William Geerlings

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on new apparatus, specifically the assembly start date for a new tanker and upcoming meetings for the new engine committee. Equipment matters involved decommissioning apparatus 56-68 and discussing the leveling of the old NAPA lot and mold remediation at Station #1. Insurance updates focused on completing forms for a specific member and maintaining the current career staff health insurance provider for the year while exploring options for the following year. The District Chief reported on a $5,000 donation received and addressed a request from the DCSO regarding drone mounting. The 1st Assistant Chief reported on frequency transfer progress and discussed the career call back policy, which will be reviewed by the Labor Attorney. The 2nd Assistant Chief reported issues with AED warranty coverage. Purchasing approvals covered various items, including a replacement call monitor, Epi pens, AED pads, toner cartridges, batteries, a printer stand, and a quote for radio frequency transfer, totaling $3,739.42. Monthly general fund bills totaling $287,874.87 were approved for payment. Unfinished business involved committee member changes for the Town of Pleasant Valley's Fire & Life Safety Review Board and the need for training on the new phone system capabilities. New business involved authorizing funds for equipment repair, purchasing gear and a helmet for a Deacon, purchasing EMT books, buying additional batteries, arranging transportation for the LI Fire Expo, funding a Firefighter's attendance at a HazMat Technician class, and transferring a significant amount between bank accounts.

The meeting included the election of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman for 2026. Key actions involved the appointment and salary setting for several employees, including the Secretary, Treasurer, Data Entry Clerk, and Director of Purchasing. Legal counsel appointments were made, designating Hannigan Law Fire PLLC as general counsel and Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP as Civil Service counsel. TEK Medical was appointed as Medical Director. All Valley Cleaners was designated for janitorial services, and M&T Bank and New York Class were named official depositories. Authorized signatories for financial accounts were established, and the Southern Dutchess News and the district website were designated for legal notice publications. The regular meeting schedule was set for the second Tuesday of each month, along with dates for budget preparation, the budget public hearing, and monthly workshops. The Organizational Statement and Procurement Policy were reviewed and conditionally approved. The firefighting forces (Pleasant Valley Fire Co #1 and Salt Point Fire Co. Inc.) were designated, a list of Per Diem Firefighters for 2026 was adopted, and annual training instructors were designated. GSA per diem and IRS mileage reimbursement rates were adopted for 2026. Commissioner responsibilities were assigned, recurring bills authorization was approved, and certain equipment was declared surplus. The Records Retention Policy (MU-1) was adopted, and various service contracts for 2026 were approved, along with appointments for specialized maintenance and service work. Finally, terms for the District Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, and 2nd Assistant Chief commencing January 1, 2026, were finalized.

The regular monthly meeting covered several operational and administrative matters. Equipment and Apparatus Committee reports involved approving paint samples for a new tanker and reviewing the monthly maintenance report. Building and Grounds discussions centered on mold recurrence in the HVAC room at Station #1 and operational fixes at Station #2, including heating and plumbing issues. The Insurance Committee reported no items, while the Service Award Committee discussed tracking LOSAP points. Policy review is needed for the Return-to-Work Policy, and the Safety Committee plans a revamp and a board walk-through. Officer reports detailed run statistics, communication updates concerning the FCC/tower status and potential relocation to the County Tower, progress on the RedNMX inventory system, changes to mass training, vehicle sales (old Chief Vehicle and potential replacement of unit 56-68 with a Wassaic rescue truck), and the detailing of vehicle 56-3. Training updates included four EMTs passing their practical exams and upcoming free training. Purchasing approvals totaled $12,999.60 for items including flares, toner, office supplies, and equipment maintenance. Bills totaling $435,054.28 for the general fund and $1,176.63 from the LOSAP account were approved for payment. Unfinished business included forming an Interview Committee. New business involved a motion to remove unit 56-68 from the fleet for scrapping, scheduling the Officer's dinner, and discussing the use of remaining Cares Up Grant money for a mental health symposium.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including committee reports on Equipment & Apparatus, where the chassis for the new tanker was ordered. Maintenance reports detailed service needs for existing apparatus and repairs at Station #1 (bay heat, bathroom seals) and Station #2 (leaking heater). Purchasing approvals totaling $2,349.95 were granted for items such as pediatric BP cuffs, EMS supplies, and safety vests. Monthly bills totaling $53,040.51 were approved for payment. New business included approval for a $766.50 expenditure for a new siren, authorization for T/Sauer to move funds as needed, a proposed $175,000 fund transfer, and acceptance of a resignation effective 12/31/25. A significant resolution was adopted to override the real property tax cap for the 2026 budget to permit a final budget of $1,940,750.00.

The meeting addressed communications, including a return to work note and a resignation from a per-diem firefighter. Equipment and apparatus were discussed, noting the chassis order for the new tanker. Monthly maintenance was reviewed, including upcoming services for chassis and pumps. Building and grounds updates covered repairs at Station #1 and a leak at Station #2. Stryker representatives discussed replacing stair chairs, and the need for brighter headlights on the new 56-1 vehicle was raised. Mass training was scheduled, and purchasing approvals were made for items such as a pediatric BP cuff and safety vests. The board also discussed the new member policy and approved the purchase of a new siren. Resolutions were made to override the real property tax cap for the 2026 budget, and a transfer of funds was approved.