Organizational Meeting January 2026

EAST QUOGUE FIRE DISTRICT

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

JANUARY 2, 2026

 

 

The Organizational Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District was called to order by Secretary Lorraine Gregory, at 6:30 p.m.  Present were Commissioners Allyn Jackson, Stephen Gregory, Edmund Densieski and Robert Despres, Fire District Facilities Supervisor Dave Schaffauer, Medical Coordinator Brian Danowski and Secretary Lorraine Gregory.

 

 

Nominations for Chairman were called.  Commissioner Stephen Gregory was nominated for Chairman by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Densieski.  Approved 3-0.  Recused – Commissioner Gregory.

There being no further nominations for Chairman, a motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Densieski, closing the nominations.  Approved 4-0.

Nominations for Vice-Chairman were called.  Commissioner Allyn Jackson was nominated for Vice-Chairman by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Densieski.  Approved 3-0.  Recused 1 – Commissioner Jackson.

There being further nominations for Vice-Chairman, a motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Densieski, closing the nominations.  Approved 4-0.

Vice-Chairman Allyn Jackson took charge of the meeting and called for the appointment of Lorraine Gregory as District Secretary for the term of one (1) year with a monthly retainer of $1,733.00.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-01.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to appoint Lorraine Gregory as District Secretary for the term of one (1) year with a monthly retainer of $1,733.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Densieski, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting adoption of Resolution 2026-01.  Approved 3-0.  Recused 1 - Commissioner Gregory.

Secretary Lorraine Gregory will sign the Oath of Office in the presence of a Notary Public and will forward it to the Town Clerk.

Chairman Stephen Gregory took charge of the meeting and called for the appointment of Jenine Oudeans as District Treasurer and Human Resources Officer for the term of one (1) year with a monthly retainer of $1,833.00.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-02.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to appoint Jenine Oudeans as District Treasurer and Human Resources Officer for the term of one (1) year with a monthly retainer of $1,833.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting adoption of Resolution 2026-02.  Approved 3-0.  Recused 1 – Commissioner Densieski.

Treasurer/Human Resources Officer Jenine Oudeans will be asked to sign the Oath of Office in the presence of a Notary Public and will give it to the Secretary for forwarding to the Town Clerk.

Chairman Gregory placed in the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting the notification of the meeting that was sent to the media.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Despres, appointing William F. Glass, Jr., Esq., as the Attorney for the District.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-03.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to appoint William F. Glass, Jr., Esq. as the Attorney for the District with an annual retainer of $6,960.00 for services outlined in Retainer Agreement – Legal

Services (billed in twelve monthly installments of $580.00 each), an hourly rate of $300.00 (billed in ¼ hour increments) for services outlined in Retainer Agreement – Legal Services Section IV and reimbursement of no more or less than $250.00 which is 1/22 of his actual and necessary expenses in connection with his attendance at the two annual meetings of the AFDSNY and the annual meeting of the NFPA.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting the “Southampton Press - Western Edition” as the official District newspaper.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-04.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to accept the “Southampton Press - Western Edition” as the official District newspaper.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, accepting Dime Bank as the depository for the District and that Jenine Oudeans, as Treasurer, be designated as the sole official to sign checks for the District.  Approved 3-0.  Recused 1 – Commissioner Densieski.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-05.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to accept Dime Bank as the depository for the District and that Jenine Oudeans, as Treasurer, be designated as the sole official to sign checks for the District.

