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Ochopee FCD Advisory Board Minutes 12/10/2012 2A rAtniV3r‘ � JAN152013j, OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD BY' DECEMBER 10, 2012 The following were in attendance: Caleb Morris,Captain, Ochopee Fire Control District Ronald Gilbert, Chairman, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member Tony Davis, Port of the Islands Advisory,Advisory Board Member Frank Hawkins, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member ROLL CALL OF ATTENDEES: The meeting came to order and then roll call of attendees. ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO AGENDA: Fiala Hiller Henning T `_ No additions or deletions to the Agenda. Coyle e/____ Ge+etit' jt,.d APPROVAL OF AGENDA: tivc+er6Q. The Agenda was approved as written. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF 11-13-12: The minutes were approved with corrections. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: There aren't any this month. REPORTS: Chief's Report: Captain Morris—The Chief is now including the Firefighter in the line of duty deaths throughout the US. As of 12-10-12 there has been 76 Firefighter line of duty deaths nationwide. Tony Davis — He felt there should be a comment stating that the line of duty deaths are nationwide. Misc.Corres: Page 1 Date: Item#:i io VI?) Copies to: r 2AL3 E nWIE O , JAN 152013 OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD BY: DECEMBER 10, 2012 The following were in attendance: Caleb Morris, Captain, Ochopee Fire Control District Ronald Gilbert, Chairman, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member Tony Davis, Port of the Islands Advisory,Advisory Board Member Frank Hawkins, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member ROLL CALL OF ATTENDEES: The meeting came to order and then roll call of attendees. Fiala 9'1 ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO AGENDA: Fiala Henning T No additions or deletions to the Agenda. Coyle L/_____ 6efette- 7,4.4( APPROVAL OF AGENDA: vvcueoc'a' The Agenda was approved as written. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF 11-13-12: The minutes were approved with corrections. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: There aren't any this month. REPORTS: Chief's Report: Captain Morris—The Chief is now including the Firefighter in the line of duty deaths throughout the US. As of 12-10-12 there has been 76 Firefighter line of duty deaths nationwide. Tony Davis — He felt there should be a comment stating that the line of duty deaths are nationwide. Misc.Correa: Page 1 Date: item i t: RP\ 2- ) Copies to: 4., 161 2A `3 Ron Gilbert Suggested adding US in front of Firefighter LODD. Operations Report: Captain Morris—We have had 39 calls for the month of November, 2012. We had three calls out of District to Marco Island Fire District and East Naples Fire District. We had one boat call. Ron Gilbert—Is that a boat fire? Captain Morris—Yes,fire, rescue, anything to do with the use of Rescue Boat 60. We have had minor inspections and no fire investigations. The total Personnel training hours for the month of November 2012 was 483.5. Ron Gilbert—Is that normal? Captain Morris—Yes and it is ongoing a couple of hours every day. OLD BUSINESS: Grant Updates: Captain Morris—Neither the FEMA Grant nor the SAFER Grant have been announced yet. Even though we have not been awarded the grants yet we have not been cut out of the process we are still in the running. The DOF Grant was awarded the foam was purchased and delivered. Vacant Position on the Advisory Board (Has to be a resident of the District) Ron Gilbert—Linda sent something out regarding the fact that the Advisory Board Member has to be a resident of the District. Tony Davis —This is regarding the verification from the Chief whether Bob Miller could be on the board a while back. He said Bob Miller Jr. is living in Everglades City but he needs to find out if it is a permanent residence. Ron Gilbert— He has someone from Port of the Islands but he would rather see someone from Everglades City get the position. Page 2 161 2A / 1-75 Station 63 Update: Captain Morris—The Chief and Dan Summers are at a meeting today in Ft. Myers regarding the Station on 1-75. They are going over the plans of the station with FDOT who is continuing to move forward with rebuilding the rest area. FDOT has no problem with building the Fire Station they have a problem with the operations costs. Ron Gilbert—That was clearly stated in the beginning. Captain Morris—FDOT said they definitely want to go forward with the station. Port of the Islands Update: Ron Gilbert—I guess that is the Fire Station. Captain Morris-Yes that is moving forward every day. There had to be some minor updating to the plans because some of the codes had changed. The go head has