Delaware



STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION

Monthly Meeting

August 19, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT

Marvin C. Sharp, Chairman

Bob Ricker, Vice Chairman

Kenneth H. McMahon

Willard (Bill) Betts, Jr.

Douglas S. Murray, Sr.

David J. Roberts

Alan Robinson, Jr.

Allison Reardon, Deputy Attorney General

Patrick Matthews, M.D., SFPC BLS Medical Director

Grover P. Ingle, State Fire Marshal

Robert Newnam, Director, State Fire School

Sherry Lambertson, Executive Specialist

GUESTS

Richard R. Ward, Assistant State Fire Marshal

John Rossiter, SFMO

R.T. Leicht, SFMO

Ken Pyle, DVFA

Kevin McSweeney, University of Delaware

Kevin Wilson, DVFA

Michael Bundek, Little Creek Vol. Fire Company

Terry Jester, Memorial Fire Department

Bill Tobin, Memorial Fire Department

Raymond Stevens, Selbyville Vol. Fire Company

John Gilbert, Sea Colony, Bethany Beach

Melvin Cusick, Town of South Bethany Beach

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 2

GUESTS cont.

Gerald Hocker, State Representative

Hal Barber, Bethany Beach Vol. Fire Company

Audrey Serio, Mayor, Fenwick Island

Monte Wisbrock, Bethany Beach Vol. Fire Company

George Bunting, State Senator

Tony McClenny, Bethany Beach, Vice Mayor

Carol Ohmstead, Bethany Beach, Mayor

Brian Martin, Bethany Beach Vol. Fire Company

Harry Gratz, Charles Gratz Fire Protection Co.

Vaughn Rider, Belvedere Vol. Fire Co.

Gary Madden, Marydel Vol. Fire Co.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Sharp called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

REGULAR SESSION

APPROVAL OF JULY 15, 2008 COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

It was moved by Commissioner Murray, and seconded by Commissioner Roberts that the minutes of the July 15, 2008 Commission meeting be approved as amended. Motion carried. Commissioner’s McMahon and Robinson recused themselves from the vote due to their absence from the July Commission meeting.

REPORT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Agency’s Activity for the month of July is as follows: investigations 68– (criminal 32- /accidental 29– undetermined 7-); arrests 14-: inspections 950– (health care 6-/deputy 203/tech services –400 “QAP-325”); complaints-34; plan reviews 411-; PRUF revenue collected (July) $156,217 year to date $156,217; total overtime hours worked 235.5-; time off in hours (Deputies) 682.5 (vacation 285.0- /compensatory leave 79.5- /sick leave 175.5- /holiday 142.5- /compassionate 0.0)

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 3

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Personnel Issues

Fire Marshal Ingle reported that he sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget in regard to a critical request for the Administrative Specialist I position in Kent County again this month and has not received a response. This position has been vacant since March.

On approximately July 17th, Deputy Fire Marshal III Brent Billings responded to an emergency medical call. DFM Billings used his agency issued AED, reviving the patient before he was transported by Medic 5 to Christiana Emergency Room. Fire Marshal Ingle has recognized DFM Billings for his alertness and response to the incident.

Deputy Fire Marshal II, C.C. Tripp Wagner while commuting to work on August 7th, sustained an injury while getting out of his car. He was out of work for one week and has returned to a regular work schedule.

Deputy Fire Marshal II, Richard Perillo is out of work due to an injury as a result of fighting a fire with Christiana Fire Company. He has been out of work for a month and will return to his doctor in one week. It is possible he will remain out of work for 3 – 4 more weeks.

Fire Marshal Ingle was informed yesterday that Deputy Fire Marshal Magee is out due to an injury he received while off duty.

Carrie Bell will be out of work on medical leave for one week.

John Lattomus, Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Coordinator was nominated and accepted to receive the Paul Chapman award for his work in Juvenile Fire Prevention through out his life time. John Lattomus will receive this award on September 20, 2008. This is a distinct honor that not a lot of people receive for the excellent work that they do improving the justice system.

