NHAFC Minutes - November 19, 2005 - Valley Inn, Waterville Valley, NH

Following a salute to the flag, and a moment of silence, a quorum call was taken.

Welcome by Chief Carrier for Chief Hodges as he could not be here. He stated that Chief Hodges was instrumental in setting up seminar for this morning at Jack Cullen's fire station in Thornton.

Minutes of previous meeting. MOTION (Mason/Mitchell) to accept as printed. OK as amended to read "two in first reading" instead of one. (MOTION to amend by DeSilva/Nelson).

Deputy Chief Martin Carrier presented the financial report. A MOTION (Christopoulos/Nelson) to accept it carried unanimously.

Applications: There was one application in first reading and two in 2nd reading. MOTION (M. Carrier/Mason) to accept those in second reading carried unanimously. The Association welcomes Fire Chief Richard E. Fowler, Jr. of Farmington and Fire Chief Stephen Solomon of Tamworth.

Fire Safe Bill got out of House committee with a 15-2 affirmative vote. It must go back to the House for vote. He thanked all chiefs who participated in lobbying for bill. Study showed that it would not have negative impact on economy.
Bills listed up for action will be on our web site within the next few weeks.
Informed Consent legislation for infectious disease may be tied in to a trailer bill.
Retirement Coalition meets quarterly. There is an issue with HB 181 to study Special Account. Concern because account is down significantly and legislators want to make changes. Coalition have asked committee to hold off for now until more study is done. They have hired a consultant to study the issue and have asked for each group to contribute $1,000 to assist in this effort. A MOTION (Mason/Christopoulos) was made to appropriate the money from Contingency that will put the account in red by $650 but at the end of year, if it's an issue, money to be taken from an account deemed appropriate by the Treasurer. The motion carried with one "nay" vote.
NH State Firemen's Association bill requesting death benefits and competing bill proposed for similar benefits. Meeting to be held to coordinate and present one bill instead of competing.

Chief Carrier spoke of the December meeting at the Crotched Mountain Rehab Center, which is the Association's Christmas Party for the kids.

The January meeting will be at the Local Government Center. A professional development program will be given on a grant received by the Dover Fire Department on home fire safety.

House Bill 303 on administrative rules changing terminology from "firefighter" to "fire service person nel" and the granting of raises.
Commission sub-committee will be studying state-wide hiring policies.
Statewide EMS protocol now, unknowingly removes approval to function in four areas. Looking at adding these four to the program and/or provide a bridge from Enhanced First Responder to EMT-B.

Heating certification rules have been completed. In Commissioner's office for review.
Fire Protection System rules under development. Six more months of work.
Modular rules coming up for revision. Any suggestions for changes are to be given to him as soon as possible.
State Fire Code rules. Update to 2006 not in cards just yet as it is in under study, especially with new sprinkler requirements for some residential occupancies. Question asked on possible discounts available from insurance companies. Bill stated that the Underwriters would be the ones to speak to on that. TO DO SEMINAR ON THIS IN FEB.
21 new fire investigations this past month. Detailed several of them.
Described involvement in the flood situation in the western part of the state. First use of the Federation of Fire Mutual Aids task force concept, which on the whole worked extremely well. Division of Forest and Lands also provided Incident Command Support that was invaluable.
HazMat study bill will be coming out that will study what is needed to form a regional hazmat team. Several key elements of bill will be worked on, especially on costs incurred when grants run out.

2005 season - 511 fires so far. Overall average number of fires and below average in acreage burned.
Recognized Special Deputy Wardens for the 1028 hours they put in in Alstead during flooding.
Out of state - sent 52 firefighters out, with 32 to Quebec. First time that obilization included Canada. Appreciated the NH crews and thanked them profusely. Also to Idaho and also the Gulf Coast.
Towers have been closed for the season. Reported approximately 25% of the fires this season.
Attempting to improve maintenance activities on the towers.
Two rangers graduated from NH Police Academy last evening. Looking at higher level of training for several of the rangers. Looking for funding mechanism for the training.
Toll free forest fire information line set up last spring. Used for current fire danger and updates from fire crews sent out.
Web site updated in July. Suggestions will be taken to improve the site.
December meeting with Visiting Committee to discuss issues with the wildland firefighting courses.
Spring training calendar should be out at the end of January to discuss the new administrative rules that make issuing permits a tad easier. Will also update Warden's Manual at the same time.
2006 Fire Assistance grant forms sent out. Due back December 2.
Radio system switched from analog to digital.
August review by the US Forest Service. Report being produced on the NH Forest Service that highlighted the excellent relationship between fire agencies in NH.
Projects ongoing: Updating training records; implementing new administrative rules; advertising TowerQuest program (visiting fire towers); hiring last ranger position and compilation of fire statistics in electronic format.

He also reported on the NEDIAFC seminar recently presented by Bill Pessemer, who worked the Columbine shootings. He also reported on thoughts of moving the annual meeting from the June conference to the national conference site each year. He's requesting input from members on their ideas on the issue. The IAFC is working on a national mutual aid system and looking to the states for input to assist them in this endeavor. 2008 conference will not be in New Orleans, possibly in Atlanta.

Under New Business, Chief Carrier spoke of the issue at hand in Goffstown, where the selectmen have voted to eliminate the Fire Chief's job, reorganize the Fire Department and place the Police Chief in charge. Sub-committee of Director Mason, Chief Lemire and Chief Wiggin will be meeting with Chief Carpentino on Monday to gain insight into the issues. November 23 a meeting will be held with the PFFNH to address issue.

Good and Welfare: Director Mason stated that Merton Dyer is supposed to contact all organizations about LOSAP issues. Have received nothing so far. Marty stated that the last time they met was three years ago. Chief Lemire thanked everyone for coming to Waterville.

Chief Carrier spoke of the cost overrun at the Portsmouth meeting and reminded all host chiefs that all costs must be included before the price is set, as the Association must foot the bill for the overrun.

Chief Klauber reported that, after 70 years, the Derry and East Derry Fire Departments are now fully integrated with no loss of personnel. He also spoke of an issue of FSLA interpretation that may require prohibition of personnel not being allowed to volunteer in other communities. Has incurred a debt of $60,000 on back wages and may have to pay another $100,000. More details later.

Reminder of next meeting on December 8 at the Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center with our Christmas party for the children.