A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, authorizing that, checks written for payments in the amount of $5,000.00 or more, be signed by both the Treasurer, Jenine Oudeans, and in her absence, by the Secretary, Lorraine Gregory and the Chairman of the Board, Stephen Gregory, and in the Chairman’s absence, by Commissioner Edmund Densieski.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-06.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to authorize that, checks written for payments in the amount of $5,000.00 or more, be signed by both the Treasurer, Jenine Oudeans, and in her absence, by the Secretary, Lorraine Gregory and the Chairman of the Board, Stephen Gregory, and in the Chairman’s absence, by Commissioner Edmund Densieski.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, designating that the 2026 Monthly Meetings of the East Quogue Fire District will be held at the East Quogue Firehouse on the first Thursday of the month, at 7:00 p.m.  The Budget Hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.  Immediately following the Budget Hearing, there will be a Special Meeting to adopt the 2027 Budget.  The Year-End Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  Workshops will be held on the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  Approved 4-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, approving the renewal of the Surety Bond covering the Treasurer in the amount of $2,500,000.00.  Approved 4-0

A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to participate in the membership of the following organizations:

Association of Fire Districts State of New York

FDIC

International Chiefs Association

New York State Chiefs Association

Southampton Town Fire District Association

Suffolk County Fire Districts Association                                                      Approved 4-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Despres, approving Department membership in the following organizations:

Fire Chiefs Council of Suffolk County

New York State Chiefs Association

Southampton Town Chiefs Council

Southampton Town EMS

Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Association

South Fork Fire Police Association

Volunteer Police Association State of New York                                          Approved 4-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, that the following committees be in effect:

HOUSE

All Commissioners as listed.

Website  -  Allyn Jackson, Robert Despres

Key System  -  Edmund Densieski, Theodore Jankowski

Dinner Dance  - Allyn Jackson, Stephen Gregory

ID Cards  -  Edmund Densieski, Theodore Jankowski

Room Requests  -  Allyn Jackson, Stephen Gregory

PURCHASING

Firematic Equipment and Supplies  -  Stephen Gregory, Edmund Densieski

Medical Equipment and Supplies  -  Robert Despres, Theodore Jankowski, Brian Danowski

Electronic Equipment and Supplies  -  Stephen Gregory, Edmund Densieski

Uniforms  -  Stephen Gregory, Robert Despres

Misc. Supplies  -  Stephen Gregory, Allyn Jackson

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Apparatus and Automotive  -  Edmund Densieski, Theodore Jankowski, Fire District Facilities Supervisor

Firematic Equipment and Tools  -  Stephen Gregory, Theodore Jankowski

EMS Equipment  -  Robert Despres, Theodore Jankowski, Brian Danowski

Buildings  -  Stephen Gregory, Allyn Jackson, Edmund Densieski

Grounds  -  Stephen Gregory, Edmund Densieski, Robert Despres

AUDITING

Stephen Gregory, Chairman

Jenine Oudeans, Treasurer

Robert Despres, Commissioner

SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM

Allyn Jackson

Robert Despres

Theodore Jankowski

EMPLOYEE AND DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP WELFARE  -  Department Physicals, Physical Fitness Program, Workmen’s Compensation, VFBL

Allyn Jackson

Robert Despres

Theodore Jankowski

NEW APPARATUS PURCHASING

All Commissioners

Two Commissioners on the Truck Committee

FIREHOUSE DISTRICT FACILITIES SUPERVISOR AND PART-TIME CUSTODIAN  -  Supervisory and Evaluation Review

Stephen Gregory

Robert Despres

OFFICE PERSONNEL  -  Supervisory and Evaluation Review

Allyn Jackson

Stephen Gregory

FIRST RESPONDER PROGRAM  -  Supervisory and Evaluation Review

Stephen Gregory

Theodore Jankowski

Brian Danowski

INSURANCE POLICY AND ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Allyn Jackson

