5b Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Commission

Minutes Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Commission Meeting Held Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. Hanover Borough The Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Commission met on March 15, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hanover Borough Office, 44 Frederick St., Hanover, Pa. Present at the meeting:  Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Commission Chairman Peter Sheppard  Penn Township Commissioners Michael Brown, Ray Van de Castle (alternate) and Manager Kristina Rodgers  Hanover Borough Councilmen Bill Reichart, Christopher Lockard, Treasurer Sam Miller and Manager Michael Bowersox  Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Chief Anthony Clousher and Executive Assistant Vanessa Larson  Volunteers Fred Ayers (alternate) representing Penn Township Volunteer Emergency Services (PTVES), and John Bankert representing the Borough of Hanover volunteers. Chairman Sheppard called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with a declaration of a quorum. Announcement of Executive Session: There have been no Executive Sessions held since Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017. Public Comment: Bruce Yealy, president, HAVFR, announced the ribbon cutting ceremony to be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. at 204 Clover Lane, Hanover. Larry Rhoten is hosting the ceremony; Judge Todd Platts will administer the officers Oath of Office. Approval of the Minutes: Members Bankert/Ayers moved for the approval of the minutes from the February 15, 2018 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Treasurers Report: Treasurer Sam Miller reported on the Profit and Loss YTD ending February 28, 2018, making note that payroll is being administered by the Borough of Hanover and Penn Township. Future discussion is needed on how to reconcile payroll with the Commission. Accounts Payable was distributed for review. Motion to approve report and payables made by Michael Brown, seconded by Fred Ayers. Motion carried unanimously. Committee Reports a. Labor Relations: Manager Bowersox reported that the combined negotiations are at a standstill, Penn Township and the Borough of Hanover are negotiating separate contracts. Page 1 of 3  b. Administrative: o Manager Bowersox reported that the salary for the Fire Chief was never set and approved by the Commission. Current base salary is $78,925 plus longevity and acting fire chief pay. After discussions with Manager Rodgers, he is proposing the base rate to be increased to $92,000. Motion to approve made by John Bankert, seconded by Christopher Lockard, motion carried unanimously. c. Financial: o Leasing options were discussed for the 2018 Pierce Quint. Proposals from PNC, BB&T and Peoples Bank were discussed. Motion made by John Bankert, seconded by Christopher Lockard to lease through PNC for 60 months at $18,195.85/month plus document preparation fees. Motion carried unanimously, Chairman Sheppard will execute. It was noted that the Commission will take ownership of the vehicle at the end of the lease. o Motion made by Fred Ayers and seconded by Christopher Lockard to secure BB&T credit cards in the Commission’s name. o Motion made by Michael Brown, seconded by Fred Ayers to rescind resolution No. 2018-1 dated February 15, 2018 due to stalled (combined) contract negotiations. Motion carried unanimously. d. Operations: o Motion to approve the February 2018 Fire Report made by John Bankert, seconded by Michael Brown. Motion carried unanimously. o Motion made by Bill Reichart, seconded by Fred Ayers to adopt Resolution No. 2018-4, Fire Ground Chain of Command. Motion carried unanimously. o The Hanover Area Volunteer Fire and Rescue agreement was modeled after the current agreement with both municipalities. Chief Clousher forwarded the draft to Attorney Miller for approval but has not received a response. o Manager Bowersox recently met with the career division of the fire department concerning primary operation of the equipment. The Commission-owned equipment is to be operated exclusively by the career division. Volunteer- operated equipment will be designated in the policy manual. e. Facilities: o The lease agreement for 204 Clover Lane is finalized with Penn Township. f. Identification: No Discussion g. Equipment: o The sub-lease agreement for the 2015 Sutphen Aerial Tower is finalized with the Borough. h. EMS: o The EMS committee met to discuss maintaining the ambulance service. (The ambulances are owned by the volunteers.) Unfinished Business: Page 2 of 3  The Eagle Fire Company air unit is encumbered by a State Fire Commission loan and a commercial loan with the Kansas State Bank. Discussion ensued on HAVFR making payments (with reimbursement by the Commission) until the agreement between HAVFR and HAFRC is finalized. New Business: o Maynard Becker questioned the finances of HAVFR after they are absorbed into the Commission. Initial discussion is to bring the new company into the Commission with HAVFR holding their funds for a time (i.e. the organization has to exist six months to apply for 501c3 status). Discussion to continue on funds. It was also noted that the Commission will secure insurance on the vehicles that are transferred over. o Chief Clousher questioned whether the Commission should obtain a local solicitor (in addition to labor attorney Miller.) It was suggested we contact Rob Brady for input, with a report at the April 19 meeting. o Bruce Yealy inquired whether the Commission will be involved in the 4th of July activities this year. Manager Bowersox stated this is a Borough funded event and welcomed the fire department involvement. A volunteer committee will be formed to plan. Motion made at 7:10 p.m. by Fred Ayers to adjourn the meeting, seconded by John Bankert, motion approved. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Building. Respectfully submitted, Vanessa Larson Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3