Minutes of the 7th of
January 2009 meeting
Due to icy weather and bad road conditions the meeting
was called to order by President Mike Pellek at 10:12 AM giving stragglers some
extra time, the meeting was held at the
Prior to reports being given President Pellek stated
that we would be starting each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a
moment of silence for our Troops, deceased members and deceased firefighters.
A new “CEU
Meeting Form” (sign in sheet) was brought from “The Division” by Paul Elenio,
we will be using this new form for sign in from now on.
The Presidents Report was given by Mike Pellek, who
also thanked the membership for electing him as President again, Mike also
thanked Phil Wilk for his assistance as Vice President last year, Mike also
stated that copies of the by-laws are available.
Vice President Dennis Lonagan thanked the membership
for putting their trust in him and electing him to the position of Vice
President, Dennis also asked the membership to contact him if they have any
ideas or special topic requests this year as he would like to make the meetings
more informative, interesting and educational.
No correspondences were received for the Secretary's
Report and in the absence of our Secretary Craig Babcock no report was given.
No treasurers report was given in the absence of Marty
Reynolds.
Paul Elenio gave the report for the Division of Fire
Safety. The Division will no longer be making and mailing out the “Course
Brochures” listing the upcoming available courses, this will only be available
online from now on. Paul also reported on a product recall by “Notifier” fire
alarm control panel and that the Pier Review Board is meeting and taking action
against Fire Officials who are non-compliant
with their year end reports.
Paul also reported that ESP and other program vendors
do not yet have the updated code for the implementation of the “International
Fire Code, New Jersey Edition 2006” and that there will be an extra cost to
subscribers of about $250.00 on top of their regular subscription rates.
Chief Dave Barter reported that the December “Code
Update” classes had all been cancelled and new classes have been scheduled.
Dave also reported that one County building had 189 non-compliant sprinkler
heads after the sprinkler company certified that they were all compliant, Dave
asked Paul from the DCA if there was any recourse for them to take, Paul stated
that the information should be forwarded to the division, in writing.
The Forest Fire Service - No report.
County Fire Marshals Report, was given by Dave Barter,
Dave reported that Scott is moving along with the Knox Box project on all of
the County Buildings, most have been installed and he will be reaching out to
fire officials on the ones left.
The County Fire Coordinators Report was given by Jack
Alderton, Chief Alderton reported that he is still waiting for the new Fire
Inspector Curriculum which he has asked for more than once.
Chief Alderton stated that there were a few problems
with the Company Fire Officer challenge test, 89 people took the test and 68
passed in the high 60’s, the test has not been without controversy, there were
four nights of review and Jack took the test twice, the problems arising are
not with the questions but rather in the wording of the questions. They are
currently asking the state to re-evaluate the challenge test, Jack noted that
the Fire Officer and the Fire Instructor programs are proctored by the state.
Jack also reminded the membership present to look at fire stops in condos.,
especially older models there has been a couple of instances where the fire
chased the electrical lines and the piping.
The State Fire Prevention – No report.
The Public Education Report was given by Vinnie
Corsaro. Vinnie stated that there was a meeting coming up and that Fire Bowl
and High School Senior fire safety education were the hot topics.
The Master Planning – No report.
Safety Town, Vinnie Corsaro reported progress, they
are currently working on mapping the sidewalks.
Dave Barter asked if they would like fire hydrants at
safety town, Vinnie replied that that would be nice, Dave and Vinnie will sit
down and discuss the needs.
President Pellek advised the members that they are
working on the fire safety education trailer from Kinnelon and trying to work
out the verbiage for officially handing the trailer over to the association.
President Pellek also reported that this years Golf
Outing will be held at MineBrook again on September 3rd and that if
anyone is interested in running the golf outing or helping out to contact him.
President Pellek stated that Barry Howard is working
on the Web-site, the new application is up and if anyone has an upcoming fund
raiser they can put that on our web-page.
Bylaws -- President Pellek had the second reading for
the new by-laws, a motion was made by Vinnie Corsaro and seconded by Tony
Carbone to adopt the new by-laws, motion carried. The new by-laws were adopted
with no objections.
Poster Contest -- Ian Bell reported that it is coming
up. Morris County's entries are due at the State by the end of April.
Code Proposals – Tom McIntyre has the latest copies of
the proposed code changes, copies are available if you would like them.
Chief Jack Alderton stated that President Mike Pellek
is invited to the upcoming Chief Officer Seminar being held January 28, 2009
Vinnie Corsaro reminded the members present to get
their schools involved in the Fire Bowl.
Old Business – None.
New Business – Jack Alderton commented on the latest
LODD in New Jersey involving backing –up, and urged all departments to review
their policies and re-evaluate your procedures as this will now be in the lime
light for a while.
Vinnie Corsaro stated that OEM has sent out an e-mail
regarding solar panels and their ability to hold a charge and not de-energize
when turned off.
President Mike Pellek advised the members to be aware
of satellite mounting systems, he recently had one that was just four cinder
blocks on the roof of a gas station.
Jack Alderton told the membership to be on the lookout
for household generators which may not shut-off when the power is disconnected.
“Be Alert”
Good and Welfare, Dennis Lonagan asked the members to
get their new applications in for 2009
The next meeting is an evening meeting on Wednesday February
4th, 7.30 PM, at the Public Safety Training Academy.
A motion for adjournment was made by Vinnie Corsaro and
seconded by Tony Carbone, motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:01 AM.
Respectfully submitted
Ian Bell
Acting Secretary