Fire Death Update

Fire Marshal Ingle reported on the 6th fire death of the year. It took place on July 29, 2008 in Townsend, Delaware. The victim was a 4-year old female. The cause of death is pending the Medical Examiner’s report. Smoke Detectors were in the home and activated.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 4

FY ’10 Budget

Fire Marshal Ingle reviewed his Fiscal Year ’10 budget request with the Commissioners. Each budget item and justification for them were discussed.

Advanced Planning Money – Georgetown Facility

Fire Marshal Ingle reported on a meeting attended by himself, Commissioner McMahon, Director Newnam and Dave Hill from the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting was in regard to Advanced Planning Money being requested for the Georgetown Facility upgrade. The information from the meeting will be taken back to the Budget Director for review and possible approval.

State Fair

Fire Marshal Ingle reported that his office manned the State Fair booth from July 16th – July 26th. It is estimated that 10,000 people past the booth this year. The Fire School is a good partner during this event.

Jurisdictional Fire Marshal’s Meeting

A Jurisdictional Fire Marshal’s Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 23rd at the New Castle County Fire Marshal’s Office at 10:30 a.m. Assistant State Fire Marshal Chionchio lead the meeting because Fire Marshal Ingle was attending another meeting. Legislation was discussed in regard to NICET Level II. They were asked for input on proposed updates to the regulations.

Itzagas Disposable Gas Can

Fire Marshal Ingle discussed a disposable gas can that is being used in some states. It is basically a cardboard box with a liner inside that hold less than a gallon of gas. It is advertised as a disposable can that you use one time and throw away. This creates a Haz Mat and disposal issue. The Fire Marshal has done extensive research and found that this will not be permissible in Delaware. It does not comply with Delaware regulation, or storage for hazardous materials.

Novelty Lighters

A House Bill has been introduced in Washington, D.C. by a Senator in Oregon banning the sale of novelty lighters. It appears to have a good chance of passing and becoming law. A national request will probably come from this with Fire Marshal Ingle’s support.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 5

Campus Fire Safety Right to Know

Congress passed a bill called, “Campus Fire Safety Right to Know”. That tells Universities and Colleges with a campus that they have a right to inform the students about an evacuation criteria and fire prevention within their dorm rooms.

Commission Order on Worker’s Compensation

Fire Marshal Ingle discussed the Commission’s previous decision to grant a variance from the regulation to allow a person from a licensed fire alarm or fire suppression company, who is not required by Delaware law to maintain worker’s compensation, due to being the only employee of the company, permission to obtain a license without a hearing by requesting exception from the regulation if they meet the necessary requirements. The Commission approved the variance for those companies that had been previously licensed and were seeking renewal. Fire Marshal Ingle noted that the Commission is scheduled to hear an appeal by a company that will be licensed for the first time in Delaware. Fire Marshal Ingle asked the Commission to consider granting the same type of variance for new licensees after deliberating on the appeal if the Commission granted the variance to the pending licensee. Fire Marshal Ingle is currently reviewing regulations for updates to the Worker’s Compensation requirements in the future.

Deputy Attorney General Reardon reiterated to the Commissioners that this appeal is for a new applicant and not and existing company.

Proposed Regulatory Submission to State Register

Fire Marshal Ingle suggested that a written policy be formulated for handling the proposed regulatory change submissions to the State Register. It was suggested by Fire Marshal Ingle and agreed to by Deputy Attorney General Reardon for the following;

The State Fire Marshal will submit proposed regulatory changes of the regulation to the Commission and these proposed changes will be submitted to the State Register by the Commissions Deputy Attorney General. All public notices will come from the Fire Prevention Commission Office at the expense of the Commission.

Congressman Castle Visit

Congressman Castle came to Dover on August 5th to meet with Fire Marshal Ingle to discuss current arson concerns and to address what could be done to assist at a federal level.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 6

Congressman Castle Visit cont.

Congressman Castle stated that Delaware is doing a good job handling the concerns. The meeting was positive as well was fruitful. Congressman Castle stated that he would share the success of the Juvenile Firesetter and arson programs in Delaware.

Sunset Committee Orientation Meeting

Fire Marshal Ingle reported on a July 23rd Sunset Committee orientation meeting that he attended. Debbie Puzzo, Executive Director for the Sunset Committee gave the agencies direction on filling out the questionnaire and explained the process everyone would follow.

