Category: NGFD Announcements

Draft September Meeting

Published / by Secretary/Treasurer

Chairman Nick Scifo called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence for all departed District Firefighters.
Commissioners Present: Nick Scifo (NS), Rich French (RF), Brian McCrae (BM), Robert W. Miller, Jr (RM), and Dan Garab (DG).
Other District Staff: Secretary/Treasurer Sean Kerwin (SK), Director of Purchasing Robert Durivage (RD), and District Counsel Terry Hannigan (TH) were present.
Public Session: None
MOTION 25M55 was made by RF and seconded by BM approving two DFD building use requests as presented. Motion carried.
Approval of Prior Month’s Minutes:
MOTION 25M56 was made by BM and seconded by RF approving the August minutes, as presented. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report for the period ending 8/31/2025:
SK presented the Treasurer’s Report (Copy attached).
RESOLUTION 25R56 was made by DG and seconded by RM to accept the Treasurer’s Report as of August 31, 2025 as presented.
Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
Approval of Current Month’s Invoices:
SK presented the invoices/vouchers for approval by the Board (Copy attached).
RESOLUTION 25R57 was made by NS and seconded by RF authorizing the payments of invoices as presented for a total of $173,360.49 pending final audit and receipt of any necessary paperwork.
Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
MOTION 25M57 was made by NS and seconded by BM approving the revised DFD fund drive letter. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 25R58 was made by RF seconded by BM to enter into an agreement with CS Arch to conduct an investigation regarding the water infiltration into windowsills at DFD. The cost for professional services is $2,400.00..
Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously

unanimously.
RESOLUTION 25R59 was made by NS, seconded by BM, declaring various expired gear surplus (consisting of gloves, coats, pants and hoods) that have reached their end of service life.
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The total value of this surplus is less than $20K and is no longer needed by the Fire District. The Board directed RD to have this equipment destroyed and properly disposed.
Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
MOTION 25M58 was made by DG and seconded by BM to approve the Chief’s recommendations for the Rescue 9 Replacement Committee. The motion also noted that the two commissioners in charge of Apparatus and Equipment shall serve as ex officio members of the committee. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 25R60 was made by RF and seconded by BM, approving the purchase of the following items for DFD as presented:
DFD:
Fire Prevention & Open House Tee Shirts $490.00
WFD:
24 – Majestic PAC II Ultra C6 Hoods $1,200.00
18 – Shelby Fire Gloves- 5 Med, 8 Large, 5 XL $2,363.00
10 – Scott SCBA 4-point facepiece (6-L & 4-S) $4,014.40
GRAND TOTAL $8,067.40
Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 25R61 was made by RM seconded by DG to authorize the Treasurer to transfer the 2024 surplus of $50,940 into the Apparatus and Equipment Reserve.
Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 25R62 was made by DG seconded by BM to authorize to open a Bank of America (or comparable Bank) Business Cash Rewards Credit Card Account
At the regular meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Greenbush Fire District No. 1 held on September 8, 2025, the following resolution was offered and unanimously approved:
WHEREAS, the District has determined that the establishment of a business credit card program would provide financial flexibility and potential cost savings; and
WHEREAS, Bank of America offers a Business Cash Rewards Credit Card program with the following key benefits:

  • No annual fee;
  • 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no cap;
  • A $300 bonus credit applied if $3,000 is spent within the first three (3) months;
  • Cash back can be applied as a statement credit or redeemed by check;
    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Fire Commissioners authorizes Robert Durivage, Director of Purchasing, Deputy Treasurer, and Deputy Secretary, to open a Bank of America Business Cash Rewards Credit Card account on behalf of the District; and
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    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following individuals shall be designated as account administrators:
  • Robert Durivage, Director of Purchasing / Deputy Treasurer / Deputy Secretary
  • Sean Kerwin, Treasurer / Secretary
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that six (6) credit cards shall be issued under this account to the following individuals:
  • Robert Durivage
  • Sean Kerwin
  • Daniel Sheehan
  • Daniel Wilson
  • Richard French
  • Brian McCrae
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board concurs with the Treasurer’s recommendation to consider paying certain bills and monthly charges with the credit card when there is no service fee, and further agrees that if modifications are necessary to the advance approval payment list of vendors or voucher exceptions, such updates will be considered by resolution at a future meeting.
    This resolution was unanimously approved by all Commissioners present:
  • Chairman, Nick Scifo, Aye
  • Deputy Chairman, Dan Garab, Aye
  • Commissioner, Richard French, Aye
  • Commissioner, Robert Miller, Aye
  • Commissioner, Brian McCrae, Aye
    MOTION 25M59 was made by RF and seconded by RM approving DFD Firefighter Pablo Flores, as presented. Motion carried.
    Public Session: None
    MOTION 25M60 was made by RF seconded by NS to enter into executive session at 8:13 PM to discuss the employment history of a member. Motion Carried.
    MOTION 25M61 was made by RF seconded by NS at 9:09 PM to exit executive session with no action taken at this time. Motion approved.
    RESOLUTION 25R63 was made by NS seconded by RF to authorize to adopt the proposed 2026 budget with a tax rate of $5.36 per thousand of assessed value, for total tax revenues of $1,830,334.
    Chairman Nick Scifo requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
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    MOTION 25M62 was made by RF seconded by RM to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 PM. Motion Carried.
    Respectfully Submitted,
    Sean Kerwin
    Secretary/Treasurer

