Representative Town Meeting (RTM) - Minutes - 07/07/2020

PHONE; 860-442-0553
www.waterfordclorg
FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
MINUTES
PUBLIC PROTECTION & SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE RTM
Special Meeting
Tuesday July 7, 2020
5:30 P.M. - Waterford Town Hall/Zoom Remote Access Only
The July 7, 2020 special meeting of the Public Protection & Safety Standing Committee of the RTM was
‘called to order by Chairperson Timothy Condon at 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: April Cairns, Timothy Condon, Susan Driscoll, Richard Muckle, Baird Welch-Collins,
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Town Attorney Robert Avena, First Selectman Robert Brule, Town Clerk David L.
Campo, Labor Attorney Eileen Duggan, Director of Fire Services Bruce Miller, Human Resources
Director Joyce Sauchuk.
AGENDA ITEM 3: May 21, 2020 Minutes
MOTION by Driscoll, seconded by Cairns, to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2020 meeting.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous
AGENDA ITEM 4: Review/Enactment of a Stipend Program for Volunteer Firefighters (RTC
10/07/2019)
UPDATE was provided by Labor Attorney Eileen Duggan, Director of Human Resources Joyce Sauchuk,
_ Director of Fire Services Bruce Miller, Town Attorney Robert Avena.
Discussion ensued in regards to draft ordinance, Chapter 2.36.80- VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
INCENTIVE PROGRAM was reviewed and questions and suggestions were noted. (See Attachment) A
full recording of the meeting is available from the Waterford Town Clerk.
MOTION by Welch-Collins, seconded by Driscoll to move the draft ordinance, Chapter 2.36.80 —
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS INCENTIVE PROGRAM , to a public hearing on July 21, 2020 at 5:30
P.M.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous. (Cairns was unavailable to vote)
MOTION by Muckle, seconded by Driscoll, to adjourn at 7:02 P.M.
VOTING IN FAVOR: Unanimous

DRAFT #3 — HIGHLIGHTED VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
Title 2 —- ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Chapter 2.36 — FIRE SERVICE
_ 2.36.080 ~ Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police Incentive Program.
A. Purpose
Pursuant to § 7-148(c)(4)(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Town of Waterford
may enact an ordinance to organize, maintain and regulate the persons providing fire
protection. This Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police {ncentive Program is designed
to provide monetary compensation to active, volunteer firefighters and fire police officers
members in the Town of Waterford Fire Department, in an effort to assist in covering
volunteers’ expenses during the execution of their duties, while complying with the
federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ag:Amended, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seqs
(“FLSA”),-whieb- The FLSA permits p: nts for reimbursement of expenses,
reasonable benefits and nominal fee: unteers without impairing their status as
volunteers, Fhis-pregrara-is These b ‘3 are in addition to the existing property tax
abatement program for volunteer firefightersit hapter 3.12 of this Code of
Ordinances. Town of Waterford Fire Departri ‘onnel employed by the Town of
Waterford are not eligible for this Volunteer F Aters and Fire Police incentive
Program. :
B, Definitions
1. .
eans the Volunteer Firefighters and Eire Police Incentive
3. Effective Implementatio!
The Effeetive Implementation Date of the Program is July 1, 20201,
4. Volunteer Member in Good Standing in the Waterford Fire Department:
A Volunteer Member in Good Standing is defined as: .
a. A certified firefighter (ie., State of Connecticut Firefighter | or higher) who
has participated in the minimum training sessions designated _by the
Director of Fire Services; and including, but not limited to Required
Training (as set forth In paragraph B8), by June 30 of the year preceding
the year of eligibility (¢.g., complete training by June 30, 2020 to be eligible
for Jasentive the Program for the fiscal year July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021,
absent a modification of the June 30 date by the Director of Fire
Services on an Individual basis pursuant to paragraph B8); and/or
+ Depending on the date of enactment of this Ordinance, the implementation Date may be retroactive to July 1,
2020, :
Page 1 of 6