been given to move forward on refurbishing the building at Port of the Islands. Tony Davis—The issue with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Water Management District with regards to revamping the weir will affect the emergency water irrigation system. Have you looked into how it may affect the station in regards to emergency water? Captain Morris—I haven't really heard much about this. Ron Gilbert — Their plan is to move the weir 2000 feet just north of Orchid Cove this is supposedly to allow the manatee to come into the bay. The residents are not for it they feel it is too expensive and not necessary. Captain Morris—Are they going to move all of the pickups for the water plant? Tony Davis—The emergency pumps will have to be relocated if they move the weir. Captain Morris— It sounds like they are just moving things back and that they are going to put everything back as it was. If that is the case they it won't affect the Fire Department. We can draft salt water if necessary. The only problem would be if the water is going to be cut off. Tony Davis —The water probably won't be cut off until they are ready to hook up to the new pumps. Captain Morris—If we can't get water out of the hydrants then we will draft the salt water. I don't see that it is going to be an issue but I will definitely look into it. Page 3 161 2 A NEW BUSINESS: The attached Memo has to be signed by Ron Gilbert after a motion is passed by the Advisory Board recommending the re-appointment of Joel A.Davis and Ronald Giimerg Gilbert to the board. Frank Hawkins—He made a motion recommending the re-appointment of Joel A.Davis and Ronald GilmerfGilbert to the Ochopee Advisory Board. The motion was passed unanimously. (iiliM+it' Ltj S? Ron Gilbert-The memo has to be changed because his name is Ronald Gilmer fl Gilbert not Ronald Gilmore Gilbert. He requested the change and then to e-mail the memo to him for signature. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting it was passed and the meeting ended. Ronald Gilbert, Chairman Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Board Page 4 161 2A '3 OCHOPEE FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT -p) Cq53 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD 1111 JANUARY 14, 2013 FEt 1 5 101.3 BY: The following were in attendance: Alan McLaughlin, Fire Chief, Ochopee Fire Control District Caleb Morris, Captain, Ochopee Fire Control District Ronald Gilbert, Chairman, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member Tony Davis, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member Frank Hawkins, Port of the Islands,Advisory Board Member ROLL CALL OF ATTENDEES: Fiala Hiller Henning Ti The meeting came to order. Coyle 6etetta ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO AGENDA: c..rce. Frank Hawkins-- He added inspections under new business. APPROVAL OF AGDENDA: The agenda was approved with the addition of inspections under new business. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF 12/10/12: The minutes were approved with one correction on page four of Ronald Gilberts middle name from Gilmere to the correct spelling of Gilmer. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: Chief McLaughlin—He mentioned that attached to the agenda was a letter of recognition from the Collier County Sheriff's Office involving one of our Firefighters. The letter is in reference to a rescue call involving a female being eaten by an alligator. The deputy got a hold of her he slipped and fell. So Firefighter Lee Kidder went in grabbed the female and handed her over to the Sheriff's Department. The recognition is for this incident and per the letter it will be presented on Monday February 4, 2013 at 9:30AM at the Professional Development Center, 615 3rd Ave South, Naples, Fl. Page 1 Misc. Corres: Date: Item#: Copies to: • } 161 2A1.3 REPORTS: Chiefs Report: Chief McLaughlin—The budget is on track through our first quarter and we are on track with our budget projections in fact we are actually a little ahead. There are some Capital items he wishes to purchase but he is holding off on those items to see how the budget is going to hold up with regular expenses. He is in the process of obtaining bids on ventilation fans, one has been out of service and the second one just quit working. We have not had any unforeseen equipment breakage. The Job Banker and Overtime budget line items are on track. The US Firefighter line of duty deaths for 2012 was 83 and 8 for the month of December 2012. Ron Gilbert—He wanted to know if the Department had made any changes in response policy. He cited the incident in Massachusetts when someone set some houses on fire then shot at the firemen when they came to put out the fire. Chief McLaughlin—No Ron Gilbert—Do you ever think about that? Chief McLaughlin—We hope