EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
JULY 2, 2020
The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District was called to order by Chairman Allyn Jackson at 7:30 p.m. Present were Commissioners Allyn Jackson, James Schaefer and Stephen Gregory, Chief Scott Flynn and Secretary Lorraine Gregory.
Note: This meeting is being kept to a minimum attendance due to the pandemic
FIREHOUSE ATTENDANT REPORT
Mr. Schaffauer not required to attend the meeting.
See attached report.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, accepting the proposal from Barnwell House of Tires, Inc. for the replacement of the ten (10) tires on 7-6-11, at a cost of $5,592.28. Approved 3-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Approved.
2. To be discussed in conjunction with the EMS Report.
EMS REPORT
Mr. Patel not required to attend the meeting.
See attached report.
STAFF REPORT
1. Noted.
2. Noted.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to hire two additional On Call First Responders. Approved 3-0.
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
1. A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, authorizing the purchase of the medical supplies requested, at a total cost of $820.41 (Hammer Medical - $682.35, Zoll Medical - $169.60, BoundTree - $66.49). Approved 3-0.
2. Noted.
3. Tabled. Commissioner Jackson will look into this further.
4. A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, approving the purchase of WeatherTech floor mats for 7-6-80, at a cost of $169.90. Approved 3-0.
MAINTENANCE REPORT
Work Order Report dated 6/1/20 to 6/30/20 was submitted to the Board.
CHIEF'S REPORT
See attached report.
REQUESTS
1. For the time being, the gear will continue to be taken to the Hampton Bays Fire Department for cleaning. The Chief was requested to search for private companies that do this service.
2. A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Schaefer, accepting the proposal from Nautical Flag & Flagpole for a new customized 15’ x 25’ US Touch-Tex Flag with accessories for 7-6-11, at a cost of $1,377.60. Approved 3-0.
3. Tabled. Commissioner Jackson will look into new cell phone service. Commissioner Gregory stated that the District has been very liberal with supplying the members with electronics and would like to see the membership make more use of what has been made available to them.
4. Commissioner Schaefer stated that adding two full-time Paramedics would be a strain on the budget and the District would definitely pierce the tax cap again to cover the salaries, vacation pay and benefits that are required to be offered to full-time employees. He also feels that the call volume does not warrant the need for additional full-timers.
5. Written proposal requested by the Board.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Commissioner Jackson suggested that the written point sheets, as well as the thumb reader, be used at least through July and, if there are no issues, then discontinue the sheets. Chief Flynn advised the Board that most of the reports are done through Red Alert.
2. Commissioner Schaefer advised the Board that, if other agencies are involved in our dispatch, we cannot do away with the 19’s.
3. Commissioner Schaefer will contact NDI regarding the physical exam schedule. There are two potential new members that need physicals, as well as several members.
ATTORNEY DISCUSSION
Mr. Glass not in attendance.
The Board decided to allow the Department meeting to be held in the Meeting Room with the chairs spread out for social distancing. Until we hear further from the County, no more than ten (10) members may be in the Firemen’s Room at one time.
Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that he spoke with Mr. Glass regarding the recent ambulance incident at the East Quogue Pizza Deli and the request from a police officer for statements from two of the Department members that were at the call. Evidently, an officer was injured by the patient while in the District’s ambulance. Mr. Glass advised that, however a member gets the request, they cannot be forced to make a statement. The Chief stated that he suggested the members prepare a statement, present it to the Board and then forward it to Mr. Glass for review.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, accepting the Minutes of the June 4, 2020 Regular Monthly Meeting. Approved 3-0.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mrs. Pearsall not in attendance. The Secretary presented the Treasurer’s Report.
1. Reminder for the Board to review and approve the 2019 Financial Statement prepared by Jones, Little & Co.
2. Received a refund check from McNeil, in the amount of $212.38, for the removal of the 2005 Starr Trailer from the insurance policy.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, approving the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Approved 3-0.
ABSTRACT OF BILLS
A motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, approving the Abstract of Bills for the General Fund consisting of 32 checks totaling $56,825.39 and to authorize the transfer of $50,000.00 from the Money Market to the Checking Account. Approved 3-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
An e-mail/Bulletin was received from Mr. Glass regarding LOSAP Relief and the NY Forward Safety Plan.
OLD BUSINESS
Regarding the proposal from Dennis Kenter of Relay Communications and the service contract with ELI, Commissioner Jackson suggested staying with ELI until the siren project is completed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, authorizing the purchase of eight (8) personal lockers for the On Call First Responders, at a total cost of $1,200.00. Approved 3-0.
Commissioner Schaefer advised the Board that he will be attending the AFDSNY upcoming conference in Niagara Falls.
Chief Flynn will contact the Antique Truck Committee for an update on the vehicle and will prepare a written report to the Board.
Commissioner Jackson advised the Board that Chesterfield looked at the pole to see what can be done to install the new siren, including, possibly, adding on to the existing pole.
NEW BUSINESS
With regard to Mr. Glass’ e-mail/Bulletin referring to the LOSAP Relief, Commissioner Schaefer stated that the District is not obligated to give the LOSAP points and suggested that, at the end of the year, the Board evaluate each member to see if they deserve the points. Members who are not active or behind in their points should not be rewarded. This will be discussed further at the upcoming workshop.
Commissioner Jackson suggested discussing, at a workshop, the renovations at Station 2 proposed by SandPebble.
A workshop was scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. (Note: Workshop cancelled.)
At 9:10 p.m., there being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Schaefer, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to adjourn the meeting. Approved 3-0.
Submitted by
Lorraine Gregory, Secretary