Month: November 2011

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, September 16, 2010
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1300 hours by Commissioner Field and Commissioner B. Nailor. Also in attendance: Treasurer/clerk Agnes Murray, Amy Kates, Cindy Gardner, Ruth Pierce, Barbara Tressier, Bill Tressier, Lieutenant Joseph Pouliot, FF Jayne Pierce, FF John Amento.

Fire Commissioner Field made the motion to accept the meeting minutes for August Fire Commissioners meeting, Seconded by Fire Commissioner Nailor.

Public Comments: Copy of the minutes that were just approved
Training and college reimbursement comments were made
Gym memberships question and question on our own Gym equipment
Question on how many employee are taken advantage of the educational opportunities
Question on executive meets not available

Recording- one district member recording and the Fire District

Fire Chief Report:
• Activity Reports
• Fire House
• Troop 52 presentation of American Hero Flags to Cotuit Fire
• Wellness and Fitness program with Cape Cod Municipal Health
Old Business:
• Budget- 16% Labor and Salaries spent, 28% of the operational budget spent, Fire Chief is concerned that employees are not working making overtime increases as well as the call department
• Paying call firefighters bi-monthly instead of monthly
• Fire Commissioner Field made a motion to place every employee on the same pay scheduled, seconded by Fire Commissioner Nailor, motion carried.
New Business:
• Truck Committee- needs to meet for a visit to Falmouth Fire
• Personnel Protective Equipment- Lieutenant Pouliot completing grant, Full time department requires two sets of gear and the call department receives one set.
• Fitness/Wellness Grant- Chief will work on grant
• Training reimbursement- Training reimbursement sheet to fill out needs to be changed does not go along with the Union contract.
• Contract language regarding training reimbursement was discussed in reference to taking and receiving reimbursement.
• Other Health careers do not offer
• Freedom Hall- Prudential Members asking Fire Department to take over certain responsibilities, obligations were reviewed
• Fire Commissioner Field closed Fire Commissioners meeting with executive session not needed

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, August 19, 2010
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1303 hours by Commissioner Mycock, Field and Commissioner B. Nailor. Also in attendance: Treasurer/clerk Agnes Murray, Prudential Committee Member King Lowe, Amy Kates, Cindy Gardner, Carol Olsen, Ruth Pierce, Barbara Tressier, Bill Tressier, Bennet Dotridge, Don Campbell, Lieutenant J. Pouliot, FF J.Amento

Recording- one district member recording and the Fire District
Public Comment: requesting for a box outside the door for postings
District member giving a letter to the Fire Commissioners
District member asking about changing the meeting times from day to night
Prudential Committee Chairperson- If the Fire Department would entertain taking over care of Freedom Hall.
Fourth of July was a success, “Thank you” to all our personnel that came
Strawberry Festival- success and “Thank you”
Cotuit Mosquito Yacht club- Safety talk was well received, patches from Cotuit Fire Rescue Department were given on a job well done for the rescue incident
Dinning/Kitchen completed, painting from FF, Job well done with our “Thanks”
South Shore Generator- completed
Old Business:
• Budget- 98% Labor and Salaries spent, 77 % of the operational budget spent
• Fire Hose Replacement- ordered
New Business:
• Truck Committee- need to meet Falmouth Fire in September
• Activity Reports- need to supply copies to the Board of Fire Commissioners
• Personnel Protective Equipment- Lieutenant Pouliot completing grant
• Fitness/Wellness Grant- Chief will complete grant
• Safety Grant- Chief will complete grant
• Training reimbursement: Masters Program
• FF requesting reimbursement for two year Masters program degree
• Fire Chief approved $480.00 last year in error and was disciplined from the Board of Fire Commissioners, it clearly states that the Fire Chief approves courses and classes but the reimbursement is the authorization of the Board of Fire Commissioners according to the Union Contract
• Commissioner Field- motion made to deny FF request for reimbursement for two year Masters Program courses, seconded by Commissioner Nailor- motion voted upon and passed.
• Commissioner Field questioning if $480.00 given to FF for last year reimbursement shall the Board request monies back for such, Chairperson Mycock stating “no”, not at this time.
• Motion made by Chairperson Mycock to go into executive session for the purpose of step two grievance process, motion seconded by Commissioner Nailor, voted upon and passed.
• Out of executive session, meeting reconvened.
• Fire Commissioner Mycock, motion – Board of Fire Commissioners denied request for step two grievance and moves to arbitration if Union so desires, seconded by Commissioner Field – motion voted upon passed.
• Motion made by Chairperson Mycock to adjourn Fire Commissioners meeting, seconded voted upon and passed.
Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, July 22, 2010
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1257 hours by Commissioner Field and Commissioner B. Nailor. Also in attendance: Treasurer/clerk Agnes Murray, Prudential Committee Member Amy Kates, Cindy Gardner, Jessica Garsetti, Carol Olsen, Ruth Pierce, Barbara Tressier, Bill Tressier, Bennet Dotridge, Don Campbell, Lieutenant J. Pouliot, FF J.Amento

