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What is going on in Queens is actually likely stepping back into the past when there were “pull boxes”.  A pulled box generated a 3&2 response with no information available, not even an address.  I know this is not where the Department is headed, but think about it.  Here we are in 2008 and we are reverting to 1968 dispatch policies in order to get adequate resources to the fire or emergency quickly.  This is not the cure for unacceptable response times; having adequate fire units in place is the cure.  There may be a downturn in the economy today, but these building projects were funded two and three years ago and they are going to be built and occupied.  Where is the fire protection to come from?

The UFOA sincerely hopes that this pilot dispatch policy is not expanded to the other boroughs, especially the densely populated areas.  We can only foresee confusion and more apparatus accidents with the increased amount of units in the streets.

The latest issue facing the UFOA and all of labor is the NYC Congestion Pricing Plan.  We are sure that everyone is aware of this plan and the monetary impact it will have on labor.  At this point, the UFOA is remaining neutral.  We are certainly not “enthusiastic” about the plan but there has been no dialogue regarding City workers whose job location is now inside the congestion zone.  There have been “furious” manipulations and “cloudy” agreements all around this plan and we hope to be part of this “process”.  The dynamics of our hours and assignments have been conveyed to the Mayor’s Office with the hope that the need for contingencies is recognized.  The plan needs approval from the NYS Legislature where much debate is expected.

There has been no new news regarding the taxability of the 1/60th disability pension and the ITHP.  I know that this is a HIGH topic of interest that will affect many Fire Officers and we will stay on top of it.  It will not become a “back burner” issue, however, I caution everyone’s optimism.

Mike Donovan, our Assistant Administrator in the FPP reports an increase in active members seeking retirement counseling.  This program has become everything I hoped it would be and Mike has been doing a great job coaching our members.  There are many important steps that we each need to take before we retire and we will make decisions that will have a perpetual effect on your pension.  If you are seriously considering retirement within the next year and a half, give Mike or Kevin Sullivan a call to schedule an appointment.

As soon as the tax season is over, our Accountants and Actuary will start constructing a ten-year Financial Plan for the UFOA.  This Plan will become the foundation of this union for decades to come and will ensure its financial future, coupled with our new dues structure.  Planning will become a question of “when” instead of “what if”!  I have stated it before; this union ‘s active population will probably remain the same but our retiree population will always grow and we must be prepared to deliver the services expected of us.