1990
Special Town Meeting April 23
UNDER ARTICLE 6.
William Dalton moved that the Town vote to approve the filing of a petition in
the General Court for an act relative to Reduction in Ranks for certain Public
Employees in the Town of Chelmsford, said act to be filed in the following form:
AN ACT RELATIVE TO REDUCTION IN RANK FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYEES IN THE TOWN OF
CHELMSFORD
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court
assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
Section I: Notwithstanding the provisions of section thirty- three of the
General Laws or the first sentence of section thirty-nine of Chapter thirty-one
of the General Laws or of any other general or special law or rule to the
contrary, if permanent employees of the fire force of the
Town of Chelmsford serving in any position in a title above the lowest
title on such force are to be separated from such positions because of lack of
money or the abolition of such positions, they
shall be separated from such positions according to their
seniority in such title after permanent promotion in such force and
shall be reinstated to such positions held by them according to such seniority;
provided, however, that this section shall apply only to reductions in force
resulting in demotions from titles above the lowest title on such force and
shall not affect the seniority of any employee in service for any other purpose,
including but not limited to, the separation of permanent employee from service
on such force.
Section II. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
The Finance Committee did not recommend this article. They believe it is a negotiated item. Selectmen Ready said that the majority of the Board of Selectmen supported the article. They would like to see it in place, they agree that it is only fair that seniority be done within the job grade. They feel that it is good for the union and good for the town. James Sousa who is one of the Deputy Chiefs confirmed that was said and asked for support. Town Manager Bernard Lynch stated that he agreed with the labor counsel's opinion. He feels that it is a collective bargaining issue. He feels that it will effect all members of the force, personnel and union members and that it could cause a violation of the contract. A discussion took place. Questions were asked if this was ever discussed during negotiations. Only the years of total service on the force would be determine for layoff were discussed. The issue of years in grade wasn't discussed as a factor. Samuel Poulten supported the article. He felt if there was a legal problem then let the House and Senate determine it. William Dalton said that all fifty-seven members of the Fire Department signed the petition and supported the article. More discussion took place.
Selectman Emerson moved the question. The Moderator asked if there was a need for further debate hearing none he asked for a voice vote on the motion, which left the chair in doubt. He asked for a show of hands, motion carried.
Fire Chief's Report
The Fire Department has continued to perform with the utmost professionalism during very severe budget times and cuts. We were reduced by four (4) men in 1990 cutting back the north station to only two men on duty at one time.
False alarms were cut substantially by implementation of a fine system to enhance repair of the many fire alarm and sprinkler systems we have now intact. The scope of this program seems to be doing the job it was intended to do.
Chief Deputies Captains Senior Clerk Junior Clerk Mechanics |
Firefighters Adley, Walter Anderson, Arthur Bennett, Robert Cady, William Campbell, David Campbell, Wm. Carroll, John Cincevich, A. Clancy, David Clarke, Kevin Conlin, F.J. Conlin, Mark Curran, James Curran, William Cutter, James Dalton, William DePalma, John Donovan, Bruce Drew, Donald Durkin, James Flaherty, James Foster, Jesse Frobese, Ernest Goode, Terrance Grenon, Richard |
Hadley, David Hadley, William Hayes, Paul Henderson, Paul Jamer, William Johnson, Peter Keohane, Dennis Keohane, William Kydd, Raymond Magiera, Emil Martin, Leo McTeague, Mike Merrill, Leslie Miller, Richard Nolet, Edward O'Neil, Richard Reid, Daniel Reid, James Reid, John Ridlon, Michael Rivard, Arthur Spinazzola, Joseph Stanton, Brian Ubele, John D. Vargeletis, Dennis |
1991
Annual Town Meeting April 30
UNDER ARTICLE 8.
Selectman Dennis J. Ready moved that the sum of $307,000.00 be raised and
appropriated contingent on the passage of referendum question paragraph (g) of
M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 21 (c) said sum to be added to the sum appropriated to
Line Item #8 Public Safety Salary under Article 8 of the 1991 Annual Town
Meeting for the Fire Department Salary Account.
