Packet - Lisle-Woodridge Fire District

LISLE-WOODRIDGE FIRE DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Station #51 1005 School Street Lisle, IL
Tuesday, January 26, 2016 5:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
 President Frank
 Vice President
 Secretary Althoff
 Treasurer Perry
 Trustee Costin
 Finance Dir Beshears
 Chief Freeman
 Attorney Ottosen
 Rec Sec McClain
Staff: Deputy Chief Krestan, Bureau Chief Spinazola, EMS Coordinator Weaver.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CONSENT AGENDA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Approve December 22, 2015 Board of Trustee Regular Meeting Minutes
Approve December 22, 2015 Board of Trustee Closed Session Minutes
Approve Cash Disbursement Batch 16CDS002 Approve Workers Compensation 2016 Contract
Approve January 2016 Accounts Payable Expenditures
Acknowledge Receipt of December 2015 Financial Reports
Acknowledge Receipt of Activity Reports
COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED BUT NOT YET DISTRIBUTED
MATTERS OF THE PUBLIC
MATTERS OF LOCAL UNION #2986
OLD BUSINESS
1. Lisle Downtown Development
Secretary Althoff / Deputy Chief Krestan
NEW BUSINESS
Review, discuss, and/or take action on matters relative to the following:
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 16-__ __ Authorizing the District to Proceed with Phase 2 of the
Consolidation Study for the Darien-Woodridge and Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection Districts.
BOT
2. Approve Proposed Settlement Agreement
Board of Trustees
3. Insurance Services Offices (ISO) Review
Chief Freeman
4. Board of Fire Commissioners Report
Trustee Costin / Deputy Chief Krestan
5. Pension Board Report
Treasurer Perry / Deputy Chief Krestan
6. IAFPD / NIAFPD Report
7. DUCOMM Report
Deputy Chief Krestan
 Executive Board
8. Chief’s Report: Summary & Administrative Calendar
9. Trustee Items for Discussion
10. Necessary Action Relating to Closed Session
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
CLOSED SESSION
1. Collective Negotiating Matters (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 2).
2. Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Specific
Employees or Legal Counsel (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 1).
3. Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 11)
4. Semi-annual Review of Closed Session Meeting Minutes (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 21)
ADJOURN
Last Resolution/Ordinance: 12/22/2015 – Resolution No. 15-17. An Ordinance Levying and
Assessing Taxes of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District DuPage and Will Counties, Illinois
for 2015.
LISLE-WOODRIDGE FIRE DISTRICT
Administration
Fire Prevention
Headquarters and Station #51
1005 School Street
Lisle, Illinois 60532-1897
EMERGENCY – 911
630-353-3000
630-353-3030
www.LWFD.org
Fax 630-353-3099
Fax 630-353-3098
ISO Protection Class 1
Over 50 years of service
2015
ADMINISTRATIVE CALENDAR
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Monday, January 25, 9:00 a.m. Pension Board Meeting @ LWFD Sta #51
Tuesday, January 26, 5:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting @ LWFD Sta #51
January 28-31, NIAFPD Conference @ Hilton / Oakbrook
Tuesday, February 2, 9:00 a.m. MABAS Division 16 Meeting @ Bolingbrook FD Sta 5
Wednesday, February 2, 7:30 a.m. Woodridge State of the Village @ WW Village Hall
Wednesday, February 2, 4:00 p.m. Board of Fire Commissioners Mtg @ LWFD Sta #51
Thursday, February 4, 11:00 a.m. Metro Fire Chiefs Meeting @ Empress
Tuesday, February 9, 11:00 a.m. DuPage Chiefs Meeting @ Glendale CC
Tuesday, February 16, 7:30 a.m. Full Staff Meeting @ LWFD Sta #51
Wednesday, February 17, 7:30 a.m. DuComm Executive Committee @ Carol Stream FPD
Wednesday, February 17, 11:30 a.m. Metro Executive Board @ Glendale CC
Wednesday, February 17, 3:00 p.m. Memorial Day Planning Mtg @ LWFD Sta #51
Thursday, February 18, 10:30 a.m. IFSAP Meeting (Nancy) @ Romeoville FPD
Monday, February 22, 9:00 a.m. Pension Board Meeting @ LWFD Sta #51
Tuesday, February 23, 5:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting @ LWFD Sta #51
RECIPIENT OF THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT OF EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING 1991-2015
Lisle-Woodridge Fire District
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 22, 2015 4:00 p.m.
Station #51 / Headquarters 1005 School Street Lisle, IL
CALL TO ORDER
President Frank called the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District to
order at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at Station #51 and Headquarters, 1005 School
Street, Lisle, Illinois.