DRAFT #3 — HIGHLIGHTED VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
b, A member of the Fire Police who has participated in_the minimum
training sessions designated by the Director of Fire Services and,
including but not limited to, Required Training (as set forth In
Paragraph B8 d), by June 30 of the year preceding the year of
eligibility (e.d., complete training by June 30, 2020 to be eligible for
the Program for the fiscal year-July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021, absent a
modification of the June 30 date by the Director of Fire Services on
an Individual basis pursuant to, paragraph B8); and who has been
sworn in by the Town Clerk :
include any member terminated
A Volunteer Member in Good Standing do:
d or otherwise separating from
from volunteer service by the Town o'
-yolunteer service for any reason, voluntary’
Active Volunteer Firefighter In the Waterford Fire Department:
An Active Volunteer Firefighter is a certified firefighte
Standing who, during the year of eligibility, has participated
of approved training drills and maintains the minimum training re
forth by the Director @ ‘eServices.
Active Volunteer Fire
An Active Volunteer Fir Rolic
Standing who has been sworn in
minimum training requirements;as
mber is a &e-Pelice Member in Good
@. Town Clerk and who maintains the
Approved Training Drill:
An Approved Training Drill is
proved in advance by the Dir
is State and Federal minimum requirements to function at
3, These requirements may shall include, but are not limited to,
ions and re-certifications along with the approved training drills.
Ke Services maintains the discretion, upon a showing of good
jitinteer, to excuse temporarily and/or until a date certain, the
absence o péuch certifications, re-certifications and/or approved training drills.
Training may shall include, but is not limited to, the following titles and
substantive content (training titles and reference numbers may change from
a. Minimum Certifications:
State of Connecticut Firefighter |
Hazardous Materials — Operational Level
1$-700: National Incident Management System
[CS-100: Intraduction to the Incident Command System
Page 2 of 6

10.
11.
DRAFT #3 — HIGHLIGHTED VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
|CS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
b. Mandatory Training:
Attend routine training drills (Monthly)
OSHA Mandates
- Haz-Mat Operational Refresher
. incident Command System Refresher
- Live Fire Training (Annual)
- Blood-borne Pathogens
- SCBA refresher
- Routine Fit Testing
- CPR Gertification
Cc. Certified Fire Officer Requirements (Additional):
State of Connecticut Fire Officer |
IS-800: National Response Framework
ICS-300: Intermediate ICS#taeExpanding Incidents
Z
t of money awarded to any Active Volunteer Firefighter or
mber who meets the pert criteria set forth below and as
e to time, by the Director of Fire Services.
‘an Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Fire
mergency fire response or Approved Training Drills as
described in paragraph To receive a Point, an Active Volunteer Firefighter or
Active Fire Police mem Thust actually attend an incident and/or respond to and
atrive at an activated station before the Incident Commander dismisses the
assignment and/or attend and complete Approved Training Drills.
Police member ina
Incident Commander:
The Incident Commander sets priorities and defines the Incident Command
System organization for the particular response and is responsible for the safety,
accountability, and welfare of personnel through an incident.
Program Components .
4,
Stipend Schedule:
Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police members who meet the pent criteria
set forth below are eligible for quarterly Stipends—Stipends-shall-b
fourperieds-and issued on a quarterly basis as follows; :
Page 3 of 6

DRAFT #3 — HIGHLIGHTED VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
First Quarter = July through September (Issued In October)
Second Quarter . = October through December (Issued in January)
Third Quarter a January through March (Issued in April)
Fourth Quarter = April through June (Issued in July)
Reporting Requirements: .
a. An incident report shall be generated and completed for every
dispatched incident.
b. - All Active Volunteer Firefighters and Active Volunteer Fire Police
members must sign the report within 15 minutes of the last vehicle
returning to the station at the termination of the event.
on If an Active Volunteer irefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police
member is not ablé:to’sign the report within the.allotted time set
forth in subparagraph b, he or she must file a report with 24 hours
d. Anyone documenting *ai
initial next to that entry for: ation purposes.
orded and maintained on the
e.
nt software,
f. Fire Services or_ his/her
gnee shall prepare the quarterly reports for payment.
‘erly reports will be reviewed and approved by the Director
ices prior to the approval of issuance of quarterly
Stipend Eligibility andsAmount:
An Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member shall not
receive any Stipend until réceiving a minimum of fifty (50) Points during that fiscal
year, The Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member will
then be provided a Stipend at the rate of $7 for each prior and subsequent Point
ferthe+emainder-of earned during that fiscal year (e.g., an Active Volunteer
Firefighter who has 55 Points will receive $385; an Active Volunteer Firefighter with
20 Points will receive $0). The Director of Fire Services may propose changes to
the mandatory/minimum eligibility criteria, Point value (increase or decrease),
Stipend rate or amount (increase or decrease) to the RTM, which may act on such
proposed changes by majority vote. As part of its determination, the RTM must
evaluate continued compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
Discretionary Decisions on Awarding of Points: .
The Director of Fire Services, In the exercise of his/her discretion, will decide
any disputes regarding the awarding of Points under paragraph B 10. The
Director of Fire Services, In the exercise of his/her discretion, also may has-+he
eisions-regarding-the-awarding-of award Points for
Page 4 of 6