Town Manager explained that this was to keep the staff at the current level of services. If the question did not pass on the ballot then eight firefighters would be laid off and services cut. He felt the voters should decide the issue. A number of questions were asked concerning the staff and actual cuts to be made. Chief Robert Hughes explained that the eight men would be laid off and that the West Fire Station would be closed. This station could be covered by the other surrounding stations, however the response time would be increased from the present two minutes to at least five minutes or more. The Finance Committee said that they had planned to propose a similar 3% reduced figure like in the Police Department, however, they felt that the same result would happen and will not amend the article, but the Committee is in favor of this being an override question. The Board of Selectmen are in favor of this article, it is an attempt to maintain level of services. Brad Emerson moved the question. The Moderator attempted an unanimous show of hands, the tellers came forward and conducted a hand count. Results: Yes 124 No 3 (85 is 2/3's) the motion carried to stop debate. The Moderator then asked for a show of hands on the article. Motion carried.
Annual Town Meeting May 1
UNDER ARTICLE 2.
Selectman Dennis Ready moved that the Moderator be allowed to waive the reading
of this article. The Moderator asked for a vote by a show of hands, motion
carried, unanimously. The article was the adoption of state statutes as fire
rules and regulations. The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee were in
favor of the article. The Moderator asked for a vote on the article by way of a
show of hands, motion carried.
Fire Chief's Report
The economy again in Fiscal 1991 has taken its toll on the Fire Department and public safety in general. As of June 30th the Fire Department, because of budget restraints and a defeated override attempt, had to lay off an additional six (6) members. This shortage of personnel forced the closing of our West Chelmsford Fire Station. The total members laid off now stands at ten (10). This has greatly hampered our response time and our mission to protect the life and property of the people town wide.
We have had two retirements this fiscal year. Jack Hadley, a thirty-two (32) year veteran has retired and David Gelineau, a member for fourteen (14) years has retired on a job related disability. I would like to thank them for their years of dedicated service to the town.
Chief Deputies Captains Principal Clerk Junior Clerk Mechanics |
Firefighters Adley, Walter Anderson, Arthur Bennett, Robert Cady, William Campbell, David Campbell, William Carroll, John Cincevich, Anthony Clancy, David Clarke, Kevin Conlin, Francis J. Conlin, F. Mark Curran, James Curran, William Cutter, James Dalton, William F. DePalma, John Donovan, Bruce Drew, Donald Durkin, James Flaherty, James Foster, Jesse Frobese, Ernest Gelineau, David Goode, Terrance Grenon, Richard Hadley, David |
Hadley, Jack Hadley, William Hayes, Paul D. Henderson, Paul Jamer, William Johnson, Peter Keohane, Dennis Keohane, William Kydd, Raymond Magiera, Emil Martin, Leo McTeague, Michael Merrill, Leslie Miller, Richard Nolet, Edward O'Neil, Richard Reid, Daniel Reid, James Reid, John Ridlon, Michael Rivard, Arthur Robinson, John Spinazzola, Joseph Stanton, Brian Ubele, John D. Vargeletis, Dennis Wetherbee, Peter |
1992
Special Town Meeting October 29
UNDER ARTICLE 11.
Selectman Jeffrey Brem moved to waive the reading of this article. James Sousa,
Deputy Fire Chief, came forward and explained that the wording of this article
was exactly from the State's Fire Preventions Regulations. Which is law. If any
attempt is made to amend or change it then it will run the possibility of not
being accepted. The Moderator asked for vote to waive the reading by a show of
hands on the motion. Motion carried.
