November 17, 2014 - Safety Work Session

MINUTES

BREWSTER SAFETY COMMITTEE WORK SESSION

November 17, 2014

6:30 P.M.

 

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Schwab, Mayor                         

Dale Fox, Council Member                 Dave Godwin, Council Member   

Tom Hilliard, Council Member            Chuck Hawk, Council Member

Paul Mackey, Council Member           Steven Tharp, Council Member

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS PRESENT:

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer

Rob Pauley, Village Administrator

Opened by Chairman Thomas Hilliard

Mayor Schwab stated he sent a letter to each of the Fire Department members.  The letter stated that Chief Patterson Rick Patterson had resigned and applications were being taken for the Fire Chief position until November 24, 2014 at 5:00 P.M.  Mayor Schwab has met with Human Resource Consultant John Barkan and several current and former Fire Department members.  He plans to appoint a new Chief by December 15, 2014.  He has received three applications so far.

The mayor will have a meeting on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. to open the applications.  He explained that the mayor appoints the Fire Chief with Council's consent.  He provided sample questions for the interviews.

John Barkan then took the floor.  He stated that the department was real dysfunctional when not on calls.  He stated that when providing services, everyone put the issues aside and worked efficiently and professionally.    He stated there seemed to be a problem with a separation of the Fire Association and the Fire Department, the line has been blurred.  This needs to be cleared up.  He provided a sample organizational chart which included reducing the number of captains from five to three.  He also recommends each officer be responsible for an equal number of fire fighters.  Mr. Barkan felt that there was a communication problem and this had bred discontent. 

Mr. Barkan is recommending the new chief not be from within the department.  He stated this will give the department a clean slate and get rid of the turmoil.  He also recommended cutting everyone loose and starting fresh on 1/1/2015.  This will help to continue with a good department without all the drama.  Meeting adjourned at 7:00pm

Respectfully submitted,

 ______________________________

Thomas Hilliard