D.
5.
8.
» Au Acthye, Volunte
F HF potas
DRAFT #3 — HIGHLIGHTED VERSION - JUNE 2, 2020
reasons other than those expressly set forth in paragraph B 10. These
decisions shall be documented in the quarterly report. ;
Higher Level of Training Stipend:
An Active Volunteer Firefighter who receives at least 50 Points during a fiscal year
-- and who is also a Certified Fire Officer and meets all the additional requirements
outlined above {((.e., State of Connecticut Fire Officer |; (S-800: National Response
Framework: [CS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents; ICS-400:
Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff), will receive arvadditional $150 on
an annual basis in recognitions of his/her high level of training. This $150 stipend
will be issued at the same time as the stipend forthe initial 50 Points, The Director
of Fire Services may propose changes to th her Level of Training Stipend
amount (increase or decrease) to the RT. ich may act on such proposed
changes by majority vote. e
Ineligibility Due to Misconduct o
Department:
Amzhetive Valunteerbiratiqhier oe Active AW luntear Gira”
“f TSH gH My
foleifving-runresorts—attendan dato _ate chall ba cusp:
FaRSHyAg HEPSORS ater Sersrhry oP
and-willnet-receive-any-Stipend-for-atleastihe-current-quarner
foleifuing ror roenert
FAIS IAG -Farer FG
disciplinary action short of te
Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member is necessary, the
irector of Fire Services retains tha discretion to suspend any Active
Firefighter or Active Voltititeer Fire Police member from the
$ either the discipline or as a component of the discipline. The
Fire Services retains the discretion to determine the status of
ints (e.9., forfeited, retained) at the time of suspension,
Jer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member who is
inteer service by the Town of Waterford immediately
any Stipend as-6Hthe-erd-eFe-quarter
of Fire Serv an Resources Director shall evaluate and
determine, in their discretion, the eligibility for a Stipend of an Active Volunteer
Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member who voluntarily separated
from volunteer service as of the end of a quarter.
Funding and Administration
1.
Funding:
Through its norrnal, annual budget process, the Town shall determine whether or
not fo fund the Program and, if so, in what amount,
Page 5 of 6

DRAFT #3 — HIGHLIGHTED VERSION ~ JUNE 2, 2020
Any portion of the annual appropriation not expended during a fiscal year does ~
not carry over to the next fiscal year.
Should the total appropriation-autherized expenses for the Program exceed the
annual appropriation, then the quarterly Stipends for the then-current quarter will
be prorated to reflect the total amount available for distribution for that quarter. If
the Program exceeds the annual appropriation In a quarter other than the
last quarter of the fiscal year, the Program may be unfunded for quarters
following the pro-rated quarter,
2. Modifications:
Any modifications allowed under this Ordinance without an Ordinance
amendment (e.g., change in the Stipend rate) will be recorded in an annual
Program update each July and:mairtained on file in-the office of the
Director of Fire Services.
2:3, Termination: ; .
_ The Town shall have the right through:
3———Ap
Page 6 of 6

