From the desk of Heidi Sagar

DRAFT

Fire Services Study Committee

May 3, 2018

Meeting Minutes

Committee members present: Michael Ball, Douglas Erb, Kathy Parsons, Richard Sagar, Bruce Ulricson.

There were 8 people in the audience.

Meeting opened at 6:00 pm.

1. Doug read Warrant Article 5, as amended at Town Meeting.He reiterated that this  committee was a fact-finding, not a decision-making entity.He would like to begin  each meeting with a restatement of the committee’s mission.
2. Bruce made a motion to discuss prior meeting’s minutes, Richard seconded.

Minutes were accepted without change.

It was decided that the meetings need not be tape recorded.  Sufficient other  documentation will be available.

3. Doug presented a spreadsheet of similar-size towns, comparing tax rates (highest and  lowest), population, and comparative fire department costs.

The Committee will need detailed accounting of last 3 years’ Fire Department expenses.

The select board will be asked for this information.

4. Bruce stated that State law does not require fire dept. training.The committee will ask  our fire department for records of their training and certification.

Specific questions would be: What if a fire fighter is injured; how many can respond to a  call;  what is the liability to the Town; what sources exist for water?

The committee would like to see historical figures documenting past calls, response  time, and number of responders.

Doug asked Jason Cartwright for a report on training, insurance, etc.

Richard suggested that the Select Board has requested an inspection of the FD by Twin  State which might answer some of the questions.  There was concern that this might be  a timely process which could delay the committee’s progress.  Jason will ask Twin State  to expedite any inspection and give the Committee a timeline for a report.

There was discussion of what to compare training levels to – Lisbon, similar-size towns?

Bruce will contact the N.H. Dept, of Safety and ask for a profile of towns with regard to  training and safety.

5. Kathy questioned how firemen are notified in case of an incident.

Firefighters carry pagers at all times, and there is a “repeater” on Cannon Mountain, so  they can be easily contacted.  The FD is dispatched by Grafton County Dispatch.

Susan Stanley said she had a letter from Tom Andross, who is in charge of  communications at Grafton County Dispatch.  She had requested the “run cards” for  the Landaff FD.  Mr. Andross suggested that she needed to contact the local fire chief.

6. Susan Stanley reported that some people in town want to have input anonymously.

Doug said, they can send a letter to him, and their identity will stay anonymous.

7. Don Beaudin brought up the issue of retention and asked the Committee to find out  what other towns do have good retention, is there compensation, etc.

Doug responded that we can find out what fire departments have good retention rates,  and that the Fire Department can also talk to them.  He acknowledged that retention is  an issue to be addressed, but questioned the role of the committee.

8. Jason will provide the Fire Dept.’s information on costs in detail, to compare with the  Selectmen’s information.
9. Jason stated that the LVFA often uses their own funds for purchase items that are  above budget.He mentioned several specialized items that had been purchased.
10. Sandy Brackett questioned what happens to the F.D. assets if the Department is  disbanded. Richard indicated that he intends to pursue that question as the Committee  continues its discussions.

She asked whether the FD responds to medical emergencies.  Jason stated that the  firefighters do not have medical training as first responders, but will assist with some  tasks such as lifting someone.  He stated that there is an AED on the fire truck, and in  the Town Hall.  He said that periodic training in CPR and the use of the AED are  available, and that firefighters are encouraged to attend.

11. Susan Stanley asked if the Landaff Selectmen could meet with the Lisbon Selectmen to  obtain concrete figures. Doug stated that the would be premature at this point.
12. Becky McGovern voiced concern that, in the future, local employers may not allow fire  fighters to leave work when needed for the fire department.

Doug responded that this was outside of the realm of this committee.

13. Committee members were assigned the following tasks before the next meeting:

Richard:

(a) Compose a letter to the Selectmen asking for detailed accounting of F.D.           expenditures for last 3 years.  Doug to sign.

(b)  Contact the Saco Valley Fire Assoc., who have joined three towns for fire           protection, asking  for their experience.

Douglas: Study the effect of distance from a fire station on homeowners insurance       rates.

Kathy: Contact the Lyman Select Board regarding their experience with the Lisbon       Fire Department.  They meet every other Thursday at 6:00 pm.

Bruce: Contact the NH Dept. of Safety regarding training and safety.

13. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 6 PM in the Town Hall.It  was decided that future meetings will be bi-weekly, on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Heidi Sagar