Morris County Fire
Prevention Association
Minutes of the 5th of March 2008 meeting
The meeting was called to
order by President Mike Pellek at 10:10 AM at the Public Safety Training
Academy.
The Presidents Report was
given by Mike Pellek, thanking all those present for coming and supporting the
Association. President Pellek also pointed out to the members present that
there are handouts on the front table including Division of Fire Safety contact
information, a list of the “Most Common Monitoring Deficiencies” and minutes
from the last “Public Education Advisory Council” meeting.
No correspondences were
received for the Secretary's Report and in the absence of our Secretary Craig
Babcock no report was given.
The Treasurer’s Report was
given by Marty Reynolds, we currently have
$2,763.50 in the checking account
$18,858.61 in the trailer account
A motion was made by Rich
Heimbach and seconded by Vinnie Corsaro to accept the treasurer's report as
read, motion carried.
Marty also stated that he
is staring to receive payment of dues for 2008 and that he is maintaining a
list of active members, we will no longer be “carrying” people like we have
done in the past years.
George Cramer gave the
report for the Division of Fire Safety. George mentioned that the Code comment
period ended December 12th and that there were over 1,000 comments
received. George reminded the membership present to make sure their Life Hazard
Inspections are completed and that the Divisions Spring Course Brochure is now
out, check your needs for certification and please don’t wait to the last
minute for your CEU’s. George reiterated that if we have code questions that we
should call our regional representative George Cramer at 609-306-9434 (cell) or
609-633-6112 (o). Paul Elenio is also available at 609-947-7524 (cell) or
609-633-6112 (o).
The Forest Fire Service
Report was given by Dale Carey with handouts. Dale also stated that there are
some upcoming changes with the Forest Fire Service, there is a new division “A”
section and big changes in the Morris County coverage. Planes will be available
for six (6) weeks starting March 22, 2008 and the helicopters have been painted
red and white, their new command post trailer should be up and running by the
summer. Dale also stated that he is talking with the County on upcoming
prescribed burns and will notify area Fire Officials when he hears anything.
Dale also stated that the first week in April will be “Wildfire Awareness
Week”. Anyone needing “Smokey the Bear” should let Dale know.
The County Fire Marshall's
Report was given by Craig Goss the county has been in touch with “Knox”
regarding key boxes and will be going to a duel key system for County buildings
The County Fire
Coordinators Report was given by Jack Alderton, Chief Alderton reported that
the Fire 2 curriculum is 95 hrs. the academy will proctor the examinations and
the Division of Fire Safety will continue to proctor the Fire Officer test.
Jack also reported that the new buzz word is R.I.C. (Rapid Intervention Crew or
Rapid Intervention Company) F.A.S.T. and R.I.T. are now out. Jack also stated
that the UASI Air Unit has 110 cylinders on it, predominantly Scott, Jack also
proudly stated that Morris County is on the cutting edge as far a de-con is
concerned regarding the number of personnel trained and the training
curriculum, Jack is awaiting the go ahead on the curriculum from the Department
of Homeland Security, also that de-con classes were available for free through
the National Fire Academy and the Domestic Preparedness Center who actually use
live agents in their training. Jack also commented on inspectors wearing
radiation meters while performing inspections, this was discussed at last
months meeting and we are awaiting operational protocols from the Department of
Homeland Security, there did not seem to be any objections from the fire
inspectors present regarding the use of the radiation detection meters.
The State Fire Prevention
Report was given by Rich Heimbach, after a brief discussion President Pellek
decided that the Secretary will send a letter clarifying who the five Morris
County representatives will be.
The Public Education Report
was given by Vinnie Corsaro. Vinnie stated that the Poster Contest is the next
big push.
The Master Planning Report
was given by Rich Heimbach, Rich stated that there was an upcoming two day
retreat, three topics will be covered by each committee a big one being “Shared
Resource Services” , there is also talk of a central computer system for total
information regarding Block and Lot information. Rich also stated that the
Sprinkler Coalition meeting will be held on the 26th of this month.
Safety Town, Vinnie Corsaro
reported in progress.
Fire Safety Trailer -- Mike
Pellek reported that the Golf Outing remains the primary fund raiser for the
future purchase of the trailer. This years outing will be held on Thursday
September 4th it is not too early to start spreading the word and
working on sponsors.
Poster Contest -- Ian Bell
reported that it is coming up. Morris County's entries are due at the State by
the end of April, we will judge the county winners after our next Fire Prevention
Association meeting, and anyone with posters can bring them to the meeting or
get them to Ian beforehand.
Web Site -- Barry Howard is
currently updating e-mail information on the web page, Craig Babcock will send
any current information to Barry as it becomes available, if you have fire
pictures, fire safety information or announcements you would like to see on the
web site please submit them to Barry Howard at www.mcfpa.net.
Bylaws -- President Pellek
stated that they are in progress.
Public Relations – Ian Bell
reported that the Daily Record will be contacted to cover the poster contest.
Code Proposals – Tom
McIntyre reported that the last two pages of the uniform construction code
dealt with protection of adjacent properties.
Old Business – There are no
updates on school lockdown activity, any problems go directly to Paul Allen at
the division. Actual fire we can institute control, bank robbery down the
street, lockdown becomes a police matter, we may want to walk through after the
situation has been resolved to make sure everything is in compliance.
New Business – Jack
Alderton reported two items, 1. WABC Operation 7 Save-A-Life Program involving
smoke detectors is underway. 2. The State of New Jersey is in the process of
adopting HITS (Highway Incident Traffic Safety guidelines, a document that was
recently accepted by the Alliance of Active Fire Chiefs and 95 % of the
document came out of Morris County.
Dale Carey asked about MIRS
radios and how Morris County notifies Forest Fire in case of an incident where
they are needed.
Good and Welfare – Rich
Heimbach reminded the members of the upcoming “Four H” fair in July and asked
if anyone has any handouts to get them to him prior to the fair, they can even
be outdated.
It was noted that we cannot
ban the use of candles, but we can restrict their use.
It was also noted that
Morris County received an award for their National Night Out program.
The next meeting is an
evening meeting on Wednesday April 2nd 7.30 PM, at the Public Safety
Training Academy.
A motion for adjournment
was Made by Mike Pellek and seconded by Rich Heimbach, motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned
at 11:07 AM.
Respectfully submitted
Ian Bell
Acting Secretary