that would be a very rare occurrence and there is no way of knowing that is going to happen. It is not the first time it has happened and there are departments in other states where the fireman wear bullet proof vest. in Gary Indiana it is mandatory to wear a bullet proof vest while on duty so there are some areas where they have taken precautions. But he doesn't foresee it as being necessary in a rural area such as the Ochopee Fire District. Frank Hawkins—Would that be considered a line of duty death or a crime? Chief McLaughlin—That would be a line of duty death because you were responding to a fire but it is also a crime so it would be both. Operations Report: Chief McLaughlin—58 calls for the month of December 2012, one call out of the District on Marco Island, one emergency medical boat call. We had two fire inspections and no fire investigations. We had 513 hours of training for the month of December. Page 2 161 2A 3 1 OLD BUSINESS: Grant Up Dates Chief McLaughlin—We are still waiting for our FEMA Grant to purchase equipment. FEMA contacted us for routing and banking information which is a good sign it usually means you are going to get the grant. We sent that information to them right after Christmas and there was an award on the 4th of January but we were not on it but he assumes our paperwork had not made it through the system. He is hoping that within the next 30 days we will hear something the award would be$81,000 to purchase equipment. 1-75 Station Chief McLaughlin—We are still on track. They are supposed to meet with the construction company regarding the building. He has not seen the original documents that were sent to FDOT regarding the building. Even though it is their money we do have some necessary requirements for the building. The construction company is supposed to break ground in May 2013 and the project is to close June 2014. Port of the Islands Station Chief McLaughlin—He met last Friday with the budget office trying to get some answers because he has a meeting this Friday with the CID Board. $750,000 has been allocated out of the Pilt funds for Ochopee Fire Control District. $430,000 out of the$750,000 has already been taken out and is in the Ochopee Fire Control District budget to offset operating cost. The remaining balance which would be approximately$325,000 has been added to the project of remodeling the station of which the estimated cost is$600,000. In order to cover the total construction costs additional funds will have to come from raising the millage rate. At this time we don't know exactly how much more has to be added to cover the$600,000 until we get a construction bid and we probably won't see any construction bids until mid April because the bids are going out right now. We should have some solid numbers by mid April. Our early projections show it is going to cost$230,000 to the District you take that over 4100 tax payers break it out over three years it comes to about$22.00 per property owner. Ron Gilbert—This will not take a vote of the property owners in the District the commissioners can do this? Chief McLaughlin—The BCC through their enactment can raise the millage rate to get this project done without going to a vote. They have enough letters and support to do this. The budget office wanted the payment to go two years. The BCC suggested three years in order to lower the dollar amount therefore lessening the impact. It would take the millage rate increase from 4.18 ,, -maybe even less 4.07. Page 3 ()\ OP' 161 2A / Chief McLaughlin--We are on track with the Port of the Islands Station re-model and they are looking to break ground in either May or June 2013. The construction should be completed by November or December of 2013. He was informed that it could take 90 to 180 days depending on who received the bid. Hank Jones who is the project manager for the County thinks whoever takes the bid will complete it as soon as possible they won't drag it out. Frank Hawkins—Asked if they were going to do any modifications to the parking lot. Chief McLaughlin—He said they are going to re-do the parking lot the dumpster is going to be moved and enclosed. A hedge is also going to be put in. The water and electric meter are going to be split. He wants the water and electrical usage to be separated. We will have an emergency generator. He said the department of parks and recreation did not want to be included in hooking to the generator. Frank Hawkins—He said there are plans already for an enclosed dumpster. Chief McLaughlin—They should know about that because it is in the STP so if they are going to do something over there it is just temporary. Vacant Position on the Advisory Board Chief McLaughlin—There is still a vacant position on the Advisory Board. The issue with Bob Miller is that you have to be a resident of the District. It