Contact:
Borough Clerk Lori Cole (732) 229-1756
Category: CAUCUS MEETINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Long Branch, NJ - February 4, 2010
January 20, 2010
6:35 PM
A caucus meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of West Long Branch was held on the above date and time in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 965 Broadway, West Long Branch, N.J.
Mayor Janet W. Tucci presided.
Mayor Tucci reported that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 adequate notice of this meeting of the Mayor and Council has been provided.
PRESENT: CIOFFI, DEBRUIN, HEGARTY, NEYHART, RUANE, WOOLLEY
ABSENT: NONE
Richard Cooper, Assistant Fire Chief, appeared this evening to present the following Resident Firefighter Program.
Introduction
The West Long Branch Volunteer Fire Department (WLBFD) was established in 1902. The WLBFD has been serving the citizens of West Long Branch for over 100 years. The department is comprised of two independent fire companies, Borough Chemical & Truck Company #1 and West Long Branch Fire Company #2. Each fire company owns the fire stations and is responsible for the maintenance and upgrades to the buildings. The Borough of West Long Branch maintains all of the fire equipment and utilities for each fire station. This partnership between the Borough and each fire company has provided emergency Fire/Rescue service for the citizens of WLB.
The Problem facing WLBFD
A national survey of volunteer fire departments in 2004 found that fire departments can no longer count on the children of current members following in their parents footsteps and remaining a volunteer for an extended period. Nor can they count on a continuous stream of community people eager to donate their time and energy to their local volunteer fire department. Adding to the problem, departments cannot rely on members staying active in the volunteer fire service for long
periods of time. Nationally, the volunteer fire service has decreased 10% over the past 20 years. Over the past several years, the WLBFD has had moderate success in recruiting new members into the department. Unfortunately, WLBFD is following the national trend of active firefighter declines over a 20 year period. In 2009, WLBFD had 60 qualified interior firefighters. Only 55% of those qualified firefighters responded to more than 5% of the emergencies in WLB. Many reasons have been identified as the cause for this decline:
Mandatory training requirements have increased 150%. Each firefighter is required to attend 180 hours of training for certification in NJ.
College enrollment out of High School is 96%. Firefighters who are WLB residents, volunteer for a short period of time (usually enough time to get the required training) and are enrolled in a college. This drastically limits the time available to volunteer.
Demographics of WLB have changed. A growing number of WLB residents are not civic oriented. Also, many residents do not work locally compared to years past. This has a major impact on day time (6 am to 6 pm) coverage for WLBFD. Sociological changes have led to our youth to have a different perception of the community and their place in it. It is known as the Me generation.
The economy has had an impact on the time a volunteer can give. A large majority of households in WLB have multiple income providers or several jobs to maintain a certain standard of living. Our volunteers can no longer afford to live in WLB. Presently, 28% of our certified firefighters do not live in WLB.
Increased call volume. Volunteers can no longer keep up with the demand on their time. Over the past 20 years, WLBFD call volume has increased 212%. From 2008 to 2009 we experienced a 3.4% increase in calls. This trend will continue as several residential developments in WLB are currently under construction.
The lack of available staffing on a consistent level creates a major safety problem for firefighters. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) along with OSHA has developed guidelines and laws to mandate fire departments to have sufficient firefighters on scene to conduct structural firefighting operations. NFPA 1720 requires the WLBFD to have 15 qualified firefighters on scene within 9 minutes of dispatch of the alarm
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to safely conduct operations. Additionally, OSHA 1910.134 mandates 4 qualified firefighters on scene together to initiate interior firefighting operations. WLBFD currently falls below the NFPA standard for the majority of our responses.
The WLBFD response times has averaged 6:40 for 2008. The response time is defined as the time of the 911 call until the WLBFD arrives on scene to begin emergency operations. This figure is deceiving in that it only reflects when the first person arrives on scene. This time does not reflect when we have assembled the OSHA mandated 4 firefighters or the NFPA 1720 recommended 15 firefighters. Response times are critical during firefighting operations for many reasons. A fire doubles in size each minute it burns without intervention. Simply put, the sooner the fire department can arrive and apply water on the fire, the chance of survival for trapped victims will increase exponentially. When firefighters arrive later as a fire grows, the safety of firefighters decreases significantly. A phenomenon known as flashover occurs approximately 8 minutes after a fire has started under the right conditions. Flashover is when all of the contents in an enclosed space (the interior of a fire room) burst into flame with temperatures at approximately 1800 degrees. Obviously a victim trapped within this room will not survive. In addition, subjecting our firefighters to this environment greatly increases the chances on (of) injury.
Solutions to the Problem
It is the responsibility of the WLBFD to maintain or improve the safety of the firefighters and the level of service to the community. We need to look into the future and plan to sustain our mission of public safety into the 21st century. We need to develop a program that would provide qualified volunteer firefighters at all times. A coordinated plan of action should be developed. Alternative methods of maintaining service to the community could include a supplemental paid fire service. This option would be cost prohibitive under the current fiscal climate. The WLBFD has developed a comprehensive Recruitment and Retention Plan to lead us forward. A key component of this plan is the Resident Firefighter Program.