Fire Commissioner (FC) Field and Nailor reviewed and approval of any previous meeting minutes
Motion made by FC Field to accept minutes of June 2010
Motion seconded by FC Nailor, motion carried.

FC Field announced at beginning of Fire Commissioners meeting will be abbreviated do to FC Mycock and Fire Chief Olsen is in Civil Court proceedings.

Public Comments:

District member stating and asking about the open meeting laws about posting 24/7 where will the 24/7 posting be, why is the minutes posted at the Post Office different then what the Fire Commissioners presented? At the Annual Meeting we voted for four new call firefighters, what is happening with that?
District member asking about how many places the agenda and minutes of the meeting needs to be posted?

Chief’s Report:

No Chief’s Report, will be carried over to next scheduled Fire Commissioners meeting in August 19, 2010

Old Business:

Motion made by FC Field- Fire Chief’s report, will be carried over to the next Scheduled Fire Commissioners meeting on August 19, 2010, also closing this meeting, no need of executive session.
Motion seconded by FC Nailor, motion carried

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, June 17, 2010
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1303 hours by Commissioner Mycock,Commissioner Field and Commissioner B. Nailor. Also in attendance: Ruth Pierce, Barbara Tressier, Bill Tressier, Ken Elliot, Bennet Dotridge, Don Campbell, Attorney M. Bourdou, Fire Chief C.Olsen, Lieutenant W. Sargent, FF J.Amento

May monthly meeting was CANCELLED until after district annual meeting.

Fire Commissioner (FC) Mycock welcomes all and states we need to review the minutes of last meeting

Motion made by FC Mycock to accept minutes of last meeting:
Motion was seconded
Motioned carried

FC Mycock discussed Public Comments- no time limit, FC do not have to respond to questions, after Public comments made the balance of meeting will be old and new business only.

Public Comments:
District member asking: posting at Post Office- need to be posted two to four weeks in advanced.
District member asking: Recommend a change of time to Fire Commissioners meetings. “That way the working man can come to the meetings”
District member: Last Annual District Meeting – wanted to let the Public Officials that they all do a great job and appreciates all what they do and wanted to say “thank you” to all Public Officials
District member: seconded last public comment
FC Mycock asking if anybody else wanted to make Public comment: seeing none, closed public comment.

Chief’s Report:

Completed warrants for FY11- at Annual District meeting- out of 31 articles 23 passed, 3 changed and passed, 1 failed and 4 withdraw.
Fire House (FH) Software working well
FH EMS software at this time is not an option, looking into three others: Ambupro, Imagine Trend and Zoll
One Officers evaluation needs to be completed
110 Vineyard – Donation from the Connors, very much appreciated, Thank you letter went our on behalf of the Fire Department and Firefighters Association

Old Business:

FC Mycock asking: How are we doing with the budget?
Fire Chief answering we have spent eighty-nine percent of the Labor and sallies portion of the budget since the end of May, we have one month left
Sixty-one percent for the operational portion of the budget
FC Field asked if we followed up with District member for the thermal imaging camera
Fire Chief answering with a yes
Generator completed all monies spent and within budget for line item
Truck Committee: visited Sandwich Fire and scheduling in near future to visit Falmouth Fire
FC Mycock made comments to the public about truck committee telling the public that the District is about three to five years out before new apparatus purchase
FC Field asking who is on marine committee, Chief C. Olsen, Lieutenant W. Sargent, and FF T. Anderson
FC Field stated if we can receive funds for the old generator that would be a plus
Motion Made by FC Mycock to have the Fire Chief to follow M.G.L under procurement laws accordingly
Motion seconded
Motion carried.