has been re-posted. Frank Hawkins—You don't have to be a property owner you just have to live in the District. Chief McLaughlin—Yes,you could be a renter,you just have to live in the District. NEW BUSINESS: Response to Board of County Commissioners Statement Chief McLaughlin—It was brought up at the last Board of County Commissioners Meeting during the Isles of Capri Fire District issue of separating from Collier County. Fred Coyle said the County Commissioners cannot give up their duties, responsibilities or authorities to anybody they would have to be annexed by East Naples Fire District. Commissioner Hiller gave direction to the group in attendance and East Naples Fire District to include Ochopee Fire Control District in the annexation. She did this without any input or consultation from the Ochopee Advisory Board. He said the Ochopee Advisory Board needs to send a response to her request. This information has also been submitted to the Mayor. This is something that has been pushed on the District without any previous knowledge. We have done financial studies in the past regarding consolidation with East Naples before and there is no way that is going to happen. Page 4 } 161 2A /3 Ron Gilbert--She can't do that can she? Chief McLaughlin—We've done two studies for Commissioner Hiller. To lower Ochopee Fire Control District to 1.5 mills they would lose$800,000 and East Naples is already$1,000,000 in the hole.They would have to lay off two thirds of the Department or shut all the facilities down or they would have to raise their millage to 2.4 which isn't going to happen. East Naples Fire District asked for a millage rate increase and was voted down. But they are going to ask again for an increase because they cannot continue to operate under their current funding. There is no way East Naples Fire District could take us over it would be too much of a loss for them and for their tax payers. He informed the Ochopee Advisory Board of this information so that they could formulate a response. He suggested that they formulate a letter between board members via e-mail and then bring it to the meeting. Everglades City Agreement for Service Expires December 2013 Chief McLaughlin—We have a service agreement with Everglades City that expires December 2013 and no one can find a copy of it. He found a copy in an old file;they can't even find a copy at Everglades City Hall. We started the process of sending the copies to the County Attorney and to the Clerk at Everglades City Hall. The City of Everglades has to have an ordinance stating that the County can provide the service and what those services are.Then the County Commissioners will adopt it which will renew the service agreement for an indefinite time period or for 20 years it will be up to them. Inspections Frank Hawkins—What is the legal definition of how much path of egress or ingress do we have to legally maintain? Chief McLaughlin—There are two answers to that question. The first one depends on how the building was built and what path of egress was determined when the building was built. You would have to go back to the architectural plans to determine that. Usually on any exit way or pathway on a floor landing it's the entire pathway or the minimum width of the path way. It isn't just a black and white issue. Based on the situation at Sunset Cay that minimum width would have been the distance of the center pylon to the wall anything in that breeze other than an extinguisher box is intruding. The code says "no exit or egress passage way shall be blocked with anything". The AHJ (Chief McLaughlin) has some authority regarding this situation. If you take legal action it will affect everyone in the building you have to treat everyone the same. He finds it is much better to sit down with everyone concerned and find out what the issue is and come to a workable solution that the AHJ (Chief McLaughlin) can live with understanding the full situation. Page 5 16I 2A /3 Chief McLaughlin - No more than two people are going to be walking down that exit way at any time in the middle of the night because of the occupancy of the building. If there were a hundred people on that floor and that was the only way out of the building it would be a different story. So we came to an equitable solution of some folding tables a smaller size which will be a smaller impact to the passage way we can live with that. He feels that is well within what the code intended for the occupancy of that building. Ron Gilbert—Just as long as it is a small enough table that it does not block the passage way or if it is a plant that is over to the side. Chief McLaughlin—Technically there cannot be a plant in front of the fire extinguisher. Nothing can be within three feet or blocking the access to the fire extinguisher. You can't have a plant so close to