Western Coventry Fire District

1110 Victory Highway

Greene, RI  02827

(401) 397-7520

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March 18, 2010

WCFD Board of Directors Meeting             

Present:

Richard Holt, Kent Novak, Jonathan Mitchell and Peter Beauchaine

Absent:

None

Also present:

Chief Joel Pomfret, District Clerk Jean Pomfret, Tax Collector Joan Smith, Moderator Chuck Smith, Treasurer Glen Underwood, Deputy Chief Hall, Firefighters Randy Crowe, Nathan Pomfret, Pete Lamarine, Bob Mann,Taxpayers Earl Mann, Sonny Koszella, Marion Sykes, Helen & Henry Arnold, John & Giselle Humble,  Art Lavoie, Everett & Paula Hudson, Bob Hevey and Skip Mays

Meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm by Chairperson Kent Novak.

Approval of February 18, 2010 BOD Meeting Minutes:

Mr. Holt approved the minutes as presented, Mr. Beauchaine seconded, all voted Aye, motion carried unanimously.

The bid opening minutes from January 16, 2010 were handed out in typed form (they were hand written when they were given out in February).  Mr. Mitchell motioned to accept them as presented, Mr. Holt seconded, motion carried unanimously.

Chairman’s Comments:

Chairman Novak complimented the men and women of the department for their response to the recent water emergency.  He also said that the window of opportunity for new AFG Grants is opening soon.

Moderator’s Report:

This will be addressed during the By-law Committee Update.

Chief’s Report:

Report copies handed out (WCFD Activity Report, February Salaries and Run Data report).  Chief Pomfret said that the Kent County area was declared a State of Emergency so the District may be able to bill for the water emergency work done.  He also notified the BOD that Rescue 8 is out to the vendor for a problem with the circuit board; the district has a loaner from Central Coventry.  Mr. Beauchaine motioned to accept the Chief’s reports as presented, Mr. Mitchell seconded, motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Report copies handed out (Treasurer’s Report February 28, 2010, General Ledger from 1/1/10-2/28/10, General Ledger from 3/1/08-2/28/10 and Balance Sheet dated February 28, 2010).  Treasurer Underwood said the Fiscal Year is pretty well closed and we received last quarter’s auto reimbursement so we beat our target number on the Revenue side.  The expenses came in just under budget.  Mr. Holt motioned to accept the Treasurer’s reports as presented, Mr. Beauchaine seconded, motion carried unanimously.

            Centreville Bank Savings Account Resolution for Opening a Century Account:

Hand out; Mr. Novak explained that opening a Century Account allows the District to keep money in an interest bearing account.  Mr. Mitchell motioned to open a Century Account with Centreville Bank.  Mr. Holt seconded, motion carried unanimously.

Tax Collector’s Report:

Report copies handed out (email).  Additional report handed out, Trial Balance Report 2/1/10 – 2/28/10. Tax Collector Smith said she will be attending a meeting next Thursday to discuss motor vehicle funding for Fire Districts.  Mr. Beauchaine motioned to accept the Tax Collector’s reports as presented, Mr. Holt seconded, motion carried unanimously.

2010 – 2011 Fiscal Year Budget Development:

Emailed reports “Proposed Budget” and “Revenue Projections and 2010 Proposed Resolutions”.  Mr. Holt handed out a sheet with “Estimated Tax Rate” and “2010 Proposed Resolutions” to be included in the Annual Report.  He motioned to add 2 line items detailing $1.12/1000K and $1.18/1000k per valuation to the Annual Report.  Mr. Beauchaine seconded, motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Mitchell motioned to amend the Proposed 2010-2011 Fire Taxes & Interest amount to $505,488.00 for a total Revenue amount of $547,421.00.  Mr. Beauchaine seconded, motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Beauchaine motioned to approve the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Budget as presented and changed.  Mr. Holt seconded, motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Novak said this budget shows the accomplishments of the District.  In March 2009 there were 2 people on 40 hours/week.  In March 2010, with the addition of the duty shifts, an EMT C & B now cover 124 hours/week.  This is triple the coverage which is a major accomplishment for not a lot more money.

District Clerk’s Report:

The Cascade ad will be placed on March 23, 2010.

Building Committee Report:

Station Ledger: The building is still under budget.

            Punch List 3 Status: We are probably due another visit from Sasa Brothers. 

            Other Issues: Chairman Novak and the Chief met with Judy Parmin from V.F.
I.S. to go over all the District property to make sure it is all covered

SAP/SOP Committee Update:

Minutes of the 2/13/2010 meeting are for informational purposes only.  Mr. Holt motioned to accept SAP #’s 1211.02, 1211.01, 4570.00 and 5116.00 as presented; seconded by Mr. Mitchell motion carried unanimously.

By-Law Committee Update:

Mr. Smith said there was a meeting on March 10, 2010.  Thy talked about the direction of the group and agreed to meet April 14, 2010 to set definitions of By-Laws.  He then had a request for a meeting on March 17, 2010 which was posted and then cancelled by the Chairman of the Board.  He withdraws his name for consideration of the position of moderator and said he will not moderate the Annual Meeting; see the letter of resignation.  Chairman Novak accepts the resignation with regrets.  He questioned whether the committee met on March 3, 2010; the night it was formed.  Was it a meeting or a gathering?  Was this an OMA violation?  Chairman Novak said that because of allegations and perceptions he is meeting with legal counsel to discuss the issue.

OLD BUISNESS:

            Station Sale Update:

            A Purchase and Sale agreement was signed within the past few days by Joseph Burgess who owns a fire training type firm.  He also sells equipment.  The agreement is for $180,000.00 with an agreement to give the department a 20% discount and free training for up to 5 years.

Dawson Group Proposal for Rescue Recovery:

An agreement has been entered into and Comstar’s services have been cancelled.

            Pawtuxet Chamber of Commerce Electric Co-op:

            The District entered into an agreement with the Chamber to save on energy costs.

Grant Opportunities:

There is a FEMA Grant seminar this coming Monday.  We are not participating in the Forestry Grant; it has a very limited offering and the district is in good shape with Forestry Gear.

NEW BUSINESS:

            Annual Meeting Reports:

Chairman Novak said he hopes to have everyone’s report soon.

Proposed Resolutions for Annual Meeting:

They will be similar to the Resolutions used in the past.  Mr. Holt passed out a sheet earlier; he would like to revise the resolutions.  Discussion ensued.  Mr. Holt said he wants to make it clear that he is not objecting to the new truck just as to the methodology of how it was approved.

Logistical Preparation for Annual Meeting:

Mr. Smith will call the Police Department to arrange for a detail officer.  He also recommends advertising the meeting as “doors open at 6pm and meeting starts promptly at 7pm”.

Preparation/Distribution of Annual Meeting Packet:

The packet will be available at Summit General Store, Kozella’s Lumber, Station #2 and on the district website.

Open Forum:

Taxpayer Hank Arnold objected to the BOD’s approval of the purchase of the new Fire Truck.

Taxpayer Mays was disappointed that the BOD approved the budget for $547,421.00.

Taxpayer Everett Hudson agrees with Mr. Holt; he doesn’t like the way the new fire truck was bought.

Adjournment:

Mr. Beauchaine motioned to adjourn, Mr. Holt seconded, motion carried unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:47pm.