September 26, 2018 - Fire Planning Committee Meeting

 

 

 

MINUTES
FIRE PLANNING COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
6:00 P.M.
 
6:00 P.M. – CALL TO ORDER – by Chairperson Tom Hilliard
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Schwab, Mayor
Dale Fox, Council Member                          Dave Godwin, Council Member
Chuck Hawk, Council Member                    Andrew Hess, Council Member
Tom Hilliard, Council Member                    Sydney Radich, Council Member                              
 
VILLAGE OFFICIALS:
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer                             Michael L. Miller, Village Administrator 
 
Also in attendance: Fire Chief Chris Colucy, Assistant Fire Chief Jen Mohler, and previous Fire Chief Larry Gilkerson.
 
Chairman Tom Hilliard opened the meeting by saying he is in agreement with Fire Department needs and the need for additional funding and more room.  He is also in agreement on the income tax and feels that is the best route to follow.  The expansion needs to be done as soon as possible, safety equipment needs to be purchased and showers need to be installed to offset cancer hazards.
 
Councilman Hilliard would like to build on to the existing building instead of revamping the old building.  That is his goal and now we need to start working on the funding.  He would like to see Chief Colucy and Asst. Chief Mohler to work on the planning part.  Chief Colucy stated he needs to know how much money will be available in order to make the plans.  Councilman Hilliard suggested VA Miller, Chief Colucy, and Asst. Chief Mohler sit down and see how much is needed before we can decide how much of an increase in income tax would be required.
 
Chief Colucy asked when the money would start coming in if the voters passed the increase in the May election.  Clerk King replied that working residents and people working in Brewster would not be charged until 01/01/2020.  The companies that withhold the taxes for Brewster residents would start sending the withholding starting with their January 2020 payroll.
 
Councilman Hilliard wants to keep the Fire Department in the current location and add on to it.  He wants to come up with the percentage needed to accomplish this.  The VA has already talked to an architect.  The Mayor mentioned a Bond Anticipation Note and the Chief suggested a USDA 40-year loan at 2%.
 
Previous Chief Larry Gilkerson stated in 1970 a new building was discussed, and it was decided that $100,000 was too much by Council and then the Fire Department was remodeled in 1972 and it cost the Village almost twice as much.  He thinks a new building would be better.
 
Councilman Hilliard discussed the ½ percent.  Clerk King stated that would generate approximately $400,000 per year.  VA Miller stated that this amount for five years would only pay for the building and not the safety items and vehicles that have been discussed.  Councilman Hilliard suggested making it for seven years.
 
Councilman Hilliard discussed having another meeting on Tuesday, October 16th at 6:00 pm and he intends to make a motion to schedule it at the next Council meeting.   
 
Meeting adjourned at 6:39 pm.
 
 
___________________________________
Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer