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Selectmen review re-drafted fire department ordinance; oversight and implementation timeline raised
Summary
The board reviewed a re-drafted fire department ordinance intended to give chiefs time to meet deliverables by Jan. 1, 2027, and discussed oversight questions for the Board of Fire Commissioners; the board agreed to keep the ordinance on the next BOS agenda for further review.
The Board of Selectmen on May 5 reviewed a re-drafted fire department ordinance prepared following public comment and Board of Finance input. First Selectman Joe Bellavance said Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners M. Podzaline and D. Kowolenko re-drafted the ordinance to allow the town’s two fire chiefs to meet required deliverables by Jan. 1, 2027; if the chiefs do not meet those deliverables, budgeted funds would be available to hire a consultant to complete the work.
Jeff Otto asked about revisions to the Brooklyn Emergency Medical Services Plan and the Mortlake operating certificate, saying he is working with the Mortlake Board of Directors to align necessary specifications and state forms. Selectman Kayla Burgess asked which body the Board of Fire Commissioners ultimately reports to for decision-making; Bellavance said the Board of Finance handles financial oversight but he would research who has decision authority for operational actions and would return with clarification. Burgess requested the ordinance remain on the next Board of Selectmen agenda for further review.
No ordinance vote took place at the May 5 meeting; the item was kept on the agenda for additional review and clarification on reporting and oversight responsibilities.