Resident Firefighter Program
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The program allows WLBFD volunteer firefighters to live in the fire station free of charge. In return, each firefighter is required to staff the fire station a minimum number of hours per week. The goal of the program will be to have the fire stations staffed 24/7 with qualified firefighters. The program will improve the safety of firefighters and the community. The WLBFD will be able to maintain our current level of service as our mission changes in the future. The OSHA and NFPA established safety standards can be met. The cost of the program will be that of the independent fire companies in the borough. The borough has no financial obligation to this program. Renovations to the fire stations will be necessary to meet all safety standards for living quarters in a fire station. The benefits to the community will include:
Dramatically improve service to the community by reducing response times by as much as 50%
OSHA 2 in 2 out mandate met
Expand services to include critical EMS calls
Cost savings to firefighters enable firefighters to remain in WLB
The basic requirements for each firefighter participating in the program are:
A vehicle for transportation
Must have medical insurance
Employment or be in school
Must maintain minimum G.P.A. if enrolled in school
Must staff fire station a minimum of 4 nights per week and 1 weekend per month
Must attend fire company functions while in station (drills, meetings, fund raisers)
Will be responsible for cleaning station and fire apparatus maintenance checks
Many successful programs have been in operation for over 30 years. The most note worthy and successful program has been that of the University of Maryland. College Park Volunteer Fire Department started in the late 1970s. This volunteer fire department is able to staff their fire station 24/7. Firefighter recruitment and retention has increase(d) by 300%. Many fire departments have a waiting list to join the program.
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The WLBFD Resident Firefighter Program will take time to fully implement. We estimate a 2-5 year implementation to reach our established goals of 24/7 coverage. The current fire stations will need renovation to provide adequate facilities. The current plan involves getting input from community leaders as well as establishing a Capital Fund Raising Campaign. The WLBFD will aggressively seek grants and alternative funding sources to help fund the program. The priorities for any renovations will include:
Installation of a fire suppression system
Construct suitable sleeping quarters which meet all applicable safety standards
Separate bathroom facilities to accommodate male and female firefighters
Laundry facilities
Improved kitchen facilities
NFPA required fire station construction elements.
The plan will be divided into two phases. Phase I will be to renovate existing space within the fire stations at minimal cost. Phase II will be to build an addition to the fire stations to enable WLBFD to achieve the goals of the Resident Firefighter Program. Staffing 24/7/365
Summary
A plan is needed to maintain and improve our mission into the future. The current trends in the volunteer fire service force us to find innovative ways with minimal long term cost to ensure the safety of our customer, the tax payer. The WLBFD must plan to stay ahead of the curve as we move forward. Cooperation between the governing body and the WLBFD will ensure a successful program. Alternative funding sources will be paramount in reaching the goals of the program in a timely manner. The overall Recruitment & Retention plan must have continuity to last well into the future.
Councilman DeBruin questioned whether family members would be permitted to live in the fire house. Assistant Chief Cooper replied that there are strict rules and regulations covering who can live in the fire house.
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Councilwoman Ruane informed everyone that Assistant Chief Cooper and the Committee have been working on this project for over a year. Further, she confirmed that both fire companies are on board. She assured everyone that this is a disciplined program, and there is a contract required.
Councilman Neyhart asked how many people are anticipated to participate in the Program. Assistant Chief Cooper noted that other existing programs average between four and eighteen people. He would recommend providing accommodations for a larger number and the average would actually be a smaller number. Currently, it is estimated that Fire Company No. 1 could accommodate six people; however, Company No. 2 is more limited with space.
Councilman DeBruin asked what the link is between people living at the fire house and recruiting more volunteers. Assistant Chief Cooper commented that it is the mentality of the younger generation to be a volunteer and have a place to live for free. He would also like to link this Program with Monmouth University eventually.
Councilman Neyhart asked if there is a list of the rules. Councilwoman Ruane stated that she has a copy of one of the contracts and offered to distribute copies to everyone.
Councilman Hegarty asked if they anticipate manning the fire station with six people around the clock initially. Assistant Chief Cooper stated that was the ultimate goal. Further, Councilman Hegarty confirmed that they would be qualified drivers and operators.
Councilman Neyhart inquired who would be responsible for supplying food. Assistant Chief Cooper stated that the individuals would be responsible for food and their laundry.
Councilman Cioffi suggested inviting Assistant Chief Cooper back to the next meeting, and between now and then, anyone who has questions can contact him by e-mail for answers.
Councilman DeBruin moved that the Council enter Executive Session at 7:07 PM. Seconded by Councilwoman Ruane and carried unanimously.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the following portion of this meeting dealing with the following generally described matters shall not be open to the public:
DPW Personnel; Police Personnel; CWA Contract Negotiations; Office Personnel; Library Personnel; Interpreter Contract
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is anticipated that the matters to be considered in private may be disclosed to the public at a later date under the following circumstances:
When the need for privacy as to each item no longer exists.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the private consideration is deemed required and is permitted because of the following noted exceptions set forth in the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12):
_____ 1. Rendered confidential by Federal law or that if disclosed would impair receipt of Federal funds.
2. Rendered confidential by State Statute or Court Rule.
3. Would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy.
X
4. Deals with collective bargaining or any employment agreement, including negotiations positions.
5. Deals with purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds.
_____ 6. Related to setting of bank rates or the investment of public funds and disclosure could adversely affect the public interest.
7. Related to tactics and techniques utilized in protecting the safety and property of the public and disclosure may adversely affect the public.
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8. Related to investigation of violations or possible violations of the law.
X
9. Related to pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations in which the public body is or may be a party.
X
10. Falls within the attorney-client privilege and confidentiality is required.
X
11. Deals with personnel matters involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, terms and conditions of employment, performance evaluation or discipline of any public officers or employees, either current or prospective, and all of the employees or appointees whose rights could be adversely affected have not requested that the matter be discussed publicly.
_____ 12. Quasi-judicial deliberations after public hearing that may result in imposition of a civil penalty or suspension or loss of a license or permit.
Councilman DeBruin moved Council adjourn Executive Session at 8:04 PM, seconded by Councilman Neyhart, and carried unanimously.
Councilman DeBruin moved Council adjourn Caucus Session at 8:04 PM. Seconded by Councilman Neyhart and carried unanimously.
_________________________
BOROUGH CLERK
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