Belgium Cold Spring Fire District

The agenda items included the Treasurer's Report, which required report approval and voucher approval, as well as a review of bank statements. Discussions covered the Chief's report, including personnel updates and purchase requests such as the surplus and disposal/donation of old hose and a damaged helmet, and approval for officers to attend the Port City Fire Conference and specialized search training. Communications involved a positive meeting with the Phoenix Chief regarding combined drills and requests to discuss department donations to fund CRR programs. Projects included scheduling annual equipment testing and servicing. Policy discussions centered on the retirement system. Other topics included Special Tax Zones data collection, meter calibration, the continuation of a training agreement, and the rollout of final SCBA training. Updates were given on the newly received Digital Fire Extinguisher Trainer, smoke detector installation statistics, SOP revisions, and facility walk-throughs for pre-plan updates. A meeting planning with the CPR group regarding curriculum and manikins was also noted. New Business included proposals to adopt the NY State Retirement 384-d plan and to discuss the NY State Deferred Compensation Plan.

Key discussions included an insurance review, Treasurer's Report processing (including voucher approval), and correspondence regarding commissioner conflict of interest disclosures related to fire department membership, and upcoming CAFDA financial training. The Chief's Report addressed personnel matters with two resignations (Crandall and McKinney) and noted limited external communications. Project updates covered a planned meeting with the CPR group to review AHA curriculum and training requirements, and demonstration of the Fire Extinguisher Prop. Facility walk-throughs and Pre-Plan information gathering were also mentioned. Committee reports covered Long Term Planning, New Truck, Lysander Public Safety (with the next meeting scheduled for March 17th), Budget & Finance (Special Tax Zones), IT Committee (Power DMS Renewal and camera replacement), Personnel, Truck Maintenance, and Building Maintenance. Old Business involved the review and revision of the Mandatory Training Policy.

Key discussions included reviewing and approving the treasurer's report and associated vouchers, noting a rejected motion regarding a multi-year dues voucher. Correspondence addressed insurance coverage for a board member serving on a cemetery board and scheduled the annual insurance review. Purchase requests involved declaring surplus cloth hose for charitable donation and disposing of a modified helmet. Training approvals included attendance at the Port City Fire Conference and specialized 'Take the Door' search training. The board approved a request from the NYS Troopers to use training facilities. Significant policy discussions resulted in the adoption of the NYSPFRS 384-D retirement plan. The board decided to proceed with exploring Special Tax Zones for certain property classes and renewed a training agreement with Brian Falise. Equipment updates included the delivery of a new pressure washer and the impending delivery of new SCBA units. The board adopted a resolution to enroll in the NY Deferred Compensation Plan for employees, and the payment of one voucher was tabled pending further information.

The meeting included reports from the Treasurer and Chief regarding financial disclosures, personnel civil service matters, and surplus equipment disposal. Discussion topics covered facility maintenance, organization of gear, and smoke detector installation statistics. Committee reports were provided for long-term planning, new truck procurement, safety, budget and finance, and building maintenance. Old business included a policy review for security cameras and building access control, while new business addressed lawn and snow removal contracts, trash service updates, and a new member application. A public hearing for special tax zones was also scheduled.

Key discussions included a summary and renewal of insurance coverage, requiring authorization for a commissioner to sign renewal documents. The Treasurer's report was reviewed, detailing various fund balances, and approval was granted for a commissioner to attend financial training. Correspondence addressed the requirement for department member commissioners to disclose conflicts of interest. Personnel matters included two resignations and the hiring of one individual to fill a vacancy. Significant discussion occurred regarding the Officer in Charge Policy, which was adopted in part, and a motion was carried to move forward with adding a third FF/EMT to each shift as budgeted. Training updates covered mandatory in-person and role-specific training, SCBA progress, and plans for EMS training. The committee discussed smoke detector installations and facility walk-throughs for pre-planning information. A motion carried to hold a public hearing on March 23, 2026, concerning a resolution to create separate tax zones to fund specialized apparatus, equipment, and training. A motion was approved to digitize building and tower plans. The IT Committee renewed the Power DMS contract and approved replacing two security cameras. Truck maintenance involved discussing the status of apparatus repairs and pricing for selling used apparatus. Retention of fire department personnel was also discussed at length.