Officers’ Meeting

April 4, 2011

 

 

APPLICATIONS:

The Board of Fire Engineers interviewed three applicants.  Following discussion, two applications were approved and one applicant will be re-interviewed.

 

OFFICER ATTENDANCE:  Toby Tyler, Jonathan Kinney, Peter Shattuck, Milt Blood,

Paul McBrearty, Dana Franzek, John Rose

 

MINUTES:

Peter moved to approve the Executive Session Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2011.  Seconded by Jonathan

SO VOTED IN FAVOR UNANIMOUSLY

 

Peter moved to approve the Engineers’ Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2011.

Seconded by Jonathan

SO VOTED IN FAVOR UNANIMOUSLY

 

Peter moved to approve the Officers’ Meeting Minutes of February 28, 2011 with one addition.  Seconded by Jonathan

SO VOTED IN FAVOR UNANIMOUSLY

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

None

 

TRAINING:

Jonathan reported there are twelve in the Firefighter 1 and 2 class and he is very pleased with how Greg Normandin has put it together.   Greg has scheduled a live burn at the fire academy and is scheduling a practical test there as well.  The Firefighter 1 and 2 written test will be held in Pepperell.

 

Toby said the class is very structured and the firefighters will not be able to leave their classes.  He told the Captains not to be afraid to call for mutual aid.  Peter asked if, as a reminder, Dispatch could announce Saturdays and Sundays are class days.

 

Jonathan reported this month’s training will be on brush fires, drafting with Forestry One, running pumps etc. 

 

Dana would like to set up portable tanks with Dunstable on a Saturday.  They do need a water source.

 

Dana reported he has spoken with someone at Norm Wagner Toyota and a technician will be contacting him about doing a Wednesday night class at the dealership on a hybrid.

 

Toby advised Shaun Dean would like to do an auto extrication class on April 30th.  Milt said he will take care of it.

 

BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS

Chief Toby Tyler – Stephanie Bergeron turned in her Conflict of Interest statement.  She was not on the email list and this is why he did not receive it before the deadline passed.

 

He reminded the officers that he sent out an email with the form for direct deposit since paper checks will not be issued after June 30th.

 

Jonathan was reminded that Mr. Fetterolf would like a CPR class for his boy scouts.  The library and Senior Center are also looking for a class.

 

Joan has requested she come off her leave of absence.

 

The alarm panel has been replaced at Dunkin Donuts.  There are only two zones.  The new key is in the Knox Box.

 

Peter Smith would like to use the Park Street Station Saturday night for a Warren meeting.

 

He showed the officers the free software from Floor Plan available that displays a homeowner’s house plans.

 

He advised C&S Pizza gave him a bill for pizza that was ordered back in January after the live burn training in Nashua.   Paul said he will speak with Mike Kingsbury as he believes money was collected from the firefighters to cover this.

 

He requested a head count for the Memorial Day parade.

 

The police will hold a prescription drug take-back on April 30th at 59 Main Street.

 

He is working with Frank to get 2 new pagers.  The ones they use are $500 and come with a five year warranty.  Frank has found some for $375 from Watch Dog.  They have a display and a four minute playback option.  Frank is also working on having firefighters receive call information as a text message.

 

An attendance sheet needs to be completed if officers want to get paid when they go out for illegal burning, investigations etc.

 

He asked for a list of firefighters needing names for their jackets.

 

Deputy Chief Shattuck – Peter reviewed the call at 73 Groton Street on Saturday and showed the wire that was in a crawl space and caused the problem.  The homeowner had a new cable service put in and the electrician believes the electrical wire was pulled or stapled.  National grid had confirmed the problem was not the neutral wire.  Peter said this was a good example of firefighters “needing to stay until the job was done” because the homeowner continued to smell burning wires.  He reminded the officers to “go with their gut feeling” when they feel the situation may be more than what they can see.

 

He asked the officers to remind the firefighters that the federal sirens need to be “wound down” since they cannot hear they are being called on the radio.

 

Deputy Chief Kinney – Jonathan requested a list of firefighters who have been checked off on Engine 5.

 

ENGINE COMPANY:   

Discussion was held on Engine 5’s equipment.  Milt reviewed the various warranties and advised John Caris is the “go to guy”.  He gave Toby the various books, DVD’s and warranties.  Peter asked that he be given the information on the fluids, air pressure and contacts for Ray.  Dana asked if the Class A foam has been ordered and Toby said it will be ordered.

 

Peter congratulated Milt for taking responsibility for Engine 5 and all agreed he did a great job.

 

Milt advised F94 did not receive an attendance report for February and was told he did not attend any calls for that month.

 

Milt asked where a new ladder truck stands on the capital program timeline.  Toby said it is requested for 2013.  Milt said John Caris has told him it is not too early to start a “wish list” for a new truck.  Most feel a tower is not necessary.

 

Dana asked if the forestry hose has been put on the tanker and Toby will check with Ben or Kurtis.

 

Milt will get a price on the gas meter.

 

HOOK & LADDER COMPANY:  

Paul reported the alarm cards posted on the department’s website are incorrect.  Toby advised Dispatch has the correct ones and he will have Kathy correct the website.

 

COMBINATION COMPANY: 

John asked if they should use Engine 5 instead of Engine 6 for mutual aid.  Peter would like them to wait until firefighters are more comfortable with the truck.

 

They will be doing pump training at the VFW.

 

He asked about payroll for F96 and F101 and was advised they have been changed back to a Class A and the change in their pay is retroactive to December 1, 2010.

 

 

EMS COMPANY REPORT:  

No report

 

STATUS OF EQUIPMENT: 

With respect to Engine 3, Peter advised a “Forestry” sticker will be put over “Engine”.

 

Peter asked if there is money to purchase brush suits and he was given the balance in the supplies and forestry accounts.  He was advised firefighters prefer the pants and shirts and Toby will check the prices.

 

John reported the portable radio has been missing from Rescue for a month.

 

Ben has reported that the pump on Engine 6 is getting worse.

 

Toby advised they are looking at wetsuits since one needs to be replaced.  The cost is about $389.  Paul advised the suits with the zipper on the side are excellent and he will get the company’s name to Toby.

 

Peter moved they authorize Toby to purchase a wetsuit in the price range of $389. 

Seconded by Jonathan

SO VOTED IN FAVOR UNANIMOUSLY

 

OLD BUSINESS:

F113 has returned his gear so his check will be released.

 

Dana advised his wife has a friend who is a seamstress and he will speak with her about the cost to make the bunting.

Peter has spoken with Father Ring and he is supposed to be giving him a book about chaplains.

 

Toby reminded the officers about the meeting with the selectmen tomorrow night at

6:30 p.m. at Park Street.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

The Engineers approved Jean’s request to use vacation time.

 

Peter would like Dispatch to announce when burning is allowed on a weekend day.

 

Toby advised the Engineers need to sign an SOG for EMS.  A non-discrimination clause was missing and this was needed for the upgrade.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

Nothing

 

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.