DNREC Meeting Green Smart Growth

Fire Marshal Ingle and Assistant State Fire Marshal Chionchio met with Secretary Hughes on August 13, 2008 during his committee meeting dealing with the Green Smart Growth. They establish green areas around the state, similar to what they do with the town centers, utilizing green components and recycled materials. They are in the process of drafting requirements. It’s being set up under a point system. Secretary Hughes wanted to discuss the Fire Marshal regulations and how this could affect both agencies during this process. Fire Marshal Ingle stated that it was a positive meeting and has agreed to continue working with the committee.

Reduce Ignition Propensity Cigarette Awareness

Fire Marshal Ingle stated that the Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarette law becomes effective January 1, 2009. A packet has been put together by the Fire Marshal’s Office and a notice will go out to all of the wholesalers and manufactures.

F.E.A.R. Program 2008 – 2009

The F.E.A.R. Program will be in the same six schools as last year with new schools added for this year. The program has made a noted difference in the schools in which it is taught.

DVFA Conference/Mid Atlantic Fire Commissioner Conference

Fire Marshal Ingle will be attending both the DVFA and Mid Atlantic Fire Commissioner Conference in September.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 7

New Incident Log Program

Fire Marshal Ingle discussed the budget request for updating the new Incident Log Program.

ACTION ITEMS

No report at this time.

FIRE MARSHAL/FIRE SCHOOL

No report at this time.

MISCELLANEOUS

No report at this time.

Commission Motions

It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Commissioner McMahon to send a letter of accommodations to Deputy Fire Marshall III, Brent Billings for his heroic actions taken. Motion carried.

It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Vice Chairman Ricker to authorize the request of Fire Marshal Ingle to have all of the proposed regulation changes be submitted through the Deputy Attorney General to the Register of Regulations. All of the notices will be submitted by the Fire Prevention Commission and paid for by the Fire Prevention Commission. Motion carried.

CHARLES GRATZ FIRE PROTECTION APPEAL

The Commission recessed from regular session for a scheduled appeal hearting at 10:30 a.m. with Charles Gratz Fire Protection of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All parties involved were sworn in for the hearing by Deputy Attorney General Reardon. Mr. Gratz verified that his company has no other employees, which is the basis of his appeal. The State Fire Marshals Office has no opposition to the variance request. It was moved by Commissioner McMahon, seconded by Commissioner Roberts to grant Charles Gratz Fire Protection the requested variance. Motion carried.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 8

Charles Gratz Fire Protection Appeal cont.

It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Commissioner Ricker to allow a person who is applying for a new license for fire alarm or fire suppression, who is not required by Delaware law to maintain worker’s compensation due to being the only employee of the company, permission to obtain a license without a hearing by requesting exception from the regulation if they met the same requirements of the previous order. Motion carried.

REGULAR SESSION

REPORT OF THE FIRE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Director

▪ Delaware EMS Education Policy was presented to the Commission for review. Director Newnam reviewed the changes made to the document with Commissioners.

▪ Sunset Review Questionnaire – The Fire School draft is completed and ready for review.

▪ EMT-B – Edwin Boseman, Sta. 24 was suspended by the Director of the State Fire School due to lack of company affiliation. This suspension is supported by Fire Prevention Commission Regulation.

▪ EMS Seminar – Nov. 1 – Field Training Officer Program

▪ EMT information from NREMT database – students above national average in all areas

▪ Status of Station 56 – EMT’s – five applications from MD have been completed, 5 from Sta. 56 need NR-Test

▪ Campus Fire Safety Month for September – Governor signed the Proclamation

▪ Wake Up Delaware – DVFA Presentation conducted at the school on 8-15-08

▪ Sussex Division – meeting update – Fire Marshal lead contact for funding

▪ State Fair – excellent job by Staff with their support and DSFS Instructors

▪ Obtaining information for the replacement of four vehicles

▪ Status of the Training/Educator III – funding for this position is still an issue. It is currently funded as a part-time position, but the Fire School is requesting that it be upgraded to a full-time position with funding.

▪ Annual Report completed and submitted to Commission.

