THE CAPITAL BULLETIN THE CAPITAL BULLETIN INFORMATION FOR FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS, SECRETARIES, TREASURERS & CHIEFSINFORMATION FOR FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS, SECRETARIES, TREASURERS & CHIEFS

EDITOR, TOM RINALDIEDITOR, TOM RINALDI NOVEMBER 3RD 2018NOVEMBER 3RD 2018“THERE’S NOTHING STRONGER THAN THE HEART OF A VOLUNTEER”“THERE’S NOTHING STRONGER THAN THE HEART OF A VOLUNTEER”

JAMES DOOLITTLEJAMES DOOLITTLE

CAPITAL SHORTS:CAPITAL SHORTS:

There will be no Capital Bulletin next week November 10th, a busy week. While it’s a bit late, congratulations to Jonesville FD 1st Assistant Chief Geoff Frey for being named Firefighter of

the Month for the month of September. Congratulations to the newly elected officers for the Westchester County Fire District Officer’s Association. Reserve your seat for the Capital Area Regional Training to be held on November 10 th at Westmere Fire

Department – See more information below or on the capital area website. See the final steps in the budget process on page 22 of this Bulletin!! As if we didn’t have enough to do, the Fire District Election schedule is at the end of this edition of the Bulletin. When you get up in the morning look in the mirror and ask yourself; “Am I the kind of person who makes people

leave the volunteer fire service, or am I the kind of person who encourages people to stay?” Be honest!! When the fire service introduces legislation for any reason the first question that is asked by the legislator is do

you have statistics to back it up – filling out the surveys sent out by the Coordinators provides us with statistics.

CAPITAL AREA ASSOCIATION NEWS:CAPITAL AREA ASSOCIATION NEWS:WWW.AFDCA.ORGWWW.AFDCA.ORG

Nominated for Officers and Directors at the last meeting were:President John Meehan1st VP Alan Hodges2nd VP Tom RinaldiDirectors: in addition to the 1st and 2nd VP, Les Bonesteel, Tom Wood, Joyce Petkus, Ed Woehrle and Mike Podolec.

Meetings: Currently all meetings will be held at the West Crescent Fire Station, which is centrally located to the 8 counties represented by the Association. Food is served for the convenience of the attendees.Next Meeting: - November 8th - Election of 2019 Officers. All are welcome to attend!!!

Make plans now for the Capital Area Association of Fire Districts Fall Workshop on Saturday November 10th at Westmere’s Fire Station on Western Ave. in

Guilderland NY.Reserve your seat and pay at the door – just let us know

you are coming!!

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1741 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203

7:30-8:00 Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:10 Pledge to the Flag & Welcome: Capital Area Association Officers

8:10-9:15 BST Accounting – Deciphering & Understanding Financial Reports

9:15-10:15 Talking About PESH – Eileen Franko, NYS Department of Labor

10:15-10:30 Networking Break

10:30-12:00 Attorney’s Panel – Got Questions? – Now is Your OpportunityAttorneys John Clark, Terry Hannigan, Tim Hannigan and Bill Young

12: 00-1:00 Lunch and Networking

1:00-2:00 First Net- What is it Separate the facts from fiction. Frederick Hinrichsen AT&T

Click on the Registration Form Here:

Mark your Calendars Now!2019 Officer’s Reception at the Water’s Edge Lighthouse Restaurant in Glenville, NY

March 9th, 2019

The Capital Area has logo ware for sale, long and short sleeve polo shirts. Contact President John Meehan to purchase shirts.

Remember that the Capital Bulletins are archived for 6 months on the Capital Area Website – www.afdca.org see Capital Bulletin Archives.

STATE ASSOCIATION NEWS:STATE ASSOCIATION NEWS:WWW.AFDSNY.ORGWWW.AFDSNY.ORG

Request Regional Training at YOUR Fire Station!!!The first regional training session was held at the Elba Fire Station in western New York on May 5 th. Forty fire district staff members attended, they had never attended the Association’s annual workshops. The Association is bringing training to YOU!!

Can’t make it to the Annual Meeting or Fall Leadership Summit? Your budget won’t support spring or fall training? Would you like some professional training in your area of the State? The State Association is here for you.

The State is Offering Training in your Neighborhood – Just Contact Cathy DeLuca to Scheduleo We need to have about 40 people in the seats, commissioners, secretaries, treasurers, chiefs.o You provide a location, we will provide the instructors.o We will work to find sponsors for the supporting food.o Minimal or no cost to the attendees.

Courses available?

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o Introduction to Apparatus and Fleet Vehicle Evaluation & Planningo Introduction to Fire Service Conflict Resolutiono Introduction to Human Resources for the Volunteer Fire Serviceo Ask the Attorney!!o Secretary and Treasurer’s training courses.

Contact Cathy DeLuca at cdeluca@afdsny to schedule your regional training, we’re coming to YOU!.

The “New and Improved” On-Line Commissioner’s 6 hour training is available on the State Association web site. The training has been completely revamped for better and easier

viewing.

It’s Official, the Annual Meeting and workshops will again be held at the Marriott on Wolf Road on May 2nd through

the 4th in 2019.

ASSOCIATION TRAINING CONTACTCathy Deluca

AFDSNY Program CoordinatorPO Box 496

Selkirk, NY 12158(C) (518) 275-6585

program.coordinator@afdsny.orgAssociation Web Site www.afdsny.org

The Fall Leadership Summit and Fire ExpoWednesday October 2 nd through Saturday October 5 th 2019 Niagara Falls Convention Center/*Sheraton Niagara Falls

*A Marriott International Property

DON’T JUST COMPLAIN - SPEAK UP FIRE SERVICE!DON’T JUST COMPLAIN - SPEAK UP FIRE SERVICE!Take ActionTell Congress to Make Volunteer Benefits Tax-Free!The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (H.R. 1550/S. 1238) exempts property tax benefits and up to $600 per year in other incentives that volunteer fire and EMS personnel receive as a reward for their service from being taxed by the federal government. Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators using the NVFC's Legislative Action Center and ask them to cosponsor the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act!Tell Your Senators to Support the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act!On September 19, Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act (S. 1831). Contact your U.S. Senators today and ask them to co-sponsor S. 1831!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATESLEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Bills that made it through both chambers:1. Signed into Law: Exempts the cost of the FF Cancer Benefit Plan from the Fire District’s Spending

Limitation HAS PASSED BOTH THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY and becomes law immediately by adding the cost to the list of items stated in Town Law 176(18).!

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2. Awaiting signature: Authorizes the Commissioner of DHSES/OFPC to identify skills that can be taught safely at an individual’s home department or on-line for firefighter certification.