Robert Despres

Edmund Densieski

MAJOR CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Gregory

Robert Despres

Edmund Densieski

GRANTS

David Schaffauer

Robert Despres

Theodore Jankowski                                                                                       Approved 4-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, to retain David Schaffauer as Fire District Facilities Supervisor, at an hourly rate of $39.00 and to include 20% of the health insurance family plan of $37,577.04 currently being paid by the District for the Full Time Medical Coordinator which amounts to $289.05 per bi-weekly pay period.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-07.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain David Schaffauer as Fire District Facilities Supervisor, at an hourly rate of $39.00 and to include 20% of the health insurance family plan of $37,577.04 currently being paid by the District for the Full Time Medical Coordinator which amounts to $289.05 per bi-weekly pay period.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to retain John C. Ryckman as Part Time Custodian, at an hourly rate of $27.00.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-08.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain Jack Ryckman as Part Time Custodian, at an hourly rate of $27.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner Despres, to retain Brian Danowski as Full Time Medical Coordinator, at an hourly rate of $45.00 and to include health insurance.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-09.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain Brian Danowski as Full Time Medical Coordinator, at an hourly rate of $45.00 and to include health insurance.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory to retain Jeff Corazzini as Assistant Full Time Medical Coordinator, at an hourly rate of $39.00 and to include health insurance.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-10.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain Jeff Corazzini as Assistant Full Time Medical Coordinator, at an hourly rate of $39.00 and to include health insurance.

A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, to retain Michael Boucher as Assistant Full Time Medical Coordinator, at an hourly rate of $39.00 and to include 20% of the health insurance family plan of $37,577.04 currently being paid by the District for the Full Time Medical Coordinator which amounts to $289.05 per bi-weekly pay period.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-11.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain Michael Boucher as Assistant Full Time Medical Coordinator, at an hourly rate of $39.00 and to include 20% of the health insurance family plan of $37,577.04 currently being paid by the District for the Full Time Medical Coordinator which amounts to $289.05 per bi-weekly pay period.

A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to retain the present roster of On Call Paramedics, at an hourly rate of $35.00 and the present roster of On Call Basic EMT’s, at an hourly rate of $28.00   New hires will be paid an hourly rate of $25.00 and, after six (6) months probation, the hourly rate will be increased to $26.00.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-12.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain. the present roster of On Call Paramedics, at an hourly rate of $35.00 and the present roster of On Call Basic EMT’s, at an hourly rate of $28.00   New hires will be paid an hourly rate of $25.00 and, after six (6) months probation, the hourly rate will be increased to $26.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to retain part time labor for the performance of miscellaneous incidental work, at an hourly rate of $25.00.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-13.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to retain part time labor for the performance of miscellaneous incidental work, at an hourly rate of $25.00.

At this point, the Board authorized the Treasurer to file a copy of the Annual Report to the Department of Audit and Control within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year (March 1, 2026) and to submit same to the Board.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to reaffirm the East Quogue Fire District Policy and Procedures Manual, adopted January 3, 2019. containing the following:

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

            DA-001           Alcohol Policy (Use and Distribution of)

            DA-002           Public Access to Records (FOIL)      

            DA-003           Military Leave Policy

            DA-004           Driver Training and Response Policy (formerly DO-012)

            DA-005           Cell Phone Policy (Issuance and Use of)

            DA-006           Code of Ethics

            DA-007           Credit Card Policy

            DA-008           Conduct of Elections Policy

            DA-009           Social Media Policy

            DA-010           Classification of Firefighters Policy

            DA-011           Medical Leave Policy

            DA-012           Procurement Policy

            DA-013           Progressive Discipline Policy

            DA-014           Public Comment at Meetings Policy

            DA-015           Travel Expense Policy

            DA-016           Workplace Harassment Policy

            DA-017           Investment Policy

            DA-018           Fixed Assets Policy

            DA-019           Inspection Dinner Policy

            DA-020           Use of Chiefs’ Vehicles Policy

            DA-021           Meals and Refreshments Policy

DA-022           Uniform Guidelines For Determining The Responsibility of            Bidders

            DA-023           Defense and Indemnification of Fire District Officers Policy

            DA-024           Records Retention Policy

            DA-025           Substance Abuse Policy

            DA-026           Seat Belt Use Policy

            DA-027           Fund Balance Policy

            DA-028           Privacy Breach Notification Policy

DA-030           Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Form For Reporting Sexual Harassment

DA-031           Use of Facility Policy

DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

            DO-001           Organizational Statement

            DO-002           Health and Safety Plan Policy

            DO-003           Risk Management Plan Policy

            DO-004           Accident/Injury Investigation Policy

            DO-005           Infectious Disease Control Policy

            DO-006           Workplace Violence Policy

            DO-007           Incident Rehabilitation Policy

            DO-008           Emergency Escape/Self  Rescue Policy

            DO-009           Firefighter Qualification Policy

            DO-010           Child Abuse Report Policy

            DO-011           Respiratory Protection Policy

                                                                                                            Approved 4-0.

