Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee - Minutes - 05/16/2023

Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Meeting
Minutes May 16, 2023
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm by Chairman Bob Tuneski
Pledge of Allegiance
Members Present:  Bob Tuneski, Beth Sabilia, Matt Blankenship, Mark Parker, Rich Muckle,
Rocco Bracciale, Wayne Gilpin, Mike Rocchetti, Ted Olynciw
Guests:  Director/Chief Michael Howley, First Selectman Rob Brule, Paul Goldstein, Chris
Pafias, Kim Allen, Shea Moses, Attorney Kepple

Public Comment:  None

Opening Remarks:  Strike

Motion to approve 5/2/23 meeting minutes – Beth Sabilia
Second – Mark Parker
Voting – Unanimous

Review Action Items from 5/2/23:
Finance Director and Purchasing Agent:
1) Funds appropriated $213,000.00
2) Committee approves expenditures
3) Committee has authority to hire architect
4) Purchases over $1,500.00 require Purchase Order
5) Projects over $25,000 goes out to bid – Committee recommendation is considered in
awarding bid
Finance to review prior contract with DRA.  May need to be reviewed by Town
attorneys.
Pre-Demolition
1) Phase I Study not required, rather suggested
2) Pre-demolition survey needed
Per Attorney Kepple the agreement between Oswegatchie Fire Station and the Town
should be finalized prior to Phase I and survey being performed.
Discussion ensued regarding altering current owned plans versus design build.
Space  Needs Assessment:
1)  Director Howley sent questionnaire out – Has received only half to date.

Staffing Needs:
1)  Director Howley continues to work on this project.  Anticipates it to be ready for the
second meeting in June scheduled for 6/20/23.
Architectural Drawings provided
1) Power Point presented

Engineering services tabled

Follow-up Actions for next meeting:
1) Request presence of Public Works Building Committee members – Beth Sabilia

Action path based on lessons learned
2) Request presence of Asst. Director of Public Works and Director of Utility
Commission – Bob Tuneski

Opinions on contractors
3) Query Purchasing regarding ability of construction company to bid project if
requested to meeting for thoughts.
4) Research old septic system
5) Town counsel and Oswegatchie counsel to finalize land agreement
6) Director Howley to email Wayne Gilpin’s “Station” booklet to members
Tour of fire station 6/6/23 at 6:00pm
Motion to adjourn at 8:34pm – Mike Rocchetti
Second – Beth Sabilia
Voting - Unanimous
Respectfully submitted by:
Linda Finnegan, Recording Secretary