New Business:

FC Mycock discussed to elect a Chairperson for the Board of Fire Commissioners
Motion Made by FC Field to nominate FC Mycock as Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners
Seconded by FC Nailor
Motioned carried.

Fire Department is up twenty-six incidents from last year
FC Mycock asked does this number have to do with Mashpee Fire Department, Fire Chief Olsen answered that it does as well as Cotuit Fire District has been increasing in incidents throughout the years
Review of Fire Chief’s Contract
Motion made by FC Mycock to extend the Fire Chief’s contract as it exist for three additional years totaling the Fire Chief Contract for six years
FC Field seconded
District member stating is the Chief happy with this? Fire Chief answered “yes” “thank you”
District member stating why seek an extension on the Chief’s contract prior to the last year, FC Mycock answered to secure the Fire Chief’s services. It was a very costly process
District member stating Chief has done a great job; I think we should award him
District member seconded last comment
District member Fire Chief relocated his family and is building a house in Cotuit, I think we owe the Fire Chief the security
Fire Commissioner voted unanimously on the motion, motion carried

Fire Hose replacement for Engine 265

Requesting Lt. Pouliot to looking into grants for self contained breathing apparatus and personal protective equipment

Fire Chief applying for a fitness and wellness grant

FC Mycock requested FF John Amento to ask the Union to send a letter to the Board of Fire Commissioners to start the process of negotiations

District member asked to see if the Board received a letter
FC Mycock answered “yes, it will be in the mail within a couple of days”

FC Mycock states the next part of this meeting will be with Attorney Boudreau for a seminar for open meeting laws, all present welcome to sit and observe, you won’t be able to ask questions this is for the officials only.

Attorney Mark Boudreau gave seminar of the new open meeting laws to the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Fire Chief, which will be in effect 7/1/10; also went over previous open meeting laws to clarify any concerns questions and comments

Attorney Boudreau will be giving the same seminar to the Water Department and Prudential Committee Members in the near future

Motion made by FC Mycock to adjourn Fire Commissioners meeting stating no more business, no executive session
FC Field seconded
Motion carried

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, July 21, 2011
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1300hours by Fire Commissioner Mycock, Fire Commissioner Field, and Fire Commissioner Nailor.
Fire Commissioner Mycock read the requirements of open meeting law information
Recording- Amy Kates
Public Comments:
• Did the Fire Chief have to go to the State Fire Academy
• Copy of letter that union has for personnel that did not or chose not to go to the State Fire Academy
• April Documents from Fire Chief for personnel shift work
• Health benefits and Delta Dental plan- open enrollment needs to be communicated to all personnel when it happens
• Getting grades from Anna Maria College on-line no issue

Fire Chief’s Report:
• Monthly activities no report- FH software is down
• Four positions open for Call Firefighter
• Call Firefighter Douglas Williamson passed his EMT-Paramedic certification and completed the Fire Academy requirements. Job Well Done!
• Lieutenant McNamara working with both new Call Firefighters in the orientation process

Old Business:
Budget:
• 95% of the salaries have been spent-final report
• 87% of the operational budget has been spent-still reconciling balance
• Legal fees are paid up to date
• Comstar report: June 2011 $30, 485.00 to $ 45, 000.00 gross per month, the District nets approximately $17, 000.00 per month

New Business:

Massachusetts Firefighting Academy has accepted Firefighter Shane Clark’s application to attend the fifteen week Firefighting Academy. We are proud and glad to have Firefighter Shane Clark in our family at Cotuit Fire.
Retirement board:
• How much contribution Cotuit Fire District pay for their employees? Need to review the numbers?

Union negotiation been completed, job well done by the Union, and THANK YOU!

Administrative Assistance stated the following for the record: The last week meeting between Fire Commissioner Mycock and Fire Chief Olsen was an informal meeting and that all discussion is to be confidential, FC Mycock agreed.
Fire Commissioner Mycock made a motion to go into executive session for the purpose to discuss the Administrative Assistance position with Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Olsen, seconded by FC Nailor, motion approved. We will be going into executive session and will not reconvene to public session.

