Whitefield selectmen debated forming a committee that would study and develop the position that a different organizational structure of the town’s fire departments is needed: a municipally controlled department staffed not by paid employees but by stipend volunteers, as is currently the case.
Whitefield has three separate volunteer fire associations, each with its own station in Coopers Mills, North Whitefield, and Kings Mills. In addition to independent fundraising, each association receives money from the town for basic operation, turnout gear, physicals, and other expenses.
Arguing for a committee, board member Sue McKeen said it was important to have “good information so good decisions can be made.”
Chairman Steve McCormick was less sure a committee was needed. “I think 99 percent of the work is done,” he said. A separate committee developed a long-range plan in 2004 and last January the board adopted new rules and guidelines, such as formalizing job descriptions and keeping proper records, mostly in the interests of accountability and liability.
In 2007, the town contracted with fire protection specialist Neil Courtney, who recommended the three fire associations and rescue service become one municipal agency. Courtney wrote that Whitefield’s system is “fragmented” and “allows each of the self-ruling fire associations to somewhat freelance.”
He said combining fire and rescue functions, which would entail administrative oversight from selectmen, would “fortify Whitefield’s emergency services.”
The town instituted chain of command rules as one improvement, but there are still issues to address, such as equipment and improving Whitefield’s rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). A better rating could reduce property owners’ fire insurance premiums.
McCormick said his concern was that a committee’s work could “drag things out too long” and he wants to have an ordinance ready to take to March town meeting.
In other business, the board discussed the status of water flow at Coopers Mills dam. While water was plentiful during the wet summer, the fish ladder and the dry hydrant from which firefighters draw water are presently dewatered.
McCormick said he talked last week with fabricator Rick Mattucci who has designed replacement gates for the west side of the dam. McCormick said the water wasn’t low enough then for Mattucci to measure for the gates, which would stop a major source of leakage. McCormick said the Army Corps of Engineers would determine whether a permit is needed to do the work.
In considering approximately $3500 left over from Bicentennial funds, the board weighed Sue McKeen’s suggestion that the money be used to purchase a community sign to place in front of the school. There would also be a plaque commemorating the town’s 200th birthday.
McCormick advised incorporating the funds into next year’s budget and letting voters decide at town meeting.
Before committing taxes, McCormick said the board would hold a half hour meeting in advance of next Monday’s regular session.