James Sousa then explained the purpose of the article. By having the Town accept the present State's Regulations, as a by-law this would enable the actual enforcement of the law at a local level. A discussion took place. Questions were asked concerning Section 14 Fire Permits. Bernard Ready moved to delete Section 14 Fire Permits in its entirety. He felt that this may be too restrictive, he questioned who was to decide what was considered a hazard and issue fines. Deputy Sousa explained that good sense would be used in making any type of determination. He explained that there certainly are instances where he has answered a complaint made by a resident about a neighbor's pile of brush, and did indeed find a hazard. Or he has gone to a company's site and found potential problems. This section was definitely needed and urged that it not be deleted. The Moderator asked for the Finance Committee's recommendation. The Finance Committee did not recommend the motion to delete Section 14. The Board of Selectmen were not in favor of the motion. The Moderator asked for a vote by a show of hands, motion defeated. More discussion took place. Jeffrey Brem moved to amend Section 14 Fire Permits, by deleting 2) Violations in its entirety and replace it with:
a) Any person who violates this Section will be warned by a written notice by the Fire Chief or his Representative. A second violation within any twelve months period shall be punishable by a fine of no more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
The Moderator asked for the Finance Committee's recommendation on the motion to amend. The Committee had no recommendation. The Board of Selectmen recommended the motion. The Moderator asked for a vote by way of a show of hands, motion carried. He then asked for a vote by way of a show of hands on the main motion as amended, motion carried.
UNDER ARTICLE 18.
Thomas Moran moved that the Town vote to transfer and appropriate the amount of
$120,000.00 from line item 16, snow and ice for the purpose of reopening the
West Fire Station effective December 1, 1992.
The Finance Committee was not in favor of using the money from the snow and ice account. This money is raised each year for the purpose of maintaining the entire Town. The amount is based on the dollar amount voted the previous year. The majority of the Board of Selectmen were against the article. A number of Representatives spoke in favor of the article. James Sousa said the the Town should get the most service for the money spent. He felt that this would buy a lot of service for a much needed situation. The Moderator asked for a vote by way of a show of hands on the article. Motion defeated. A hand count was requested. The tellers came forward and conducted a hand count. The result was Yes 43 No 54, the motion was defeated.
Fire Chief's Report
We were saddened by the job related deaths of two firefighters in 1992. Firefighter Francis "Bud" Conlin, a thirty-two year veteran and Firefighter David Gelineau, a fifteen year veteran passed away and will be sadly missed by brother firefighters, family and friends. Firefighter James Cutter retired after 27 years of service to the Town of Chelmsford.
The Fire Department was able to hire back all of the laid off personnel. This was accomplished through a union contract allowing different manning policies and replacing retirees.
Fire Chief Deputy Chiefs Captains Principal Clerk Senior Clerk Mechanics |
Firefighters Walter F. Adley Robert Bennett William F. Cady David Campbell William Campbell John Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke Mark F. Conlin James F. Curran William Curran William Dalton John DePalma Bruce Donovan Donald Drew James Durkin James Flaherty Jesse Foster Ernest Frobese Terrance Goode Richard Grenon David Hadley William Hadley Paul D. Hayes |
Paul D. Henderson Henry A. Houle William Jamer Peter Johnson Dennis Keohane William P. Keohane Raymond Kydd Emil Magiera Leo Martin Michael McTeague Leslie Merrill Richard Miller Edward Nolet Richard P. O'Neil Daniel T. Reid James F. Reid John E. Reid Michael D. Ridlon Arthur Rivard John Robinson Joseph Spinazola Brian Stanton John D. Ubele Dennis Vargeletis Peter T. Wetherbee |
1993
Report of the Board of Selectmen
As the year progressed, the Early Retirement program created a multitude of vacancies in both the Police and Fire Departments., including their Chiefs. This led to a reorganization of these Departments into a new Public Safety Consolidated Department.
Town Manager's Report
In 1993 the Town implemented an early retirement program which attracted nearly forty long time employees. We have appreciated their efforts over the years. We utilized the opportunity of these retirements to eliminate positions, restructure and bring on less expensive employees. The area experiencing the greatest impact of early retirements was public safety in which we lost both Chiefs, two Deputy Chiefs, two of our three Police Captains, and seven firefighters. These retirements have allowed us to proceed with implementing a Public Safety consolidation that will improve services through increased cooperation and provide cost savings that should exceed $250,000 per year. While controversial in its acceptance, I am confident that this new structure will serve the long term interests of the Town.
