despres and Edmund Densieski, Fire District Facilities Supervisor Dave Schaffauer, Medical Coordinator Brian Danowski, Chief Keith Phillips, First Assistant Chief Glenn Bullock, Treasurer Colleen Pearsall and Secretary Lorraine Gregory. Also in attendance were Department members Jennifer Mitchell and William Potter.
FIRE DISTRICT FACILITIES SUPERVISOR REPORT
See attached report.
Received information from the County that the five Triband portable and two portable radios have been programmed and should be received early next week.
No update on the grant program. Waiting to hear from the Federal government.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of one (1) M18 18-Volt Lithium-ion Output Starter Kit with two (2) 6.0 Ah Battery and Charger from Home Depot, at a cost of $299.00. Approved 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, authorizing the purchase of one (1) Havis Docking Station with rugged Table Case and Power Supply, one (1) Havis HD Telescoping Pole Gusset Base Short Handle and one (1) 11” Slide Out Locking Swing Arm w/Motion Adapter from LI Proliner, Inc., at a total cost of $1,624.40. Approved 5-0.
The proposal from Emergency Decon Services, Corp. for the cleaning and inspection of First Responder gear was tabled.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The Board reviewed the Quogue Fire Department’s Scott Paks inventory and AV3000 HT Masks that will be available for sale. Tabled pending review of our inventory.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Maintenance Report dated 6/1/25 to 7/3/25 submitted to the Board.
MEDICAL COORDINATOR REPORT
See attached report.
MATERIAL REQUESTS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Densieski, authorizing the purchase of the medical supplies requested from Bound Tree, at a total cost of $1,525.00. Approved 5-0.
REPORT DISCUSSION
Mr. Danowski advised the Board that he had no update on the CFR classes. The Board suggested that more people might respond to the CFR training classes if the schedule was changed to during the week and one Saturday a month.
CHIEF'S REPORT
See attached report.
REQUESTS
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregroy, authorizing the purchase of one (1) 300 Foot Spool of Webbing, at a cost ranging between $100.00 - $200.00. Approved 5-0.
2. A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Densieski, authorizing the purchase of twenty (20) Motorola Pager Batteries, at a cost ranging between $25.00 - $40.00 each. Approved 5-0.
3. Purchase of a replacement for 7-6-8 – Commissioner Schaefer advised the Chief that this is not in the 2025 Budget.
4. Full Time EMT coverage – Commissioner Schaefer stated that this will be included in the 2026 Budget discussions.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Commissioner Jackson stated that at least two Commissioners should be part of the Truck Committee.
ATTORNEY DISCUSSION
Mr. Glass was not in attendance.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregroy, approving the Minutes of the June 5, 2025 Regular Monthly Meeting. Approved 5-0.
TREASURER'S REPORT
The Treasurer advised the Board that she was working on the problems that Mr. Danowski is having with the NYS Retirement System.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Approved 5-0.
ABSTRACT OF BILLS
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, approving the Abstracts of Bills for the General Fund dated July 3, 2025 consisting of 20 checks totaling $104,212.41 and 22 checks totaling $90,226.20 dated June 19, 2025 and to authorize the transfer of $150,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 5-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was received including the following:
1. Letter from the Department regarding the probationary memberships of Christopher Fargiano, Aiden Utz and Andrew Miller in the Department and the resignation of Jenna Cichy
2. E-mail from Marlene Berne requesting use of the facility on September 13, 2025 on behalf of the Southampton Pines Homeowners Association
3. E-mail from Chief Phillips requesting a Certificate of Insurance for Holiday on Main
4. Copy of a letter sent to Tyler Davonski by McNeil & Co. requesting reimbursement of $324.84 which is an overpayment to him regarding his Workers’ Compensation
5. Memo from Jennifer Mitchell regarding the policy and use of PPE and her concern as to what happens to unused funds earmarked for equipment (Note: The memo was not sent to the Board directly by Ms. Mitchell. It was forwarded by Chief Phillips via e-mail.)
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Jackson reported on his meeting with Sand Pebble and their inspection of the Main Firehouse after the mold inspection was done. The vapor barrier between the walls and the stucco exterior is deficient. There needs to be a better operational AC system. The roof needs to be replaced. They estimate it will take at least one year to complete the repairs/replacement.
Commissioner Schaefer asked Chief Phillips for the status of the delinquent members who did not complete their physicals by the deadline. The Chief stated that there has been some improvement and that he will have more information next month.
The Secretary advised the Board that SCFDOA confirmed the date of the meeting that East Quogue will be hosting - November 19, 2026.
