Minutes from May 21, 2009

Minutes from last meeting read and amended to read: Station 17 construction being researched on possibility of being built from stimulus money. Andrews moved to accept. 2nd Jones. passed

T. Brandon gave financial report. Moved to accept Andrews. Jones 2nd. Passed

OLD:
No attendee selected to attend IAFF EMS conference because of perceived opposition to Local’s involvement with RAA acquisition planning.

Staffing shortage appeared to be fixed until after the meeting last month when department’s policy changed.

Retirees have received COLA.

NEW:
April 17 the shutting down of companies began. Pulliam met with Chiefs Creecy, Wakeham, Jackson and Pulliam to discuss Local’s response. They were told the mayor’s office was the next stop and then the press would be contacted.

A press release was created and all major media outlets received a copy. Channel
6 did an interview immediately; the other media outlets’ response was delayed until a second press release was sent and several members of companies affected by the shutdowns handed out flyers in the districts affected.

Fire Department personnel participating in the flyer distribution are as follows: M. Spivey, M. Smith, J. Harris, S. Edwards, R. Nelson from Station 10 and L. Neville, T. Butler, R. Nunnally, C. Shears, C. McMillin, B. Ring from Station 13, and R. Neville from Station 1.

Calls were made to attempt to have several fire personnel attend the city council meeting the following Monday. Nine people attended. Many were the same who distributed flyers.

Budget Process:
Additional money added to department budget to boost overtime money available; still no sufficient to fund overtime for entire fiscal year.

Budget will be voted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. No additional money is in budget for fire department budget.

Motion by VonMille not to fund any sitting council members campaign in the future. No second.

Department studying sick leave usage for signs of abuse by employees.

New snow day policy in effect. Shifts which work during time of emergency closure will be paid double time for the hours worked during the closure.

No official reason released for dismissal of Chief Wakeham.

Gran moved to direct third dues payment in May to the Building Checking account. 2nd Salotti. Passed.

Motion made by VonMille to place building up for sale pending appraisal and investigation into capital gains tax burden. 2nd Ledbetter. Passed.

Taylor moved to request Local 995 representation on any city committee that may discuss the acquisition of the RAA by the fire department. This is not an endorsement of any said acquisition. 2nd Gran. Passed

Career Development Change
Ring to meet with concerned members on CDP changes and present Local’s position to the fire chief.

MDA
Summer camp June 8-12. Volunteers needed every day, Richmond day is Tuesday. Contact W. Taylor for details.

MDA representatives have forwarded an ordinance that will allow fire personnel to collect on duty. Seven council members are patrons. The city attorney’s office is refusing to approve language in proposed ordinance based on legality of the language.

GOOD & WELFARE
J. Hohnbaum-lung cancer J. Rixner-going through rough personal times
R. Gray-recovering from surgery A. Meadows-passed away
D. Salotti-Birthday June 9, 61 years old.

Richmond Fire Beat the Heat 5K

June 20, 2009, in Byrd Park.

Info and registration here: www.richmondfirefightersbeattheheat.org/cms/