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, September 15, 2011
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.
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The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1304hours by Fire Commissioner Mycock, and Fire Commissioner Nailor.
Fire Commissioner Field was available to make Fire Commissioners meeting.
Recording- Cindy Gardner, Barbara Trainor- Tessier
Fire Commissioners Comments:
• May 19th 2011 need to wait to approve at a later date, on counsel advise
• June 16th 2011 approved
• July 21st 2011 motioned made by Fire Commissioner Mycock to accept July 21st 2011 minutes, seconded by FC Nailor, motion carried
• July 21st 2011 motioned made by Fire Commissioner Mycock to accept July 21st 2011 executive minutes, seconded by Fire Commissioner Nailor, motioned carried
• May 19th 2011 and August 12th minutes still need to be approved at a later date, again on counsel advise
Public Comments:
• Concern with Fire Fighter not being able to respond back to call back
• Copies of minutes need to be ready in time allotted
• Minutes shall be received when requested by the District Clerk
• Question on Fire Commissioner fined by Judge Woodlock, seek the courts to retrieve information and answer.
• Minutes can be given early has long as you have DRAFT written on them

Fire Chief’s Report:
• Monthly activities no report, will provide three months worth
• Call Firefighter process is ongoing

Old Business:
Budget:
• 12% of the salaries have been spent
• 38% of the operational budget has been spent
• Appropriations- working with Treasurer to complete and close out some of the appropriations
• Comstar report: waiting for response
• Union contract has been completed, waiting for all committee members to receive the signed versions
New Business:
• Personnel/staffing sub-committee to be formed- verbal request to study additional full time members
• Fire Commissioner Mycock stating to make a three person sub-committee first, to come back to the Fire Commissioners with a report on how to move forward with the process of studying the need for additional full time members and to establish the full sub-committee
• Sub-committee to meet at the Fire Station 64 High Street, Cotuit, MA 02635 on October 06, 2011 at 1300hours(1:00p.m.)
• Sign for posting- requesting permission to move forward with the process, to speak to the Prudential Committee with there thoughts
• ISO Rating is in the process for Cotuit Fire Rescue Department

Fire Commissioner Mycock asking if any other public comment, seeing none Fire Commissioner Mycock made a motion to adjourn the meeting, motion seconded by Fire Commissioner Nailor, motion carried.
Fire Commissioner meeting adjourned at 1340hours.

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, June 16, 2011
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

CANCELLED, until next regular meeting

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners

Board of Fire Commissioners
Notes of Regular Meeting held, August 18, 2011
Note: These notes become official when approved at a subsequent meeting.

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was called to order at 1302hours by Fire Commissioner Field, and Fire Commissioner Nailor.
Fire Commissioner Mycock was available to make Fire Commissioners meeting.
Recording- Unknown
Public Comments:
• Rushy Marsh Road- Tree down across wires, can the fire department investigate issue
• Who do we request minutes from, is it Charlie Eager, District Clerk, answer was yes
• Question on Firefighter’s Clarks’ date of physical exam and PAT
• Question on Firefighter Entrance Exam, are the same exams each year
• Statement made from Fire Commissioner Field that the hiring process for FF Clark has been completed; FF Clark has been working, moving forward.

Fire Chief’s Report:
• Monthly activities no report
• Four positions open for Call Firefighter process is ongoing
• CPR Class moving forward, every last Thursday of each month, Cotuit Fire Rescue Department will be offering a CPR class. Ten dollars will be the cost of the course.

Old Business:
Budget:
• 95% of the salaries have been spent-final report
• 88% of the operational budget has been spent-still reconciling balance
• Legal fees are paid up to date
• Comstar report: has not returned our call
• Firefighter Shane Clark scheduled to report to the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in January 2012.
New Business:
• September 11 memorial service will be held at Cotuit Fire, all personnel and members of the District to be at the station no later than 0830hours on September 11, 2011 Sunday.
• Sign for posting- requesting permission to move forward with the process, comments about this process was brought up at meeting: Cotuit Firefighters Association will be asked to help as well as Prudential Committee, in the process of getting photos as well as prices. Enclosed weatherproof board to be placed between windows on side “B” of fire station near ramp.

Fire Commissioner Field asking if any other public comment, seeing none Fire Commissioner Field made a motion to close the meeting, motion seconded by Fire Commissioner Nailor, motion carried.
Fire Commissioner meeting adjourned at 1320hours.

Respectfully Submitted:
Board of Fire Commissioners