Volunteer Firefighter Relief Fund Committee

City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee Minutes Special Meeting September 15, 2020 The Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee held a virtual Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. utilizing the City of Norwich Turbobridge account. Thomas Quinley welcomed Nate Kannas to the committee, the P&P Board Appointee replacing Mr. John John. 1. Roll Call a. Members Present: Thomas Quinley, Yantic, Committee Chair John Salomone, City Manager Joshua Pothier, Comptroller, Committee Treasurer Donald Leary, East Great Plain Committee Secretary Shane Dupuis, Taftville Karen Mankowski, Occum Joseph Kochanski, Laurel Hill Daniel Dennis, Citizen Appointee Ronald Stoltz, Citizen Appointee Nate Kannas, P&P Board Appointee b. Members Absent: Richard Benoit, Taftville Past Chair Brigid Marks, Human Resource Director, Committee Vice-Chair Thomas Quinley called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. 2. Minutes: Minutes from the August 17, 2020 Special Meeting were reviewed. a. Motion made by Joshua Pothier to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Karen Mankowski. Approved. 3. New Business: a. Election of officers for 2021: i. Motion made by Karen Mankowski to reappoint the current slate of officers, seconded by Daniel Dennis. Approved unanimously. ii. The slate of officers for 2021 is 1. Thomas Quinley, Committee Chair 2. Brigid Marks, Committee Co-Chair 3. Donald Leary, Secretary 4. Joshua Pothier, Treasurer b. 2021 Meeting Schedule: a. A motion was made by Karen Mankowski to set the following of regular meetings for 2020, second by John Salomone. All meetings will take place in Room 213, City Hall, at 5:00 p.m. 1  City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee Minutes Special Meeting September 15, 2020 i. Tuesday, February 16, 2021 ii. Monday, May 17, 2021 iii. Monday, August 16, 2021 iv. Monday, November 15, 2021 Other business: c. Discussion on the Review/revision of the current VFFRF Plan ordinance, Thomas Quinley requested that members provide input as to what they would like to see changed / modified in the ordinance. i. Joseph Kochanski stated that the age of attainment in section 1.11 of the ordinance should revert back to 20 years from the present 25 years, retroactively for members who have joined since the last revision as an incentive for volunteers to join the various fire companies. 1. Nate Kannas questioned whether this was a motion and when it would be voted on. Thomas Quinley clarified that this was a discussion and at the 13 October meeting a vote would be taken if the actuary data was received in time to support the vote or at latest prior to submittal to the City Council. ii. Donald Leary stated that the maximum number of years needs to revert back to the previous 40 years from the present 30 years in order to help retain volunteers across the five fire companies and that it be retroactive for members who have joined since the last revision. iii. Thomas Quinley stated that an increase in the monthly benefit from $22 to $24 was appropriate along with a commensurate increase in the members contribution. iv. Thomas Quinley stated that an increase in the survivors benefit from 90 to 100% would be a significant enhancement. This would only apply to currently ACTIVE Members v. The Fire Company members all voiced support in the above modifications to help attract and retain volunteers to benefit the City. vi. Joshua Pothier stated that the actuary needs to review the proposed changes and provide the associated costs. Thomas Quinley said that since the actuary had just completed a review, they had all of the necessary data and that the cost should not exceed $2,000 and that he would be happy to work with both Josh and the actuary to accomplish this task. 1. A motion was made by Thomas Quinley to limit the actuary cost to $2,000, second by Nate Kannas. vii. John Salomone clarified the City Council meeting schedule to receive, review and vote on the proposed changes. A motion was made by Daniel Dennis to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Karen Mankowski. Respectfully submitted, 2  City of Norwich Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Fund Committee Minutes Special Meeting September 15, 2020 Donald Leary, Secretary 3