ROLL CALL
In attendance were President Frank, Secretary Althoff (4:02), Treasurer Perry, Trustee Costin, Chief
Freeman, Finance Director Beshears, Attorney Ottosen, Attorney Wargo and Recording Secretary
McClain. Also present: Deputy Chief Krestan, Bureau Chief Spinazola, Battalion Chief Johnsen,
Battalion Chief Mulford, Battalion Chief Johnson, Union President Capua, John Franklin and
Kirsten Frank.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Frank requested a moment of silence in honor of Veteran Firefighter Daniel Capuano who
died in the line of duty last week.
Gunners Mate John Franklin led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Board and Chief recognized John and thanked him for his service to his country and the U.S.
Navy.
CONSENT AGENDA
President Frank read all items listed and asked if anyone wanted any items removed from the
December 22, 2015 Omnibus Vote Agenda.
1. Approve November 24, 2015 Board of Trustee Regular Meeting Minutes
2. Approve Cash Disbursement Batch 15CDS044
3. Approve Purchase Order 15ENC041 – Equipment
4. Approve Purchase Order 15ENC042 – Equipment
5. Approve December 2015 Accounts Payable Expenditures
6. Acknowledge Receipt of November 2015 Financial Report
7. Acknowledge Receipt of Activity Reports
Trustee Costin made a motion to approve items 1 - 7 inclusively as the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
Secretary Althoff seconded the motion. The motion carried by a roll call vote (4 ayes – Costin,
Althoff, Perry, Frank / 0 nays).
COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED
None.
MATTERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.
MATTERS OF LOCAL UNION #2986
Union President Capua reported on several events that took place in December. President Capua
expressed the membership concerns with several unresolved issues.
OLD BUSINESS
Lisle Downtown Development
Secretary Althoff reported that the Marquette groundbreaking took place on December 15th.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 15-__ __ Levying and Assessing Taxes for 2015
President Frank opened the Public Hearing for public comment on the proposed 2015 Tax Levy.
Hearing no comments from the public, President Frank closed the Public Hearing.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 15-__ __ Levying and Assessing Taxes for 2015
Motion was made by Secretary Althoff to adopt Ordinance No. 15-17 Levying and Assessing Taxes
for the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, DuPage and Will Counties for 2015 in the amount of
$17,917,915.00 as presented. Motion was seconded by Treasurer Perry. The motion carried by a roll
call vote (4 ayes – Althoff, Perry, Costin, Frank / 0 nays).
AFFI/IFCA Consolidation Report
Trustee Costin, Chief Freeman, D/C Krestan and Union President Capua attended the informational
meeting on Phase I of the Consolidation Study. Chief Freeman reported on the findings in the final
report. The next step is Phase II, which requires direction from the Board and the formation of a
committee to perform staffing analysis, legal analysis and a financial analysis. Trustee Costin
reported that a lot of positive information was provided at the two hour meeting. The consensus of
the Board was to move forward. It was agreed that a workshop is needed to educate the Board and
explain the expectations of committee members. President Frank will reach out to the DarienWoodridge Board and express our commitment to working toward creating a consolidation
resolution.
The Board commended the Union for taking the initiative and their work toward this goal.
Board of Fire Commissioners Report
Deputy Chief Krestan reported that the Commissioners welcomed Trustee Costin as the Board of
Trustees liaison. Applications for firefighter testing will be available January 11, 2016.
Pension Board Report
The Pension Board did not meet in December.
IAFPD / NIAFPD Report
President Frank reported that registration is taking place for the IAFPD Conference in January
DUCOMM Report
President Frank reported that a decision regarding the Executive Board vacancy will be made in the
next thirty days.
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
2
Deputy Chief Krestan reported on the current activities at DUCUMM.
Chief’s Report: Summary and Administrative Calendar
Chief Freeman initiated discussion on Pension Obligation Bonds (POB) and possibly having an
actuary look at and explore various dollar amount options. Trustee Perry suggested waiting until the
Pension Board decides on the RFP’s for financial management at their January meeting.
Chief Freeman reported on the health insurance changes provided in the packet. Finance Director
Beshears distributed financial documents highlighting cost reduction for health and worker’s
compensation insurance for review.
Trustee Items for Discussion
Trustee Perry and President Frank thanked Finance Director Beshears for providing modifications
to the five year plan.
Presidents Report
CLOSED SESSION
At 5:16 p.m. motion was made by Secretary Althoff, second by Treasurer Perry to go into closed
session to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of
specific employees or legal counsel (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 1), pending, probable or imminent litigation
(5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 11) and collective negotiating matters (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) 1). The motion carried
by a roll call vote (4 ayes – Althoff, Perry, Costin, Frank / 0 nays).