DRAFT #3 —CLEAN VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
Title 2— ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Chapter 2.36 — FIRE SERVICE
2.36.080 — Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police Incentive Program
A Purpose
Pursuant to-§ 7~148(c)(4}(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Town of Waterford
may enact an ordinance to organize, maintain and regulate the persons providing fire
protection. This Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police Incentive Program is designed to
provide monetary compensation to active, volunteer firefighters and fire police members
in the Town of Waterford Fire Department, in an effort to assist in covering valunteers’
expenses during the execution of their duties, while complying with the federal Fair
Labor Standards Act of 1938 as amended,@9U.S.C. §201 et seq. (“FLSA”). The FLSA
permits payments for reimbursement of,6xpenses, reasonable benefits and nominal fees
to volunteers without impairing their statuis’as volunteers. These benefits are in addition
to the existing property tax abatement program for volunteer firefighters in Title 3,
Chapter 3.12 of this Code of Ordinances. * itérford Fire Department personnel
employed by the Town of Waterford are not “this Volunteer Firefighters and
Fire Police Incentive Program.
B. Definitions
A, Progr
er Membé
ger M per in Good Standing is defined as:
a. A cenlifiéd firefighter (i.e., State of Connecticut Firefighter | or higher) who
has participated in the minimum training sessions designated by the
Director of Fire Services and including, but not limited to Required Training
(as set forth in paragraph B8), by June 30 of the year preceding the year
of eligibility (e.g., complete training by June 30, 2020 to be eligible for the
Program for the fiscal year July 1, 2020-dune 30, 2021, absent a
modification of the June 30 date by the Director of Fire Services on an
individual basis pursuant to paragraph B8); and/or
{ Depending on the date of enactment of this Ordinance, the Implementation Date may be retroactive to July 1,
2020.
Page 10f5

DRAFT #3 -CLEAN VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
b, A member of the Fire Police who has participated in the minimum training
sessions designated by the Director of Fire Services and, including but
not limited to, Required Training (as set forth in Paragraph B8 d), by June
30 of the year preceding the year of eligibility (e.g., complete training by
June 30, 2020 to be eligible for the Program for the fiscal year July 1,
2020- June 30, 2021, absent a modification of the June 30 date by the
Director of Fire Services on an individual basis pursuant to paragraph
B8); and who has béen sworn in by the Town Clerk,
A Volunteer Mémber in Good Standing does not.include any member terminated
from volunteer service by the Town of Waterf dor otherwise separating from
volunteer service for any reason, voiunta voluntary.
An Active Volunteer Firefighter is a fied
Standing who, during the year of eligibility, has pa
of approved training drills and maintains the minimum
forth by the Director of Fire Services. °
An Active Volunteer |
been sworn in by
Department level drill that is
vices and will result in credit
approved in advance by the
towards the Town's Insurance S
Rating.
taining is State and Federal minimum requirements to function at
nes. These requirements shall include, but are not limited to, the
afions and re-certifications along with the approved training drills. The
fi rvices maintains the discretion, upon a showing of good cause
excuse temporarily and/or until a date certain, the absence of
s, re-certifications and/or approved training drills.
ide, but is not limited to, the following titles and substantive
content (tra ie tilles and reference numbers may change from time to time):
a. Minimum Certifications:
State of Connecticut Firefighter |
Hazardous Materials - Operational Level
{S-700: National Incident Management System
ICS-100; Introduction to the Incident Command System
ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and initial Action Incidents
db. Mandatory Training:
Attend routine training drills (Monthly).
Page 2 of 5

10.
11.
DRAFT #3 ~CLEAN VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
OSHA Mandates
- Haz-Mat Operational Refresher
- Incident Command System Refresher
- Live Fire Training (Annual)
- Blood-borne Pathogens
- SCBA refresher
- Routine Fit Testing
- CPR Gertification
CG Certified Fire Officer Requirements (Additional):
State of Connecticut Fire Officer |
1S-800; National Response Framework
ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff
d, Fire Police Requirements:
Hazardous Materials - Awa
18-700: National Incideri
1CS-100: Introduction
hagement System
Incident Command System
Stipend: :
A Stipend is an amount of money award
Active Fire Police member who meets t
modified, from time to time, by the Director
oany Active Volunteer Firefighter or
tia set forth below and as may be
Ire Services.
participation by an Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Fire
an emergency fire response or Approved Training Drills as
B7. To receive a Point, an Active Volunteer Firefighter or
must actually attend an incident and/or respond to and
jon befora the Incident Commander dismisses the
mpiete Approved Training Drills. :
Incident Comman
The Incident Commai ets priorities and defines the Incident Command
System organization for the»particular Tesponse and is responsible for the safely,
accountability, and welfare of personnel through an incident.
Program Components
1.
Stipend Schedule:
Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police members who meet the criteria set
forth below are eligible for Stipends issued on a quarterly basis as follows:
First Quarter = July through September (Issued in October} :
Second Quarter = October through December (Issued in January)
Third Quarter = January through March {Issued in April)
* Fourth Quarter = April through June (Issued In July)
Reporting Requirements:
Page 3 0f5