3. Awaiting signature: The Fire Apparatus Lemon Law.

SEE THE FINAL SCORECARD FOR 2018 AT THIS WEB SITE: http://afdca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Final-Scorecard-2017-2018-Session.doc

New Bills already being introduced for the 2019 Session!S9183 Helming/no same as: Provides for a $500.00 credit against personal income tax for volunteer firefighters who complete qualifications to become a training instructor

NYS Fire Service Alliance – Issues of United Concern Priorities for the 2018 Legislative Session with status:Primary Issues : : See the Scorecard for Updates, these bills would need new sponsors and have to be re-introduced

for the 2019/2020 Legislative Session. Fair Play EMS Cost Recovery Legislation

- In the Assembly Local Government Committee, moved to the Senate Finance Committee Elimination of Cancer Causing Fire Retardants in Upholstered Furniture

- Senate Environmental Conservation Committee/Assembly third reading Increased Penalties for Illegal Building Conversions

- Senate and Assembly Codes Committee Parity Legislation for VFBL/VAWBL payments for temporary total disability

- Senate Finance Committee/Passed the Assembly Fire Apparatus Lemon Law Protection

- Passed the Senate and the Assembly Enact legislation requiring the State Fire Administrator to convene a group of fire service associations, and employee

representatives to review the training standards for chiefs and make recommendations.

ON CAPITOL HILL IN WASHINGTONSENATE BILL INTRODUCED TO GIVE VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY RESPONDERS STUDENT DEBT RELIEFOn June 25, Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) introduced S. 3124, the Help Encourage a Lifetime of Public Service (HELPS) Act, which would waive interest payments on federal student loans for public servants, including volunteer emergency responders. The bill would also make volunteer emergency responders eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which forgives federally-financed student loan debt of individuals who have been public servants and made all of their student loan repayments for 10 consecutive years.

FY 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Advances in the SenateOn June 21, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved S. 3109, a bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY 2019. S. 3109 maintains funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs at $350 million each. It also increases funding for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) by $1.1million.

NY Bill Seeks Volunteer Firefighter Training Tax CreditsBy Abraham Gross · October 23, 2018, 2:23 PM EDTNew York would offer an income tax credit to volunteer firefighters who complete the minimum qualifications for a state instructor certification under legislation recently introduced into the state Senate.S.B. 9183, which was sponsored by Sen. Pamela Helming, R-Geneva, would offer a tax credit equal to the lesser of $500 or the total amount of tax owed for taxable years beginning on and after Jan. 1, 2019. The bill was introduced Monday.

WHO’S DOING WHAT? IT’S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE!WHO’S DOING WHAT? IT’S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE!

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The Academy for New York State's Local OfficialsFraud Prevention and Detection

Please Join Us for a Webinar on November 15th

This session will identify steps local officials can take to help detect and prevent fraud and abuse. Participants will learn about the "fraud triangle," which consists of common "red flags," organizational vulnerabilities to fraud and how to minimize risks. Participants will be able to ask questions throughout the presentation.

Upon successful registration on the website, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar. Audio for the webinar will be broadcast through your computer’s speakers. To achieve the best audio quality, the use of headphones is necessary.

If you have any difficulty joining the webinar, please contact GoToWebinars at 1-888-259-8414. After the webinar, you will receive a brief evaluation survey to provide us with feedback on the content and format of the event.

System RequirementsPC-based attendees: Windows® 7 or laterMac®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.9 (Mavericks) - 10.11 (El Capitan)Mobile attendees: Free GoToWebinar app from the App Store, Google Play or Windows StoreInternet: Cable modem, DSL or better Internet connection (1Mbps or faster)

Thursday, November 15, 2018

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Online via GoToWebinar

Space is limited so make your reservation now!

Hosted By:The Office of the State

Comptroller (OSC)

 

 

Tactical Response to Natural Gas EmergencesThe 4-hour Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies program will combine lecture, facilitated discussions,

and interactive exercises led by instructors Jerry Knapp (Chief, Rockland County Hazardous Materials Team) and Daniel Moran (Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator for Haz-Mat).

Local gas company representatives will be on hand to answer questions. The program will review the characteristics and behaviors of natural gas and propane and provide information on gas distribution systems. Instructors will discuss the unpredictability of gas leaks, the best practices and standard operating procedures for gas and propane emergencies, gas detection and monitoring devices, and the role of gas meters in addressing emergencies. Other topics will include size up strategies for different types of gas leaks and guidelines for interacting with gas company technicians during incident command. Participants will leave with sample SOPs and training concepts that can be modified for use in their own departments.

Pre-registration is required. Class size limited to 30 students per site, so early registration is recommended. November 10, 2018 – Albany County8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Colonie Fire Training Center108 Wade RoadLatham, NY 12110

FASNY Tuition Assistance ProgramAs an incentive for individuals to serve in New York’s volunteer fire service, the Firemen’s Association of the

State of New York (FASNY) has developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP). This program will provide

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tuition reimbursement to student-volunteers for up to sixty-five (65) credit hours attained at a New York State chartered community college or online courses taken through Empire State College.

FASNY HELP “Student-Volunteers” are eligible to have up to 100% of their tuition reimbursed (with any single semester award not to exceed $1,250) in exchange for maintaining defined grades and fulfilling established service requirements in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) the FASNY HELP student-volunteer can pursue. To participate in FASNY HELP you must be an active volunteer firefighter in good standing. Student-volunteers must re-apply each semester they with to participate in FASNY HELP.

Download the FASNY Help Handbook and Application Here:https://fasny.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/FASNY_HELP_Handbook_7-26-2018.pdf

State Chiefs Presents 2018 Seminar Series “Thermal Imaging: Expanding Your Horizons” 3-Hour Program320 Steele Ave, Gloversville, NY 12078November 28, 2018 – Albany County7:00 p.m. Latham Volunteer Fire Department • 226 Old Loudon Road • Latham, NY 12110

“Best Practices” Coming BackDue to the overwhelmingly positive response to this program, NYSAFC has decided to continue it in 12 additional locations. The association is pleased to announce that PERMA will be generously supporting the upcoming trainings, which will be held from fall 2018 to spring 2019. These trainings will continue to be free of charge for participants, but each site will be limited to 60 participants. Watch the NYSAFC website for new dates and locations, which will be announced in summer 2018.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York will award 25 $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors entering college.The awards recognize exemplary members of the youth fire service who also contribute to their communities.The Gerard J. Buckenmeyer FASNY Volunteer Scholarship program is made possible each June through the generous donations of individuals, fire departments and auxiliaries. This year, Provident Agency Inc., the provider of the accidental death and dismemberment insurance for FASNY members, has again provided major underwriting support to help FASNY award scholarships to young volunteers. FASNY would also like to recognize the in-kind support donated by McNeil and Co., which provides more than 80 hours of administrative work needed to process the applications and awards.See additional information here: https://fasny.com/awards/scholarship/

