TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Fire Board Meeting
September 7, 2004
Councilmember Maureen Scott-Taylor
Councilmember Leonard E. Wendowski, Sr.
Also in attendance were Town Clerk Robert Karge, from the Fire Department Mr. Ken Bush, Mr. Jim Prettyman, Mrs. Carol Prettyman, Mr. Mike Dickerson, Mr. David Tims, Mr. Phil Marshal, Chief Russell Miles, Mr. Tom Murphy and Mr. Duane Pippin.
At 6:00 p.m., the President of the Council called the meeting to order.
UPDATE ON SUBSTATION
Concerns regarding commencement on the substation were discussed. Mayor Willey stated that the clock is running on the contractor as of a week ago last Friday.
FIRE PREVENTION TRAILER STATUS
Mrs. Carol Prettyman stated that the Fire Prevention Trailer was acquired December 2003 and delivered at that time to be used by the Department for Fire Prevention of all ages. Ms. Prettyman invited everyone to look at the trailer at the Fire Department’s Open House October 17th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. She discussed required documentation.
Mr. Jensen arrived at 6:04 p.m.
FUND DRIVE STATUS
Mr. Ford asked if he could emphasize the Fire Department’s Fund Drive during the regular Council meeting to keep people cognizant that they are seeking funds.
Ms. Prettyman stated that they voted to incorporate the Department’s two fund drives into one fall fund drive enabling the community to make one donation per year. She stated that they look for the fund drive letter to be out in the first 15 days of October.
Ms. Jackson-Amis arrived at 6:08 p.m.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR WILLEY
Mayor Willey discussed JOB’s contract. He stated that there has been $80,000 worth of increases that they are concerned about. Mayor Willey stated that he has asked the Town Engineer to breakdown the increases by where the Town of Easton is at fault and where JOB is at fault. He stated that part of the $80,000, JOB will have to absorb due to their shortcomings.
Mayor Willey stated that the Town of Easton is already obligated with a contractor and the substation will be built as planned.
ITEMS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mr. Wendowski asked Chief Miles to discuss the Knox boxes. Mr. Wendowski stated that this Ordinance was started about a year ago.
Chief Russel Miles explained the Knox box system. He stated that Easton Volunteer Fire Department would be the only ones to have the key to the business. They would only be able to go in and unlock the door to look at the building and re-lock the door. He stated that there is 15 minute wait time before they can enter the building with the county ordinance if the alarm is going off.
Chief Miles stated that initially, this would apply to new businesses.
Mr. Wendowski made a motion to have the Town Attorney to proceed with the Knox Box Ordinance seconded by Mr. Jensen and carried unanimously.
Discussion occurred regarding charging for false alarms.
ITEMS BY THE DEPARTMENT
Chief Miles submitted the department’s statistics for the month of August.
Ms. Scott-Taylor asked if there are plans for the Fire Prevention Trailer to go out to the schools.
Ms. Prettyman discussed plans to visit Talbot County schools and the necessary manpower of volunteers. She stated that it is only one of three in the state of Maryland.
Discussion occurred regarding EVFD Bull Roast scheduled for November 6.
Mr. Prettyman gave an update on the cupola. He stated that Mr. Mark Cummings has ordered 100% acrylic paint to paint the plastic on the cupola.
Chief Russel Miles discussed St. Michaels' school request to use the Tower to change light bulbs.
Mrs. Prettyman discussed EVFD’s escort of the 2004 Maryland World Series Team. She thanked the Council for allowing Easton’s participation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:27 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Wendowski seconded by Mrs. Scott-Taylor and carried unanimously, the President of the Council went into Executive Session.
At 6:46 p.m., the President of the Council adjourned the Executive Session and reconvened into the regular meeting.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
The President of the Council scheduled a workshop to discuss upcoming projects. The meeting was scheduled for September 14 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon unanimous consensus, the President of the Council adjourned the Fire Board meeting at 6:50 p.m.
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Town Clerk