Minutes of the January 6th, 2010 Meeting

of

The Morris County Fire Prevention Association

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM by President Michael Pellek, who welcomed all 26 in attendance. There followed a flag salute and a moment of silence for those gone before us and their families. Newly reelected President Pellek thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve for another year. Mike introduced our new Vice President Vinny Corsaro, our new Treasurer Ed Nunn, and the same old Secretary Craig Babcock. President Pellek thanked outgoing Treasure Marty Reynolds and outgoing Vice President Dennis Lonagan for there service in 2009.

Vice President Corsaro also thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve in 2010 saying that he is really looking forward to the experience and that he would have more to report after he had been Vice President longer than six days.

Secretary Craig Babcock noted that under our newly revised bylaws this was our first email election which he considered a success with each of our 42 Regular Members receiving a ballot. 22 votes were cast. Craig mentioned that the system is flawed as he as the Secretary knows how each member voted and that there really should be secret ballots. Several suggestions were voiced and President Pellek said the bylaw committee would look into improving the voting method. Craig pointed out that since he is also the Secretary of the NJFPPA this year, and therefore not the Morris County representative, that there is a place for someone else to attend the Executive Board meetings. Phil Wilk volunteered to be that representative.

Former Treasurer Marty Reynolds gave his report which was accepted as read. Marty gave our new Treasurer Ed Nunn "The Briefcase." Several comments were made about the suspicious nature of its contents.

President Pellek introduced our guest Paul McGrath from City Fire who spoke to us about the services City Fire provides including the Fire Facts Seminars which are mostly held at Seton Hall University two or three times a year with one on NFPA 25 coming up on January 15th. Paul expressed his openness to new ideas for the seminars and that he hoped we considered City Fire as a resource for questions about alarm and suppression systems. They are approved by the Division of Fire Safety and welcome the challenge. Paul was asked about the electronic availability of reports. City Fire is in the process of installing new software to make this possible and if Fire Officials will request in writing that they get reports they will be added to the list. Craig Babcock, on behalf of Rockaway Township and himself thanked Paul for his input and research on what is and is not known and available for safe lithium ion battery storage.

Paul Elenio gave the State Report. When the Secretary receives the January 2010 Division Updates he will forward them to the membership. Paul received numerous questions about bonfires and permits. Paul responded that both Forest Fire Service and local LEA permits are required. Dale Carey is the Morris County State Forest Fire Service contact. Roxbury and Jefferson reported having excellent working relationships with him. Paul Perrello strongly suggested that local permits contain the line "no combustible or flammable liquids" because without the inclusion they would likely be used. The County Fire Marshal reported that he and his staff have been trained by Dale and that they are all "special fire wardens" who can issue State Forest Fire Permits for bonfires or campfires on County property. He suggested that local Fire Marshals might want to pursue this. The general reaction was that the local Fire Marshals would not like to have this authority/responsibility/liability. Paul also reported that the Division has acquired further responsibility. A Fire Marshal in Bergen County realized they had never inspected their railroad station. He cited and fined the railroad $125 for failure to register as a life hazard. The railroad appealed to the State. The Division realized that the inspection of the railroad stations throughout New Jersey is their responsibility. There are 900 railroad stations in New Jersey.

County Fire Marshal Scott Di Giralomo reported that they have a few remaining Knox box issues they are working on. He also stressed that they are there to help us and that we should not hesitate to call them. Scott's responsibilities have recently changed to include six county divisions that report to him. The suit and tie he was wearing is his new uniform.

Morris County Coordinator Jack Alderton distributed the schedule for 2010 Fire Fighter 1, Junior Firefighting, Fire Fighter 2, and Fire Officer Classes. Jack pointed out that all 19 County Academies and all 12 peer Academies are now using Jones & Bartlet texts for Firefighter 1 & 2. Students will receive the book and the workbook but not the addendum, as it is not yet available. Fire Officer will use Delmar 2nd Edition. Fire Instructor will use the 7th Ifsta Edition. There are now 35 hour courses for both Fire Instructor 1 and 2. 2009 was a very busy year at the Academy where they are living up to their new title as a "Public" Safety Training Academy serving many groups. The fire grounds were particularly busy and they are willing to have all 3 training areas used at once. Sound is being added to the burn building to make the evolutions more life like. There are two class A demos coming up we might wish to attend. The Academy is still looking for a site for our fire safety trailer. Do not give up on them. With regards to changes in the upcoming year at the DFS, "nobody knows." There are many questions and much speculation but "nobody knows."

Rich Silvia, the Northern Regional Vice President of the NJFPPA encouraged members to attend the Executive Board meetings. He also shared handouts on stem replacement for Medallion F2500 hydrants and enGauge fire extinguisher monitoring systems. He made applications for membership in the NJFPPA available. Rich also mentioned the information requested by the incoming Lieutenant Governor about "mandate relief" which includes binding arbitration. This will be discussed at tomorrows NJFPPA meeting.

The next Pub-Ed Counsel meeting is next week at Middlesex.

Safety Town has more support from the park commission and is meeting next Tuesday at 8:30 AM at St. Clares in Dover. All are welcome to the meeting.

Ian Bell is in charge of the Poster Contest.

The Bylaws committee will look into how voting can be anonymous

Tom McIntyre reported on proposal updates and provided copies of the register. Included is the raise in age for Fire Instructors from 18 to 21 and the experience required from 2 to 3 years.

President Pellek created the Lecture, Education, Guest Speaker Committee. Carmen Davino volunteered to serve on this committee. Others will be recruited from the night meeting in February or appointed by the President.

A Motion was made by Marty Reynolds to renew our membership in the NJFPPA for 2010 at a cost of $125 which will include the executive board and one other as individual members. This was seconded by Phil Wilk and passed.

A Motion was made by Carmen Davino to reimburse the Secretary for expenses related to his position by his submitting receipts to the Treasure. This was seconded by Paul Perrello and passed.

Under Good and Welfare, Mike Pellek let everyone know that he has an arson investigation trained dog. They are available.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 AM

The next meeting is Wednesday February 3rd at 7:30 PM at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.

Respectfully submitted,

Craig Babcock

MCFPA Secretary