Glen Archambault

The Council discussed various reports including financial statements, fire department operations, and liaison updates from the Killingly Business Association and Town Council. Key business items addressed were the strategic planning initiatives, such as the Main Street Wi-Fi project and Fire Chief evaluation process. The Council also reviewed and approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, discussed the lawncare request for proposal, and took action to revise and repost the Fire Chief position.

The Council discussed various reports including the Treasurer's report, Fire Commissioner's report, and Fire Department incident summaries. Old business included updates on the Real Custom Training Strategic Planning, specifically the Main Street Wifi project and the Fire Department's standard operating guidelines. New business topics covered an update on the lawncare RFP, an informational update on a FOIA request, discussion regarding the Fire Chief job posting, and the proposed FY 26-27 budget. Liaison reports from the Killingly Business Association and the Town of Killingly Council were also presented.

The commission reviewed fire department call data, including response statistics and missed call percentages. Discussions focused on the effectiveness of overnight and daytime stipend programs, with ongoing monitoring of filled versus unfilled shifts. Recruitment and retention strategies were addressed, including the procurement of merchandise. Progress on the FEMA Aid to Firefighters Grant was reviewed, specifically regarding interior renovations and the acquisition of new laundry equipment. Additionally, the commission worked on developing a new performance evaluation tool for the Fire Chief and reviewed various Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines for updates and procedural alignment.

Key discussions included a review of quarterly call data spanning October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, which showed a total of 259 calls for the quarter and an overall missed call percentage of 18.1%. The Commission agreed to review the effectiveness of the Overnight Stipend position monthly. Recruitment activities planned include an Open House for a new truck, though winter limits current events. Regarding the FEMA Aid to Firefighters Grant, an updated quote of $18,457 was received for a gear extractor, and local purchase is planned for the Washer/Dryer, with efforts underway to secure contractors for equipment space. The development of an Evaluation Tool for the Fire Chief was tabled to the February meeting, as this meeting was a postponed January session. Standard Operating Procedures/Standard Operating Guidelines (SOP/SOG) Sections 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were reviewed and found ready for publication, while Section 15 remains with legal counsel for review. In new business, the EMS Lieutenant position, vacant for six years, was filled effective February 1, 2026.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included a review of the effectiveness of the Overnight stipend program and a detailed review of the daytime stipend program concerning job description, duties, schedule rotation, participants, and effectiveness. The commission also planned to discuss retention and recruitment activities, including planning for an Open House for a new truck, and reviewed the FEMA Aid to Firefighters Grant, noting an updated quote for a gear extractor. Other agenda items involved the development of an Evaluation Tool for the Fire Chief (tabled from the prior meeting) and the review of Standard Operational Guidelines/Standard Operating Guidelines (SOP/SOG) Sections 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, and 5, which were agreed upon as standard procedures ready for publication. During the January 8th portion of this combined meeting record, it was noted that the EMS Lieutenant position had been filled.