Meeting Minutes

Absent: Commissioner Russo-Driska.

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 7:00 p.m.

   Former Commissioner David Darling of Chamberlain Road extended his thanks and appreciation to the Commission, staff and Firefighters for their thoughts and concerns during the recent loss of his daughter.

   Daniel Penney, 1101 Chamberlain Hill Road began by commenting that there was a major discussion relative to the value of old pickup truck (Car 37) during the last meeting and he saw no mention of it in the minutes and that's of concern to him.

   In regards to Executive Sessions, Mr. Penney stated he feels there should be a reference of what major topics are discussed in these sessions.

   Mr. Penney discussed his concerns over an FOI request he recently submitted and the documents he actually received.

   In regards to the district's Auditor, Mr. Penney said it's a good investment to pay him to appear in front of the public, speak freely and present his executive summary.

   Mr. Penney also commented on the overtime stating that there's been some improvement but it's still on track for a significant deficit.

4. CLOSE PUBLIC SESSION
   Chairman Gallitto closed public session at 7:12 p.m.

5. MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
   A. REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 14, 2009
   MOTION to approve minutes of December 14, 2009 Regular Meeting by Comm. Roberts/Comm. Gregorio. Unanimously approved.

   A discussion ensued in regards to the storage requirements of taped meetings.

6. TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
   The Commission reviewed the Tax Collector's Report submitted by Tax Collector Cindy Gotta.

   Chief Badamo advised the Commission that the check we received for the Machinery and Equipment grant from the state was $55,000 less than budgeted. The state was contacted and we were told that's all they had to give. The city got less than they were supposed to get as well.

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

   A. TAX REBATES
   MOTION to approve tax rebates in the amount of $617.26 by Comm. Gregorio /Comm. Roberts. Unanimously approved.

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

   In regards to overtime, Chief Badamo stated that now that we are at full staff, this is the first time this year we will be able to get a true assessment of the system.

   Chief Badamo advised the Commission that the audit is complete and a draft will be available to the Commissioners on January 12th. The final copy will be made available on January 19th.

   Chairman Gallitto made reference to a portion of the Finance Department Report which stated that Sharon Maloney has contacted the Office of Policy and Management who has provided her with a list of auditors who provide auditing services for similar governmental agencies that we will submit RFP's to.

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

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

   In addition to items on his report, Chief Badamo added that the City Council recently accepted a resolution to go forward with the NRG tax abatement process. Chief Badamo and Chairman Gallitto will soon meet with the Mayor to review the payoff figures. The Schedule A which reflected the payoff amounts was not released with the resolution. This will allow the Chairman and the Chief to see what is due to us and how it is broken down so they can report on it at the next meeting.

   Chief Badamo informed the Commission that we recently participated in an energy audit. Our energy provider did a walkthrough of the building. We are now waiting for the formal documents to come back. One issue of concern was the layout of the fans in the bay for heat. When the report comes back Chief Badamo will have further information.

   Chief Badamo has started the budget process for this year. He is waiting for the Grand List from the city Assessor's office in order to continue the process.

   The City is closer to completing the CAD selection process. The cost projection is in the $750,000 to $1,000,000 range for the new system.

   Firefighter Rucker was sworn in on December 29th and is now working on shift. The department is now at full complement.

   MOTION to approve Chief Edward Badamo's Report by Comm. Gregorio/Comm. Roberts. 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 Village at South Farms is holding a Valentine's Day dance on February 12th at 2:00 p.m. if anyone is interested in participating.

   In regards to Kleen Energy, this Friday (January 15, 2010) will be the first tanker truck delivery. The Buckeye Pipeline is not in service yet and there is a need to get fuel oil to the site. The plan is to have 600,000 gallons delivered by tanker truck until the pipeline is in service. Start up procedures are beginning at the plant and Deputy Chief Krol will be kept advised. The plant is expected to be online in July or August.

   Commissioner Roberts asked Deputy Chief Krol about any liability issues the district may have in regards to the operating company at the Kleen Energy plant. Deputy Chief Krol responded by saying that the company, N.A.E.S. is hired to operate the company but Kleen Energy is ultimately liable.

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

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

    Training for the month of December included Driver Training, Vehicle Stabilization, Cold Water Rescue and Annual Blood Borne Pathogens and Air Borne Pathogens. In addition, training was done on the new Car 37 plow and new Firefighter training with Firefighter Rucker.

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

11. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
    At the most recent Telecommunications meeting Commissioner Roberts reported that discussion was held about fiber optic lines and the potential cost.

    Commissioner Roberts also advised those present that he has decided not to run for another term as Commissioner for the South Fire District, however he plans to stay politically involved.

    Commissioner Gregorio reported that due to the holidays there was no meeting of the Cost Savings Committee and he was unable to attend last month's Public Safety meeting.

12. OLD BUSINESS
    Chairman Gallitto stated that the Annual Meeting will be held on February 1st at 8:00 p.m. and with Commissioner Roberts not running for re-election, former Commissioner David Darling, who was the only candidate to submit a letter, will be installed as Commissioner. Chairman Gallitto went on to say that Commissioner Roberts will be missed and the time that he put into this Commission and for downtown should be highly regarded.

13. NEW BUSINESS
    Chief Badamo stated that the district had received some information from CL&P referencing alternative energy suppliers that are available throughout the state. He did some investigating and spoke to various suppliers. These suppliers offer a lower rate than we currently pay. Some offer fixed rates and some offer variable. He can switch suppliers at any time. Chief Badamo recommended Positive Energy who is currently at a variable rate of 10.29. They are out of Middlebury, CT and offer billing through CL&P.

    Discussion ensued.

    MOTION to switch the district's power supply company to Positive Energy by Comm. Gregorio/Comm. Roberts. Unanimously approved.

    In addition to the above motion, Chief Badamo will maintain the lowest billing possible and will advise the Commission as to the status of the power supply company and its rate.

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
    There was no Executive Session.

15. CALL BACK TO ORDER

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

    Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Cheryl H. Creem
Recording Secretary