2025-14.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to reaffirm the East Quogue Fire District Policy and Procedures Manual, adopted January 3, 2019, containing the following:

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

            DA-001           Alcohol Policy (Use and Distribution of)

            DA-002           Public Access to Records (FOIL)      

            DA-003           Military Leave Policy

            DA-004           Driver Training and Response Policy (formerly DO-012)

            DA-005           Cell Phone Policy (Issuance and Use of)

            DA-006           Code of Ethics

            DA-007           Credit Card Policy

            DA-008           Conduct of Elections Policy

            DA-009           Social Media Policy

            DA-010           Classification of Firefighters Policy

            DA-011           Medical Leave Policy

            DA-012           Procurement Policy

            DA-013           Progressive Discipline Policy

            DA-014           Public Comment at Meetings Policy

            DA-015           Travel Expense Policy

            DA-016           Workplace Harassment Policy

            DA-017           Investment Policy

            DA-018           Fixed Assets Policy

            DA-019           Inspection Dinner Policy

            DA-020           Use of Chiefs’ Vehicles Policy

            DA-021           Meals and Refreshments Policy

DA-022           Uniform Guidelines For Determining The Responsibility of            Bidders

            DA-023           Defense and Indemnification of Fire District Officers Policy

            DA-024           Records Retention Policy

            DA-025           Substance Abuse Policy

            DA-026           Seat Belt Use Policy

            DA-027           Fund Balance Policy

            DA-028           Privacy Breach Notification Policy

DA-030           Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Form For Reporting Sexual Harassment

            DA-031           Use of Facility Policy

DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

            DO-001           Organizational Statement

            DO-002           Health and Safety Plan Policy

            DO-003           Risk Management Plan Policy

            DO-004           Accident/Injury Investigation Policy

            DO-005           Infectious Disease Control Policy

            DO-006           Workplace Violence Policy

            DO-007           Incident Rehabilitation Policy

            DO-008           Emergency Escape/Self  Rescue Policy

            DO-009           Firefighter Qualification Policy

            DO-010           Child Abuse Report Policy

            DO-011           Respiratory Protection Policy                         Approved 4-0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, to reaffirm the East Quogue Fire District Employee Handbook, dated February 2, 2023 and revised on August 3, 2023.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-15.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to reaffirm the East Quogue Fire District Employee Handbook, dated February 2, 2023 and revised on August 3, 2023.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, reestablishing the following Capital Reserve Funds:

Building & Grounds Reserve Fund (Generic)

Apparatus & Equipment Reserve Fund (Generic)

                        Communications Reserve Fund (Generic)

                                                                                                            Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-16.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to reestablish the following Capital Reserve Funds:

                        Building & Grounds Reserve Fund (Generic)

Apparatus & Equipment Reserve Fund (Generic)

                        Communications Reserve Fund (Generic)

A motion was made by Commissioner Jackson, seconded by Commissioner Gregory, reaffirming the Financial Reporting Requirements of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 54.  Approved 4-0.

A resolution was drawn up and states as follows:

2026-17.  The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Quogue Fire District hereby resolve to reaffirm the Financial Reporting Requirements of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 54 now in effect. 

At 7:08 p.m., there being no further business for the Organizational Meeting, a motion was made by Commissioner Despres, seconded by Commissioner Jackson, to adjourn the meeting.  Approved 4-0.

Submitted by:

Lorraine Gregory, Secretary