Wilton Fire Commission
Minutes of Regular Monthly
Fire Department Headquarters

February 1, 2005

Present:		Commissioners Richard McCarty, Hesham El-abd and J. Casey Healy
Others:		Chief Paul Milositz; Deputy Chief George Peters; Fire Marshal David Kohn; Captain Bill Cesareo; Lieutenants Kevin Czarnecki and Mike Michelsen; Firefighters Glenn Johnson, Jeff Locher, Tom Cassin, Joe Bisenius, Mike Pryor and Brad Carlson; special advisor Troy Ellen Dixon; First Selectman Paul Hannah and Administrative Service Manager Sarah Taffel

1. Call to Order: Chairman McCarty, noting that a quorum was present, called the meeting to order at approximately 1834 hours.
2. Approval of Minutes and Review of Monthly Reports
   1. A Motion was made by Commissioner El-abd to approve the Minutes of the Commission's monthly meeting held on January 4, 2005 and a special meeting held on January 18, 2005. The Motion was seconded by Chairman McCarty and unanimously approved.
   2. The Commission reviewed the Deputy Chief's report dated January 31, 2005. Deputy Chief Peters reported that the Department responded to 1528 calls in calendar year 2004; up from approximately 1460 in 2003. The Deputy Chief advised the Commission that: (i) all shifts were concentrating Truck 5 aerial ladder training; (ii) Engine 3 was involved in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a call; all damage to Engine 3 was repaired; (iii) Utility Truck 6 has been ordered and (iv) Firefighter Pat Garber began on A Shift beginning on January 17, 2005.
   3. The Commission reviewed the Fire Marshal's Monthly Report for January 2005. Fire Marshal reported that Fire Inspector Meehan hurt his back on January 7, 2005 while filming a public safety spot for local cable television. Fire Inspector Meehan has been out since that date, with no set timetable for his return to duty. The Life Safety Division's program for residents over 50 years of age was postponed pending Mr. Meehan's return. Commissioner El-abd inquired whether the Department should charge for plan review and inspections. Chairman McCarty instructed Fire Marshal Kohn to investigate and report to the Commission regarding whether other municipalities charged for said reviews and inspections.
   4. The Commission reviewed the Volunteer Participation and Payroll Reports for the 2004 calendar year
3. Old Business
   1. Truck 5 - Chief Milositz reported that the Department received a recall notification from Pierce Manufacturing regarding a problem with the "all steer" on Truck 5. Pierce will send a factory representative to Connecticut to repair the problem. Captain Cesareo reported that the all steer can be locked out until the repair is made. Chief Milositz confirmed that the payment due Pierce was withheld pending the repair.
   2. Budget for fiscal year 2006 - Chief Milositz distributed a revised budget which reported a 4.08% increase in lieu of the 5.75% increase previously requested. Chief Milositz advised the Commission that while the budget is tight, he believes the Department can live within the budget by closely monitoring all spending provided that there are no major events or unanticipated repairs. Commissioner Healy stated that the Department must advise the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance that such events or repairs are not budgeted for. Commissioner El-abd noted that overtime had been cut by $10,000. Deputy Chief Peters advised the Commission that the cut was for shift coverage while firefighters attend training seminars. With respect to training Chief Milositz advised the Commission that the Department will rely on in-house resources. Chief Milositz advised the Commission that the proposed cuts did not impact community or member safety. Lt. Michelsen expressed concern that cuts to the Life Safety Division regarding fire prevention materials and education would impact safety. Deputy Chief Peters reported that the budget request for said materials and education reflect what the Life Safety Division actually spent for said items in fiscal year 2004 and was on budget to spend in fiscal 2005. First Selectman Hannah commended the Department for reducing the budget. Commissioner El-abd suggested that the Board of Selectmen be reminded that regionalization of fire services should be investigated. First Selectman Hannah commented that he is not against regionalization provided that Wilton does not give up home rule. He noted that someone needs to provide evidence of the cost savings to be effected.
   3. Minutes of Dispatch Committee Meetings - The Commission reviewed the minutes of the meetings held on December 8, 2004 and January 13, 2005. Chief Milositz reported that the Committee will recommend that Station 2 automatically respond to all emergency medical services calls within Station 2's district.
4. New Business
   1. Educational Reimbursement - A Motion was made by Commissioner El-abd to approve the a request by Firefighter Carlson to be reimbursed for a course taken in connection with Fire Technology - Administrative degree that he is pursuing at Norwalk Community College. The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Healy and unanimously approved.
   2. Training Initiatives - Chief Milositz reported that he has issued a memorandum to all members seeking volunteers to serve on a Training Committee.
5. Executive Session
   1. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Healy to retire to executive session to discuss the status of the contract between the Town of Wilton and Local 2233 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. The motion was seconded by Chairman McCarty and unanimously approved. The Commission, Chief Milositz, First Selectman Hannah and Ms. Taffel retired to Executive Session at approximately 2007 hours.
6. Adjournment: At approximately 2037 hours the Commission ended the executive session and upon motion duly made and seconded the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular meeting of the Commission will be held on March 1, 2005 at Fire Department Headquarters.

Respectfully submitted,

J. Casey Healy
Secretary - Fire Commission