Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund Committee

City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee Minutes Special Meeting October 17, 2006 The Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee held a special meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. in room 209, City Hall, Norwich, Connecticut. 1. Pre-Meeting Discussion: Councilman Crooks addressed the Committee and provided a broad overview regarding the past several special meetings that were intended to draft and adopt a new financial plan. Additionally, Red McKeon’s status of Active versus Inactive was discussed with no opinion offered either way by Mr. Crooks. However, he was hopeful that the Committee would be able to reach a conclusion regarding Red’s requested buy-back of five (5) additional Years of Service. 2. Roll Call Members present were: Richard Benoit, Taftville Thomas Quinley, Yantic Thomas Dawkins, Personnel Manager Joseph Kochanski, Laurel Hill Karen Mankowski, Occum Joshua Pothier, Deputy Comptroller Red McKeon, Occum/Past Chairman Donald Leary, East Great Plain John Crooks, guest Alderman Bruce Sabourin, North Pointe Investments Michael Driscoll, Attorney, City of Norwich Members absent were: Dennis Davis, City Pension Board Member Joseph Ruffo, Comptroller/Treasurer Robert Zarnestke, City Manager Richard Benoit called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. 3. The Committee agreed to suspend the regular meeting agenda to hear from Attorney Driscoll regarding Red McKeon’s request and his review of North Pointe Investment Proposal. a. Attorney Driscoll provided a concise and brief overview defining how the Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund came into being for the City of Norwich in the late 1980’s. He also related that originally firefighters were not specifically discussed in detail regarding Worker’s Compensation Issues. Once the Connecticut State Legislature had passed legislation pertaining to cities and towns having the option to establish and implement relief fund programs, it was up to each individual town/city to work out the specifics for their identified needs and applications. The State Legislature does not provide a definition or guidance for determining “Active Status” for volunteer firefighters.  b. In accordance with Norwich Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund Ordinance, a Member in the Plan is clearly defined. A Volunteer is neither retired nor disabled. Occum Volunteer Status, per their By-Laws, appears to mirror the City Ordinance. However, if specific issues of uniformity are identified, it may be necessary for the Occum Volunteer Fire Department to revise their By-Laws to ensure consistency with the adopted and approved City Ordinance. At this time, there has been no specific uniformity or lack of uniformity issues identified with the Ordinance and the Occum Volunteer Fire Department By-Laws. c. At this time, Attorney Driscroll reiterated the Ordinance requirements for being considered an Active Volunteer Firefighter. Those requirements are: you must meet a minimum of twenty (20) percent of fire/EMS calls and you must meet a minimum of twenty (20) percent of yearly drills. d. Attorney Driscoll’s review of the language of the Occum By-Laws clearly does not qualify Red McKeon for Active Volunteer Status nor does his current status with Occum define him as an Active Volunteer Firefighter as defined by the City of Norwich Ordinance. e. Thanks was given to John Crooks for bringing this issue of Red McKeon’s status to light, so that a thorough review of the situation could be performed by the Committee Members and independently by Attorney Driscoll, Corporation Council. At this point, Red McKeon was asked if he had any additional questions for Attorney Driscoll or the Committee. Red stated he understood the conclusion reached by both parties and had no additional questions. f. Chairman Benoit took this opportunity to explain Life Honorary Member Status as defined in the Occum By-Laws under section 8B: Honorary Life Membership is specifically identified as a firefighter who has transitioned to Inactive status. Occum cannot certify Red McKeon’s service for the additional five years requested. Mr. Benoit further stated that the language in the Plan is very specific and it is clear that Red McKeon does not meet the minimum requirements. Because the minimum Plan requirements cannot be certified, there is no further action the Committee can take regarding this matter. g. Tom Quinley made a motion that in accordance to the information provided above, Red McKeon does not qualify for the minimum requirement for being an Active Firefighter, therefore his request to purchase an additional five years of buy-back time is rejected. Seconded by Donald Leary. Unanimously approved. h. Attorney Driscoll reported on his review of the North Pointe Investment Proposal and confirmed to the Committee that his review indicates that it is a straightforward proposal and there are no problems in entering into an agreement with North Pointe as outlined. i. Based on the above information provided by Attorney Driscoll, a motion made by Tom Quinley to accept and approve the North Pointe Proposal and that two signed copies would be processed, one for the Committee and one for North Pointe for future reference. Seconded by Thomas Dawkins, unanimously approved. 4. Minutes: the minutes of the October 10, 2006 meeting were reviewed. Motion made by Thomas Dawkins to accept the minutes as read, seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved. 5. Reports: a. Treasurer Report: September’s Treasurer’s report presented by Joshua Pothier. Motion made by Thomas Dawkins, seconded by Donald Leary to accept the report as read. Approved. 6. Communications: None 7. Old Business: a. East Great Plain states their buy-back review is complete and they have three additional personnel they would like to present to the Committee for review and approval. 1. Conte, Giuseppe. Purchasing one (1) year (2000) 2. Dailey, Patrick. Purchasing four (4) years (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994) 3. Sieczkowski, Mark. Purchasing five (5) years (1992 – 1996) Donald Leary confirms to the Committee Members that all certifications have been properly reviewed and verified prior to submittal. Based on the above information, Thomas Quinley made a motion to accept the EGP certifications as presented for the seven (7) EGP members in total and the deposit of $4, 320. Seconded by Joseph Kochanski, approved. b. Chairman Benoit raised one question to the Comptroller’s Office regarding their records of Active versus Inactive Firefighter status. Currently there are three firefighters have been incorrectly classified as Inactive but in fact are Active firefighters. Those firefighters are Richard Benoit, Taftville; Francis Claffey, Yantic; David Lathrop, Yantic. Joshua Pothier confirmed to the Committee that he would make corrections to the worksheet and provide a revised copy to all members via email and at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Next meeting to be held December 11, 2006. Motion made to adjourn by Thomas Quinley, seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved. Meeting adjourned at 1810 hrs. Respectfully Submitted, Thomas G. Quinley December 11, 2006