▪ Straw Bids – letters requesting bids sent – due August 15. The same vendor will continue to contract straw deliver to the Fire School at $4.50 per bale.

▪ DTI Exercise will be held on September 18 in class rooms 4 and 5.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 9

▪ St. Francis Ambulance – mobile radios installation is waiting for AVL equipment – 2 weeks

▪ Budget FY10 – Proposed annual budget submission

o Operating Budget

▪ Trainer/Educator Position – depends on progress

▪ Contractual line item – return $10,000 to the line

▪ Vehicle – one, 7,500.00

▪ Audio Visual Equipment - $20,000 for replacement of aging equipment

o Capital Budget

▪ Fire Extinguisher Building – 85,000

▪ Air Compressor – 30,000 – replacement of drill ground compressor

▪ Concrete Pads - $60,000 – repairs to existing pads

▪ Rescue Tool Program – 20 with DSFS - $150,000

Staff Activities

▪ SERT Response – Baltimore Aircoil, Milford – valve assembly on propane tank – Mike Lowe

▪ SERT Response – Caulk, Milford – Jim King

▪ National Fire Academy – Delaware Weekend – 59 students – Jim King

▪ Fire Rescue Conference – Denver, CO. – Bill Walton, Steve Martin

▪ NFA-Incident Safety Officer course went well at Station 21 – Jim King

▪ Progressing well with programs for Campus Fire Safety – Mike Lowe

▪ Health and Fitness Advocate Workshop – NVFC – Greenbelt, Md. September – Jim King

▪ Grant Review – NFA – October – Mike Lowe

▪ Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Exercise – May 2008 – Excellent review

▪ Membership records for the Fire Companies completed – Office Staff

Programs/Courses

▪ Current Month – Have notice an increase in summer program requests

o EVO programs – 3 classes

o Fit Testing – 2 programs

o Haz. Mat. Tech. 24 hr. – Kent County Waste Water

o Fire Extinguishers – 1 class

o ICS – 200 – Station 17

o Police Fire Orientation – 1 class

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 10

Divisions Usage

o Dover Center – Liquid Evolutions – Bulk Fuel, USMCR

▪ Additions – Revisions

o RIT – Member Course update – DSFS Instructors performed Physical Agility Test

▪ Average age 41, average time 6 minutes 53 seconds

▪ Development of course announcement – to address Fire Chiefs

o EVO – Driver’s course has been added as an option for 2009 scheduled classes.

EMS

▪ Current Month

o EMT-B Refresher is scheduled for Delmar beginning this month

o BLS Protocol Review is scheduled for Delmar

o AHA programs – 4 classes scheduled

o First Responder Refresher classes – 2 scheduled

▪ Additions – Revisions

o Received the proposed Standing Orders – EMT-B Protocols

Delaware Risk Watch Report July 2008

|Date |Event/ Meeting |Town |Attendance |Risk Area Covered |

|July 8 |Work Safety Store |Wilmington | |Responsibility as a duPont employee |

|July 16 |Bike Safety Checkpoint |Lewes | |Bike Safety for riders along Route 1 in |

| | | | |Rehoboth |

|July 19 |Bike Safety Checkpoint |Rehoboth | |Bike Safety for riders along Route 1 in |

| | | | |Rehoboth |

|July 21 |Drop off meeting information to Wayne |Dover | |Safe Summer Day information |

|July 22 |Bike Rodeo @ Delaware State Fair |Harrington | |Bike Safety |

|July 24 |Pick up checks to sign for Safe Kids |Dover | | |

|July 25 |Safety Town @ Charlton School |Camden |150 students |Pool, playground, fire, bike, bus, & |

| | | | |pedestrian safety |

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 11

Meetings Attended During July:

Safe Summer Day, monthly meeting w/ Kay, Risk Watch CMT meeting, Sussex Safe Kids, SOPAT meeting for Safe Kids Board, and planning meeting w/ Charlton School for Safety Town

|Bike Safety Checkpoints: Partnered with University of Delaware Cooperative Extension CTSP Program and delDOT Bike & Pedestrian |

|Planning Program |

|Bike Rodeo @ Delaware State Fair: Partnered with University of Delaware Cooperative Extension CTSP Program and delDOT Bike & |

|Pedestrian Planning Program |

Public Education Activity Report

▪ Current Month

o DSFS displays – 6 scheduled

o Fire Safety Programs – 3 scheduled

o Conducted a Campus Fire Safety Meeting on August 6.

