Fire Committee Meeting

April 22, 2009

Council Chambers

Present

Councillor D. Roberts, Chair

Mr. R. MacPherson, Fire Chief

Mr. B. Chisholm

Mr. B. Landry

Mr. J. MacDonald

D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk

Absent with Regrets

Deputy Mayor D. MacInnis

Mr. D. Holmes

Call to Order

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

Nomination of Vice-chair

Chair, Councillor D. Roberts, called for nominations for Vice-Chair of the Fire Committee. No nominations were put forth.

Moved by Councillor W. Cormier

Seconded by Mr. R. MacPherson

“That nominations for Vice-Chair of the Fire Committee be Tabled until the next meeting.” Motion carried.

Approval of Agenda

Moved by Mr. B. Landry

Seconded by Mr. J. MacDonald

“That the Agenda be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

Moved by Mr. B. Landry

Seconded by Councillor W. Cormier

“That the Minutes of the Fire Committee meeting held June 11, 2009, be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.

Ratification – Addition of Two New Firefighters

The Chair advised the Committee that at a meeting of Council held on April 20, 2009, the addition of two new members to the Fire Department were approved, namely Mr. M. Gillis and Ms. N. Jagodic. In response to the Chairs’ question as to whether the new firefighters were replacing past members, the Chair was advised that Ms. N. Jagodic is temporary, as she is will only be in the area for the next couple of years, and that they had previously lost past members Mr. D. Harnish and Mr. P. Blandford.

Discussion on the Fire Department’s By-laws took place and it was noted that the existing By-law permits a maximum of 50 members to be on the Department; however, it is typical to have 35 Members, of which 20 are usually active.

Moved by Councillor W. Cormier

Seconded by Mr. J. MacDonald

“To request CAO D. Kampen to review the Fire Committee Policy capping the number of active members to a maximum of 50, (not including Junior and Honorary Members, the numbers of which will be determined by the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department), in order to make the Town’s Fire Department Policy consistent with the By-laws of the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department, as approved by the Town of Antigonish.” Motion Carried.

Moved by Councillor W. Cormier

Seconded by Mr. B. Chisholm

“To request CAO D. Kampen to review Item #4 of the Fire Committee Policy for the Town of Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department so that all members of the Committee shall have a vote.” Motion carried.

Reports

· Fire Chief

Mr. B. Landry reviewed the monthly statistics including training and responses for the months of January, February, and March, 2009 and noted he would provide Deputy Clerk D. Wilson with a copy of the report.

· Hydrant Report

Mr. B. Landry distributed the Hydrant Report. He noted that ‘fire flow’ tests were recently carried out. Brief discussion took place and concern was raised with the issue of fire hydrants, valves and flows, particularly within the Fringe Area of District #2.

Moved by Mr. B. Chisholm

Seconded by Councillor W. Cormier

“That Council recommends that future discussions between the Town and County, between Mayor C. Chisholm, CAO D. Kampen, Warden H. Delorey and Clerk Treasurer A. Bond include the issue of hydrant flow, particularly in the County Fringe Area of District #2.” Motion carried.

Other Business

· Hydrant at Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School

Mr. R. MacPherson, Fire Chief, advised that at a recent fire at the High School, one of the private hydrants owned by the Strait Regional School Board (SRSB) would not work, and that the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department was unaware of this until it they responded to the fire.

Discussion took place on whether the SRSB had followed up on a recommendation from the Town approximately one year ago. Councillor W. Cormier indicated he could check on the status of the SRSB hydrant maintenance, and further try to determine whether maintenance records are being provided to the Town.

· Release of Two Firefighters

Mr. R. MacPherson, Fire Chief, advised the Committee that two firefighters were recently struck from the list of active firefighters and released of their responsibilities, as they were unable to meet the requirements of the Fire Department. It was further noted that they have been requested to return their clothing, supplies, and educational materials to the Department. Mr. B. Chisholm noted that there may be repercussions as the Department is experiencing difficulty in having some of the effects returned and that the matter may proceed to small claims court.

Business from Minutes

· Ladder Truck

Chair, Councillor D. Roberts confirmed that the Town has made a $500,000.00 commitment to the Fire Department for the purchase of a ladder truck and that, legally, the borrowing resolution for this matter will expire in approximately one month which will require a new resolution to be introduced.

Discussion took place on efforts the Fire Department has made in long-range planning including, most recently, the purchase of a van, and that the Department is now a year behind with the purchase of a ladder truck.

It was noted that the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department had approached Strait Mutual Aid

(County) and St. F.X. University for assistance in the purchase of a ladder truck to no avail; however; it is anticipated the University will again be approached, given the assistance a ladder truck could be in the event of a fire in campus.

It was noted that the existing ladder truck is approximately 39 years old and unreliable. The Fire Department has a Ladder Truck Committee which has been looking at various trucks available for purchase, both new and used. Many have too many ‘bells and whistles’ while others not enough and/or don’t meet the needs of the Department. It was suggested that ladder trucks can be found on the Internet at a cost of $500,000.00; however, it was noted that these vehicles are for the most part, not suitable. It was noted that the Fire Department has determined that their needs could be met with a five-function ‘quint’ Fire Truck, which, in their opinion, cannot be purchased for $500,000.00 It was suggested that perhaps the Fire Department Ladder Truck sub-committee meet with the Mayor and members of Council to review the Fire Department’s needs and what is available for $500,000.00.

Chair, Councillor D. Roberts. agreed to approach Mayor C. Chisholm in an effort to have Council participate in a meeting with the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department and an independent third party to further discuss the purchase of a ladder truck for the Fire Department.

Adjournment

Moved by Mr. J. MacDonald

Seconded by Mr. B. Landry

“That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion carried.