CCFD Board Forms Committees, Plans For Budget Workshops

Members of the newly-elected Central Coventry Fire District Board of Directors wasted no time scheduling meetings, forming committees and prioritizing goals for the foundering fire district following their official swearing-in at Providence Superior Court on July 2. 

Thus far, the 7-member Board has held four public meetings; July 3, 5, 12 and most recently Monday evening, July 15, to begin formulating a plan of action to address the various factors that ultimately led to the near-liquidation of the fire district. 

On July 12, the Board appointed its officers, electing Fred Gralinski as President and Marie Baker as Vice President. Three committees were also formed, including an Equipment Review Committee led by Chairperson Daniel Lantz; an Alternate Plan Committee to analyze existing systems and possible improvements, led by

hich included discussion with and recommendations by Chief Andrew Baynes and Local 3372 Union President David Gorman regarding Special Master Land's proposal to return the apparatus to leasing company, Oshkosh Capital, following the district's failure to make its annual payment of $97,000. Members of the committee that arranged for the vehicle's purchase in 2009 were also present to provide feedback with regards to events that led to the purchase initially. Three days later, at their July 15 meeting, Board members voted unanimously in favor of returning the ladder truck (vote count was 6-0, as President Fred Gralinski votes only in the event of a tie). According to Vice President Marie Baker, the decision was made "with much regret", but was based on both the current financial status of the district, as well as recommendations from Chief Baynes.

Also on Monday, the Financial Committee shared its progress of hydrant and lighting cost research, stating that it continues to work with both Kent County Water Authority and National Grid to find cost-savings.

In addition, Board members announced their plans to hold a number of budget workshops in order to produce a realistic operating budget and establish fire tax rates that are feasible for both residential and commercial taxpayers of the district. The first work session is expected to take place next week, however exact times, dates and locations of sessions will be published on Coventry Patch, in addition to the Secretary of State and CCFD websites as soon as they are confirmed.