GRANTSGRANTSLocal Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) GrantsApplying for 2019-2020 LGRMIF grants:The State Archives will establish the due date for the LGRMIF grant applications when it receives final approval and authorization for the grant guidelines/RFA for the 2019-2020 grant cycle. At that time we will make a general announcement, post the application guidelines below, and open the eGrants system. In the meantime, if your institution does not already have an eGrants user account, or if your Records Management Office (RMO) has changed since the last time your institution applied for a grant, you can complete the registration form by clicking on the first link below: Register to use the eGrants SystemLogin to eGrants2018-2019 LGRMIF Grant Application GuideNew: Standard Data Capture Form (Standard Data Capture Form in Word)New: eGrant User's ManualNew: eGrant Reviewer's Manual

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Workshops: LGRMIF Grant Application Information SessionsFrequently Asked Questions - updated 11/10/2017All applications must be submitted electronically. If you have difficulty completing an online application, contact the Grants Administration Unit at (518) 474-6926.For Grant Recipients:Fiscal forms needed by current grant recipientsAll fiscal forms and instructions, including the FS-25/Request for Additional Funds, FS-10-A/Proposed Amendment, and the FS-10-F/Final Expenditure can be accessed through the eGrants system (https://eservices.nysed.gov/ldgrants); once in the Checklist page, scroll down to the heading “Post-Grant Award” Checklist to access links to the forms.The final fiscal form (FS-10-F) and any required final report forms not submitted electronically through eGrants, as well as the proposed amendment (FS-10-A), must be mailed to the State Archives, Grants Unit; the FS-25 should be mailed directly to the Grants Finance Unit (address is on the form).New York State ArchivesGrants Administration Unit9A81 Cultural Education CenterAlbany, NY 12230

FY 2018 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants

Application period: Mon., Nov. 5, 8 a.m. ET to Fri., Dec. 7, 5 p.m. ETThe FP&S program is competitive, but it's also a great way to expand your community's ability to prevent fires and engage in community fire safety programs.Fire Prevention & Safety Grants Documents are available:FY 2018 Fire Prevention & Safety FAQsFY 2018 Fire Prevention & Safety Self-EvaluationFY 2018 Fire Prevention & Safety Cost Share CalculatorFY 2018 Fire Prevention & Safety Application ChecklistNOFO coming soon. Get ready!

FY 2018 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) Grant

Application period: Mon., Dec. 12, 8 a.m. ET to Fri., Jan. 18, 2019, 5 p.m. ETSAFER grants come down to one thing: recruiting, hiring, and retaining firefighters. Every year this FEMA grant program helps fire service organizations nationwide add personnel, improving department and community safety and response.2018 materials and NOFO coming soon. For now, go through this article and start putting its ideas to work in advance of the application period:Firefighter jobs: How SAFER grants can help you staff for compliance with NFPA 1710-1720

BEST PRACTICESBEST PRACTICES

Elmont Fire Department reaching out to teens Dozens of students from Elmont Memorial and Sewanhaka high schools gathered at the Elmont Fire Department's district building on Oct. 14 for an open house recruitment day. EFD 1st Assistant Chief Robert Falco and Recruitment Coordinator Richard Balsan helped guide the students through several demonstrations, including how to use the Jaws of Life rescue tool to rip open a vehicle to extract a crash victim, offer medical aid and extinguish a car or building fire. "We've been going to schools and showing presentations for 20 years now, but this is the second time we've decided to

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invite them out here so they can see what we have," Falco said. Balsan added that the department signed up 33 new volunteer recruits at last year's open house, and he said he was excited to see about 45 young people show up this year.

Defreestville Fire Department, local agencies partner to increase preparednessThe Defreestville Fire Department (DFD), an all-volunteer fire department, recently announced the incorporation of local agencies to their regular training schedule.According to a news release, every Tuesday, the DFD holds training exercises preparing members for various situations they may encounter.On Tuesday October 23rd, the DFD focused on familiarizing members with heavy vehicles that regularly travel through the district.The DFD said they welcomed the participation of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA), the state Department of Transportation (DOT), and Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) all of whom provided commonly used vehicles for members to learn more about.Brian McCrae, Chief, Defreestville Fire Department said in the release, “Today’s fire service, including our department, has a significant focus on increasing firefighter safety and education is a key component of that effort. I want to thank the participating agencies for helping us educate our members and the opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ with some of their equipment.”“Our Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Support Company had the opportunity to participate in the event and had a great experience working with the local fire department, not only did they have the opportunity to network but also had the experience providing a military vehicle to assist civilians with emergency response training, added Capt. Jean Marie Kratzer, Company Commander, 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Support Company."This was an incredible experience for our Soldiers as National Guard members to go out and assist and support the local community and to also have the opportunity to educate civilians in what we are specialized in, this is what we are trained to do in the National Guard."The Defreestville Fire Department said they partner with the Wynantskill Fire Department to provide fire suppression, rescue, and first-response emergency medical services for the North Greenbush Fire District.Pat Barnes, Region 1 Acting Director, New York State Department of Transportation said, “Safety is our top priority, and we are proud to partner with local agencies such as the Defreestville Fire Department in helping to increase awareness and educate members about our equipment and road safety. We are glad to work with the fire department and its dedicated volunteers in bolstering their training and safety efforts.”“We are proud to support the Defreestville Fire Department and their efforts and commitment to public safety," added Georgie Nugent, Board Chairwoman, CDTA. "We are a mobility provider that prides itself on being an integral part of the communities we serve. We believe giving back to the region especially as it pertains to safety related issues such as these is crucial to the success and longevity of CDTA.”The district encompasses nearly 19 square miles and has an estimated population of 12,075 (2010 census). Protecting a varied mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, as well as a section of Interstate 90, DFD is one of the busiest volunteer stations in Rensselaer County.DFD invites those interested in learning more about volunteering in the fire department, to contact them through either the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/defreestvillefd, the website at https://www.defreestvillefire.org, or call 518-286-3612.

DO YOU HAVE A BEST PRACTICE YOU WANT TO TAKE CREDIT FOR IT; SHARE YOUR STORY HERE!

NYS FIRE-FIGHTER DEATHS NYS FIRE-FIGHTER DEATHS

There have been 6 LODDs New York State in 2018.Keep all of our first responders in our great nation, their families and their extended families in your

thoughts and prayers. Pray that your agency never has a line of duty death.

