(A) The Board of Aldermen recognizes that historically the volunteer members of the Fire Department have organized into a group for the purpose of enhancing their capability as fire fighters and improving fire suppression services provided to the town. The Board of Aldermen recognizes the right of the volunteer members to organize into such a volunteer group known as the "Wrightsville Beach Volunteer Firefighters Association," (herein "WBVFA") provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to authorize any activities which are in violation of the restrictions of G.S. Ch. 95, Art. 12.
(B) (1) The responsibility for: (a) establishing recruitment policies for volunteer members; (b) selecting volunteer members consistent with existing town policies; (c) establishing and maintaining training and performance standards for volunteer members; (d) terminating participation by volunteer members in the Fire Department; and (e) managing and supervising the activities of volunteer members while participating as members of the Fire Department is given to the Town Manager acting through the Fire Chief.
(2) Prior to implementing changes to (a) recruitment and selection policies of volunteer members or (b) training and performance standards for volunteer members, the town will use its best efforts to consult with officers of the WBVFA regarding such matters; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall obligate the town to consult with WBVFA, and the town shall be and remain responsible for all such actions as they relate to volunteer members of the Fire Department. In the event WBVFA is dissatisfied with such changes in recruitment and selection policies of volunteer members or training and performance standards for volunteer members, it may request a meeting regarding such changes with the Fire Chief. If after meeting with the Fire Chief, WBVFA continues to be dissatisfied with such changes, it may request a meeting regarding those matters with the Town Manager. Any such request shall be in writing, shall specifically state the concerns of WBVFA and shall be signed by the President of WBVFA. The request shall be presented to the Fire Chief. Upon receipt of a request in proper form, the Fire Chief will forward such request to the Town Manager who will set a date and a time for a meeting to consider the concerns of WBVFA. Such meeting will be attended by town personnel as deemed appropriate by the Town Manager. Officers of WBVFA may attend but the meeting will not be open to the general membership of WBVFA. The Town Manager shall give a written response to the concerns of WBVFA following such meeting and the Manager's decision in such matter shall be final.
(C) WBVFA may use the fire station as a meeting place subject to rules and regulations and scheduling as approved by the Fire Chief.
(D) Because of the relationship between the Fire Department and WBVFA, there is the possibility that the general public may confuse the two organizations. The volunteer members of the Fire Department have historically solicited funds from members of the community. The town does not intend to restrict the ability of WBVFA to solicit funds on its own, but all such solicitations must clearly state that they are being made on behalf of WBVFA and no town funds may be used in conjunction with such solicitation efforts.
(E) (1) All equipment used by volunteer and paid members of the Fire Department shall be owned by the town. The town acknowledges that it has been the policy of the volunteer members of the Fire Department to purchase equipment for use by members of the Fire Department. The town acknowledges the debt that it owes to the volunteer Fire Department members for their efforts in obtaining equipment for the Fire Department. However, in order to eliminate any question regarding ownership of property used by members of the Fire Department, it is hereby declared that all such property is property of the town.
(2) All equipment purchased by WBVFA for use by the Fire Department shall be formally offered to the town and accepted by the Board of Aldermen. The Town Manager is hereby authorized to act as agent for the Board of Aldermen and to accept equipment purchased by WBVFA for use by the Fire Department and having a value of $500 or less.
(F) In the event WBVFA chooses to use some of its funds raised through solicitation or otherwise for the purpose of providing training for members of the Fire Department, both paid and volunteer, such funds shall only be utilized in a manner as approved by the Fire Chief. In no event shall there be a co-mingling of town funds with funds of WBVFA.
(G) The Town Manager is ultimately responsible for the operation of the Fire Department in a manner consistent with direction given by the Board of Aldermen. All members of the Fire Department, both paid and volunteer, shall be subject to rules and regulations regarding operation of the Fire Department as promulgated by the Town Manager and the Fire Chief.
(Ord. 1240, passed 8-25-94)