Proposed 2026 Budget

Published / by Secretary/Treasurer
North Greenbush Fire District No. 1     
General Fund and Capital Reserve Budget – Proposed 2026    
    Proposed
    Budget
General Fund:   2026
Personal Services   $80,000
Firefighting Operations, Equipment and Support   $125,000
Retention & Recruitment   $5,000
Maintenance – Equipment   $135,000
Maintenance – Building & Grounds   $110,000
Insurance:   $110,000
Cancer Coverage:   $17,500
Communications Network:   $25,000
Administrative Expenses:   $45,000
LOSAP and Life Insurance:   $275,000
Other Expenses:   $45,000
Bond Principal and Interest: DFD   $335,775
Bond Principal and Interest: WFD   $228,198
     
Total General Fund Budget   $1,536,473
     
Capital Reserve:    
Equipment   $293,861
Building   $0
Total Capital Reserve Budget   $293,861
     
Total General Fund & Capital Reserve Budgets   $1,830,334
     
    2026
General Fund Forecasted Interest   $2,000
Town’s Final Assessment Roll   $341,425,623
Tax Rate Per Thousand   $5.36
Amount to be raised by Real Property Taxes   $1,828,334
Total Income   $1,830,334

October 2025 Budget Hearing and Monthly Meeting Notice.

Published / by Secretary/Treasurer

October 2025 Budget Hearing

October 2025 Monthly Meeting Rescheduled

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the North Greenbush Fire District No. 1, Town of North Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:30 o’clock p.m. for the purpose of discussing the contents of the proposed 2026 Fire District Budget.

           

The proposed 2026 Fire District Budget is in the sum of $1,828,334  and provides for a tax rate of $5.36 per each $1,000.00 of assessed valuation.

           

At such time and place all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard in

favor of or against the proposed Budget or one or more items in the proposed Budget.

 

A copy of the proposed 2026 Fire District Budget is available for inspection on or after

October 10, 2025, at the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of North Greenbush and at the

Office of the Fire District’s Secretary during regular office hours and on the Fire District’s website at

www.ngfd.org.

           

Moreover, the monthly meeting for October has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 14, 2025 to commence immediately following the Budget Hearing.

 

                                                                                                   _________________________________

                                                                                                Sean Kerwin, Secretary

                                                                                                North Greenbush Fire District No. 1

Draft August Meeting Minutes

Published / by Secretary/Treasurer

DRAFT

North Greenbush Fire District No. 1


Minutes of the August 11, 2025 BOFC Monthly Meeting at WFD

Deputy Chairman Dan Garab called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence for all departed District Firefighters.

Commissioners Present: Nick Scifo (NS) (via Zoom), Rich French (RF), Brian McCrae (BM), Robert W. Miller, Jr (RM), and Dan Garab (DG).

Other District Staff: Secretary/Treasurer Sean Kerwin (SK), Director of Purchasing Robert Durivage (RD), Deputy Director of Purchasing and Assistant Secretary Michael Lashmet (ML) and District Counsel Terry Hannigan (TH) (via Zoom) were present.

MOTION 25M45 was made by RF and seconded by BM approving two WFD building use requests and two DFD building use requests as presented. Motion carried.

MOTION 25M46 was made by BM and seconded by RM approving DFD Fund Raising Letter with noted modification. Motion carried.
Approval of Prior Month’s Minutes:

MOTION 25M47 was made by BM and seconded by RF approving the July minutes, as presented. DG abstained. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report for the period ending 7/31/2025:

RESOLUTION 25R49 was made by RF and seconded by DG to accept the Treasurer’s Report as of July 31, 2025 as presented.
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 25R50 was made by NS and seconded by BM to accept the Auditor’s Report for 2024 as reviewed by the Treasurer.
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
Approval of Current Month’s Invoices:

RESOLUTION 25R51 was made by BM and seconded by RM authorizing the payments of invoices as presented for a total of $139,764.85 pending final audit and receipt of any necessary paperwork.
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 25R52 for Consolidation of EMS Numbers was made by RF seconded by RM as follows:
The Board of Fire Commissioners of North Greenbush Fire District No. 1 resolves to create a single EMS agency number for the Fire District by consolidating the existing Wynantskill Fire Department and Defreestville Fire Department EMS agency numbers.
Both the Wynantskill Fire Department and Defreestville Fire Department will be authorized to respond to EMS calls anywhere within the Fire District under the new Fire District EMS agency number.
The Fire District will take all necessary steps and complete all required paperwork with the New York State Department of Health to finalize this change.
Adopted this 11th of August, 2025.
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 25R53 was made by BM seconded by RM to authorize the Director of Purchasing to approve the American Sun Control Estimate to install 3M Tinting on the DFD display case glass in the amount of $1360.00.
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.