Having taken no action in closed session, President Frank reconvened the open session portion of
the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, at 6:21 p.m. Secretary Althoff made a
motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Costin seconded the motion. The motion carried by a voice
vote with no dissension (4 ayes / 0 nays).
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Althoff
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
3
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District
Emergency Medical Services Division
James Weaver, EMS Coordinator
EVENTS
December 2015
Our primary type of care and transport was Advanced Life Support (ALS). We
responded 2 times to other towns to assist them in transporting patients to the
hospital. In return, they came and transported for us 12 times due to our
ambulances being on other emergency calls.
186
99
81
12
ALS Transport
BLS Transport
Refusal/DOA
Treated, Care Transferred
TRAINING
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Bloodborne Pathogen
CE Make up
Quarterly Intubations
Top 5 Incident Types
Fall /Back Injury
54
Traffic Accidents
50
Sick Person
42
Breathing Problems
36
Psychiatric/Suicide Attempt
31
1
Hospital Destination
Patients have the option to
be transported to any of the
four hospitals. Edward
Hospital was our primary
transport hospital with 171
transports.
9
106
89
3
Edward
Central DuPage
Good Samaritan
Bolingbrook
No Transport
171
124
96
M55 documented more calls this
month compared to M51 and M52.
M54 is utilized as a Jump
Company. These reports include
Transport and Refusal/DOA.
77
32
M51
M52
M54
M55
18
Our Non-Transport ALS vehicles
documented a total of 49 EMS
calls. These calls were for
Refusals, DOA’s, Treated and
Care Transferred.
10
9
6
S51
E52
T53
6
E54
E55
2
Lisle Woodridge Fire District
Training and Safety Division
December 2015
Safety Topics
Safety Committee Meeting
Scheduled for January 28, 2016
Non-time Loss Injuries
Month: 0
YTD: 4
Scott A. Spinazola, Bureau Chief
Driver Training
The annual driver training is completed by
navigating through a designed course to evaluate
the driver’s level proficiency. The course has
several components to evaluate abilities, backing,
diminishing clearance, alley dock backing and
serpentine forward and backward. This is
completed using a frontline piece of fire apparatus,
such as an engine or truck.
Time Loss Injuries
Month: 2
YTD: 11
Accidents
Month: 0
YTD: 5
Monthly Training
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Safety
FAE Skills
Water Shuttle Supply
Wellness
Hazardous Materials
Officer Development
Officer Candidate Training
Engine Operations
Multi-company Operations
SCBA Fit-testing
CBRN Fit-testing
Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)
Fire hose, nozzles ad appliances
On duty Fitness
Fire Behavior
Incident Command - NIMS
Pre-Plans, Building
Familiarization
Driver Training
Vertical Ventilation
Horizontal Ventilation
Sprinkler Systems
Ladders
Forcible Entry
Truck Operations
Hydrant Operations
Fitness Evaluations
Standard Operating Guidelines
Nozzles & Fire Streams
Vehicle Extrication
MABAS Trench Rescue Ops
HAZMAT - Equipment
CART/MABAS Training
Ventilation Techniques
Crews had the opportunity to demonstrate
various types of ventilation techniques on a
home donated by Woodridge Park District.
Ventilation demonstrated horizontal, vertical
and mechanical. All examples used during fire
operations
Building Construction
Shift Training Hours
839
679
882
Gold
Black
Red
1045
Training
Hours 2015
6
Each and every day older homes are torn down and new homes
are constructed in their place. With each new home built new
building components are introduce to the market place. Some of
those components do not take into consideration the safety of
firefighters when the components are exposed to fire.
Those
components have been proven to fail in half the time as homes
that have been constructed in the past. Therefore continued
education of building construction is imperative.
1009
1
9187
MABAS/CART Operations
This was mutual aid training with our
MABAS 16 partners collectively training on
Confined Space Training and Incident
Command Training
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RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO PROCEED WITH PHASE 2
OF THE CONSOLIDATION STUDY FOR THE DARIEN-WOODRIDGE AND LISLEWOODRIDGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District, Du Page County, Illinois
(the "District") is a fire protection district duly organized under the laws of the State of
Illinois; and
WHEREAS, 70 ILCS 705/6 authorizes the Board of Trustees of the District (the
“Board”) to exercise all of the powers and control all the affairs of the District; and
WHERES, the Associated Firefighters of Illinois commissioned the Illinois Fire
Chiefs Association Consulting Service to perform a consolidation study to determine the
feasibility of consolidating the emergency service operations of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire
Protection District and the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District (“Consolidation
Study”); and
WHEREAS, Phase I of the Consolidation Study has been completed and the
District has been provided a copy of a written report that provides the analysis and findings
of the study with respect to the possible consolidation of the two entities (“Consolidation
Study Report”); and
WHEREAS, based on the initial findings set forth in the Consolidation Study
Report, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Consulting Service has recommended the
consolidation of the fire protection districts; and
WHEREAS, based on this initial recommendation of consolidation, the Illinois Fire
Chiefs Association Consulting Service is prepared to proceed with Phase II of the
Consolidation Study to further evaluate the contemplated consolidation if the two fire
protection districts are interested in proceeding further with the study; and
WHEREAS, upon review of the Consolidation Study Report, the Board of
Trustees deems it to be in the best interests of the District to further explore the possible
consolidation of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District and the Darien-Woodridge
Fire Protection District and authorize the District to proceed with Phase 2 of the
Consolidation Study.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Trustees of the LisleWoodridge Fire Protection District as follows:
Section One:
The President and the Secretary of the District hereby
authorize the District to proceed with Phase 2 of the Consolidation Study in order to
further evaluate the consolidation of the emergency services of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire
Protection District and the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District.