Maintenance – Building and Grounds

▪ SCBA upgrade kits for 120 units have arrived and are being installed

▪ Sprinkler Prop has been completed and ready for Tours and classes.

▪ Drainage improvements have been completed on the drill grounds.

Financial

Pass due and the balances in accounts are at normal levels.

▪ Pass Due Billings

o 30 days – 20,995.00

o 60 days – 3,014.00

o 90 days – 160.00

▪ 8000 Tuition Fund – 266,456.00

▪ 8200 Haz Mat Tech Fund – 210,023.00

▪ Total Accounts receivable – 42,666.66

▪ Revenue Comparison

o 8000 Tuition – July 2007 – 51,099.20, July 2008 – 32,220.00

o 8200 Haz. Mat. – July 2007 – 11,940.00, July 2008 – 14,500.00

▪ Total fees collected for 2007-08 – 3,335.00

▪ Special Funds Summary was submitted for Commission review.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 12

Personnel Issues

Training/Educator III

It was moved by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Betts to send a letter to support the State Fire School in upgrading the part-time Training/Educator III position to a full-time position. Motion carried.

Executive Session – none

Fire Marshal/Fire School - none

Action Items –

▪ Delaware EMS Education Policy

REPORT OF THE BLS MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Matthews reviewed all of the changes of the Draft BLS Standing Orders with the Commission. Dr. Matthews will take the Commission suggestions and comments back to the Medical Directors.

Commissioner Murray agreed to sit on the ALS Standards Committee on behalf of the Fire Prevention Commission.

REPORT OF DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

No report at this time.

REGULAR SESSION

ACTION ITEM

Commission Committee Reports

▪ Ambulance Unit Safety

Commissioner McMahon reported that the NFPA Standards Council approved either creating an Ambulance Standard Committee or placing it on the existing 1901 which is Apparatus Standards. The NFPA Standards Council will meet on it the week of October 15th.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 13

▪ Ambulance Drivers

Commissioner Betts reported on his research into ambulance driver requirements. He sent a letter out to all private ambulance companies asking what their driving requirements are. No responses have been received to date.

▪ Reality Trailer

Commissioner McMahon met with three vendors regarding a Reality Trailer for driver training.

▪ Burn Camp

Vice Chairman Ricker reported that the Burn Camp Committee continues to recruit committee members. The committee is waiting on direction from Legislative Hall. Commissioner Roberts stated that he is concerned that the Commission has been placed in this legislation and no movement is taking place. It could be perceived that the Commission is holding up the process and this is not the case.

RECESS

The Commission recessed from regular business from 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. for the Public Hearing on Part IX, State Fire Prevention Commission Regulations -Fire Service Standards – Minimum Requirements of the Establishment of Fire Companies and Substations. No written or public comments were submitted.

It was moved by Commissioner Robinson, seconded by Commissioner Murray to adopt the substation regulation updates as proposed. Motion carried.

Deputy Attorney General Reardon will prepare an order adopting the proposed regulations for the Commissioners to sign at the September meeting. The order and final regulations will be published in the October Register of Regulations.

REGULAR SESSION

ACTION ITEMS

Belvedere Vol. Fire Co. Scratch Rate

President Vaughn Rider of Belvedere Vol. Fire Co. spoke on behalf of his company regarding their scratch rate that exceeds the acceptable scratch rate. President Rider discussed a corrective action plan that is in place. The company has done a study to determine the time that most of the calls are received and they intend to run a power shift with the part-time employees and then fill in with volunteers.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 14

Belvedere Vol. Fire Co. Scratch Rate cont.

If they are unable to sustain the ambulance service for the district they will request to come back before the Fire Prevention Commission and ask to be decertified. President Rider agreed to submit an update to the Commission no later than September 15th.