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THE CHIEF’S CORNERTHE CHIEF’S CORNER

Matchmaking for the volunteer fire chiefJohn Buckman III

Capable volunteer fire chiefs make the critical difference in focusing volunteer firefighter time and energyon activities that have the greatest impact on the firefighter mission, services and life safety. Time is valuable and limited, and how we use a volunteer’s time in the fire department is a key component to retaining an active volunteer fire service.A successful fire chief will allow for more people to engage in organizational management. Volunteers want to contribute, if leadership will just allow it. Contributing, satisfied and well-managed volunteer firefighters will remain active longer.The fire chief’s roleThe fire chief role (whether paid or not) requires increasingly advanced skills. Chiefs should read and share professional articles and create a professional development plan, making the time to develop their own skills, in addition to their crews’. Preparation – through enhancing credentials, certification and/or academic degrees – enhances the fire chief’s knowledge, skills and opportunities.Fire chiefs working with their volunteers to clarify volunteer-related issues reduce confusion and resolve conflict. Most organizational problems are not solved by money, but rather by people. Experienced fire chiefs contribute their problem solving abilities, collaboration skills and flexible approaches to team building.We must be thinking in new ways about what we do and why we do what we do. Fire chiefs’ general roles have more to do with people skills than with emergency response.

To be successful, the fire chief role includes being a: Leader. Manager. Coordinator. Enabler. Change agent. Capacity builder. Role model. Human resource manager. Facilitator. Volunteer advocate. Visionary. Planner.

Firefighter training, guidance and counselingThe most significant assets in any organization, but especially a fire department staffed with volunteers, is the volunteers. Stations, equipment and apparatus are valuable, but are of no value without staff to operate them. Fire chiefs who manage volunteers must ensure a motivational, friendly and healthy climate exists within the department.General praise is critical to team success. Fire chiefs should document the various ways the volunteers make in the quality of life in your community. We must tell their stories.Today’s effective fire chief has more balls to juggle than ever before. Chiefs are responsible for delivering fiscal, physical and human resources to the citizens when they request those services. Specifically, today’s fire chief has to have one foot in the organization while at the same time having one foot in the community. To integrate the two ensures the needs of the community, department and volunteers are met. The fire chief’s role is to expand the quality and quantity of services to the citizens by integrating the community members and fire department staff.Chiefs initiate projects and ideas with staff support, and must realize their ideas are likely to succeed only when the membership buys in. Chiefs should look for additional talent and skills the volunteers bring to the department that can help.

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Leaders empower people into action on behalf of the department. Always focus on what is best for the community, the organization and the volunteers. It is leadership’s responsibility to integrate the needs of those components effectively. Chiefs become adept at matchmaking needs with available resources. Coach members by providing training, guiding and counseling volunteers. Chiefs must realize they are a cheerleader for the department and the volunteers by maintaining their own visible and positive enthusiasm for the volunteers’ efforts.

Set and respect volunteer firefighter prioritiesWhen asked why they quit, volunteers cite reasons from lack of fun, not being appreciated, having their time wasted, unrealistic expectations, resistance to ideas, and being perceived as un important. These are more than likely only the symptoms of a larger problem within the department related to a lack of competent leadership.Everyone has value. I do realize individuals have different levels of value based upon their personality, attitude and activity level. Effective leaders make volunteers high priority, valued members and show respect for their individuality. Never take volunteers for granted. Managing volunteers is a real job. It is not about being compensated, it is about the personal determination to accept the duties and responsibilities, and do the job. Compensation is not an excuse for success or failure.

Though the order may change from time to time or because of circumstances, overall, the priorities for a happy and prosperous fire chief are faith, family, work and the fire department

The organizational priorities for the members have to be the same. Should a volunteer come to the station for a function or be at their child’s ball game? Faith, family, work and fire department in priority order tells us the member should be at the ball game.

I know fire chiefs who become resentful and, in some cases, angry because the member puts family priorities above the fire department. The leader who has that attitude is not creating a motivational environment for the volunteers. The leader will lose in the end and the investment made in the volunteer may be lost when they quit because they don’t want to, nor should they have to, pick the fire department above their family.

DESIGNING BUILDINGS OR APPARATUSDESIGNING BUILDINGS OR APPARATUS

Fire Station Planning: The Good and Bad DecisionsBy Janet Wilmoth

Capt. William A. Pearson, Jr., City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, is a good resource for all-things related to building fire stations. As the department’s Construction Project Manager, Pearson has teamed with the Office of Enterprise and Asset Management (OEAM) and the project management department for the fire department on the last three fire facility projects: construction of Station 28; designing and remodeling Station 7; and currently working on the design and soon to come, construction of Station 22.We asked Capt. Pearson to share some of his thoughts on good decisions and some bad decisions that he has made over the years.Among the decisions Pearson is glad they made, he offered:Designing a community/training room into the station—Pearson explained, “The community room brings the community and the department together. It also allows the station and the battalion to use the room for training purposes. It is a requirement that the room be able to hold a minimum of 52 people seated. This way we know the room can house an entire battalion in case the battalion chief needs to have a battalion meeting or training session.”Having dye integrated into the concrete before pouring—“This allowed for the concrete to be stained/dyed throughout. Having concrete stained after the pour leads to wear marks and if something is dropped and chips the concrete, you would get a noticeable discoloration in that area because the concrete was not dyed throughout,” said Pearson.

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Conducting a turn-radius test on our apparatus when turning out of the station—An apparatus is supposed to be able to turn onto the street without impeding the opposite lane or interfering with oncoming traffic heading from the opposite direction. Pearson said, “With Station 28 coming on board, I was promoted to my position after the drawings were done. I played a part in the construction of the station. Once in my position, I had the opportunity to look at the drawings prior to the constructing of the building. I noticed there was almost a 45-degree turn going north off of the apron and onto the public street. I found out there was not a turn-radius test performed to determine if our largest piece of apparatus (tiller and truck) would be able to make the turn without impeding oncoming traffic. I was able to get the necessary information from our fleet department, which showed the turning radius for each apparatus. It was determined neither tiller nor truck would be able to make the turn without impeding traffic. Because of this, we had to concrete a large amount of an area that was designated for grass, which allowed for a more reasonable turn.”In addition, have a drive test done of the apron once poured—Pearson added, “Due to having to shift Station 28 75 feet to the north because of a major miss by the architect, no one took into consideration how it would affect the slope of the driveway/apron. Before the apron was poured, knowing my apparatus, I was concerned about the slope of the apron. I informed the engineers and OEAM of my concerns and was told it would be ok. After the slope was poured, I immediately asked for a drive test because I knew my apparatus would bottom out at the beginning of the slope and at the top where the apron meets the public road. My assumptions were correct and there had to be some modifications done to the apron.”Adding through-wall lockers in each bunk—“With having individual bunks, these lockers allow for access by the members to the lockers from within the bunkroom as well as from outside of the bunkroom,” said Pearson. “This keeps individuals from disturbing other firefighters who may be still asleep during shift change.”No project is with ever completed without some regrets or wishes for a “do-over.” One decision that was out of Pearson’s hands, but he wishes had a different outcome was the decision to retain a fire station because it was the oldest station in Atlanta. Although not on the historical list, the building is currently under renovation.“With no historical value other than the shell of the building, there was no true reason to keep it,” said Pearson. “A new station would have allowed the city to have a station that fit the city and the departments’ initiatives. We would have been able to take advantage of other items and assets that would have made for a more sustainable, soundproof and stable facility.”Pearson also regrets not including training props into the design of their newest station.“Implementing training props would have allowed our department to have its first sub-training station,” he said. “This would have kept us from adversely affecting our training academy due to the amount of recruit classes we currently have and will have in the future, as well as our training academy being given the status of a regional training facility. Regional status would allow our academy the ability to teach the same classes as our state training academy and allow for outside departments to come and train at our academy.”

THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT & FAQSTHE LEGAL DEPARTMENT & FAQSResponse to a Question on LOSAP and VFBL BenefitsLOSAP benefits do not impair the right of volunteer firefighters to receive benefits under VFBL. Note the following provision from the LOSAP statutes;

"d) Payments under the service award program if adopted, shall not impair any rights of the volunteer firefighters under the volunteer firefighters' benefit law or any other law." General Municipal Law § 216

Court: Oneonta Fire Commission has authority to dissolve The Otsego County Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Town of Oneonta Fire District Board of Commissioners on Oct. 31, dismissing the requested injunction by the Town of Oneonta. The Fire Commission may now proceed with its dissolution Friday, Nov. 2 as planned. The Commission voted to dissolve in September following more than a year of stalled budget negotiations between the town, commission and city. After the vote, the Town of Oneonta filed a lawsuit with the Otsego County Supreme Court asking for a stay on the dissolution until Dec. 31, 2019. The judge dismissed the case Wednesday, stating the commission was within its right to dissolve. Presiding Judge Michael V. Coccoma ruled the Town of Oneonta did not prove injury and "failed to provide any legal basis upon which to challenge the Respondent's dissolution preceding.

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Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Strong Cancer Presumption in Firefighters

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down a decision last week upholding the cancer presumption act for firefighters by reversing a lower court ruling that would have gutted it. The decision in the case of City of Philadelphia Fire Department v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board Appeal Of Scott Sladek, required the court to reject the city’s position that would have made it harder for firefighters to establish the presumption and easier for cities to rebut it.The firefighter involved, Battalion Chief Scott Sladek, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma that required surgery to remove. He was granted worker’s compensation benefits by a workers’ comp judge, and over the city’s objection the ruling was upheld by the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board.The essence of both rulings was that Chief Sladek established his melanoma was an occupational disease under the presumption act through evidence that as a firefighter he had been exposed to Group 1 carcinogens, and that the city failed to rebut the presumption.The city appealed the decision to the... Full Article and Decision: http://www.firelawblog.com/2018/10/22/pennsylvania-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-strong-cancer-presumption-in-firefighters/

FAQ 20-4 I am currently the chief of my department and I also serve as a deputy fire coordinator. The position is a volunteer position appointed by the County Fire Coordinator and approved by the legislature. This also holds true for our County fire investigators. We have been told that the county does not cover us for any type of insurance benefits while serving in the capacity of deputy fire coordinator. We have been instructed that our home fire district must pass a resolution and certify in writing that if we are injured in the course of our duties our home fire district will cover us as if we were responding with our own department.

Several years ago this issue was raised as a result of a death of a Deputy Fire Coordinator. It was resolved by treating the positions of deputy county coordinators as a specialized county team created by a resolution of the County Legislature pursuant to Section 209-bb of the General Municipal Law. Pursuant to Section 209-bb (1.c.) municipalities that insure volunteer firefighters may extend insurance coverage to members of such specialized teams by resolution. It is recommended by counsel that you confirm with your board of Fire Commissioners that they approve of your membership in this specialized county team and extend the VFBL coverage that they have obtained, to your participation in the team and in turn it is recommended by counsel that the Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners obtain, in writing, a statement, from the carrier of the Fire District's V.F.B.L. coverage, that they extend their coverage to your participation in the county wide specialized team of "deputy fire coordinators" or “investigator”.

There are 20 Complete Editions of FAQs on the State Association Web Page - - www.afdsny.orgYou must have a log in under the Member Center to access the FAQs, any member of a dues paying fire district can obtain an individual log on account, just

request it through the web page.

Disclaimer: The legal opinions published here by the Association of Fire Districts are meant to provide guidance for fire district commissioners. The materials available are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual author at the time the facts were presented and based on the law then applicable. The information contained in these opinions is not guaranteed to be up to date. The information provided is not legal advice. Since legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing on this site should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel. The authors assume no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained herein and disclaim all liability in respect to such information. You should not act upon information in this publication without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted to practice in your jurisdiction.

BUILDING AND FIRE CODE STUFFBUILDING AND FIRE CODE STUFF::

Town passes fire sprinkler ordinance for new homes following successful pitch by fire chiefIt was Christmas Eve, and a teenaged Paul Zbikowski was with his family when a fire erupted in the upstairs unit of the two-family home. Once noticing the fire, Zbikowski scooped his two brothers off the living room floor and ran for safety with his sister in tow. He then filled buckets of water and handed them to his parents, who attempted to control the fire until firefighters arrived. (Zbikowski now knows that if a home is on fire, leave it to the professionals. Get out and stay

12Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

out.) "That was my first firefighting effort," says Zbikowski, a 40-year member of the fire service and currently fire chief for the Berlin, Massachusetts, Fire & EMS Department.The culprit was soot buildup in the home's chimney. As the firefighters extinguished the blaze, Zbikowski vividly remembers "waterfalls of water," which could have been lessened if fire sprinklers were present. "I've been in the business for 40 years and have seen the effects of buildings with sprinklers and the ones without," he tells NFPA. This year was prime time for Zbikowski to push for a requirement to sprinkler Berlin's new homes. He cites a projected influx of new residents in town (over the next five years, the town of 3,100 people will expand by 25 percent, he says) and new development (under way is a four-story hotel, 225-unit apartment complex, and a couple residences for older adults). There's also the possibility of other residential developments. These new projects could strain the town's current fire suppression systems. Berlin doesn't have its own public water supply and relies on a series of cisterns, which Zbikowski calls "problematic" and could be ill-equipped to handle the needs of new development. He initially pitched the idea for a sprinkler requirement to his town's building commissioner, who liked the idea. Zbikowski then addressed it at recent town meeting, the next step in Berlin's approval process. In a nutshell, the proposed regulation would require fire sprinklers in new developments with three or more units. "If it's a subdivision and it's only three homes, it'll be sprinklered," he says. Zbikowski referenced NFPA's research on installation costs during his presentation. The pitch and the information Zbikowski had presented worked; the town decided to move forward with its own ordinance. The state attorney general's office approved the new regulations in August. Zbikowski was a bit surprised that the requirement didn't receive any pushback during the town meeting. What may have made this palatable for his town is the way fire sprinklers would be less taxing on water than traditional firefighting operations. Newly sprinklered homes will have a 600-gallon tank of water in the basement for sprinklers, since the town lacks its own public water supply. In the event of an activation, "in most cases, we’re going to go there, turn the sprinklers off, and mop up," says Zbikowski.