Section Two:
This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon its
passage and approval as required by law.
Section Three:
This Resolution supersedes any resolutions or motions, or
parts of resolutions or motions, in conflict with any part herein, and any such resolutions
or motions, or parts thereof, are hereby repealed to the extent of any conflict.
Section Four:
If any section, paragraph or provision of this Resolution
shall be held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such invalidity or unenforceability
shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Resolution.
ADOPTED this
day of
, 2016, by a roll call vote as
follows:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
President, Board of Trustees
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District
ATTEST:
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
)
DuPAGE COUNTY )
SS
SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE
I,
, the duly qualified and acting Secretary of the Board of
Trustees of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District, DuPage County, Illinois, do
hereby state that attached hereto is a true and correct copy of a Resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISTRICT TO PROCEED WITH PHASE 2
OF THE CONSOLIDATION STUDY FOR THE DARIEN-WOODRIDGE AND LISLEWOODRIDGE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS
which Resolution was duly adopted by said Board of Trustees at a meeting held
on the
day of
, 2016.
I do further certify that a quorum of said Board of Trustees was present at said
meeting, and that the Board complied with all requirements of the Illinois Open Meetings
Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
day of
, 2016.
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District
Fire
GUARD
A Publication of the Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire Protection Districts
Winter 2016
Letter from the President
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays!
Together with the IAFPD and the IFCA plans are being made for our annual Legislative Day in Springfield scheduled for
April 13, 2016. We would like to encourage the NIAFPD membership to plan on arriving in Springfield the evening before
in order to be at the Capitol by 8:00 a.m. to pick up our NIAFPD Legislative Hot Sheet and meet with your local legislators.
The evening reception will be held at the Doubletree Abe Lincoln Hotel. More information will be forthcoming shortly.
As we begin 2016, I’d like to extend an invitation to our membership to submit ideas on how the NIAFPD can better service
you and your district. Do you have suggestions for educational topics? Do you have suggestions for the NIAFPD website?
Please contact Executive Director Kathy Haage with your thoughts.
During our annual conference our Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday January 30, 2016. At this meeting our
elections of Board of Directors will take place. If you have any interest in serving on the Board please contact me.
Bill Hoffmeister, President
NIAFPD
Letter from the Executive Director
Happy New Year to everyone! The NIAFPD year will start out with our
Annual Conference at a new location the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort
and Conference Center. Visit our website www.niafpd.org for the most
current conference program and information. The conference will
offer more then16 continuing education hours for Pension Trustees;
and plenty of choices for District Trustees to earn much more than the
required advanced trustee three continuing education hours.
Members will be able to view the conference workshop presentation
handouts on our website www.niafpd.org. If you were unable to attend
our conference you can still take advantage of the valuable conference
information presented. Presentations will be available under the member only section of the website
shortly after the conference. If you need your login information please let me know. Members are
able to update their membership information quickly and as often as necessary and will help with
the NIAFPD communicating with members. Also, our website will allow us to send out surveys in
order to gather information of value to our membership. It is important that each member takes the
time to submit survey information to benefit everyone.
If I can be of help to anyone please give me a call at 224-355-9778 or email me at khaage@
comcast.net. I look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming conference.
Kathy Haage, Executive Director
NIAFPD
Table of Contents
Emailer Beware
p. 2
Legislative Update
p. 3
NIAFPD News
p. 4
Federal Reserve... p. 5
Lobbyist Report
p. 6
NIAFPD Conference
p. 7
Emailer Beware:
Gaffney and the New Unforseen Emergency Standard
Employer
emails
critical
in Cooper
discrimination
case
by David
T. Zafiratos,
Ottosenfactor
Britz Kelly
Gilbert & DiNolfo,
Ltd.
by Timothy J. Hoppa, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently held
a person has a viable claim for retaliation based upon evidence from
her supervisor’s emails. In Arroyo v. Volvo Group North America, 805
F.3d 278 (7th Cir. 2015), a woman fired from Volvo sued for retaliation
due to her military status under the Uniformed Services Employment
and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA”) and her mental disorder of
post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as failure to provide reasonable
accommodations and intentional infliction of emotional distress under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The court found, due to various
discovered internal emails and the timing of retaliation, she had a viable
claim for retaliation under both the USERRA and ADA.