NEW BUSINESS
A brief discussion ensued regarding the dispatch problems we are having with Hampton Bays Dispatch. Evidently, Quogue is also having issues. Commissioner Gregory will contact Mr. Tortoresi and set up a meeting to discuss the problems. It was also suggested that a letter be sent to the Town Board regarding discrepancies in the dispatch system.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting the probationary memberships of Christopher Fargiano, Aiden Utz and Andrew Miller in the Department. Approved 5-0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting the resignation of Jenna Cichy pending the return of all District equipment issued to her. Approved 5-0.
Jennifer Mitchell’s memo was tabled.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, changing the date of the August 2025 Monthly Meeting from August 7 to August 4 and the October 2025 Monthly Meeting from October 2 to October 9. Approved 5-0.
A Workshop was scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
At 8:30 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 5-0.
Submitted by
Lorraine Gregory, Secretary
East Quogue Fire District’s House Attendant Report
To the Board of Fire Commissioners,
This is the attendant’s report for July 3, 2025, meeting including but not limited to:
- General Maintenance and building care.
- Updated the website For the District.
- Updated the sign.
- Rugged laptops for 16,17, and 80 are in. They came in without the touch screens. Fluid was in to correct a second screen. One screen is on backorder.
- The department website is updated. Greg Celi has been added as a user. New photos and other stuff have been posted to the website.
- 5 Triband portables and 2 mobile radios are in we have sent them to the county for programming.
- Green Earth Propane has placed new tanks for the LPG
- Hose testing has been completed we didn’t lose any hose.
- 7-6-12 is pack in service
- I have a quote for iPad dock and brackets for 12
- Pager batteries are in
- Mounted the officers’ tools on 761 and 8
- PM’s have been completed
- Ladder testing will be on July 10
- RPZ inspection will be July 24
Topics for discussion:
Pack updates: We have 44 bottles we can sell for $275.each
We have 6 2007 edition Scott Pack’s $500.each
We have 4 2002 edition Scott Pack’s $200. Each
We have 13 1997 edition Scott Pack's $ Make an offer
We have a few brand new AV3000 HT masks, random sizes, $500 and we will give you all the used masks.
Chiefs Report
July District Request
- 300 ft spool of Webbing: We are currently out of utility webbing, a critical multipurpose resource for both fireground and rescue operations. Webbing is an essential and inexpensive tool used to assist in tasks such as, victim drags and rescues, emergency harness construction, securing hose lines, equipment stabilization, Improvised hoisting systems, and RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) operations. A 300ft spool allows personnel to custom cut webbing lengths appropriate for specific tasks.
Cost: $100-$200
Requested by: Capt. Horowitz
- 2 radio staps: Each ambulance is assigned at least one portable radio for communications during EMS calls, interagency coordination, and scene management. Currently, the absence of designated carrying straps limits crew members’ ability to safely and securely carry radios while performing hands-on tasks, particularly during patient care or transport. Purchasing one radio strap per ambulance ensures the radio remains accessible, secured, and protected during operations. This reduces the risk of damage, accidental drops, or loss, and enhances responder efficiency and communication reliability during critical incidents.
Cost: $20-$30 each
Requested by: Lt. Frank
- Replacement of 7-6-8 : 7-6-8 assigned to Headquarters has surpassed its recommended replacement interval (27 years old). Continued reliance on this aging apparatus introduces growing concerns regarding mechanical reliability, safety, and rising maintenance costs. Maintenance and part replacement expenditures have grown annually, making continued upkeep fiscally inefficient. 7-6-8 lacks modern safety and ergonomic enhancements designed to protect firefighters during operations and transport.
New “custom” pumpers are taking 3-4 years to buid. I have attached a sketch of an upcoming delivery that Firematic has coming in for October. This and several other rigs will be available and can be in house within 6 months. Minor modifications can be made as well as tool mounting / fabrication of brackets at Firematic. If approved, we could have a committee review the specs and make decisions on set up.
Cost: TBD
Requested by: Assistant Chief Gregory
Discussion / Request
Full time EMT coverage: Our district has experienced consistent call volumes, with a significant portion being medical in nature, often during overnight and off-peak hours when volunteers are light. We currently have a low number of volunteers who are certified as an EMT. On calls when the duty paramedic is forced to handle a Basic Life Support (BLS) call, this takes our Advance Life support (ALS) provider away from the district until he or she returns to district.
Requested by: Assistant Chief Gregory
Respectfully Submitted,
Keith Phillips