Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund Committee

City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee Minutes Meeting #100, December 11, 2006 The Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee held its 100th meeting on Monday, December 11, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. in room 209, City Hall, Norwich, Connecticut. 1. Roll Call Members present were: 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 Members absent were: Richard Benoit, Taftville Dennis Davis, City Pension Board Member Joseph Ruffo, Comptroller/Treasurer Robert Zarnestke, City Manager Thomas Dawkins called the meeting to order at 5:07 p.m. 2. Minutes: the minutes of the October 17, 2006 meeting were distributed and reviewed. Motion made by Joshua Pothier to accept the minutes as read, seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved. Note: Mr. McKeon stated that the actual Plan adoption date was November 9, 1987. He also stated for section 3D, that his official/badge title is “Life Honorary Member”, which is different from what is defined in the Occum By-Laws. 3. Reports: a. Treasurer Report: Mr. Pothier presented the October and November Treasurer’s Reports for Committee review. Mr. Quinley noted typographical errors in both reports. Mr. Quinley made a motion to table the reports until the next meeting so that the reports could be reviewed for accuracy and corrections incorporated. Seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved. 4. Communications: None 5. Old Business: a. It has come to the Committee’s attention through the Occum representative that there are discrepancies with monthly payouts for three (3) Occum Members: John Jakubowski, Roland Lambert, and Roland McKeon. Thomas Quinley made a motion that the Occum representative and Fire Department determine the status of these members through  Departmental records research; how and why these errors were made and to make recommendations for corrective action and appropriate payouts, including details for retroactive payment, at the next meeting. Seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved. b. There are three (3) firefighters incorrectly statused on the City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Calculation of Buybacks of Credited Service for 2006 Plan Revision form. The affected members are Richard Benoit, Taftville; Francis Claffey and David Lathrop, Yantic. Their status has been corrected by Joshua Pothier and is accurately reflected as Active as of 1/1/06. 6. New Business a. East Great Plain (EGP) presented a Beneficiary form for Roger P. Snell. Joshua Pothier stated that the new Draft Beneficiary Forms are now available. Joseph Kochanski made a motion to accept the new revised Beneficiary form, seconded by Donald Leary. Approved. b. Red McKeon noted the Relief Fund Ordinance states there should be 11 members comprising the Relief Fund Committee, currently there are 12 members. Mr. McKeon has volunteered to work with Attorney Driscoll to draft clarifications to update the Ordinance so that the current Committee membership is reflected accurately in the Ordinance. Thomas Quinley stated that the Relief Fund Committee is comprised of 11 voting members and the 12th individual is the Past Chairperson, who does not retain voting privileges. This enhancement was incorporated during an earlier Plan revision. Mr. Quinley concurred that there are typographical/administrative type enhancements that should be clarified going forward. Mr. Quinley agreed to meet with Mr. McKeon prior to the next meeting to discuss additional concerns. c. A copy of the approved October 17, 2006 meeting minutes were provided to Karen Mankowski to be delivered to Kevin McKeon, Chief of the Occum Fire Department, to clarify the Committee’s position on Red McKeon’s status. d. Red McKeon stated that from the perspective of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) it is required that all volunteer firefighter/EMS personnel over 18 years of age must be certified physically fit through annual physicals. Red discussed that during 2006 there were five (5) individuals that were severely burned nationally. He further clarified that the PSO Benefits do not apply to personnel under 18 years of age. e. Donald Leary made a motion to process a Certification Form for all Department members regardless of their affiliation with the Relief Fund based on Mr. Pothier’s recommendations. Upon further discussion, Donald Leary withdrew his proposal and a Certification Form will not be required for all personnel. f. Hooker & Holcombe bill was presented by Joshua Pothier. Thomas Quinley made a motion to pay the bill, seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved.  g. Occum presented their summary form for the 2006 buyback. Motion made by Donald Leary to accept the summary, seconded by Joseph Kochanski. Approved. h. Discussion of meeting schedules for 2007. The proposed meeting dates: 1/16, 2/12, 5/14, 9/10 and 12/10. Motion made by Thomas Quinley to accept the dates, seconded by Donald Leary. Approved. Next meeting to be held January 16, 2007. Motion made to adjourn by Thomas Quinley, seconded by Joshua Pothier. Approved. Meeting adjourned at 1822 hours. Respectfully Submitted, Thomas G. Quinley January 16, 2007