The facts showed Arroyo worked for Volvo from 2005 until 2011. She had
two deployments from April 2006–May 2007 and April 2009–August 2010;
following her second tour of duty she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder. She took regular leaves of absence to travel to her unit
in Georgia, took leave for deployment, and took leave to treat her PTSD.
After her return from her disability absence, Volvo began to penalize her
for various tardiness issues that ranged from one to ten minutes late.
The company had an attendance policy where each unexcused or tardy
absence was an “occurrence.” Each occurrence grew within a time range
that led to disciplinary steps: 1) verbal warning, 2) written warning, 3) threeday suspension, and 4) termination. After so many tardiness occurrences,
Volvo terminated her employment.
The Seventh Circuit noted that Arroyo presented enough evidence showing
discrimination based on USERRA. During her various travels for military
duty, emails were sent questioning if they had to give her travel time,
expressing a “dilemma” if Volvo should discipline her, and notifying that
Arroyo may “challenge” them if they refused. Later, a supervisor noted that
Arroyo was entitled to get extra time for travel plus a rest period. Further,
emails during her first deployment complained of issues with scheduling,
communication, and related frustrations, but noted they had to follow the
law. When she returned, a supervisor made it clear her job depended on
transferring to a local unit, which she reluctantly complied with. When
Arroyo returned from her second deployment, on her first day back at
work she was given an offer of a severance package, which she declined.
The court looked at this evidence along with her subsequent termination
and felt a jury could see where the two linked. For purposes of making a
USERRA claim, allegations were sufficient to infer that Arroyo’s military
status was a motivating factor in her termination.
The court also found evidence of discrimination based on her mental
disability of PTSD due to other emails and tardiness issues. After the second
deployment, Arroyo checked into an emergency room and was diagnosed
with PTSD. When she notified Volvo, supervisors considered disciplining
her but could not when they received a doctor’s note and discharge papers.
During that time, an email jested that she was “on vacation in Hawaii.”
Arroyo took disability leave from December until March, and once she
came back entered into therapy sessions where she would arrive late or
leave early, which she was allowed to do. Volvo complied with various other
requests during this time. However, the court decided that a jury might find
a link between her PTSD and termination when she was reprimanded after
her return.
The court found that after these various complaints, issues, and discussions
of the law for her military time and disability time, Plaintiff maintained a
viable case and the matter was remanded for a jury trial. Although there
may be a bona fide reason to fire her if she had enough attendance
violations, Volvo had not answered claims Arroyo made that they had only
enforced termination twice, and others were only “disciplined.” Further, the
court found a material issue with the fact they only started marking her
attendance down after she came back from her disability leave. Because
enough emails existed to show that discrimination could be a motivating
factor, and the employer penalized her for minimal infractions, it appeared
these could be tied to her termination. The court allowed the litigation to
continue on these two claims while upholding the lower court’s denial of
the remaining claims.
Two lessons can be readily learned from this decision. The first is for
employers to exercise caution in taking adverse employment action against
members of the military. The second is to be careful with emails, as the
medium is more casual than the formal business letter and managers are
not as careful with word selection and tone as they should be.
.
Fire Guard • Winter 2016
Legislative Update
Ronald P. Kubicki, Legislative Liaison NIAFPD
Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I wanted to give you an update
on what we have been working on legislatively. It was so good to see
so many of you at our legislative workshop which was held on Saturday
October 3rd in Lisle. Having Liz Brown, Chip Hume, and Chief Sashko
come in to help me explain just how things work in Springfield and how
initiatives go thru a process before they become Bills and then law was
wonderful. Thank you to all three of them as they did a great job.
On Wednesday, October 28 the Illinois Fire Service Association held
its annual “Legislative Summit” at the Illinois Fire Service Institute in
Champaign. As you know, the Legislative Summit is made up of all the
fire service organizations throughout the state. President Bill Hoffmeister,
Lobbyist Liz Brown and myself attended on behalf of the NIAFPD. Each
organization was able to bring any legislative initiatives they felt should
be supported by the fire service caucus. Just a point of information any
initiatives presented to the association by any of its members must receive
unanimous consensus from all the organizations to move the initiative
forward so it can become a caucus bill. By the end of the summit 24
initiatives received full support of the association and became caucus bills,
Listed below, are a few of those initiatives that may have a big impact on
the NIAFPD.
