Meeting Minutes

Present: Commissioners Gallitto, Roberts, and Sarcia. Chief Badamo, Deputy Chief Krol, Deputy Chief Fongemie, Fire Department members and members of the public.

Absent: Commissioner Russo-Driska, Commissioner Gregorio.

1. CALL TO ORDER
   Chairman Gallitto called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
   Chairman Gallitto opened public session at 7:01 p.m.

   Daniel Penney, 1101 Chamberlain Hill Road
   Mr. Penney commented on the procedure for the District's auditor appearing in front of the public. Mr. Penney encouraged the Commission to bring the auditor in as the public should be able to hear his overview of findings first hand and have access to his report.

   Mr. Penney also brought up the previously discussed overtime discrepancy. He hopes to see more clarification of the issue in the auditor's report. In regards to monthly tax refunds, Mr. Penney would like to see a detailed list of refunds be made available to the public. Mr. Penney brought forth his concern that the replacements and callbacks line item is over budget for the first quarter. He stated he sees some improvement but it still needs to be better controlled.

   In closing, Mr. Penney discussed his increasing concern about the amount of Executive Sessions that are held and that subject matter is not listed. He also referred to a section of the South Fire District's Code of Ethics which discusses public consideration. He stated it was a very well written document and encouraged all to read it.

4. CLOSE PUBLIC SESSION
   Chairman Gallitto closed public session at 7:09 p.m.

5. MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
   A. SPECIAL MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2009
   MOTION to approve minutes of October 13, 2009 Special Meeting by Comm. Roberts/ Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

   B. REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2009
   MOTION to approve minutes of October 13, 2009 Regular Meeting by Comm. Sarcia/ Chairman Gallitto. Approved. Commissioner Roberts abstained.

6. TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
   The Commission reviewed the Tax Collector's Report submitted by Tax Collector Cindy Gotta. Chief Badamo answered questions of the Commission members.

   MOTION to approve Tax Collector's Report by Comm. Roberts /Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

   A. TAX REBATES
   MOTION to approve tax rebates in the amount of $1624.75 by Comm. Roberts/ Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

   Chief Badamo added that tax rebates are down significantly this year from where they were in previous years.

   Chief Badamo distributed a list of delinquent real estate accounts proposed for attorney collection to members of the Commission present. A copy was made available for the public to review as well. The accounts are from 2006 forward that have not paid and have not responded to make any type of payment arrangements. It is the recommendation of our Tax Collector to forward the list to the district's attorney.

   MOTION by Chairman Gallitto/Comm. Roberts to forward the current delinquent list to the attorney for processing. Unanimously approved.

   Chief Badamo responded to a concern of Commissioner Roberts in regards to any cost associated with turning these accounts over to the attorney. Chief Badamo stated that the attorney would add his fees on to the amounts that were owed and we no longer deal with the delinquent taxpayers. They then deal directly with the attorney. There is no cost or fees to the district.

7. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS
   The Commission reviewed the reports submitted by Financial Advisor Sharon Maloney. Chief Badamo answered questions of the Commission members.

   At this time, Chief Badamo reviewed an overtime comparison for 2008 - 2009 that was included in his monthly report. The comparison showed the differences in overtime dollars and hours from 2008 to 2009. To date, overtime is down approximately $117,000 from this time last year. We are well over 50% less in overtime.

   Commissioner Roberts stated that the hiring of the additional Firefighters has saved money but we must remember there are benefit packages and other contractual obligations to be paid out.

   MOTION to approve Monthly Financial Reports by Comm. Roberts /Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

8. CHIEF'S REPORT
   Chief Badamo reviewed his report and answered questions of the Commission members.

   Items on the Chief's report included Buckeye Pipeline work is continuing. Buckeye will keep a lane open for traffic at all times.

   We have been having some external email problems and we have been blacklisted by certain companies. Chief Badamo is in the process of resolving the issue. We are leaning towards cable internet.

   Further discussion ensued.