Fire Chief's Report
One that must be viewed as bittersweet is the retirement of Chief Robert L. Hughes, Deputy Charles S. Galloway and Firefighters Robert A. Bennett, Paul D. Henderson, Peter T. Wetherbee, Richard P. O'Neil, James P. Flaherty, Terrace A. Goode and Richard L. Grennon. We view this change with joy because they have received the recognition and rewards due them for their service to our community, yet we are saddened to lose the skills that they brought to our organization each day. We will deeply miss their friendship and brotherhood.
We celebrate our eight new Firefighters: Donald E. Peterson, Gary Ryan, Kevin O'Brien, Michael Donoghue, George E. Ryan, Jr., Kevin M. Sheehy, Martin Boermeester, Jr., Leo F. Manley and our eight new dispatchers David DeFreitas, Richard Demers, William Vaughan, Richard Marchand, Michael Cassella, Edward Overn, James P. Flaherty, Terrace A. Goode and welcome them to a rewarding career.
Engine 3 in West Chelmsford was opened without increasing our budget. I am proud of the cooperation and effort that our Officers and Firefighters put forth to bring about the necessary changes in our procedures to make this happen.
I invite you to join us and our new Chief John E. Parow in reorganizing and improving our organization to best provide the services that you want, need and should have.
Fire Chief Deputy Chief Captains Principal Clerk Senior Clerk Mechanic Civilian Dispatchers |
Firefighters Martin Boermeester William F. Cady David Campbell William Campbell John Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke Mark F. Conlin James F. Curran William Curran William Dalton John Depalma Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald Drew James J. Durkin Jesse Foster Ernest Frobese William Hadley Paul D. Hayes Henry A. Houle William Jamer Peter Johnson |
Dennis Keohane William Keohane Raymond R. Kydd Emil Magiera Leo F. Manley Leo Martin Michael McTeague Leslie Merrill Richard Miller Edward J. Nolet Kevin O'Brien Donald E. Peterson Daniel T. Reid James F. Reid John E. Reid Michael Ridlon Arthur Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George E. Ryan Kevin M. Sheehy Joseph Spinazola Brian Stanton J. Daniel Ubele Dennis Vargeletis |
1994
Town Manager's Report
Public safety again occupied a great deal of attention during the year with Armand Caron appointed as Police Chief and Jack Parow appointed as Fire Chief. Both of these individuals have brought new energy and enthusiasm to their respective departments. The Fire Department has proposed in-house ambulance service as an expansion of its emergency medical services. This proposal is being studied and reviewed by a citizen committee with a recommendation expected in early 1995.
Fire Chief's Report
A complete overhaul of the emergency medical first response system took place during 1994. Twenty-four (24) firefighters were trained to the emergency medical technician level and all first response vehicles were outfitted with new medical equipment to reflect this upgrade in emergency medical care. Fire apparatus is now dispatched to all medical calls from the nearest station. With this new emergency response system, we are able to provide the towns people with an E.M.T. level of service in under two (2) minutes. This response system is second to none.
Five (5) semi-automated heart defibrillators were purchased for the department through the fund raising efforts of the Emblem Club and the Firefighters Union Local 1839. All fire department members were trained in the use of this life saving machine and one unit was placed on each of the five engine companies. This will provide for equal distribution throughout the town.
Deputy Chief Sousa instituted a new firefighter training program in an effort to train all department firefighters to the National Standard of Firefighter I and II.
Budget restraints forced the alternating closures of Engine 3 (Old Westford Road) and Engine 4 (Riverneck Road) thirty (30) times in the last six (6) months of 1994. In addition, the Center Fire Station was forced to reduce staffing levels from one (1) captain and five (5) firefighters down to one (1) captain and two (2) firefighters in order to stay within the FY95 budget.
Fire Chief Deputy Chief Captains Principal Clerk Senior Clerk Mechanic Civilian Dispatchers |
Firefighters Walter F. Adley Martin Boermeester William V. Cady David Campbell William Campbell John Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke Mark F. Conlin James F. Curran William Curran William Dalton John Depalma Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald Drew James J. Durkin Jesse Foster Ernest Frobese David Hadley William Hadley Paul D. Hayes Henry A. Houle William Jamer Peter Johnson |
Dennis Keohane William Keohane Raymond R. Kydd Emil Magiera Leo F. Manley Leo Martin Michael McTeague Leslie Merrill Richard Miller Edward J. Nolet Kevin O'Brien Donald E. Peterson Daniel T. Reid James F. Reid John E. Reid Michael Ridlon Arthur Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George E. Ryan Kevin M. Sheehy Joseph Spinazola Brian Stanton J. Daniel Ubele Dennis Vargeletis |
1995
Report of the Board of Selectmen
Discussions were held at many meetings with the Ambulance Study Committee and the Fire Chief and in June the Board voted to accept the recommendation that the Town stay with a private ambulance service at this time.
Special Town Meeting May 4
UNDER ARTICLE 1.
Selectman Robert P. Joyce, moved that the Town vote to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30B
for consideration to be determined, all right, title and interest, if any held
by the Town in a certain parcel of land on Main Street, shown as Lot 33 on
Assessor's Map 194, containing 4850 square feet more or less and more fully
described in a deed recorded in the Middlesex North district Registry of Deeds
in book 787, Page 328.
The Town Manager Bernard Lynch explained that this was the old fire station building located on Main Street in West Chelmsford. The minimal bid would be $18,000. Jeff Stallard questioned if provisions would be made to provide storage for the groups who use the facility now. The Town Manager said provisions would be made. The Finance Committee recommended the article. The Board of Selectmen were in favor of the article. The Moderator asked for a show of hands, motion carried, unanimously.
Fire Chief's Report
The Town of Chelmsford went on line, in June, with the Enhanced 911 (E-911) emergency calling system. This system has allowed for all residents of Chelmsford to utilize a three digit number for all public safety emergencies. Fire and Police dispatch were also consolidated this year in conjunction with E-911, relocating fire dispatch to the police station located at 230 North Road.
Improvements in the emergency medical capabilities of the department continued in 1995. Twenty (20) additional firefighters were trained to the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) level bringing the total number of EMTs to forty-four (44).
Fire Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Senior Clerk Mechanic |
Firefighters Walter F. Adley Martin Boermeester William V. Cady David Campbell William Campbell John Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke Mark F. Conlin James F. Curran William Curran William Dalton John Depalma Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald A. Drew James J. Durkin Jesse Foster David Hadley William Hadley Paul D. Hayes Henry A. Houle William Jamer Peter Johnson Dennis Keohane |
William Keohane Raymond R. Kydd Cynthia Leczynski Emil Magiera Leo F. Manley Leo Martin Michael McTeague Leslie Merrill Richard Miller Edward J. Nolet Kevin O'Brien Donald E. Peterson Daniel T. Reid James F. Reid John E. Reid Michael Ridlon Arthur Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George E. Ryan Kevin M. Sheehy Joseph Spinazola Brian Stanton J. Daniel Ubele Dennis Vargeletis |
1996
Annual Town Meeting April 29
Under Article 6.
Town Manager Bernard Lynch moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of
$1,285,000.00 for the following capital projects including:
Fire Department Pumping Engine $230,000.00
Fire Department Staff Vehicle $21,000.00
Fire Chief's Report
The year 1996 was an extremely busy year for the Chelmsford Fire Department. Emergency responses increased by 699 calls or 20%. The occurrence of structure fires increased by 14 responses, a 26% increase, and included one civilian fire death. Emergency medical aid calls increased again this past year by 164 responses or 17%. The largest increase in emergency responses was in the area of service calls. Calls in this area increased by 488 calls or 47%. This increase seems to follow a nationwide demand, by the citizenry, for the fire department to provide more or additional services such as pumping flooded basements, responding to electrical problems, heating appliances problems, etc.
Captain Michael Curran was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in October and has been assigned the responsibility for day-to-day shift operations. Fire fighter/EMT Walter Adley was also promoted in October to the rank of Captain and has been assigned to the Fire Prevention Office.
The Fire Prevention Office was reorganized towards the end of 1996 because of an increase in number of fire prevention inspectors from 1 to 2. Deputy Chief James Sousa was reassigned to Fire Prevention to manage the office and coordinate the in-service inspections program.
Firefighter Bill Cady was assigned as the departments first Student Awareness Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Officer. This program was funded through a state grant and allowed for the S.A.F.E. Officer to spend his working hours educating our school children and the elderly about fire safety. This program was a great success.
The departments emergency medical response program continued to develop this year with the purchase of new and more technically advanced medical equipment supported by a high level of in-service medical training. Sixteen (16) department members received heart saver certificates signifying a life that they helped save through either C.P.R. or early defibrillation.
Fire Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanic * Denotes EMT |
Firefighters Martin Boermeester* William V. Cady David Campbell William Campbell John Carroll* Anthony Cincevich* David Clancy* Kevin Clarke* Mark F. Conlin* James F. Curran* William Curran* William Dalton John Depalma* Michael Donoghue* Bruce Donovan* Donald A. Drew* James J. Durkin* Jesse Foster* David Hadley* William Hadley* Paul D. Hayes Henry A. Houle* William Jamer Peter Johnson* Dennis Keohane |
William Keohane* Raymond R. Kydd Cynthia Leczynski* Emil Magiera Leo F. Manley* Leo Martin Michael McTeague* Leslie Merrill* Richard Miller* Edward J. Nolet* Kevin O'Brien* Donald E. Peterson* Daniel T. Reid James F. Reid John E. Reid* Michael Ridlon* Arthur Rivard* John Robinson* Gary Ryan* George E. Ryan* Kevin M. Sheehy* Joseph Spinazola Brian Stanton* J. Daniel Ubele* Dennis Vargeletis |
1997
Fire Chief's Report
A part-time secretary has been added to the Fire Prevention staff which has allowed us to post walk in hours between 8 A.M. and 1 P.M., and enabled the inspectors to spend more time out of the office conducting code enforcement inspections. Additionally, we developed a program to utilize the on duty personal to conduct in-service inspections, greatly increasing our inspection abilities.
The departments Student Awareness Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program continues to be a great success in making our children both fire safe and fire conscious. Credit for the success of this program revolves around a grant from the State, a cooperative effort between this department and the school department and our S.A.F.E. instructors, Firefighter William Cady, Firefighter Jesse Foster and Firefighter Leo Manley.
Diesel exhaust ventilation systems have now been installed in the five (5) stations. This will help provide the firefighters with a clean atmosphere in which to work. A new roof and heating system was installed at the East Fire Station. Engine 2 and Engine 4 have been refurbished over the past year in an effort to extend their longevity.
Three firefighters retired this past year, Firefighter Dennis Vargeletis, Firefighter Emil Magiera and Firefighter Martin Boermeester, after many years of dedicated service. Firefighter Dan Funaro, Firefighter Marc Pare, and Firefighter Dan Reid, Jr. were hired to replace the recent retirees and started work in October of this year
Chief Deputy Chief Captains Mechanic Department Assistant Clerk * Retired in 1997 |
Firefighters Boermeester, Martin * Cady, William V. Campbell, David Campbell, William Carroll, Jack Cincevich, Anthony Clancy, David Clarke, Kevin Conlin, Mark Curran, James Curran, William Dalton, William Depalma, John Donoghue, Michael Donovan, Bruce Drew, Donald Durkin, James Foster, Jesse Funaro, Daniel Hadley, David Hadley, William Hayes, Douglas Houle, Henry Jamer, William Johnson, Peter Keohane, Dennis |
Keohane, William Kydd, Raymond Leczynski, Cynthia Magiera, Emil * Manley, Leo Martin, Leo McTeague, Michael Merrill, Leslie Miller, Richard Nolet, Edward O'Brien, Kevin Pare, Marc Peterson, Donald Reid, Daniel Reid, Daniel, Jr. Reid, James Reid, John Ridlon, Michael Rivard, Rick Ryan, Gary Ryan, George Sheehy, Kevin Spinazola, Joseph Stanton, Brian Ubele, Daniel Vargeletis, Dennis * |
1998
Special Town Meeting April 27
UNDER ARTICLE 3.
