Minutes of the December 3rd, 2008 Meeting

of

The Morris County Fire Prevention Association

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:39 PM by President Michael Pellek, who welcomed all -- 17 in attendance.  Mike called attention to the four handouts provided: (1) Notice about outdoor wood burning boilers from Director Cythia Wilk of the Division of Codes and Standards, (2) Notice/application for Fire Facts Seminar #15 Update to the IFC 2006: NJ Edition, at Seton Hall, (3) Notice about where the ballast are in compact florescent light bulbs, and (4) the updated Association Bylaws. 

 

President Pellek reported on the November 7th, 2008, County Presidents Meeting:

 

·         the Division is upgrading their computer system with both a 12 to 18 month window and a 2-3 year window for completion

·         DCA has lost 150 employees to buyouts and is looking to reduce staff an additional 72

·         Fire Officials must register for on-line information

·         There will be two books under the new code – a stand alone fire prevention code ($87 in print) with an electronic version available.  ESP expects to charge $250 for a one time update, classes are forthcoming for working officials and inspectors

·         The 2007 Fire Report for NJ is complete and available on-line

·         The Division is stressing that local fire officials need to be active in fire investigations

·         A new contractors list will be provided twice a year, complaints must be in writing.  The Division was encouraged to notify Fire Officials of contractors going back on the list.

·         NJ School Fires are not being reported, there were 278 reported fires last year and over 7000 other emergency responses to schools

·         A change in the frequency of inspections in schools was discussed – going to twice or four times a year considered

·         Smoke detectors are still available via email from Charlie Luxton

 

There was no report from Vice-president Phil Wilk.

 

Secretary Babcock mentioned his many recent emails to members and encouraged adoption of the new bylaws.

 

Treasurer Marty Reynolds gave his report.  A motion to accept the report was made seconded, and approved. 

 

State Report:  Paul Elenio gave the state report reiterating many of the items mentioned in the County Presidents report.  Do not bother to try to get the NJ Version of the 2006 IFC because it is not available yet.  There was no written report from the Division this month.

 

New Jersey Fire Prevention and Protection Association – Rich Silvio is our new Regional Vice-President.  They still have not cashed the check for $125 we sent them early in the year for our membership.  In October most of us that are members paid for by that uncashed check received membership certificates and invitations to the annual dinner.

 

Vinnie Corsaro gave the Pubic Education report, stating that they hoped to develop a fire safety program for high school seniors.  He went on to mention that Safety Town is progressing with a new fire safety trailer.  It is to be ordered very soon with delivery in six to nine months.

 

Mike Pellek reported visiting Kinnelon to look at their Fire Safety Trailer which has been offered to us.  It is a 33 foot 2004 Surrey Trailer in excellent shape.  He is planning to get it moved to the Fire Academy grounds soon.

 

Ian Bell encouraged everyone to get their schools involved in the Poster Contest.

 

1st Reading of the Revised Bylaws was held and passed by the members present.  Dennis Lonagon asked that the bylaws be emailed to all members in good standing with the intent of each member acknowledging receipt via email.  Secretary Babcock will do so.

 

Old Business 

It was decided that Marty Reynolds should go ahead and order a new 6 foot blue-with- gold-letters Association banner at a cost of $277.50.

 

New Business

Fire Officials were encouraged to work on their relationship with their local chief or chiefs to assure that they are notified of all working fires.

 

The election of the 2009 officers was held with the following results:

           

            Mike Pellek, President

            Dennis Lonagan, Vice President

            Marty Reynolds, Treasurer

            Craig Babcock, Secretary

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM with Holiday food and beverages to follow.

The next meeting is Wednesday January 7th at 10 AM at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy.

 

Respectfully submitted,                                  2009 Membership Application is attached

Craig Babcock

MCFPA Secretary