Richmond, Va. – The International Code Council welcomed a new slate of officers and directors to its Board of Directors during the Code Council Annual Business Meeting in Richmond, Va. The board sets the strategic direction for the association and acts as the voice of the association's membership.The new executive committee consists of:

President – William R. Bryant, MCP, CBO. Bryant is the assistant director of Inspections and Permits for Anne Arundel County, Md. He is a former president of the Maryland Building Officials Association and was one of the first ICC-certified master code professionals. Vice President – Greg Wheeler, CBO. Wheeler is the chief building official for Thornton, Colo. He serves on the Colorado State Board of Appeals for School Construction and is a charter member and former president of the Colorado Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. Secretary/Treasurer – Cindy Davis, CBO. Davis is the Virginia deputy director of the Division of Building and Fire Regulations. She also serves on the board of the National Institute of Building Sciences. Immediate Past President – Jay Elbettar, P.E., CBO, LEED AP, CASp. Elbettar is the building safety manager for the City of Lake Forest, Calif. He is a registered professional engineer in California, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, Tennessee, Nevada and Texas.

Newly elected or re-elected directors are:Jim Brown, CBO, CFPS, Section B Ron Hampton, MCP, CBO, Section D Mike Boso, Director at Large Shirley Ellis, Director at Large Steve McDaniel, Director at Large (New York’s Own!!) Jim Sayers, Director at Large Angie Wiese, PE, CBO, Director at Large

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"We are very grateful to have a Board of Directors with such extensive expertise in the building safety industry," says Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. "These directors volunteer their time to make our buildings safer and our communities more resilient. We thank them for their leadership."For the full 2018-2019 Board roster, click here.

Fire Deaths in 1 & 2 Family Dwellings without Sprinklers In New York – 68 to date [average 1.5 victims per week]

Female 58, North Granville, NY, Washington Co.In the US – 1255 to date [average 28.5 victims per week]

IN 2017 There were 1428 residential fire deaths in 1 & 2 family dwellings nationally.In New York State 74 friends, neighbors and relatives perished in fires in 1 & 2 family dwellings

FINANCIALLY SPEAKINGFINANCIALLY SPEAKING

Town of Campbell Fire Department approves final budget with property tax increase The Town of Campbell Fire Department, Steuben County, put their final stamp of approval on the 2019 budget, which will raise the Fire Department's property tax roughly 29% . The previous tax rate was $1.01 for every $1,000 of assessed value. Under the new budget, the tax rate will now climb to $1.31. Community members voiced their concerns at the first budget proposal meeting. The initial proposal called for a $246,323.62 budget. The Fire Department was able to knock that number down to $199,756.97. "We went line by line down the budget items to see what we could do," Robert Larrabee, Chairman of the Campbell Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, said. "We listened to the public, and one of the big items was the insurance." Under the initial proposal, the Fire District would use a private insurer. As a result, insurance would cost $27,775 a year. This insurance included Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law (WFBL) and Workers' Compensation Board. (WCB).

[Fire Districts can request regional training by the State Association through their regional directors consult with our web page at afdsny.org]

Getting ready for Budget time, see the calendar at the end of this Bulletin.

14Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

CAPITAL AREA 2018CAPITAL AREA 2018 BUSINESS PARTNER’S BUSINESS PARTNER’S2018 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE WWW.AFDCA.ORG

We appreciate your support!!The Association of Fire Districts – Capital Area would like to welcome our business partners for 2018. We will provide them exposure here and

will provide space for them to provide educational commentary to help you do your job and make good decisions.Please Support Those Who Support Us!!

15Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Mitchell Associates Architects518-765-4571

Specializing in Fire Stationswww.mitchell-architects.com

Complete Line of Insurance Products Ken Andrews, Marketing Coordinator

VFIS of New York 888-834-7691

www.hubbinettecowell.com

WE INVITE OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS TO SUBMIT

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS BULLETIN FOR DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

AND CHIEF OFFICERS Write me at tom@rinaldi1.com

Glatfelter Brokerage Services56 Clifton Country Rd, Suite 205, Clifton Park, NY 12065 800.833.8822 x6982http:/gbsnewyork.com

VFBL Insurances Services

Hubbinette-Cowell Associates, Inc

Frank & Sons Body Works

518-346-8119Expert Fire Truck Repair

www.frankandsonsbodyworks.com

518-783-6933www.penflexinc.com

Ducharme, Clark & Sovern, LLPJohn W. (Jack) Clark

Maj. General, USAF (Ret.)10 Maxwell Dr.,Suite 205

Clifton Park, NY 12065518-373-1482phone 518-373-8758telefax

518-391-9063celljwclark@nycap.rr.com

www.Ducharmeclark.com

C.T. Male AssociatesEngineering, Surveying Architecture

Latham, NY518-786-7400

www.ctmale.com

98B Troy RoadEast Greenbush, NY 12061518-479-2004www.dignuminc

Specializing in insurance for Fire Districts and Departments

Dave Meager31 Church Street Saratoga Springs, NY

518-584-5300x3243 dmeager@amsureins.com

2288 5th Avenue Troy, NY 12180518-274-7888

www.blannequipment.com

Fire Districts MutualInsurance

777 Chestnut Ridge RoadSuite 302

Chestnut Ridge NY 109771-888-314-3004

www.fdmny.com

518-842-2123106 Hannaford Plaza

Amsterdam, NY 12010www.NBTBank.com

John Lesniewski

FIRE SERVICE SAFETY TESTINGLife safety equipment and

ground ladder testing1-866-788-7373

www.testladders.com

518-459-849226 Computer DriveAlbany, NY 12205www.bstco.com

2388 Route 9 in Malta518-886-5412

Firefighter Physicals –Medical Screening

HANNIGAN LAW FIRM PLLC388 Kenwood Avenue

Delmar, New York 12054P: (518) 869-9911F: (518) 869-9915www.hannigan.pro

All Type Professional Door Service

405 N Pearl Street, Albany NY 12207518-463-1333 - Fire Station Doors

Repaired/Installedinfo@alltyoedoorsny.com

444 Washington St., Rensselaer, NY 12144518.444.2044

Monolithsolar.com

Duane Shoen Shoen, Account ExecutivePhone: (518) 250-5502 x3910Mobile: (518) 410-9711Email: duane.shoen@tbs.toshiba.com15 Cornell Road, Latham, NY 12110

