March 18, 2019 - Fire Safety Committee

MINUTES
BREWSTER COUNCIL OF THE WHOLE
Fire Safety Committee Meeting
March 18, 2019
6:00 P.M.

 

6:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER - Councilman Tom Hilliard

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mike Schwab, Mayor

Dale Fox, Council Member                          

Chuck Hawk, Council Member                    Andrew Hess, Council Member

Tom Hilliard, Council Member                    Dave Godwin, Council Member                

 

VILLAGE OFFICIALS:

Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer                             Michael L. Miller, Village Administrator 

Fire Chief Chris Colucy

 

Councilman Hilliard provided a sheet that explained what the money would be used for if the Fire Department Income Tax Issue passed.  The following items were discussed:

  • Addition to the existing building that includes three new bays, an oil interceptor, turnout gear storage room, showers, exhaust extraction system, and upgrades to the current building
  • $70,000/year to expand the hours of scheduled paramedics, $180,000 for turnout gear, $150,00 for air packs, $240,000 for vehicle funding, and $210,000 would go into maintenance and equipment funding
  • Most of these changes are for the safety of the firefighters who protect our community.

 

There was more discussion on the cancer concerns for the firefighters due to the carcinogens and toxins and the importance of decontamination so as not to take the chemicals home on their clothing.

 

VA Miller emphasized that the fact that for every $1 received from Village residents, the Fire Department would receive $9 from non-residents and that this needs to be put out there.

 

Councilman Hilliard stated this additional income would get the department everything they need.  The fee for the MARCs radios was discussed and the fact that no one knows for sure what the fee will be after four years and at this point it is $20 per month per radio and the department has 45 radios.  Councilman Godwin stated that while in Columbus at a conference, he found that every fire department is in the same boat.

 

VA Miller suggested a chart showing where all the money would be used if the increase passes.

 

Councilman Godwin stated that the voters need to be educated enough to show them what is going to be done.

 

Meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm.

 

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Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer