May 20, 2003

 

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

AND

ANNUAL MEETING WARRANT

 

Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire District

Town of Barnstable

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

To the Clerk of the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire District: 

Greetings: 

            You are hereby required and directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Barnstable residing within the territory comprising the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire District, qualified to vote in the District elections and affairs, to meet on Monday, May 19, 2003, at the Centerville Fire Station, 1875 Falmouth Road, Route 28, Centerville, Massachusetts, where the polls shall be open at 8:00 a.m., and close at 7:00 p.m., and then and there to vote upon the following officers, to wit: 

                                                One Prudential Committee Member for three years

                                                One Water Commissioner for three years

                                                One Fire Commissioner for three years 

            And to meet on Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at the Marstons Mills East Elementary School, Osterville-West Barnstable Road, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, at 7:00 p.m., to act upon the following articles: 

ARTICLE #1.  To hear and act upon the Reports of the Prudential Committee, Water Commissioners, Fire Commissioners and Clerk/Treasurer. 

ARTICLE #2.  To receive and act upon the accounts of all persons to whom the District may be indebted. 

Explanation: This article seeks funding for fiscal year 2003 bills presented after the close of the fiscal year. 

ARTICLE #3.  To see what salaries the Fire District will pay the following elective District Officers: Prudential Committee, Board of Water Commissioners, Board of Fire Commissioners, and Moderator. 

Explanation:  The voters must approve the salaries of elected officials.  The recommended amount for each three-man board is $9,000.00 as shown in their respective budgets, or $3,000.00 per official.  The recommended amount for the Moderator is $300.00 per year as shown on the Prudential Operation Budget, plus an additional $100.00 for each Special District Meeting.  

ARTICLE #4.  To see what sum of money the District will vote for the Board of Water Commissioners to transfer from the income of the Water Department and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate to defray all operating expenses of said Water Department for Fiscal Year 2004, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee                                               

Explanation: This article represents the budget of the Board of Water Commissioners totaling $1,380,703.87, as shown in this booklet. 

ARTICLE #5.    To see what sum of money the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate for the ordinary operating expenses of the Fire Department for Fiscal Year 2004, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee                                               

Explanation:  This article represents the budget of the Board of Fire Commissioners totaling $4,359,364.07, as shown in this booklet. 

ARTICLE #6.     To see what sum of money the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate for Fiscal Year 2004 for the ordinary operating expenses of the Prudential Operation under the direction of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee                                               

Explanation:  This article represents the budget of the Prudential Committee totaling $2,131,890.00, as shown in this booklet. 

ARTICLE #7.     To see what sum of money the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate for Fiscal Year 2004 for the ordinary operating expenses of the Information Systems Department under the direction of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee                                               

Explanation:  This article represents the budget of the Information Systems Department totaling $116,457.61, as shown in this booklet. 

ARTICLE #8.     To see if the District will vote to transfer from the income of the Water Department and appropriate the sum of $453,372.00, for the maturing debt of the Fire District incurred by or for the Water Department; and raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $651,628.00 for other District bonds and notes, making a total of $1,105,000.00 for Maturing Debt, as it becomes due and payable during Fiscal Year 2004, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  This article represents the payments for the maturing debt that will become due during fiscal year 2004. 

ARTICLE #9.     To see if the District will vote to transfer from the income of the Water Department and other available funds and appropriate the sum of $126,602.34, for the maturing interest on the debt of the Fire District incurred by or for the Water Department; and to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $149,097.66, for interest on other District debt making a total of $275,700.00, for the payment of Maturing Interest on bonds and notes as they become due and payable during Fiscal Year 2004, or to take any other action thereon.

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  This article represents the payments for the maturing interest that will become due during fiscal year 2004. 

ARTICLE #10.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $36,785.00 for the Town of Barnstable for costs of tax collection, property assessment, data processing and treasury expenses on behalf of the District, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation: All of the Fire Districts in the Town appropriate $80,000.00 to the Town of Barnstable each year for their expenses incurred.  This article represents COMM’s proportionate share of that amount. 

ARTICLE #11.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $60,000.00 for the establishment of a Reserve Fund for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2004, pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40, Section 5C, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee                                               

Explanation:  This fund is a reserve that may be voted by the Prudential Committee to provide for extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures.  While this fund is not spent from directly, transfers may be voted from time to time.  An example of its use in the past has been for emergency repairs. 

ARTICLE #12.     To see if the District will vote to authorize the Prudential Committee to employ an outside auditor to audit the books of the Treasurer and Water Department or to request an audit under the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 35, General Laws of Massachusetts, for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2003. 

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation: It is standard operating procedure for this article to appear every year. 

ARTICLE #13.  To see if the District will authorize the Treasurer to enter into compensating balance agreements during Fiscal Year 2004, as permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53F, as amended.

                                                Requested by the Prudential Committee

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation: It is standard operating procedure for this article to appear every year. 

ARTICLE #14.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $125,000.00 for Contract Labor for water main and service installations, repairs to the water system, leak detection, meter installations, hydrant relocations, and other related equipment, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  Funding for this article is to be transferred and appropriated from water surplus and available funds. 

(Majority vote required)

ARTICLE #15.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $315,000.00, for the installation of water mains and other related equipment on, Wakeby Road, Biscayne Drive, Commodore Lane, Matthew Way, Debra Way and others in the District, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  The Board has earmarked, portions of water surplus for system improvements and has allocated these funds in an effort to facilitate expansion into areas that were developed prior to public water supply being available.  The Board believes it is in the best interest of the District to make water available to all residents. Funding for this article is to be transferred and appropriated from water surplus and available funds.

The Board will set up a schedule based on the following criteria: 

§         A petition on file.

§         Water quality of private wells is threatened from contamination,

(i.e.: septic systems, landfill, etc.)

§         The street or subdivision was developed prior to water being available to that area.

§         Average lot size on the street or in the subdivision is 1/2 acre or less. 

ARTICLE #16.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $165,000.00 for Water System Improvements for the replacement of undersize and older piping, “dead-end” tie-ins, water main extensions and improvements, on portions of Robbins Street, Evans Street, David Street, in Osterville, and portions of Chadwick Avenue, Patricia Avenue, Priscilla Avenue, in Centerville and others, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of the Prudential Committee, or to take any action thereon. 

Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation: This article will allow us to continue the upgrade and maintenance program to the distribution system. Funding will be transferred and appropriated from water surplus.  

ARTICLE #17.  To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $33,082.19 for the purchase of a full-size, four wheel drive pick up truck and related equipment, and to sell or trade a 1992 F-250 pick up truck, whichever is in the best interest of the District, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of Prudential Committee, or to take any action thereon. 

Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners                                   

Recommended by the Prudential Committee

Explanation: This article will allow the sale or trade of a high mileage vehicle.  The new vehicle will have increased fuel efficiency. Our mechanic has recommended replacement of this vehicle based on a review of the fleet. Funding will be transferred and appropriated from water surplus. 

ARTICLE #18.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $20,000.00 for the mandatory Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Plan, including consulting fees and security upgrades said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of Prudential Committee, or to take any action thereon. 

Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation: This article will allow us to hire an outside consultant to conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of our drinking water system. The work will also include the preparation or revision of an Emergency Response Plan that incorporates the results of the Vulnerability Assessment and will allow the Department to certify to the USEPA that a plan has been completed. The working document will allow us to identify any threats and correct any deficiencies. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act mandates that all public water systems conduct assessments of the vulnerability of their systems to attacks. Funding will be transferred and appropriated from water surplus. 

ARTICLE #19.    To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $125,000.00 for the installation of test wells, perform pump tests and all other necessary labor, equipment and engineering, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  Based on projected build out estimates, additional sources of water supply will be needed. This article will allow the Department to identify and determine the quantity and quality of water for the development of a new source. Funding for this article is to be transferred and appropriated from water surplus and available funds. 

ARTICLE #20.     To see if the District will vote to authorize and empower Board of Water Commissioners and the Prudential Committee to purchase and/or acquire by gift and/or take by eminent domain pursuant to the provision of c. 169 Acts of 1937 or as otherwise permitted by law, for the purposes collecting, storing, holding purifying, treating, protecting and preserving the purity of any pond, spring, stream or ground water sources thereof and for conveying the same to any part of the District, etc. the fee interest in the parcel of land located in Centerville at 319 Old Stage Road Map 189 Parcel 037 (1.36 acres +/-), more particularly described in deed recorded in Barnstable County Registry of Deeds in Book 16397 Page 318 a copy of which is on file in the office of the Clerk/Treasurer: and to  transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $140,000.00 for the aforesaid purchase and all costs and expenses incidental to and associated therewith; including appraisal, survey, engineering, legal and other costs, fees or expenses associates therewith, said purchase being subject to all applicable rules and regulations of the Department of Environmental Protection and General Laws as the same may be applicable,  said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners, with the approval of the Prudential Committee, or to take any other action thereon. 

Requested by the Board of Water Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  It has been recommended by our tank consultant to acquire this parcel.  The parcel may be important for future expansion of our storage capacity, which will be necessary at build-out. Funding for this article is to be transferred and appropriated from water surplus and available funds.

(Majority vote required) 

ARTICLE #21.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $485,000.00 for the purchase of a rescue-pumper, and related equipment, and to sell or trade a 1975 Mack Pumper, whichever is in the best interest of the District, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Fire Commissioners or to take any other action. 

Explanation:            The Board is asking that the twenty-eight (28) year old Mack engine be replaced this year with a new rescue-pumper.  A rescue-pumper would be first designed as a pumping engine, but would also have the following capabilities:  extra high and wide compartments to carry all our auto extrication equipment including the “jaws of life”, hydraulic spreaders, hydraulic cutters, airbags and controls, blocking, jacks, hazardous materials barrels, pads, booms, speedi-dry, etc.  This new engine would have large foam capacity, which we do not currently have.  This unit would have a 10,000 KW generator, light stanchions with four (4) 1,000 watt lights for night work to light up the scene of auto accidents, and hydraulic reels for Hurst spreaders and cutters.  This added lighting feature and large generator will also be a great help at structure fires as well as other emergencies. 