David Farstad, Municipal Banking Officer652 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany NY 12211

P/F: 518-730-3120M: 518-506-0075

farstadd@pioneerbanking.com

This space is waiting for Your Company to become a Business Partner!!We are delighted to see these businesses who have partnered with the Capital Area Association and this message is for you! It’s not just about paying a membership and advertising. If you have information which is educational or informative for fire districts please submit it and we will use it in this Bulletin under the appropriate heading. We are inviting you to be a full partner and impart your knowledge to all of those who read this newsletter each week. Explain something, define something, educate us on a standard that you deal with, explain how something works, we have over 1000 readers who want to know.

16Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Architects & Engineers3 Lear Jet Lane, Suite 205

Latham, NY 12110518-765-5105

Dennis Ross, Dir of Emergency Services Marketwww.H2M.com

Haughey Insurance Agency

850 State Route 50Burnt Hills, NY 12027

518-399-1583www.haugheyagency.com

Safety First Equipment Testing99 Glass Lake Road

Averill Park, NY 12018518-674-8363

www.safetyfirstfirehose.com

518-785-0299www.marvincpa.com

646 Plank Road, Suite 200Clifton Park, NY 12065

518.300.1126www.mytechsinc.comManaged IT Support

Information Security Solutions

HANNIGAN LAW FIRM PLLC388 Kenwood Avenue

Delmar, New York 12054P: (518) 869-9911F: (518) 869-9915www.hannigan.pro

Fire/EMS –Municipal Law

Young, Fenton, Kelsey & Brown, PC

General Practice Matters plus -Fire Service Attorneys

1881 Western Ave. Suite 140Albany, N.Y. 12203

518.456.6767

518-432-5087www.thelosapgroup.com,

518.459.670026 Computer Drive West

Albany, NY 12205www.bstco.com

Brendan Kennedy ext 356518-842-2123106 Hannaford Plaza

Amsterdam, NY 12010www.NBTBank.com

John Lesniewski

CLASSIFIED SECTIONCLASSIFIED SECTION

TICs for Sale (see correction on the phone number)The Fort Hunter Fire District (Albany County) has three thermal imaging cameras for sale including the vehicle chargers. Contact the Fort Hunter Fire District at 518-355-2434 and leave a message.

Vehicle for BidJonesville Fire DistrictAccepting Sealed Bids for2001 Ford – “as is condition”FACT SHEET FOR SALE OF 2001 Ford FIRE RESCUE EMS VEHICLE (old MED 364)36,691+ miles, V8 7.3L Turbo Diesel Power Stroke Engine, Automatic, 4WD, Tires: Goodyear 225/70 R19.5, Tilt Steering, Cruise Control, Charcoal Vinyl Interior, Alloy Wheels, 4 Wheel ABS, Tow Package , AM/FM Radio, Front Bucket Seats, Running Boards, Dual Airbags, Light Tower, VIN: 1FDXW47F21ED00301.For Emergency Service Organization Bids Only, the following equipment will be provided: Light bar and Siren & Switch Console.Minimum Bid: $12,500.00Bid Opening: November 13, 2018 at 3 p.m.

Submit bid to: Bill AdamsJonesville Fire District953 Main StreetClifton Park, NY 12065Vehicle available for inspection upon request For info call: 518-877-8100

JFD reserves the right to reject any and all bids

Wilton EMS, Saratoga County has two cases of 48” T-8 Light Bulbs if anyone is interested – free. Call Wilton EMS at 518-587-5590 to make arrangement to pick them up.

“TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN”“TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN”

Concerns over decline in emergency services volunteer staffing

CARMEL – Declines in emergency services volunteer staffing is plaguing not only Putnam County but communities across New York State as well as towns and villages throughout the United States.The New York State Fire Coordinators Association is deeply concerned about the dilemma and has requested that all emergency services providers from the northern tier to the shores of eastern Long Island identify the reasons for the downward spiral and implement solutions, plans and strategies to resolve the issue.Putnam Commissioner of Emergency Services Ken Clair has welcomed the effort that will be focusing on various approaches to recruitment and retention.Clair said the reduction in volunteer staffing and increases in emergency calls have resulted in a “diminished and crucial number of men and women available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. He said dropped calls, lack of qualified officers, understaffed equipment and delayed responses have resulted and are some of the issues that have become “most disturbing and concerning.”Clair added that he realizes “a number of volunteer fire departments are still high performing agencies but sadly they are the exception and not the rule.”The Fire Coordinators’ Association has joined forces with the Firemen’s Association of New York, the state Association of Fire Chiefs and the Association of Fire Districts to form the Fire Service Alliance that has begun focusing on various approaches to

17Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

recruitment and retention.Clair believes that a “new model in providing emergency services in New York is needed.”The state Fire Coordinators group believes before anything can be remedied the scope of the problem must be identified. Firefighters from around the state are being asked to complete a Firefighter Survey by October 31. The survey is on line by contacting the state Fire Coordinators Association.Emergency responders are being asked: “What would impact your retention? Where should recruitment activities be focused? What challenges do today’s volunteers face? How should recruitment and retention be addressed? Why do individuals leave the volunteer service?”Clair noted that the problem will not go away without strategic and careful review. “Volunteerism in the emergency services field has been a part of the American way for generations. This stumbling block of reductions in personnel must be successfully remedied.”

Monroe County: Crisis events spark need for new equipment protecting firefighters It's one thing to fight fires but firefighters are often the first on the scene on many emergencies, including those where an active shooter may be involved. 13WHAM's Samantha Miles looked at the new equipment some local fire crews are using to save lives while protecting their own. Instead of a firefighter suits, this ballistic vest is now what some fire crews will wear when they get called to an emergency. It is Monroe County's response to the rise in violence against first responders. "Pulse nightclub, Las Vegas, these national aggressive deadly behavior events and the trauma that is resulted to citizens has driven the fire service towards this type of protection so we can go into the threat environment," says Tim Kohlmeier with the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management.

DID YOU KNOW?DID YOU KNOW?

