Fire Department Meeting Minutes April 12, 2011

April 12, 2011

Chief Milton Widener called the meeting to Order.  An attendance roster was passed around for signature.  A quorum was present.

Chief Widener opened the floor for discussion on ways to improve the Department stating that one person can’t do it all.  An Officers meeting held earlier discussed way to improve the Department.

Chief Widener was asked and responded to questions about his experience.  Chief Widener also discussed a need to expand knowledge on fire ground command and rely on his Officers to assist in fire ground operations.

Extensive discussion was held on the status of the Fire Department assembly building and who has the use of the facilities.  Many opinions were expressed on how to regulate the usage.  Housekeeping and improvements to the Assembly building were discussed.  Chief Widener indicated that discussions with the Town Administrator that a civil engineer may be hired to investigate water drainage problems with the Building.  It would be difficult to improve the Building interior prior to fixing the drainage issue.

Chief Widener reiterated that the Assembly building should be locked when not occupied.

Other topics for improvements included: potential locations of placing run reports were discussed; don’t park on the grass; a truck maintenance form was placed in the truck bay; discussed ways to improve truck maintenance; how to purchase needed maintenance items through the Town purchase system; discussed ways to improve morale; discussed missing equipment and ways to improve building security; improvements in training with use of the Department’s training trailer and the possibility of obtaining tractor trailers for use in a maze;

Three new radios were provided to fireman who have radios that cannot be converted to the new communication system.

First Quarter fire reports have been submitted with Second Quarter to be submitted soon.

Deputy Chief Kaney asked for help on Elko Street Saturday for a Church prayer walk.  Also a Rabies Clinic will be held at the Station on Saturday. 

At the next meeting the Bylaws will be reviewed.