Mark Cholach

Key discussions and actions during the board meeting included approving training for several personnel across various courses such as FFTS, Hazmat IC, and swift water rescue, as well as funding for employee time covered under existing employment agreements. The board authorized budget transfers totaling $15,000 from Radio Upgrade and Turnout Gear accounts to the Fire Equipment account. Additionally, the payment of general fund bills amounting to $603,698.69 was approved, and a revised Fund Balance Policy was adopted to maintain an unrestricted, unappropriated fund balance of 18% of projected annual operating expenses. The 2025-2026 Fund Balance appropriations totaling $4,744,394.27 were approved. The board accepted several items as surplus, including a printer and expired turnout gear. The meeting also saw the acceptance of resignations for three personnel members. Furthermore, the board authorized the purchase of a new Canon C3926 copier and rescinded a previous resolution regarding the purchase of a Ford F-350 XLT due to bid omission errors, subsequently approving a new mini-bid for a similar vehicle. Authorization was also given for modifications to the Station 4 Plymovent System and the surplus of truck #618. The board also approved holding a special meeting on January 25, 2026, to discuss the Station 6 boiler.

The Annual Organizational Meeting included several resolutions to establish the structure and operational authorizations for 2026. Key actions included nominating Commissioner Martin as Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, appointing Barbara Schaeffer as Secretary/Treasurer, and authorizing the Secretary/Treasurer to make internal budget adjustments. The Board approved resolutions for the distribution of fire tax monies in July 2026, distribution of the 2% fire tax funds to benevolent companies upon receipt in late June, and fund transfers to reserve accounts upon receipt of the tax levy. Furthermore, the Board authorized the Secretary/Treasurer to sign necessary forms for the Service Awards Account, authorized bond coverage for key personnel, approved retaining Peter J. Weishaar as legal counsel, Bernard P. Donegan for financial management services, and Stephen Rossi as the insurance broker. The Rochester Business Journal was named the official newspaper, and alternate was named the Democrat & Chronicle. The Board also approved lease agreements for station equipment and authorized payment of 2026 membership dues. Finally, the Board established that regular business meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., and retained Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC for labor matters. The Board also adopted Post-Issuance Tax Compliance and Continuing Disclosure Policies and Procedures for Tax-Exempt Notes and Bonds.

The Board meeting addressed several key actions, including the approval of training schedules and associated costs for various personnel covering topics such as Fire Fighter 1, Ice Rescue, and Command/Control Operations. The Board authorized budget transfers and approved the payment of bills from the General Fund totaling substantial amounts. Personnel actions included approving status changes (interior to exterior) for two members and accepting applications from several new volunteer recruits, contingent upon successful completion of the recruitment process. Additionally, prior service time was approved for one member's record. The Board authorized the purchase of a Raptor SR-XR8 Rescue Boat using grant funds, approved the replacement of radiant heaters for Station 4, accepted a mini-bid for a 2026 Ford F-350 XLT, and approved renewals for network security services and the purchase of Knox boxes. Finally, revisions to Policy 1212 regarding Scheduling Open Office Positions were approved. An Executive Session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The Board Meeting included several resolutions. The Board resolved to dedicate a page in the minutes to Clarence Spohr. Financial actions involved approving a one-year EAP contract and approving the use of unallocated fund balance to transfer $150,000 to the Truck Reserve and $250,000 to the Capital Building Reserve accounts. The Board also approved the purchase of two treadmills for Station #4 for $3,999 each and approved the purchase of cabinets from Custom Cabinets for $5,506 for the Station #4 kitchenette upgrade, to be paid from the 2026 budget. The Board entered into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and subsequently approved the personnel matters discussed therein.

The Organizational Meeting agenda focused on establishing organizational structure and authorizing various administrative and financial actions for the upcoming year. Key items included the nomination of a new Chairman, appointment of the Secretary/Treasurer, authorization for budget adjustments, and review/approval of the member list for fire tax fund distribution. Further resolutions authorized the Secretary/Treasurer to distribute fire tax funds, transfer funds to reserve accounts, sign necessary forms for the Service Awards Account, and ensure the Treasurer's annual report complies with Town Law. The Board also addressed approving bond coverage for key officers, retaining counsel and financial management services, appointing an Insurance Broker, designating official newspapers, and approving lease contracts for equipment storage at district stations. Finally, the schedule for 2026 Regular Business Meetings was set, and resolutions were adopted for retaining labor counsel and establishing tax compliance policies.