There really was a Captain Morgan. He was a Welsh pirate who later became the lieutenant governor of Jamaica.

Early proof that pirates do become elected officials!!

The Capital Bulletin is reaching well over 400+ fire district members and now other members of the fire service weekly, which does not include an unknown number of people that it is subsequently shared with by you!

We have recently added the Central Region to the distribution list.

Membership in The Association of Fire Districts of the Capital AreaWould you like to join the Association of Fire Districts of the Capital Area and join 75 members in 8 counties? Both fire protection districts and

Village departments are eligible for membership.The yearly membership dues (January 1st to December 31st) shall be as follows and shall be based on the annual budget of the Fire

District/Organization;Districts/Organizations with budgets less than $300,000 $100.00 annually Districts/Organizations with budgets more than $300,000 $150.00 annuallyAssociate Members $50.00 annually

Business Partners $100.00 annually

Fire District Calendar for 2018November 1st is the date to request the County Board of Elections to provide a list of registered voters for your Annual Election and the date by which to adopt resolutions designating the Fire District Board of Elections, including Chairman and Election Inspectors and/or Ballot Clerks November 4th is the deadline for the Board to adopt the Final Budget for 2019 November 7th is the deadline for Secretary to file the Final Budget for 2019 with the Town Clerk November 7th is also the first day to publish Notice of Election in district newspaper designating the dates on which the Inspectors of Election will prepare the register, the place where the registration and election will be held, the hours of the meeting and of the election, and last day for registration and procedure for absentee ballots November 14th is the last date to complete that Annual Election legal notice publication

18Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

November 19th is the last day for voters to register with the County Board of Elections to be able to vote at your Annual Election November 21st is the last day for candidates for office to notify the Secretary in writing of intent to run for office or file a petition [if petition required by your district]December 8th NYS Fire Service Alliance Issues of United Concern Meeting, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy NYNovember 26th is the deadline to post the Notice of Election on your district website and signboard and to submit same to the Town Clerk for placement on the Town website and bulletin/ sign board November 26th is a suggested meeting date for Fire District Board of Elections to meet and prepare the register of voters [can be any other date you choose after receiving registration books] November 28th if absentee voting is permitted for your Annual Election, mail absentee ballots to any registered voter whose registration record is marked “permanently disabled” or earlier on receipt of list from County Board of Elections December 4th is the last day to receive applications for absentee ballot if the ballot is to be mailed and absentee voting is permitted for your Annual Election December 10th is the last day to receive applications for absentee ballots if it is delivered personally to the voter or his/her agent and absentee voting is permitted for your Annual Election December 11th is the date of the Annual Fire District Election December 14th is the deadline for the Secretary to file the election result report referred to as the Canvass of Election with the Town Clerk

[NOT A COMPLETE LISTING OF EVERYTHING THAT MIGHT BE INCLUDED]

THE 2018 FIRE DISTRICT BUDGET PROCESS

October 17st ; November 3rd 2018Required Actions

1. Subject to certain restrictions, make changes, alternations and revisions to proposed budget (TL§181[3][b]).2. Before adopting Fire District Annual Budget determine if the tax levy will exceed tax levy cap and if so the Fire

District must pass a resolution by a 60% vote of its board to override the tax cap (GML§ 3-c(5))

On or before November 4th 2018Required Actions

1. Before adopting Fire District Annual Budget and after passing any resolutions necessary to override the tax cap levy “submit” the Fire District budget/ tax cap form to the New York State Comptroller’s Office on the form prescribed by them. (GML3-c(7))

2. Adopt fire district annual budget (TL§181[3][b]).

On or before November 7th 2018Required Action

1. Fire district secretary delivers two (2) certified copies of fire district annual budget to town clerk of towns in which district is located (TL§181[3][c]) and obtains receipt.

FIRE DISTRICT ELECTION SCHEDULE 2018

October 11th, 2018Last day to adopt resolution permitting absentee ballots at the Annual Election. Absentee ballots are optional for fire

districts. If previously approved, does not have to be redone. TL§175b(1).

November 1st, 2018

19Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

Request County Board of Elections provide a list of registered voters as of November 19th and to provide the list to the district by November 20st and order voting machines or other equipment and telephone coverage for the night of the

election, if desired and available. EL§5-612(6).

November 1st, 2018Last day to adopt resolutions designating Fire District Board of Elections, including Chairman and Election Inspectors and/or Ballot Clerks, fixing compensation of the individual members of the District Board of Elections TL§175-a(6).

November 7th - 14th, 2018Publish Notice of Election in district newspaper designating the dates on which the Inspectors of Election will prepare

the register, the place where the registration and election will be held, the hours of the meeting and of the election, and last day for registration and procedure for absentee ballots TL§175(1).

November 19th, 2018Last day to register at County Board of Elections to be eligible to vote on December 13th, 2016 in Annual District

Election TL§175-a(2)(a).

November 20th, 2018County Board of Elections to mail lists of registered voters to Fire District Secretary.

EL§5-612(c).

November 21st, 2018Last day to file petitions for candidates for office, if required, or notify secretary in writing of intent to run for office if

petition not required. TL§176(7).

November 21st - December 11th, 2018Post Notice of Election on district website and signboard, if any, at least 15, but not more than 20 days before date of

election. TL§175-c (1).

November 21st - November 26th, 2018Copy of Notice of Election to town clerk for posting on municipal website, if any, bulletin board and signboard, if any, at

least 15, but not more than 20 days before date of election. TL§175-c(2) These notices [for websites, signboards and bulletin boards] must include time and place of election, officers to be elected, term of office and any other details regarding matters to be voted on as well as hours of polls being open for balloting. Suggest using regular Notice of

Election published in district newspaper. TL§175-c(3).

November 26th, 2018Suggested meeting date for Fire District Board of Elections to prepare register. Can be any other date you choose after

receiving registration books. TL§175-a(3).

November 28th, 2018If absentee voting is permitted, mail absentee ballots to any registered voter whose registration record is marked

“permanently disabled” or earlier on receipt of list from County Board of Elections. TL§175-b(2)(g)

December 4th, 2018 Last day to receive application for absentee ballot if the ballot is to be mailed TL§175-b(2).

December 10th, 2018Last day to receive application for absentee ballots if it is delivered personally to the voter or his/her agent. TL§175-b(2).

20Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area

December 11th, 2018Election Day- 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. minimum may be additional consecutive hours prior to 6:00 p.m. TL§175.

December 14th, 2018File results (Canvass of Election) with Town Clerk. TL§175.

December 18th, 2018Secretary to deliver a report to the County Board of Elections indicating the persons on the list of registered voters

labeled “inactive” who voted at the fire district election. EL§5-612(7).

21Association of Fire Districts-Capital Area