Initiatives/Bills that will carry over from last year.
1. Fire Station rehabilitation/renovation: This would establish and
fund a loan program through the office of the State Fire Marshall for fire
station rehabilitation/renovations.
2. Pension Trustee Training: Trying to get a reduction of hours needed
within the first year of an appointment to the Pension Board and to the
continued education training hours.
3. Budget Publications: Amends Section 7 (70ILCS705/7 to eliminate
the requirement on Fire Protection Districts to publish its entire budget as
other units of local governments are permitted to do.
New Initiatives Introduced for 2016
1. Retirement Age: To reduce the retirement age from 62 to 55 for
firefighters covered under IMRF Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
2. Tollway Fire Department and Fire Districts Fee Increase: To
allow fire departments and fire districts to increase what they charge the IL
Tollway Authority for services rendered on the tollway system.
3. Fire Protection District Transfer: Amends the Fire Protection District
Act. Provides that the voters of the entire fire protection district may vote
on whether a territory of that district be disconnected and transferred to
another district. (rather than just the voters of the territory sought to be
transferred)
4. Fire District-Chiefs Duties: Amends the Fire Protection District
Act. Adds a new Section regarding a fire chief’s authority to determine
and enforce provisions of the Fire Investigation Act. Provides that a fire
chief has the authority to enforce the provisions of any rules adopted and
promulgated by the State Fire Marshall under the provisions of the Fire
Investigation Act. Provides that the fire chief shall order removal or remedy
of dangerous conditions including that the fire chief may order that the
property be vacated until an inspection occurs and the dangerous condition
is no longer present. Provides notice requirements and procedures for
dangerous conditions. Provides for enforcement of the fire chief’s order in
the circuit court by the State’s Attorney.
These are just a few of the 24 initiatives that we will be working on this
January. Liz will be sending out more information on the initiatives and
any other bills that affect the fire service in the next few weeks and months.
In other news, I am proud to announce that the Board of Directors voted
in August to renew Liz Brown’s contract for another 3 years. The board
received nothing but positive feedback from our members on the great job
Liz has been doing this past year on your behalf. I know she will do a great
job for you in the future as well.
If you should have any questions or concerns about any of the initiatives
or bills I have listed, or on any other legislative issue please feel free to
contact Liz Brown at 217-502-3703 or at [email protected] or you can
reach me at 708-768-1668 or [email protected].
www.niafpd.org
NIAFPD News...
Chief Jack L. Mancione retires after
a 30 year career with the Tri-State
Fire Protection District.
NIAFPD thanks Jamie Lowe for
his service on the Board from
2014-15 while holding the position of Trustee for the LisleWoodridge Fire Protection District.
At the November 14, 2015 the
NIAFPD Board of Directors meeting appointed Brent Frank – LisleWoodridge Fire Protection District
to the NIAFPD Board of Directors.
ADVANCED TRUSTEE TRAINING
The IAFPD has developed a 3-Part Trustee Qualification Program as
part of the implementation of PA 95-0799 (effective 1/01/09). The Office of the State Fire Marshal has approved the IAFPD Program under PA 95-0799, which allows additional compensation for paid trustees who complete the program. The program curriculum includes:
PART 1 – Organization and Administration of the Fire
Protection District
PART 2 – Finances, Procurement, Legal Liability
PART 3 – Personnel and Human Resources
Trustees who complete all three parts of the program will qualify (subject
to local appropriation) to receive an increased payment of up to 50% of
their regular trustee’s compensation. Each year trustees are required to
complete 3 continuing education hours to receive the additional payment.
The IAFPD will offer the 3 Part Training during their Annual Conference
June 23-25, 2016, in Peoria, IL. If you are in need of training and cannot attend the Peoria Conference please send an email to Kathleen
Haage, NIAFPD Executive Director, [email protected]. There is a
possibility that additional training can be offered. Attendance for each
part needs to be a minimum of 25 trustees in order to offer the program.
Fire Guard • Winter 2016
Chief Mancione has worked his
way through the ranks to an accomplished and recognized Chief
Officer that has received several life
safety and civic awards as well as
the respect of his Community.
Jack also served as the President
of the NIAFPD from 2002 to 2007
while holding the position of trustee
of the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District. Please join us in wishing him
the best in the next steps of his journey.
Federal Reserve Moves (Finally) on Interest Rates
Thomas S. Sawyer, Sawyer Falduto Asset Management, LLC
The Fed followed through with the guidance provided in September that a
rate increase is still likely during 2015 by nudging the Fed funds overnight
lending rate higher by 25 basis points, or 0.25%, in December. This is the
first change in the benchmark rate since the latter half of 2008, and the first
increase in short-term interest rates since June 2006. As we indicated in our
prior submission to FireGuard, the general health of the US economy seems
to support the Fed's position for a rate increase. Readers may recall that
the Fed has two mandates when making monetary policy decisions: stable prices and maximum employment. With the unemployment rate currently at 5.0%, which is squarely in the Fed's wheelhouse, the notion is that
wage inflation will pick-up driving overall inflation closer the 2% mandate.