 

MOTION 25M48 was made by RF and seconded by NS establishing the date of Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM for the NGFD Budget Hearing, immediately followed by the regular business meeting. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 25R54 was made by RF and seconded by BM, approving the purchase of the following items for DFD as presented:
DFD:
Stortz adapters $870.00
New Gas Meter $1050.00
EMT-B Course/Book FF Ramos $1207.00
Fire Prevention Materials $2606.50
AED Batteries and Pads $613.90
Total: $6347.40
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 25R55 was made by RF and seconded by BM, approving the purchase of the following WFD items as presented:
WFD:
Duty Crew Quarter 2 $618.69
Fire Prevention Supplies $2309.00
Total: $2927.69
Deputy Chairman Dan Garab requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
MOTION 25M49 was made by RM and seconded by RF authorizing RD to prepare the WFD R-42 scope of work to be sent to vendors. Motion carried.

MOTION 25M50 was made by DG and seconded by RF to approve the Truck 42 Request for Information to be sent out to vendors, subject to the review of Counsel. Motion carried.

MOTION 25M51 was made by BM and seconded by RM approving membership application, as presented. Motion carried.

MOTION 25M52 was made by RF and seconded by DG to adopt the Officer Qualifications Policy as presented. Motion carried.

MOTION 25M53 was made by RF and seconded by DG for the district as well as DFD and WFD to submit applications for the NYS Recruitment and Retention Grant. BM abstained. Motion carried.

MOTION 25M54 was made by RF seconded by RM to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 PM. Motion Carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sean Kerwin
Secretary/Treasurer

Motions: 45 – 54
Resolutions: 49 – 55

July Minute Draft

Published / by Secretary/Treasurer

North Greenbush Fire District No. 1
Minutes of the July 14, 2025 BOFC Monthly Meeting at DFD Deputy Chairman Brian McCrae called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence for all departed District Firefighters including past DFD member Robert J. Martel.

Commissioners Present: Nick Scifo (NS) via Zoom, Rich French (RF) via Zoom, Brian McCrae (BM), and Robert W. Miller, Jr (RM) attended. Dan Garab (DG) was absent.
Other District Staff: Secretary/Treasurer Sean Kerwin (SK), Director of Purchasing Robert Durivage (RD) and Deputy Director of Purchasing and Assistant Secretary Michael Lashmet (ML) were present. District Counsel Terry Hannigan (TH) was absent.

Public Session: None

MOTION 25M40 was made by BM and seconded by RM approving four WFD building use requests, as presented. Motion carried.
Approval of Prior Month’s Minutes:
MOTION 25M41 was made by NS and seconded by RF approving the June minutes, as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report for the period ending 6/30/2025:
RESOLUTION 25R44 was made by RM and seconded by NS to accept the Treasurer’s Report as of June 30, 2025 as presented.
Deputy Chairman Brian McCrae requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.

Approval of Current Month’s Invoices:
RESOLUTION 25R45 was made by BM and seconded by RF, authorizing the payments of invoices as presented for a total of $111,000.15 pending final audit and receipt of any necessary paperwork.
Deputy Chairman Brian McCrae requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 25R46 was made by RM, seconded by RF, to authorize the Deputy Chairman to sign the Agreement with CIC Lynn Kane for District EMS training.
Deputy Chairman Brian McCrae requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION 25R47 was made by NS, and seconded by RF, to authorize the Director of Purchasing RD to execute the estimate by 5 Star Property Services and Sealcoating LLC in the amount of $6900.00 for sealcoating and striping the WFD parking lot.
Deputy Chairman Brian McCrae requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
MOTION 25M42 was made by BM, and seconded by RM, approving the driver training application for Zachary Brimmer. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 25R48 was made by RM, and seconded by NS, approving the purchase of the following items:
WFD/DFD Purchase Requests (Recruitment)
Storage bags Pop-up Tents (WFD and DFD) $347.00
Insta 360 Camera w/ accessories (DFD) $433.96
Facebook / Instagram Marketing 6-months (DFD) $600.00
WFD/DFD Purchase Requests (Duty Crew Program)
DFD Q1 & Q2 Items $737.00
WFD Q2 Items $862.81
Grand Total: $2980.77
Deputy Chairman Brian McCrae requested a roll call vote: The Resolution passed unanimously.
MOTION 25M43 was made by RM and seconded by BM approving two membership applications, as presented. Motion carried.

PUBLIC SESSION –
None

MOTION 25M44 was made by NS seconded by RF to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 PM. Motion Carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sean Kerwin
Secretary/Treasurer