Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee - Minutes - 01/16/2024

Oswegatchie Fire Station Building Committee Minutes
January 16, 2024
Meeting called to order at 6:30pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Members Present:  Robert Tuneski, Matthew Blankenship, Ted Olynciw, Paul Rafuse, Wayne 
Gilpin, Richard Muckle, Rocco Bracciale
Members Absent:  Beth Sabilia, Jen Bracciale
Guests:  Director Michael Howley, Atty. Nick Kepple

Public Comment:  None

Opening Remarks:
Chairman Tuneski mentioned at the Zoom meeting on 1/8/24 he had moved the question
which was taken as an aggressive tactic.  This was not his intention, it was simply to
bring what was being discussed to a vote.  Going forward with our meetings everyone is
requested to be respectuful and sensitive of one another and being sure we are not making
disparaging remarks, advertently or inadvertently.
1.  T. Olynciw asked for an updated list of the current committee members.
2.  T. Olynciw read a “Point of Privilege” to the committee members.  (Attachment 1)
3.  A copy of meeting minutes from 2/4/19 was presented which showed T. Olynciew
     was not on the RTM at that time.  (Attachment 2)

R. Tuneski distributed a schedule showing a summary of the Architect RFP, the Project 
Manger and the schedule provided by SP&A.  Below is a summary of all the meetings of 
the different boards and committee.  (Attachment 3)


Approval of minutes:
Motion to table minutes from 1/4/24 and 1/8/24 until next meeting due to their delayed
release– R. Muckle
Second – T. Olynciw
Vote - Unanimous

Summary of Board Meetings:
The request for additional funds for the purpose of hiring the chosen architect was 
brought before the Board of Selectman (BOS) on 1/9/24 and the Board of Finance (BOF) 
on 1/10/24.
1. Director Howley had compiled calculations based on the existing footprint.  The BOS 
estimated the project could cost around $12 million.  A concern of the BOS was:  Is 
spending this amount on Oswegatchie setting a precedent that the Town would have 
to do the same for the other fire stations?  Director Howley explained the conditions 
of the other existing fire stations and spending this amount would not be necessary.
2. A concern was raised regarding the issue of notification to the BOS and the BOF of 
wanting a vote on these funds 24 hours before the meeting.  It was explained to the 
boards that the meeting to select an architect had taken place 24 hours prior to the 
Board of Selectman’s meeting.
3. If there does become a reason that the square footage rates increase other alternatives 
will need to be considered in order to be responsible in the eyes of the public.
4. Both Boards voted unanimously for the additional funds.
The floor was given to Director Howley:
1. B. Tuneski’s input was reiterated adding that the committee has not determined a 
square footage of the new build.  Estimates are based on the DRA drawings from 
2018.  The funds are being requested so the committee can move forward with an 
architectural firm to work toward an actual square footage which can then be 
presented as a proper budget to the boards.
2. Comments were raised about the land transfer agreement.  Both Atty. Kepple and R. 
Bracciale confirmed the agreement should be in completed very soon.  The 
committee’s minutes have the motion that there will be a completed agreement prior 
to taking this to the RTM.


Discussion ensued regarding the committee’s responsibility to the public and the need to 
provide some informational background at the RTM meeting as to how things work 
within the town and the committee.  B. Tuneski believes the educational information for 
the new members of the RTM should be limited to a certain range.  R. Muckle indicated 
that information should come from the discussion at the RTM meeting.  The committee 
may need to hold informational meetings to help get the public and politicians onboard 
before delivering the final presentation.

Fire station needs:
B. Tuneski stated the needs and wants should be 50-75% decided upon over February and
part of March in order to turn over to the architect.

Unfinished Business:
1.  Phase I Environmental Study:
Atty. Kepple spoke with Director Bartelli for recommendation of an on-call engineer. 
Wright Pierce was recommended along with a specific individual, Marius (sp?).  
Atty. Kepple is in the process of connecting with this individual.  There should be no 
problem with completion of the Phase I Study prior to closing of the contract with 
Oswegatchie.
Kepple suggested confirming the actions of the Oswegatchie Board of Directors were 
consistent with their bylaws with giving authority to R. Bracciale to be the decision 
makers.
2.  Project Manager RFI:
There were no submitted questions.  R. Bracciale suggested going with the voting 
process that was performed for the Architect.  Director Howley suggested if there are 
less than or equal to four bids, bring all to the table.  If greater than four carry out the 
same grading process performed for the Architect.
Motion by P. Rafuse to perform the same process for the Project Manager as was 
done for the Architect and do a grading system to narrow the field down to top three 
if there are more than four proposals.
Second – R. Muckle
Vote – Unanimous
Proposals are due on 1/25/24.  If necessary, short list on 2/6/24.  Interviews on 
2/20/24 at the EOC with refreshments.  Time will be determined once the number of 

proposals is known.  Time for each interview 15/15 minutes.  Selection on 2/23/24.  
T. Holland will put together a grading scale and should have it for the next meeting.
Director Howley questioned when the committee plans on bringing on the Project 
Manager.  Intention was to bring this individual on as soon as the architectural firm is
hired.  A special meeting will be necessary to prepare a memorandum for additional 
funds.
When presenting at the RTM on 2/5/24 it should be brought forward that the 
committee intends to hire a Project Manager and an additional funding request will be
forthcoming.
Director Howley will put together an informational package to submit to the Town 
Clerk David Campo by Tuesday, 1/23/24 to go out to the RTM members.  The 
committee should talk more over the next week about the strategy on how to proceed 
at the RTM meeting.
Motion by R. Muckle to adjourn.
Second – W. Gilpin
Meeting adjourned at 7:36pm
Respectfully submitted by:
Linda Finnegan, Recording Secretary