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