2009-01-14 Fire Commission Minutes

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STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Bertsch moved to accept the December 10, 2008, regular and executive session minutes. Commissioner Rosehill requested that a correction be made to the regular session minutes. CORRECTION: Page 6, the date below announcements should be January 14, 2009 instead of February 11, 2009. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomroy and unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Bertsch moved to accept communication No. 08-08. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried. CHIEF’S REPORT Budget FY 2009/10 Budget: The Fire Department presented its budget to the Department of Finance on January 12, 2009. The supplemental items are not being considered due to the present status of the economy and the unknown status of the real property tax revenue. All departments were asked to identify and consider an approximate 5 -10 percent reduction within its OCE (other current expenses). The Fire Department was given a deadline of January 21, 2009, to submit suggestions for possible sources on cost reductions. An update will be provided at the February meeting. Commissioner Bowles questioned whether the Fire Department anticipates any reductions from the State. Chief Oliveira answered that he was not informed of any budget cuts. However, every fiscal year the State administers a standard five-percent withholding on its provider’s vacant positions. Although it was communicated to the State that the Fire Department differs from other providers (because it does not have vacancies), the State continues to withhold five-percent from its EMS contract. Alternative Funding and Grants FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Video Teleconferencing Equipment) The Department of Finance’s Purchasing Division will be awarding the bid. The quotes given were higher than expected. As a result, the number of units was reduced from 16 to 14. 2