Western Coventry Fire District

1110 Victory Highway

Greene, RI  02827

(401) 397-7520

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February 18, 2010

WCFD Board of Directors Meeting

Present:

Richard Holt, Kent Novak, Jonathan Mitchell and Peter Beauchaine (arrived at 7:58pm)

Absent:

None

Also present:

Chief Joel Pomfret, District Clerk Jean Pomfret, Tax Collector Joan Smith, Moderator Chuck Smith, Treasurer Glen Underwood, Deputy Chief Hall, Taxpayers Art Lavoie and Skip Mays

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by Chairperson Kent Novak.

Approval of January 28, 2010 BOD Meeting Minutes:

Chairman’s Comments:

Chairman Novak said everyone has been very busy.

Moderator’s Report:

None

Chief’s Report:

Report copies handed out (WCFD Activity Report, January Salaries and Run Data report).  Another report was handed out; letter from Captain Mann regarding Grant update.  Chairman Novak said the department would like to go out to bid for the Cascade system.  Mr. Mitchell motioned to accept the Chief’s reports as presented, Mr. Autieri seconded, motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Report copies handed out (Treasurer’s Report January 31, 2010, General Ledger from 1/1/10-1/31/10, General Ledger from 3/1/08-2/28/10 and Balance Sheet dated January 31, 2010).  Treasurer Underwood said he is waiting for the check from the State for the auto excise tax; with it we have made our anticipated revenue with out using any surplus.  He said we are in budget on the expense side.  Mr. Autieri motioned to accept the Treasurer’s reports as presented, Mr. Holt seconded, motion carried unanimously.

Tax Collector’s Report:

Report copies handed out (email).  Additional report handed out, Trial Balance Report 1/1/10 – 1/31/10. Treasurer Underwood asked how many accounts/dollars are now delinquent.  Tax Collector Smith answered there is no report to generate that information but she said there is not a lot uncollected from 2008.  Mr. Mitchell motioned to accept the Tax Collector’s reports as presented, Mr. Autieri seconded, motion carried unanimously.

District Clerk’s Report:

Posting of Notice of Intent to Run for District Office, add date of meeting to notice.

Building Committee Report:

Additional report handed out, New Station Spending dated 2/18/10. 

Punch List 3 Status: This is being attended to by the Chief and the Deputy Chief.

Geisser bill: John Humble verified that the inspection took place; the bill will be sent to Treasurer Underwood for payment.

Other issues: There have been problems with the overhead projector system in the meeting room, see hand out from “The Right Connection”.  Chairman Novak explained that they are trying to compliment the system with sound and provide internet access.  Mr. Mitchell makes a motion to approve purchase of the system for $1,473.00 from The Right Connection and use new building funds.  Mr. Autieri seconds, motion passed unanimously.

Chief Pomfret requested that a bulletin holder be purchased to post public notices instead of posting them on the glass of the front door; Chairman Novak said it will be looked into.

SAP/SOP Committee Update:

Minutes of the 1/16/2010 meeting are for informational purposes only.  Mr. Mitchell motioned to approve all 4 SAP’s collectively as presented; seconded by Mr. Auteiri.  Chairman Novak said he received a request from Treasurer Underwood to change the title of SAP #1211.01 to “Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications of the Chief”.  Mr. Mitchell changed his motion accordingly; Mr. Autieri seconded again, motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUISNESS:

            Station Sale Update:

            Chairman Novak said the broker is on vacation this week but he believes the person is still interested.

            Grant Opportunities:

            Addressed during the Chief’s report.

            Dawson Group Proposal for Rescue Recovery:

            Comstar information emailed as part of BOD meeting information; note the correct amounts.  Chairman Novak contacted the Central Coventry and Anthony districts.  Their rates are comparable to what has been proposed for WCFD.  Mr. Mitchell motions to change from Comstar to the Dawson Group for billing of ambulance services, Mr. Autieri seconds, motion carries unanimously.  This will become effective either March 1^st or April 1^st.

            Pawtuxet Chamber of Commerce Electric Co-op:

            As per the Chamber’s request Chairman Novak supplied them with 2 months of electric bills; they predict we will have4 $30-50/month.  Mr. Holt motions to partner with the PVCC energy buying group.  Mr. Mitchell seconds, motion carries unanimously.

Taxpayer Lavoie mentioned that the DEM sign is still on the tree at the old station but he was told there was a clean bill of health.  Chairman Novak said he has not received anything from DEM and he would contact the environmental company that performed the work.

NEW BUSINESS:

Department Apparatus Committee Recommendation Regarding Engine 9 & Possible Awarding of Bid Regarding Replacing Engine 9:

Hand outs: Bid results, Projected Rescue Recovery Fund Balance (3 & 5 year lease), Apparatus Replacement Plan (dated 10/17/06), Used Pumper Truck (dated 9/28/04), Treasurer’s Report (dated 2/29/08, from the 4/7/08 Annual Meeting Packet), Formal Proposal from Baystone Financial Group (dated 1/11/10).  Mr. Mitchell motioned to authorize the department truck committee to purchase a truck for no more than $350,000.00, the BOD to work out financing.  Seconded by Mr. Beauchaine.  Discussion on possible repair of 32 year old truck and whether this will meet NFPA Standards.  Discussion on definition of district as stated in by-laws.   Taxpayer Mays is not in favor for purchasing a new truck.  Firefighter Lamarine is concerned that without a new truck the District is not living up to their mutual aid agreements.  Firefighter Pomfret said about those apposing the purchase; you are not in our place doing what we do.  Firefighter Paul agrees with Firefighters Lamarine and Pomfret and Firefighter Crowe defers to the firefighters who have been around longer than he.

Aye votes: Chairman Novak, Mssrs. Beauchaine, Autieri and Mitchell.  Oppose vote: Mr. Holt with following comment; he believes a special taxpayer meeting should be held to approve the purchase of a new truck.  Motion carries 4-1.      

2010 – 2011 Fiscal Year Budget:

Tabled to 2/25 Budget Meeting

Open Forum:

No additional comments.

Adjournment:

Mr. Autieri motioned to adjourn, Mr. Beauchaine seconded, motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 9:48pm.