     This new rescue-pumper would also be designed with special Advanced Life Support locking cabinets to allow the department to transfer our critical ambulance equipment, i.e., defibrillator, medications, intubation kits, backboards, etc., anytime one of our ambulances is down for a significant amount of time.  This will be most helpful as our three (3) ambulances go back to the factory to be re-habed over the next three (3) years.  

Our last pumper was purchased in 1994. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

ARTICLE #22.    To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and /or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $27,000.00 to purchase nine (9) biphasic A.E.D.s (Automatic External Defibrillators), and related equipment, and to trade seven (7) monophasic A.E.D.s.  Secondly, to upgrade our three (3) monophasic heart monitor defibrillators’ software to incorporate biphasic technology.  Said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Fire Commissioners or to take any other action. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:             The COMM Fire District was recently designated by the American Heart Association as a Heart Safe Community, and part of that designation is the responsibility to continually update and help improve the cardiac health and safety of the people residing in the district.  One of the goals of a Heart Safe Community is to give more people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest another chance at life, and to accomplish this, a lifesaving shock should be just minutes away. 

The reason behind the purchase of two (2) new AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillator) is to complete COMM Fire-Rescue's goal of equipping all first due apparatus with AEDs and placing these two new AEDs in both the Chief's and Deputy's vehicles.  These devices are used to treat the victims of sudden cardiac arrest.  They do this by shocking the heart back into a rhythm that produces a palpable heartbeat.  Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among adults and two out of every three occur outside the hospital setting.  There are usually no warning signs to this event and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases with age.  The most important determinant of survival is rapid defibrillation (shocking of the heart) and the percentage of survivability decreases proportionately to the increase in time before the first shock is delivered.  This is why COMM Fire-Rescue needs an AED in every first due apparatus. 

The new AED Lifepak 500 has technology that has been perfected since we last purchased an AED.  This technology is called Biphasic.  COMM's AEDs operate on a monophasic technology.  Presently, this means that the current used to shock the heart travels in one direction only, at a set energy level.  This energy level is not without risk.  Due to resistance or impedance, i.e. the victim’s chest wall, higher energy levels and repeated shocks are sometimes required and in the process may occasionally do damage to the non damaged heart muscle.  This new biphasic technology allows for potentially lower energy levels and often fewer defibrillations because the current travels in two directions.  Thus, the need for repetitive shocks is not needed as often and the potential risk of damage to the heart muscle is decreased.  The conclusion is that biphasic defibrillators / AEDs are more effective and pose less risk to the heart than monophasic defibrillators / AEDs even at the same energy level. 

The department is also seeking to replace the seven (7) AEDs currently in use in COMM's other first due apparatus to new biphasic AEDs through a negotiated price that includes an aggressive trade-in plan. 

As a continuum to the above, the benefits of upgrading the software of the three (3) Lifepak 12 monitor/defibrillators, currently in use in COMM's three (3) ambulances, to incorporate biphasic technology will allow for the continuity of care at the same level to carry on upon arrival of the advance life support ambulance. 

ARTICLE #23.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $9,948.00 for the purchase of a fire simulator, software and related equipment, and said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Fire Commissioners or to take any other action. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:  this program includes a fire simulator that allows us to use digital photos of our local buildings to simulate a fire from three sides and the interior, to train staff in tactics and strategy, command and control, apparatus placement, driver operator training, and Firefighter I & II with Hazmat Training. 

Also, this package includes the ability to generate tests using nationally recognized questions and answers, thereby giving administration the ability to document training based on nationally recognized standards. 

This program is IFSTA based and it is both expandable and upgradeable, making it a sound investment.  Designed by fire service professionals, it is the most realistic of this type of program seen to date. 

ARTICLE #24.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $34,353.00 for the purchase of a portable hydraulic vehicle lift system, and related equipment, and said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Fire Commissioners or to take any other action.

                                                Requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:            Currently, maintenance checks on the apparatus are a most difficult and very time-consuming process without a lift system.  The portable hydraulic lift system will allow the mechanic to give the apparatus a more efficient review at maintenance checks, quicker access for repairs to brakes, pump piping, exhausts and engine work, greatly improving productivity. 

ARTICLE #25.     To see if the District will vote to raise and appropriate and/or transfer from available funds and appropriate the sum of $23,000.00 for the purchase of a used car for the Fire Chief, and to sell or trade a 1993 Ford Crown Victoria, whichever is in the best interest of the District, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Fire Commissioners or to take any other action. 

                                                Requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners

                                                Recommended by the Prudential Committee 

Explanation:            This Article calls for the replacement of the 1993 Fire Chief’s cruiser.  The Board is looking for a one to two year old vehicle, which is in excellent condition, with low mileage, and allows us to keep the cost much lower than a new vehicle.