Fire Mutual Aid

The monthly meeting of the organization was called to order by President Manning at 1905 hrs. Prior to the meeting the Fire Safety Trailer was on display. Directors Manning, Howard, Boynton, Redin, Liller, Stoughton, Eaton, Lake and Chief Szoc and Radio Tech Goodnow were in attendance. Directors Hewitt, Goddard, DiLuzio and Zerba called to advise they would be unable to attend.
President Manning introduced our new Director, Deputy Mark Howard.

Minutes of 7/12/06: M/S/P

Minutes of 9/20/06: M/S/P with one amendment, Director Redin would like to see further detail on space requirements.

Treasurer’s Reports: M/S/P

Coordinator’s Report: Presented by Chief Szoc Committee Reports: New Location Committee Report: Chief Szoc advised he has schedule a meeting with City of Keene Manager and Keene Fire Chief to discuss progress of new fire stations, meeting will be on November 1st at 1530 hrs.

Capital Improvement Plan: No Report

By-Laws Committee: Chief Szoc advised no report but they may have to add to the by-laws depending on the outcome of the Radio Designation Committee.

Regional Training Committee: Chief Szoc advised the training by Lt. Mike Wilbur was very good although the attendance was not what he expected. Gordon Graham’s training is scheduled for January 7th and information will be going out shortly.

Public Relations Committee: No report

Old Business: 2007 Budget: Chief Szoc reviewed the proposed 2007 budget that was given out to each director along with information on salaries. A motion was made and second to add $8,000 as a new line item for Special Operations, motion passed. A motion was made and second to reduce the Equipment Purchase by $5,000, motion failed. Directors decided to table any vote on the budget until next meeting as we are still waiting for final figures.

Fire Safety Trailer and MCI Trailer: Chief Szoc advised the Fire Safety Trailer has been used by several departments and the feedback has been excellent from not only the departments but also the schools, teachers and children. The MCI trailer is waiting for some racks for the backboards but is available if needed. We are still looking for a building to store the trailer for the winter. Director Redin advised that some of the employees have volunteered some of their time to get the trailers in service as no money was budgeted this year for the trailers. The Directors would like to see employees get paid for their services in the future, this is one of the reasons the item was added to the budget.

2006 Fire Act Grant: As of this date there has been no news on the grant that was submitted.
2006 NH Homeland Security Competitive Grant: Chief Szoc advised the grant is due on November 3rd and after having a meeting it was decided to apply for a grant to add another operations channel to our system. This would assist with the large amount of traffic on KCF-415.

RERP Grant: Chief Szoc advised the SWNH District Fire Mutual Aid has received a RERP Grant for $12,300 from the State of New Hampshire.

2006 CEDAP Grant: Chief Szoc advised he did submit a grant application for a Interoperability Radio System.
Memorandum of Understanding: Chief Szoc read the E-Mail received for Jack Wozmak advising the paperwork for this was being taken care of. Hopefully, this can be taken off the agenda after the next meeting.

Code Red: Chief Szoc advised they are waiting work from Entergy on when the training for this program will begin.
New Phone System: Chief Szoc presented a report on the new phone system being proposed for the Fire Station and Mutual Aid and the advantages of the new system.
Chief Szoc then reported on the cost proposal for the new system with an amount not to exceed $21,183.70. The new system will allow for a much better backup system for the communication center. A motion was made and second to approve the purchase of the new system. Motion passed.

VCOM State of Vermont: Some of the Directors from Vermont attended the Windham Area Chief’s meeting and there were representatives from the State of Vermont Interoperability Committee present to discuss their proposed project. There was some concern voiced about the dispatching study and also what benefit there would be for the local departments. A brochure was passed out to the directors outlining the project. Everyone agreed we need to pay attention to this project and how they will work with us.

Regional Specialized Teams: Chief Szoc advised there is some Chief’s groups putting together organized regional teams like RIT and Swiftwater Rescue and there will be more information on these groups in the future.

New Business: Chief Szoc would like to see the organization send a donation to the fund for Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs who was killed while on duty. Motion was made and second to send a check for $100. Motion passed.
Correspondence: Chief Szoc shared the award the Mutual Aid received on Oct. 11th from the New Hampshire Fire Service Committee of Merit.

Chief Szoc also shared a “thank you” from Chief Weston for the excellent mutual aid assistance at the recent block fire in Bellows Falls.

Adjournment: 2040 hrs.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Szoc, Clerk