Minutes of the November 4nd, 2009 Meeting

of

The Morris County Fire Prevention Association

The meeting was called to order at 10:10 AM by President Michael Pellek, who welcomed all 15 in attendance. There followed a flag salute and a moment of silence for those gone before us. President Pellek thanked everyone for the card, their support, and sympathy for his Dad’s passing. He also thanked Craig for continuing to get information out.

There was no report from Vice President Dennis Lonagan.

Secretary Craig Babcock asked that everyone be sure that he has correct email addresses as ballots will be emailed after the December meeting.

Treasurer Marty Reynolds gave his report which was accepted as read. Marty will be stepping down at the end of the year and we still need a new Treasurer.

Paul Elenio gave the State Report – see attached report. Craig Babcock asked Paul and everyone else, on behalf of Rockaway Fire Marshall Jim Miller, how they are handling the growing number of vacant buildings in there municipalities. Paul said that under code landlords are required to remove all combustible materials. He also said that the true issue is firefighter safety. An empty building should be kept as safe as possible. Others suggested the following: Contact local utilities to have them notify us when power and/or water is turned off. Work with fire sub-code officials so we will be notified when gutting permits are issued. Have the tax department notify us of foreclosure proceedings, especially where foreclosures have been executed. Landlords are the responsible party for empty stores, homes, or buildings.

Paul encouraged everyone to send a letter in support of residential sprinklers. He also noted that free 9V batteries are available for the fire service from www.energizer.com and other freebees and information is available from www.homesafetycouncil.com.

Rich Silvia, the North Regional Vice-President, gave the New Jersey Fire Prevention & Protection Association Report. Rich attended the International Residential Code Conference in Baltimore and testified. We still need letters of support for residential sprinklers in New Jersey even thought keeping residential sprinklers in the National IRC Code was overwhelmingly supported at the Convention. There was a thwarted attempt to remove the requirements for CO detectors when sprinklers are required. Rich testified that in Teaneck in the year before the requirement for CO detectors there were 13 CO related deaths and none during the year after the adoption. The Committee approved for IRC 2009 allowing UL approved wireless fire alarm use in all modifications, renovations, and additions. They are not allowed in new construction. With regards to the recent requirements in some Bergen County municipalities for stickers on all buildings using light weight construction. Rich recommends that every building be treated as being light weight truss construction by the fire service.

Deale Carey from the Forest Fire Service mentioned that a live burn in the High Point Area will be conducted for those who have taken the Forest Fire Arson Investigation course, soon.

Dave Barter the County Fire Marshal’s Office reports progress.

Vinny Corsaro reported for Safety Town that water remains the issue with the Human Resources Building. The line currently leaks badly and the State is turning it off, making the otherwise fully useful building unusable. There are no plans to replace the line. Safety Town meeting is Tuesday 11/10/09 at St. Clares Dover. Vinny also reported that the next Pub Ed meeting is Thursday 11/12/09.

The Fire Safety Trailer has yet to be moved. Mike will talk to Jack Alderton at the Academy about a place for it and Dennis Lonagan offered to move it to the Academy with his personal vehicle. Mike Pellek suggested we consider purchasing a vehicle to tow the trailer with the remaining of the trailer fund which is approximately twenty-one thousand dollars.

President Pellek reported that The Golf Outing was a modest success with 22 in attendance and a $467.16 profit which has gone into the Trailer Fund. It was a good day and everyone had fun. Mike thanked those who helped make it happen.

Old Business: We still need a nomination for Treasurer. If you are interested please contact any Executive Board Member or the Nominating Committee

New Business: The County President’s Meeting is tomorrow Thursday 11/5/09.

Good and Welfare: none

The meeting was adjourned by unanimous agreement at 11:07 AM.

The Holiday Party Meeting is Wednesday December 2nd at 7:30 PM at the Madison Fire Station. This is your last chance for nominations for Association Officers.

Respectfully submitted,

Craig Babcock

MCFPA Secretary