Town Manager Bernard Lynch moved that the Town vote to
amend the Fiscal year 1998 Operating Budget as voted under article 2 of the
Annual Town Meeting held on April 28, 1997 as amended by the vote passed under
Article 7 of the Annual Town Meeting held on October 20, 1997 by making the
following changes:
- Increase Line Item #5 Public Safety Personnel, by $480,000 to $6,601,379
- Increase Line Item #6 Public Safety Expenses, by $13,000 to $625,569.
And that the Town transfer and appropriate $445,495. from Available Funds and $47,505 from Free Cash to defray such changes.
The Town Manager explained the article. The increase in Public Safety was a result of the negotiated contract settlement of the Fire Contract. The personnel had been without a contract for four years. Also the settlement of the Superior Officers contract of the Police Department. They had been working since last June without a contract. The increase in the Public Safety Expense was due to a new epoxy floor being needed at the Center Fire Station. He asked the Body to support the article. The Moderator asked for the Finance Committee's recommendation. The Finance Committee recommended the article. The Board of Selectmen recommended the article. The Moderator as for a show of hands, motion carried, unanimously.
UNDER ARTICLE 7. Town Manager Bernard Lynch moved that the Town vote to
appropriate the sum of $1,350,000 for the capital budget including the following
projects for the Fire Department:
Pick-up Truck/Plow $25,000.00
Station Roof Repair $15,000.00
Engine Refurbishment $40,000.00
Police/Fire Department Rescue Boat/Trailer $20,000.00
The Town Manager explained the article. A discussion followed. The Finance Committee recommended the article. The Board of Selectmen recommended the article. Barry Balan moved the question to stop debate. The Moderator asked for a show of hands, motion carried, by the Moderator recognizing the 2/3 's rule. The Moderator asked for a show of hands on the article. The motion carried, by the Moderator recognizing the 2/3 's rule.
Fire Chief's Report
Four firefighters retired during this past year: Emil Magiera, Paul D. Hayes, Joseph Spinazola and Peter Johnson. Three new firefighters were hired on July 1st to replace three of the retired firefighters noted above: Daniel Manley, John Kivlan and William Bacon. We wish them well in their new career.
The Department instituted an Accountability and Incident Command System (ICS). The I.C.S. allows for the management of personnel, equipment and communications throughout emergency operations. The Accountability System enables the fire incident commander to account for all Fire/Rescue personnel at an emergency scene. Both these systems will enhance the safety of emergency personnel operating at an incident and also make operations more efficient.
We also changed our radio frequency to a private channel. In the past we have been operating on a shared channel with 16 other communities. Radio traffic on the shared became too busy to monitor and to obtain air time during emergencies. The new channel has proven to be much more effective.
Fire Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanic * Retired |
Firefighters William V. Cady William Bacon David Campbell William Campbell Jack Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin James Curran William Curran William Dalton John DePalma Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald A. Drew James J. Durkin Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro David Hadley William Hadley Paul D Hayes * Henry A. Houle William Jamer Peter Johnson* Dennis Keohane William Keohane |
John P. Kivlan Raymond R. Kydd Cynthia Leczynski Emil Magiera * Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leo Martin Michael McTeague Leslie Merrill Richard Miller Edward J. Nolet Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donald Peterson Daniel T. Reid, Sr. Daniel T. Reid, Jr. James F. Reid John E. Reid Michael Ridlon Rick Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan Kevin M. Sheehy Joseph Spinazola * Brian J. Stanton Daniel Ubele |
1999
Special Town Meeting April 26
UNDER ARTICLE 9.
