Human Affairs Committee

HUMAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 4, 2014 A meeting of the Human Affairs Committee was held Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire, Chairman, presided. Members of the Committee present: Alderman-at-Large Diane Sheehan, Vice Chair Alderwoman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Alderwoman Pamela T. Brown Alderman June M. Caron PUBLIC COMMENT - None COMMUNICATIONS – None UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None NEW BUSINESS – RESOLUTIONS R-14-066 Endorsers: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Alderman Michael Soucy Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire Alderman Richard A. Dowd Alderman-at-Large Diane Sheehan Alderman June M. Caron Alderman Ken Siegel Alderman-at-Large Daniel T. Moriarty Alderwoman Pamela T. Brown RELATIVE TO THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF $449,055 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTO FIRE GRANT ACTIVITY “FY13 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT-II” MOTION BY ALDERMAN SHEEHAN TO RECOMMEND FINAL PASSAGE ON THE QUESTION Alderman Wilshire Deputy Chief Kevin Kerrigan, the grant writer and grant administrative with us this evening if anyone has any questions. Deputy Chief Kerrigan Since 1980 we have occupied the area at the landfill that’s been for training purposes. In 1982 we constructed the current building that is there. There are basically 5 props that are out there. One is the major building and a section for a drafting pit. We have a confined space prop, a roof simulator, and in this area where this prop is going; there used to be a gas field that was a training exercise. About 10 years ago that was deemed out of service so we have been looking to get some newer, modern training props to replace it. As you can see, a half of million dollars has been tough to find. We wrote a grant and we were successful. This is a common building that prompted other departments have purchased and used successfully so we didn’t have to reinvestigate anything so we Human Affairs – 09/04/14 Page 2 are just going to go with what we know works and again, we are not adding anything out there or doing anything different we are just replacing something that’s outdated with a newer, more useful training prop for us. There is a cost, as you know, the matching fund which to me is certainly affordable for what we are getting. Alderman Wilshire Congratulations on getting the grant and the $49,895 is being proposed through an escrow, FY’ 15 escrow. Deputy Kerrigan Yes and honestly that’s been discussed through the Board of Fire Commissioner’s, the fire chief, and the Mayor. That’s beyond me, I am just the facilitator. Alderman Sheehan This makes almost $1 million. Deputy Kerrigan This is my second big grant this year. I got another almost ½ million for new air packs which was slated to be replaced this year out of our regular budget. MOTION CARRIED GENERAL DISCUSSION - None PUBLIC COMMENT - None REMARKS BY THE ALDERMEN Alderman Wilshire I am impressed with the fire department getting this kind of money. It’s a lot of work and it’s very competitive and clearly they have done a good job. POSSIBLE NON-PUBLIC SESSION ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY ALDERMAN SHEEHAN TO ADJOURN MOTION CARRIED The meeting was declared adjourned at 7:06 p.m. Alderwoman Melizzi-Golja Committee Clerk