Looking beyond the rate increase, continued low inflation and concerns
over the global economic picture continue to be a source of uncertainty for
investors. Longer-term interest rates moved only modestly higher over the
last year as demand for the relative safety of U.S. Government securities has
kept a ceiling on yields of securities with maturities of 5 years and beyond.
As a reminder to our readers, yields on bonds with shorter maturities are directly impacted by Fed policy. Longer-term yields, however, are more reflective of market forces such as expectations for economic growth and inflation.
Now that the first, long awaited increase is in the review mirror, investors
will undoubtedly turn their attention to the next rate hike. Forecasts suggest four rate increases during 2016, a pace that in our view, seems aggressive given the sluggish global economy and low inflation noted earlier.
In terms of portfolio structure, the rise in yields for securities with maturities in the 1 to 3 year maturity range fits well with the investment guidelines for many of our Fire Protection District and Public Fund clients.
While we will continue to target durations that are modestly shorter than
specified benchmarks, the rise in bond yields provides the opportunity
to blend portfolio yields higher as bond maturities and cash flows permit.
“The allocation to equities, fixed income and all available asset classes should be determined with careful consideration given to factors such as investment time horizon, liquidity requirements, diversification and the risk tolerance. The resulting asset allocation guidelines should be well documented in your investment policy statement and guidelines. Information contained in
this commentary is solely the opinion of the author and obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Accuracy can not be guaranteed. Past performance is not predictive of future returns.”
Corkill Insurance Agency, Inc.
25 Northwest Point Boulevard, Suite 625
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
847.758.1000
www.corkillinsurance.com
www.niafpd.org
NIAFPD Lobbyist Report
by Liz Brown, NIAFPD Lobbyist
The State of Illinois will end 2015 without a State Budget. Although, two
“leaders’ meetings” that included Governor Rauner, Speaker Madigan,
Senate President John Cullerton, Senate Minority Leader Christine
Radogno and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, have taken place, little to
no progress has been made.
HB 3184 (Hurley/Mulroe) – Increases the penalties of aggravated assault
to a peace officer, fireman, emergency management worker, or emergency
medical technician while performing duties or in retaliation for performing
their duties from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony. Legislation
signed into law by Governor, Public Act 99-0256.
Despite the budget impasse, the Governor signed compromise spending
legislation, Senate Bill 2039 (HFA 0004) restored non General Revenue
Fund FY 16 appropriation authority for programs including Motor Fuel Tax,
casino gaming, video gaming, lottery prize awards and promotional items,
9-1-1 services and $28 million in General Revenue Funds for domestic
violence shelters ($18 million) and the Secretary of State Operations ($10
million).
HB 3203 (Moffitt/Sullivan) – Allows honorable veterans who turned 35
during active military service and is currently under the age of 40 to eligible
to take the exam for a position as a firefighter. Legislation signed into law
by Governor, Public Act 99-0379.
The NIAFPD supported the legislation because of the following inclusion:
The law provides $3,619,200 from the Fire Prevention Fund via the Office
of the State Fire Marshal, for firefighter grants. Of this amount, $2,544,200
is appropriated for the city of Chicago’s Fire Department Training Program.
Another $950,000 is available for local governments that participate in the
state training programs. Lastly, $125,000 is appropriated for costs and
services related to ILEAS/MABAS administration.
The House & Senate will return to Springfield to begin the second part of
the 99th General Assembly on January 13, 2016. The session calendar is
very light January-March and picks up in April and May. With the dynamic
between Governor Rauner and Democrats; along with being an election
year; the session will be interesting to say the least.
I will continue to keep you updated of all things Illinois State Government.
Special Thank you to our Legislative Liaison Ron Kubicki. Without, the
guidance of Ron, we would not be able to celebrate our continued success
in Springfield.
Legislative Updates of interest - NIAFPD supported these measures:
HB 152 (Willis/Manar) – Requires all schools to be equipped with carbon
monoxide alarms. Legislation signed into law by Governor, Public Act 990470.
HB 219 (Verschoore/Koehler) – Provides that the voters of the entire fire
protection district may vote on whether a territory of the district may be
disconnected and transferred to another district. Governor Amendatory
Veto; Motion to Override failed in Illinois House. Legislation is dead.
HB 246 (Stewart/Koehler) - Designates December 23 of each year as
“Scott’s Law Day” to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists
to slow down, change lanes away from a stationary authorized emergency
vehicle, and proceed with due regard to safety and traffic conditions.