Marydel Vol. Fire Co. Scratch Rate

Fire Chief Gary Madden of Marydel Vol. Fire Co. spoke on behalf of his company regarding their scratch rate that exceeds the acceptable scratch rate. Chief Madden submitted a corrective action plan to the Commission for review.

Beginning Feb 2008 Marydel Fire Co. started to experience a shortage of EMS staff for the following reasons: Driver out for surgery, Man power staff out for surgery, 1 EMT out for surgery, 1 EMT out for 6 months Basic Training, 1 EMT was recertifying in MD now able to apply for Dual certification.

Corrective actions taken to date: Dicky Dempsey is trying to correct the scratch report to include 791 since they are also staffing Marydel, Marydel and Caroline County are in the process of trying to return to Marydel driver has returned from surgery leave, man power has returned from surgery leave; EMT out for surgery will be returning 8/30/08; and EMT graduated and is home from Basic Training.

The CAD system separated Marydel calls per 56 and 791. Kent County is trying to correct this because they are dual dispatched and are part of Marydel’s staffing but CAD picks it up separately.

In June – 16 out of 34 scratches 791 actually responded. The true scratch rate was 8.5%.

In July – after Kent County totaled the calls 791 responded to Marydel scratched 2 out of 23 calls.

It was moved by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Vice Chairman Ricker to accept the report submitted by Marydel Vol. Fire Co. An update will be submitted to the Commission no later than September 15th. Motion carried.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 15

Slaughter Beach Substation Request

President Bill Tobin and Chief Terry Jester submitted plans to the Commission requesting approval for a new substation in their district. The Commission reviewed boundary maps and discussed four mile regulation. It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Vice Chairman Ricker to accept and approve the Slaughter Beach Fire Company substation request. Motion Carried. Chairman Sharp recused himself from the voting process.

Target Budget Meeting – September 3rd

The Commission will not request anything in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. They will instead continue to support the needs of the State Fire School and State Fire Marshal Office.

TransCare Teaching Approval

After further discussion regarding TransCare’s request to EVO training to their employees, Director Newnam recommended that the training be done at the State Fire School. The motion stands as made in the July meeting to deny the request of TransCare.

Campus Fire Safety Update

The Governor and Lt. Governor have both signed a proclamation naming September Campus Fire Safety Month. Governor Minner will be present for a formal signing ceremony at Wesley College on September 4th at 10:00 a.m. Mike Lowe, Senior Instructor, DSFS is heading up a committee for the Press Conference.

It was moved by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Murray to incorporate the proclamation signing annually the first week of September. Motion carried.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 16

Bethany Beach Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Service Discussion

The following attended and/or addressed the Fire Prevention Commission in regard to the support of legislation that includes a referendum to support the new ambulance service in Bethany Beach.

John Gilbert, Sea Colony Melvin Cusick, Town of South Bethany

Gerald Hocker, State Representative Hal Barber, Bethany Beach Fire Co.

Audrey Serio, Mayor – Fenwick Island Monte Wisbrock, Bethany Beach Fire Co.

George Bunting, State Senator Tony McClenny, Vice Mayor-Bethany Bch.

Carol Olmstead, Mayor – Bethany Beach Brian Martin, Bethany Beach Fire Co.

Bob Menicoli, Bethany Beach Fire Co.

The Commission thanked everyone for attending. The speakers, including sponsors Senator Bunting and Representative Hocker, asked the Commission to support legislation that would allow the Bethany Beach Fire Company to hold a referendum to create and finance an emergency ambulance service to serve the Bethany Beach Station 70 Fire District. The referendum, if passed, would establish a special tax on all property owners in the fire district to help support the ambulance service. The speakers added that four entities representing three quarters of the property owners have already entered into a binding financial agreement to fund the ambulance service. However, they believe the referendum is a fair method of obtaining the participation of the remaining property owners. The speakers acknowledged that they understand that they will need the support of the Delaware Volunteer Fire Service (DVFA) for the legislation to be successful. Senator Bunting noted that the idea for the referendum originally came from the fire service. Some of the Commissioners stated concerns about the long term effect this type of legislation being proposed would have on other funding sources and questioned whether the legislation could be re-written to encompass all companies and not just Bethany. The Commission was reassured that these concerns could be addressed by rewriting the legislation. The Commission stated that support needed for the legislation should come through the general fire service through the DVFA and questioned whether the Commission should support legislation.