   Members of the department recently stood honor guard and acted as pall bearers at the funeral for former Commissioner Bill Simpson.

   Chief Badamo recently attended the CCM FOI training for police and fire departments. It was extremely informative and will now allow us to review and remove non-required materials and records which will be cost-effective for the district.

   Chief Badamo also gave an H1N1 update. We have been doing some cross training of administrative departments including the front and tax offices to ensure that should we have employees out due to illness we have coverage in all areas to assist the public. A cleaning and disinfection program has been implemented as well. After some issues with the city health department, those Firefighters who wanted the H1N1 shot have gotten them.

   Commissioner Roberts brought forth a concern about pipeline work and road closing on Eastern Drive. Chief Badamo stated that we were promised that we would not have any road access issues.

   Commissioner Roberts commended Chief Badamo on the cross training being done saying that it's crucial at all times to have others trained to fill in for other positions.

   In closing, Chief Badamo reported that the Stuff a Fire truck to benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry that was held at Stop & Shop this weekend was a huge success. Nine out of ten people that walked into Stop & Shop made a donation. According to Amazing Grace, the South Fire District had the largest single food collection ever in the history of the food pantry.

   MOTION to approve Chief Edward Badamo's Report by Comm. Roberts /Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

9. DEPUTY CHIEF/FIRE MARSHAL'S REPORT
   Deputy Chief Krol reviewed his report and answered questions of the Commission members.

   In addition to his report, Deputy Chief Krol added that the State Department of Health issued some guidelines which started the problems with the dispensing of the flu shots.

   Deputy Chief Krol said the new Walgreens is hoping to open in March. They are about 15 days behind due to weather.

   Deputy Chief Krol attended the Elk's 1st Halloween party where we provided a Fire Safety table.

   Commissioner Roberts asked Deputy Chief Krol about a meeting he attended with OSHA in regards to an incident at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Deputy Chief Krol stated that if there is an incident where someone is burned over 5% of their body the Fire Marshal must investigate what the mechanism of injury was.

   MOTION to approve Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Steven Krol's report by Comm. Roberts /Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

10. DEPUTY CHIEF OF OPERATIONS REPORT
    Deputy Chief of Operations Marc Fongemie reviewed his report and answered questions of the Commission members.

    Our newest recruit at the fire academy is doing exceptionally well.

    Training for the month of October included a Public Information Officer class attended by Deputy Chief Fongemie and Lt. Howley, a Hazardous Materials Technician course attended by Lt. Moss and Firefighter Moss and Lt. Gamache attended a class regarding computer programs that can be used on scene of a HAZMAT incident.

    A group of Firefighters attended a Safe Boater's Certification course and training has continued at a property on Hillside Avenue with concentration on ladder deployment.

    MOTION to approve Deputy Chief of Operations Marc Fongemie's report by Comm. Roberts/Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

11. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
    Commissioner Roberts stated that at the most recent Telecommunications meeting discussion was held regarding the backup antenna at the police station and fiber optics for a backup dispatch center. Chief Badamo added that the backup antenna is up for approval with the City Council.

12. OLD BUSINESS
    None

13. NEW BUSINESS
    In regards to tax rebates, Chairman Gallitto said we should be able to have a detailed list of tax refunds which would include the name of the taxpayer and the amount of the refund. The list would be included as part of the Tax Collector's report.

    Discussion was held regarding the district's auditor appearing at meetings to discuss the audit report. Chief Badamo stated that the reason the auditor did not appear last year was due to the fee the auditor would charge.

    Discussion ensued.

    Chairman Gallitto stated that through Sharon Maloney we need to reconfirm if the current auditor's contract includes him meeting with the Commission and presenting the report or if he would charge an additional fee. It will be addressed again at next month's meeting.

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
    There was no Executive Session.

15. CALL BACK TO ORDER

16. ADJOURNMENT
    MOTION to adjourn by Comm. Roberts/Comm. Sarcia. Unanimously approved.

    Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Cheryl H. Creem
Recording Secretary