Legislation signed into law by Governor, Public Act 99-0146.
Fire Guard • Winter 2016
HB 3334 (Franks/ Cullerton, T.) - Provides that electors of a rescue squad
district may petition for a referendum to allow the board of trustees of the
rescue squad district to be elected. Further provides that if the referendum
for election of the board of trustees is approved, that the appointed
members of the board of trustees will continue until their successors are
elected and qualified. Legislation signed into law by Governor, Public Act
99-0295.
HB 3909 (Tabares/Cunningham) - Allows the Fire Marshal and the
Department of Insurance to prohibit the release of certain information to
insurance companies if it would endanger the life or physical safety of law
enforcement personnel or any other person. Legislation signed into law by
Governor, Public Act 99-0159.
SB 740 (Holmes/Prichard) - Provides that whoever fails to comply with
any of the provisions of the Fire Hydrant Act, after receiving thirtyday written notice of noncompliance or violation from a fire protection
district or municipality in whose jurisdiction a fire hydrant is located, shall
be responsible for all reasonable costs including attorney’s fees and
legal expenses incurred by the fire protection district or municipality in
recovering the costs from the responsible party. Legislation signed into law
by Governor, Public Act 99-0205.
SB 763 (Sandoval/ Zalewski) - Provides that certain firefighters who
participate in IMRF may be granted Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Employee
(SLEP) status with the approval of the employing municipality. The approval
resolution may specify that SLEP status shall be applied retroactively to
employment occurring on or after January 1, 2011. The legislation applies
only to municipalities that have both thirty full time police officers and fifty
fulltime firefighters that have not had an established fund; makes both
the police and fire eligible for SLEP. Governor vetoed legislation, Senate
overrode Veto; but House did not. Legislation is dead.
On a personal note, it is a great pleasure to represent you in Springfield;
I look forward to a successful 2016. If you are not receiving my email
updates or have questions for me; please always feel free to contact my at
[email protected]
NIAFPD
Conference - There’s something for everyone!
by Conference Chairman, Retired Chief James Quinn
The 23rd Annual NIAFPD Conference is only weeks away from convening
at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center in
Oak Brook Hills. The 2016 program is filled with some outstanding and
most current topics pertaining to fire district and pension issues that will
assist you to manage your districts more efficiently. The conference faculty
consists of excellent speakers that are very knowledgeable and well versed
in the programs they will be presenting.
There are programs for everyone within your district that will benefit
from the conference. District trustees, chief officers, administrative staff,
commissioners and pension board trustees will have several programs to
choose from. Trustees attending can obtain their required training hours
to maintain certification. Pension board members that attend the entire
conference will meet their annual training requirement of 16 hours. One of
the most valuable aspects of our conference is the networking opportunities
available to you and your peers from other districts. Why reinvent the
wheel when you can take advantage of the knowledge of your peers that
may have already experienced the issue you are trying to address. You’ll
have several opportunities to network throughout the conference including
the Friday evening sponsors reception and the Saturday closing reception
which is the major reception of the conference, so be sure to attend this
outstanding reception.
Once again we will be holding a raffle with the proceeds being used for
educational programs presented by the NIAFPD. Tickets for this raffle will
be available at the registration desk and will also be available at lunch on
Friday and Saturday. Winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon.
If you have registered we look forward to seeing you January 28-31, 2016
at the conference. If you haven’t yet registered we urge you to do so
immediately so you can be part of the only conference in northern Illinois
dedicated to educate and train fire protection district personnel.
You should have already received the conference program that was sent
to you electronically or it is available on our web-site at NIAFPD.ORG.
Registration can also be accomplished on line at NIAFPD.ORG. Should
you encounter any problems you should contact Executive Director
Kathleen Haage at (224)355-9778 or via e-mail at [email protected]
. If you prefer to do a paper registration these forms are also available on
the web-site.
We look forward to seeing all of you at your 2016 NIAFPD 23rd Annual
Conference.
www.niafpd.org
NIAFPD
OFFICERS
President
William Hoffmeister
708.641.9672
[email protected]
Past President
Ronald P. Kubicki
708.768.1668
[email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer
Nicholas Kosiara
[email protected]
630.682.4165
Directors
Bonnie Bayser
[email protected]
847.515.1602
Marianne DeBoer
Beach Park FPD
[email protected]
Phil DeRuntz
Warren-Waukegan FPD
[email protected]
Brent Frank
Fire Guard is a quarterly publication of
Executive Director Kathleen Haage
[email protected]
224.355.9778
NIAFPD
224.355.9778
Newsletter design & editing by Bright Ideas Marketing
Solutions • [email protected]
Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire Protection Districts
P.O. Box 5819
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Juan Manuel Giron
[email protected]
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