HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Fire Commissioners Minutes 05.13.26
Please contact Board Secretary if you cannot attend the meeting or need accommodations at
(517) 483 - 4200 or LFDadmin@lansingmi.gov
CITY OF LANSING | FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
120 E. SHIAWASSEE ST. | LANSING MI 48933
517-483-4200
LANSINGMI.GOV/FIRE
1. Call to Order – Establish Quorum
May 13, 2026
5:30 PM
1.1. Present
Barbara Lawrence
Jerrod LaRue
Michael Lynn
Gina Nelson
Steve Purchase
Jon Scott
Charles Willis
Krishna Singh
Attorney’s Office
Sunny Miller
Brandon Waddel
Guest
Assistant Chief David Odom
Chief Jawan Randall
Chief Lisa Koenigsknecht
Human Resource
Elizabeth O’Leary
1.2. Absent
N/A
2. Additions to Agenda
None
3. Approval of Minutes
3.1. April Meeting – April. 8th
Commissioner Krishna Singh made the motion to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Jerrod LaRue
seconded the motion.
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13TH 2026 | 5:30 PM |
MAINTENANCE AND ALARM DIVISION|3708 PLEASANT GROVE RD. | LANSING MI
Fire Commissioners
1st Ward Barbara Lawrence, Chair
2nd Ward Jerrod LaRue
3rd Ward Michael Lynn
4th Ward Gina Nelson
At Large Steve Purchase
At Large Jon Scott
At Large Charles Willis
At Large Krishna Singh, Vice Chair
Please contact Board Secretary if you cannot attend the meeting or need accommodations at
(517) 483 - 4200 or LFDadmin@lansingmi.gov
4. Public Comment – Agenda Items (time limit: 3 minutes)
No public comments were offered.
5. Review Communications
No communications were received.
6. Comments from Chair
• Attended the graduation ceremony for the newest fire recruits. She praised the professionalism, the
training division, and the way the ceremony embraced the recruits’ families.
• Reminded commissioners of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day Ceremony on May 23 at 11:00
AM.
• Expressed appreciation for the operational staff and the value of their work
7. Presentations
Chief Randall presented the Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) logistics update,
including:
• Oversight of all equipment, apparatus, EMS supplies, and station needs.
• Use of PS Tracks for asset tracking and compliance.
• Two major purchases:
o New compressors for Stations 8, 9, and the Training Tower (expected 30-year lifespan).
o Transition from hydraulic extrication tools to battery-powered tools.
• Sole-source purchasing requirements and vendor relationships.
• Background on his 26-year career, education, and family.
Commissioners asked questions regarding:
• Commissioner Michael Lynn asked whether a policy exists regarding the use of personal thermal
imaging cameras. If no policy is currently in place, he requested that the department begin
developing one for future Board review.
• Equipment tracking
• Warranty issues
• Policy vs. operations boundaries
• Gear replacement cycles
• PFAS-free gear
Please contact Board Secretary if you cannot attend the meeting or need accommodations at
(517) 483 - 4200 or LFDadmin@lansingmi.gov
• Hot water project with BWL
• Stryker contract funding
• Training tower revenue potential
8. Fire Administration Report
• A new firefighter is scheduled to begin next week; two candidates declined offers, and the
department is continuing down the eligibility list, including water-rescue-qualified applicants.
• A captain from the Fire Marshal Division is currently serving a 20-day trial assignment for an open
captain position.
• The Assistant Chief hiring process is nearing completion, with a strong pool of candidates
interviewed
9. Old Business
• Commissioners continued reviewing SOPs and administrative policies for clarity and
understanding.
• SOP 309 (Operational) was identified for additional review.
• Commissioners emphasized the need to understand tactical expectations while staying within the
Board’s advisory role.
10. New Business
• Request to place retention and 2025 planning review on next month’s agenda; data to be
emailed prior to the meeting.
• Commissioner Michael Lynn requested that an updated diversity report be added to next
month’s agenda. The last report was completed in 2022, and updated demographic data should
be provided for Board review.
• Discussion on diversity reporting and challenges obtaining accurate demographic data; HR may
assist.
• Policy review is progressing; items not applicable should be returned to the Board.
• Officer elections scheduled for July; annual report preparation noted.
• Commissioner Steve Purchase announced they will be absent in June.
11. Requests for Commissioners to be Excused
No requests were made.
12. Commissioner Comments
• Commissioners discussed retention, diversity, and cultural challenges within the department.
• Recognition of ongoing recruitment efforts and cadet program contributions.
• Appreciation expressed for administrative progress and leadership efforts.
13. Public Comment (on any matter – speakers must state their name and address; time limit 3 minutes)
Please contact Board Secretary if you cannot attend the meeting or need accommodations at
(517) 483 - 4200 or LFDadmin@lansingmi.gov
Chief Lisa Koenigsknecht offered a brief comment, stating that the department is doing its best to reach
the community through ongoing outreach and engagement efforts.
14. General Order
None
15. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.