Town of Olive
County of Ulster
State of New York
May 6, 2002

Minutes of the monthly workshop meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Olive held Monday, May 6, 2002, 7:30 pm at the Town Meeting Hall in Shokan, NY.

Others Present: Tom Planz, Olive Fire Chief; John Ingram, Olive Fire Department President; Jimmy Fugel, Highway Superintendent; Everett Cook, ZBA Member; William Lohrer, Fire Department Assistant Chief; and Lee Konjas, Fire Department Secretary

Also Present: Linda Flannagan, Account Executive for Quilty, Dwyer, & Larkin Insurance; and Jerry Herbst, Sales Executive from VFIS

John Ingram introduced Linda Flannagan and Jerry Herbst to present information regarding a service awards program for the Olive Fire Department volunteers. Mr. Herbst stated the program is not called a retirement program since the volunteer can still be active in the department and draw benefits from the program. He stated that legislation was passed in 1980 for establishing fire service award programs and his company (VFIS), along with support from all fire service organizations, helped get this legislation passed. He noted that the legislation is very defined in what can be done. He noted there is a maximum benefit allowed of $800.00 a month after 40 years of service. He stated the Olive Fire Department is looking at the figure amounting to half of the maximum, $400.00 per month. He noted that when talking about recruitment and retention of volunteers they have found that retention is the most evident. He noted that overall the tax base would benefit because the town can still depend on a volunteer department versus a paid department.

Mr. Herbst presented information outlining the proposed plan and cost projections. He noted the Town Board basically has fiduciary control; however, they, being the vender, will oversee the actual funding and accounting for the program. He stated the Town Attorney would also need to get involved with the process.

Lengthy discussion occurred on the benefits and cost of the program.

In response to Fire Chief Tom Planz as to what the process would be, Mr. Herbst stated the questions should be condensed and a working meeting scheduled with the Town Board and Fire Department, along with more meetings with the Town Attorney thus leading up to the actual process of adopting the law. Mr. Herbst noted he would provide the Town Board with sample legislation to review.

Erin Jones reported she attended the recent class to become a Certified Pool Operator and noted that Water Safety Instructor courses have been cancelled in Ulster County.

Supervisor Leifeld reviewed correspondence for the Tuesday night meeting. All pertinent issues having been discussed the Town Board adjourned the meeting at 9:30 pm on a Leifeld/La Monda motion.


Sylvia Rozzelle, Town Clerk