Town Manager Bernard F. Lynch moved that the Town vote
to appropriate the sum of $2,005,200 for the following capital projects
including:
Fire Department North Station Roof $15,000
Fire Department Quint (ladder truck/pump Engine) $500,000
The Town Manager explained ... The Fire Department needs a new truck, the present one is twenty-five years old. ... The Finance Committee recommended the article. The Board of Selectmen recommended the article. The Moderator asked for the need for further discussion. Hearing none he asked for a vote by way of a show of hands, motion carried, unanimously.
UNDER ARTICLE 37.
Town Manager Bernard Lynch moved that the Town vote to amend Chapter 42, Fire
Prevention, of the bylaws as follows: To add the following wording to ยง 42-3F:
"Street numbers may be attached to a curbside delivery mailbox, provided that
the mailbox is located adjacent to the delivery driveway that accesses the
property. The numbers shall be three inches high on both sides of the mailbox";
...
... The Finance Committee recommended the article. The Board of Selectmen recommended the article. The Moderator asked if there was any need for discussion? Hearing none, he asked for a vote by way of a show of hands, motion carried, unanimously.
Fire Chief's Report
Three firefighters retired this past year. William Hadley, Leo Martin and Michael McTeague. These men brought a great amount of experience and expertise to the job each and every day, which will be missed. I would like to wish them a successful and long retirement.
Four new firefighters were hired on the 19th of July. William Amundson, Christopher Brothers, Jeffrey Cancella and Daniel Corey. They replaced the three firefighters listed above plus one firefighter that retired the end of last year. I wish them well in their new careers.
Firefighter Daniel Manley was the first Chelmsford firefighter to attend and graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy recruit training program. This intense eleven week training program greatly enhances the skills of the firefighter and provides the department with highly trained individuals. We will continue to take advantage of this training and do anticipate sending four to six firefighters through the recruit training program in the upcoming year.
Job related training continues to be a priority for this department. Water and ice rescue, explosive devices, driving and operating of fire apparatus, and violence in our schools have been focused on in great detail this past year. The department has also addressed the increasing demands of Emergency medical aid by continuing to provide a quality in-house emergency medical service training program and by capitalizing on new techniques and protocols.
A new pumping engine was put into service this year. Engine 2, which will operate out of the North Fire Station, was purchased from New England Fire Apparatus. Purchasing a pumping engine of this type requires many hours of research and planning. The credit for this hard work goes to the truck committee that volunteered their time and energy. Many thanks go out to this committee made up of Deputy Michael Curran, James Keeley the Mechanic for the Fire Department, along with Firefighters John DePalma, Bill Jamer and William Hadley.
The fire service in Massachusetts was turned upside down when it was faced with the tragic fire in the City of Worcester on December 3rd. Because of the magnitude of this incident, fire departments from across the Commonwealth were called upon for assistance. Chelmsford Fire Department played a major role during this incident by providing command staff to the city, critical incident stress debriefing team members, engine companies to cover the City and additional firefighters to dig through the rubble in search of six missing Worcester firefighters. The citizens in Chelmsford can be proud of how this department, supported by town management, was able to offer their assistance and professional expertise to a City in desperate need of help.
FIRE CHIEF DEPUTY CHIEF CAPTAINS DEPT. ASSISTANT MECHANIC * Retired in 1999 |
FIREFIGHTERS William Amundson William Bacon Christopher Brothers William Cady David Campbell William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke Mark Conlin Daniel Corey James Curran William Curran William Dalton John DePalma Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald Drew James Durkin Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro David Hadley William Hadley * Henry Houle William Jamer |
Dennis Keohane William Keohane John Kivlan Ray Kydd Cynthia Leczynski Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leo Martin * Michael McTeague * Leslie Merrill Richard Miller Edward Nolet Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Daniel Reid, Sr. Daniel Reid, Jr. James Reid John Reid Michael Ridlon Rick Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Daniel Ubele |