your front door that it hits it when you open it. In a multifamily occupancy you cannot block you means of egress. So basically nothing can be out there but on the ground floor it is a little different because if you can walk out the front door and step on the grass it doesn't make any difference. We have two options here we enforce the code to the letter which means nothing goes in the egress area walk way or we come back and say this is what we can allow are table and chairs that are foldable or movable and of small size that they will not impact the breeze way. Frank Hawkins—It gets a little more complicated than that because the building association actually has the responsibility to enforce the condominium laws which says their owners cannot modify their commons areas in any way without board approval. He said you can't have a plant or table without asking the board. Chief McLaughlin—That is a condo association rule they are breaking not mine. Frank Hawkins—But who is going to give notice? The condo association should give notice to the homeowner that they are in violation and that they have to remove the table. Chief McLaughlin—I agree with you but if it were a fire violation we would give notice to the condo association who would give notice to the owner. The president of the condo association involved John Carr because this is a situation that they had dealt with before. He told the condo association what he could accept but he left it up to them regarding the issue. He can't over ride the condo association. Ron Gilbert—Is this written down? Chief McLaughlin—No not yet he has not heard back from the Condo Association when he does he will put it in writing. Page 6 161 2A '3 Frank Hawkins—We would have to take a look at the original drawings for that building to find out the approved amount of pathway egress. Chief McLaughlin The minimum is 38 inches. Frank Hawkins—That would be in the building permit? Chief McLaughlin—It would be in the plans. Here is another problem your building was built in 1984 under the 1982 code and those are long gone. So what was approved might be out of date. You have to look at what was the intention of the code 38" has been the standard for many years for a multi family dwelling and can be up to 42" depending on occupancy load. It is either knowing what the code is asking for and what he can allow as AHJ or we just go to the letter of the law which is nothing can be in there. That hasn't changed anything in an egress pathway. In this situation it is two people. Most of the people go the other way no one is walking past their table. Frank Hawkins—He said there is a lot of stuff going on there. He suggested that they inspect the building. Chief McLaughlin—Technically we are supposed to inspect all buildings once a year but the problem is man power. We just can't get to it we don't have the people to do it and anything that we find that didn't comply with the fire code would have to go. Condo association has their rules as to what they allow but the fire code trumps everything. Frank Hawkins—He doesn't think there are any condo association laws regarding those things other than property owners can't modify the common area without board approval. Chief McLaughlin—He came up with a solution to the problem if the condo association President is alright with it if not he needs to enforce his condominium rule. He brought up the fact that you can't have anything on a staircase there is no getting around that. Frank Hawkins—Well there are. A lot of people have plants on the landings between the actual stairs. Chief McLaughlin-You can't have anything on a staircase that is specific in the code there can be no obstructions. Frank Hawkins—If we put together some fairly generic rules the first thing that is going to be asked is where is this coming from. Is there something you could put together as a kind of general rule of thumb as to what you would be looking for during an inspecting of these buildings such as nothing on the staircases etc...? Page 7 • 161 2A Chief McLaughlin—We are currently under the 2010 Florida Statutes Fire Prevention and Building Codes so we would just go to the statutes. Unless a County or City adopts the code they can add to it because it is a minimum. It is assumed you are under the code if you don't adopt it. Frank Hawkins—He would like some sort of documented guidelines. Chief McLaughlin—He could put together an inspection cut sheet. It would basically have listed the things the Fire Department would look for during an inspection. He told Frank he needed a month to put this information together. It would be just Capt Morris and himself collecting this information so he needed sometime. Public Comment None The meeting adjourned at 5:06PM Ronald Gilbert, Chairman Ochopee Fire Control District Advisory Board Page 8