The Commission had previously tabled the vote on the issue at its July meeting. A motion was made to remove the matter from the table for a vote but failed for a lack of a second. It was agreed by the majority of Commissioners that more discussion was needed on the issue. The Commission will revisit the issue in September. Deputy Attorney General Reardon reminded the Commissioners that the discussions need to take place in public and that further discussion should be an agenda item so that interested persons could attend to hear the discussion and vote.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 17

Edward C. McCormick Awards

It was agreed that Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Betts, Commissioner Marvel and Mike Lowe will form a committee to choose the award recipients. A notice will go out to the fire service requesting Edward C. McCormick Award entries. Entries will be received by September 30, 2008 and awards will be presented in October.

National Fallen Firefighter Foundation Event

Commissioners agreed to support the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation on September 21st at Dover Downs in Dover.

Complaint Review Policy Draft for Possible Approval

It was moved by Vice Chairman Ricker, seconded by Commissioner Betts to table the Complaint Review Policy until September. Motion carried.

House Bill 329 Update

The Commission reviewed the proposed regulations submitted by the House Bill 329 Committee. It was moved by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Vice Chairman Ricker to accept the draft recommendations from the House Bill 329 Committee and proceed to public hearing. Motion carried.

Deputy Attorney General Reardon will submit the proposed regulations to the Register of Regulations for publication on September 1st. The public hearing will be held on October 21, 2008.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Joint Sunset Committee Review

A meeting will be scheduled on September 8th for the Commission to discuss the JSC Review Questionnaire.

CORRESPONDENCE

No report at this time.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

No report at this time.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 18

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Marvin C. Sharp

Chairman Sharp submitted a report that he attended the Monthly Fire Prevention Commission Meeting, Sussex Call Board Meeting, Kent County Fireman’s Association Meeting, JSC Meeting at Legislative Hall, Cumberland Valley Fireman’s Association Meeting, Carlisle Fire Company Meeting, Virginia Convention and Senator Biden Meeting.

Commissioner Kenneth H. McMahon

Commissioner McMahon reported that he attended the HB 329 Meeting at Fire School, Revolving Fund Committee Meeting, HB 329 Signing, Commission/DVFA Meeting, New Castle County Fireman’s/Chief’s Meeting, Meeting with Secretary Mitchell, DVFA, Commission, Mass Casualty Drill at U of D, Emittsburg to Review Fire Act Grants, Fire Expo in Baltimore, Meeting at DEMA for DVFA/Commission Ambulance, and New Castle County Police Graduation.

Commissioner David J. Roberts

Commissioner Roberts reported that he attended the Monthly Fire Prevention Commission Meeting, New Castle county FAAB Meeting, HB 329 Committee Meeting, Viewing for Chief Matthews Newark Fire Department, and Viewing for Charlie Wolston Newark Fire Department.

Commissioner Douglas S. Murray

Commissioner Murray reported that he attended the Monthly Fire Prevention Commission Meeting, Meeting with Chairman in Georgetown, Delaware State Fair Booth and Sussex County Meeting.

Commissioner Alan J. Robinson, Jr.

Commissioner Robinson reported that he attended the DVFA Conference Meeting, Citizens’ Hose Co. Fire Prevention Effort, DE State Fair LADVFA Fire Prevention Booth, Citizens’ Hose Co. Meeting, College Fire Prevention Month Proclamation Meeting, and Citizens’ Hose Co. Board Meeting.

SFPC Minutes

August 19, 2008

Page 19

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

September 16, 2008, 9:00 AM

Commission Chamber

Delaware Fire Service Center

1463 Chestnut Grove Road

Dover, DE 19904

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Vice Chairman Roberts, and seconded by Vice Chairman Ricker that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 3:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry R. Lambertson

Executive Specialist

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STATE OF DELAWARE

STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION

DELAWARE FIRE SERVICE CENTER

(302) 739 – 3160 1463 CHESTNUT GROVE ROAD

FAX (302) 739 – 4436 DOVER, DELAWARE 19904

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