HomeMy WebLinkAboutJFMC March 5, 2026 FIRE MERIT COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA
Regular Meeting
City Council Chambers
March 5, 2026
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting for March 5, 2026, Fire Merit Commission was called to order by
Commissioner McCormick at 6:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted and those present were Commissioners Troy McCormick, Donovan Sims,
Sam Smith, Thomas Spalding and Missy Gibson-Scully.
COMMISSION STAFF:
Fire Merit Commission Counsel Zach Stewart, President Union Brad Tetley, Fire Chief Shawn Grant, Deputy Fire
Chief Jason Sharp and Stenographer Cindy Seifert
GUESTS:
Lance Beard, Rex Caldwell, Luke Collins, James Haven, Randy Hollis, Joe Hurt, TJ Kiesler, Alexander Knerr, Kevin
Michalak, Justin Raley, Marcus Renn, Joshua Shepherd-Thompson, John Smedal, Nicholas Stone, Rick VanGilder,
Kendal Wiley and Anne Langley
MINUTES: Commissioner Smith made the motion to approve the minutes from February 5, 2026, seconded by
Commissioner Sims, passes on a vote of 5-0.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Sims made the motion to approve the Agenda, seconded by
Commissioner Spalding, passes on a vote of 5-0.
CLAIMS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENT 2026-01: EXPERIENCED FIREFIGHTER LIST
Attorney Steward requested we re-open the public meeting for additional comments. Commissioner Smith made
the motion to re-open Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Gibson-Scully, passes on a vote of 5-0.
Joe Hurt, Lance Beard, James Haven, Rick VanGilder and Union President Tetley spoke in opposition to the
amendment. Deputy Chief Sharp spoke in favor of the amendment.
Chief Grant advised that there is still potential to expand department. He respects the comments given by the
members, but added that he needs this additional list to get seats filled quicker.
Commissioner McCormick stated that this topic was originally discussed due to the potential for adding 3 new
houses. A lot of research went into an option to get firefighters on trucks quicker.
Commissioner Gibson-Scully respectfully sees both sides to having two hiring lists. There is a responsibility to the
City of Jeffersonville to not be understaffed.
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Commissioner Smith stated that there were many discussions and this was pursued enough to go to council to
request the change to the rules. He respects the comments, but is still in favor of the two lists.
Commissioner Spalding stated that he understands both sides of the discussion.At the time talks began, we were
possibly gaining three houses, since that is not happening, we have time.
Commissions Sims has listened to the opposition of the members, as a firefighter withl3 years of experience, he
understands the need to get firefighters hired,trained and in seats.
Commissioner McCormick made the motion to close the Open Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Smith, passes
on a vote of 5-0.
Commissioner Sims made the motion to take a roll-call vote on approval of Amendment 2026-01, seconded by
Commissioner Smith, passes on a vote of 5-0. Roll-Call Vote McCormick—No, Spalding— No, Smith—Yes,Gibson-
Scully—Yes, and Sims— No, Amendment fails on a vote of 3-2.
Attorney Steward advised that while the Amendment was unsuccessful tonight,the matter can be revisited in the
future.
NEW BUSINESS:
IN RE THE MATTER OF DISCIPLINE OF PRIVATE ROLANDAN FINCH (SCHEDULING HEARING ON PREFERRED
CHARGES)
Attorney Stewart advised that the Commission needed to schedule a hearing on Preferred Charges for Rolandan
Finch. Commission selected March 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Commissioner McCormick made the motion to approve Attorney Stewart to acquire a Court Reporter for the
hearing, seconded by Commissioner Smith, passes on a vote of 5-0.
ATTORNEY REPORT: Attorney Stewart advised the Commission of the schedule for Applications and Promotions.
REPORT FROM LOCAL 558 UNION: No Report
REPORT ADMINISTRATION: Chief Grant advised that he appreciates the concerns expressed by staff regarding the
proposed Experienced Firefighter List. He encouraged the members to continue to bring concerns to him,that his
office is always open.
FIRE MERIT COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commissioner McCormick stated he appreciates the comments parties
for and against the Experienced Firefighter List.
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ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business before the Commission, Commissioner Gibson-Scully made the motion to ADJOURN,
seconded by Commissioner Sims, passes on a vote of 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 P.M.
APPROVE Y: zwi.../
Troy McCormick, President
Resp ctfully Submitted by:
Cind eifert, Stenographer
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