DRAFT #3 -CLEAN VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
a. An incident report shall be generated and completed for every
dispatched incident.
b. All Active Volunteer Firefighters and Active Volunteer Fire Police
members must sign the report within 15 minutes of the last vehicle
returning to the station at the termination of the event.
G. If an Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police
member is not able to sign the report within the allotted time set
forth in subparagraph b, he or she must file a report with 24 hours
of the incident.
d. Anyone documenting another member's name on the report shall
initial next to that entry for validation purposes.
Rall be recorded and maintained on the
e _ Attendance reco
f.
g. All quarterly reports will wed and approved by the Director
of Fire Services prior to t proval of issuance of quarterly
Stipend.
Stipend Eligibility and Amount:
An Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member shall not
receive any Stipend until receiving a minimum of fifty (50) Points during that fiscal
year. The Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire Police member will
then be provided a Stipend at the rate of $7 for each prior and subsequent Point
hed during that fiscal year (e.g., an Active Volunteer Firefighter who has 55
ill receive $385; an Active Volunteer Firefighter with 20 Points will receive
Director of Fire Services may propose changes to the
imurn eligibility criteria, Point value (increase or decrease), Stipend
increase or decrease) to the RTM, which may act on such
3 by majority vote. As part of its determination, the RTM must
\compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
elsions on Awarding of Points:
@ Services, in the exercise of his/her discretion, will decide any
disputes r ing the awarding of Points under paragraph B 10. The Director of
tee
Fire Services, in the exercise of his/her discretion, also may award Points for
reasons other than those expressly set forth in paragraph B 10. These decisions
shall be documented in the quarterly report.
Higher Level of Training Stipend:
An Active Volunteer Firefighter who receives at least 50 Points during a fiscal year
and who is also a Certified Fire Officer and meets all the additional requirements
outlined above (.e., State of Connecticut Fire Officer |; 1S-800: National Response
Framework; {CS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents; iCS-400:
Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff), will receive an additional $150 on
Page 4 of 5

DRAFT #3 —CLEAN VERSION — JUNE 2, 2020
an annual basis in recognition of his/her high level of training. This $150 stipend
will be issued at the same time as the stipend for the initial 50 Points. The Director
of Fire Services may propose changes to the Higher Level of Training Stipend
amount (increase or decrease) to the RTM, which may act on such proposed
changes by majority vote.
6. Ineligibility Due to Misconduct or Separation from Waterford Fire
Department:
in the event that the Director of Fire Services decides to impose disciplinary
action short of termination against any Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active
Volunteer Fire Police member is necessary, the ,Director of Fire Services retains
the discretion to suspend any Active Volunte fighter or Active Volunteer
Fire Police member from the Program, as eilfiéethe discipline or as a component
of the discipline. The Director of Fire vi tains the discretion to determine
the status of any existing Points (e.g., fo
suspension. °
Any Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer Fire:
terminated from volunteer service by the Town of Waterfai
all Points and is not eligible for any Stipend. The Director of
the Human Resources,Director shall evaluate and determine, their discretion,
f an Active Volunteer Firefighter or Active Volunteer
arily separated from volunteer service as of the
lice member who is
immediately forfeits
Services and
Fire Police member who,vo
end of a quarter.
Dd. Funding and Administration
1, Funding:
Through its normal, annual bud
at:to fund the Program and, if so,
) ocess, the Town shall determine whether or
hat amount.
the annual appropriation not expended during a fiscal year does
Any po
the next fiscal year.
not carry
enses for the Program exceed the annual appropriation, then
's for the then-current quarter will be prorated to reflect the
(6 for distribution for that quarter. If the Program exceeds the
in a quarter other than the last quarter of the fiscal year, the
‘unded for quarters following the pro-rated quarter,
2. Modifications:
Any modifications allowed under this Ordinance without an Ordinance
arnendment (e.g., change in the Stipend rate) will be recorded in an annual
Program update each July and maintained on file in the office of the Director of
Fire Services.
3. Termination: . .
The Town shall have the right through the Representative Town Meeting to
terminate the Program at any time through the ordinance process.
Page 5 of 5