HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.27.2002• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 27, 2002
4:00 p.m.
First Floor Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Berry.
Members absent: Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed be approved. Ayes:
Five. Absent: Berry, Getty. Motion carried.
Fire Chief Ned DeBerg reported that the fee for ambulance service for outside areas is $75,
unless the patient is carried in the city's ambulance then it is $375 plus the cost of supplies used.
The $75 covers the average time, with no overhead included. The ASL base rate fee is $275 to
$375. These rates were increased last year.
Chief DeBerg reviewed 28E Agreements with Cedar Township, East Waterloo Township, and
Elk Run Heights. Chief DeBerg commented that the city is able to provide better services as we
have six locations, with 116 firefighters, while Covenant has one location.
The NFPA guidelines require that the first engine be at the scene within four minutes. Four
firefighters are needed to start working on the fire as a fire doubles every 20 to 30 seconds. The
National Institute of Health Science says BFL should respond in 3 to 4 minutes and ASL respond
in 6 to 8 minutes.
Chief DeBerg stated that fire trucks respond to auto accidents to protect the patients and protect
and assist EMS staff. The fire trucks are used during inspections because all engine companies
are grouped with their vehicles. Inspection fees do not currently cover cost of inspections.
Inspections allow the firefighters to familiarize themselves with the buildings in the city.
Chief DeBerg stated that commercial businesses are charged for services when the Fire
Department is called back. Persons convicted of arson can be billed for the department's
services. Currently, the charge is $25 per hour.
Discussion was heard on the firefighters stationed at the airport. The Fire Department would like
to send someone for training on how to respond to airport emergencies, and the Waterloo Airport
Board believes staff from the airport should attend the training, who would then train each
maintenance person at the airport.
Berry now present at 5:10 p.m.
Mayor Rooff suggested that the city look at making the Airport Board autonomous, and let them
levy for their own operations. The Airport Board would have to be financially responsible.
Could create an authority with surrounding cities contributing to operating costs. Mayor Rooff
suggested looking at creating an Aviation Authority, with the power to levy. It was the
consensus of the council to review establishing an airport with their own taxing authority, and
pull them out of the General Fund. The council would still approve appointments to the board,
but would give them the authority to operate the airport and set the levy.
Mayor Rooff suggested the city ask the hospitals and nursing homes for contributions to help pay
for public safety, etc. Mayor Rooff will investigate how the city of Rochester, Minnesota is
doing this.
Chief DeBerg reviewed his proposed self -inspection program for rental property. Everyone
would pay an annual fee up front. The Fire Department would review the self -inspection forms,
inspect complaints and do spot inspections.
Discussion was heard on hiring retired firefighters for the inspection programs.
Councilperson Jordan now absent at 5:45 p.m.
Council Work Session •
February 27, 2002
Page 2
Chief DeBerg discussed increasing the cost for supplies used on ambulance calls 25 percent,
which would raise $25,000 revenue per year.
The following rates were discussed:
Commercial
Rental
Ambulance
$88,000 proposed for FY03
$82,000 additional with proposed rate increase
$50,000 proposed for FY03
$25,000 additional with proposed self -inspection
$20,000
Net new revenue is approximately $140,000
Discussion was heard on Consolidated Dispatch, which has increased $100,000 for FY03. All
public safety departments in Black Hawk County belong to Consolidated Dispatch, and each
agency is charged strictly by calls for service.
The 911 System was reviewed. Everyone is charge 98 cents per month, and the funds are used to
purchase radios, computer software and hardware.
Mayor Rooff recapped that the following items that have been reviewed: increasing golf fees,
parking ramps and lot fees, $200,000 bonding for sick leave retirements, reviewing the airport,
hospitals and Hawkeye Community College. Sale of any property should be put into the General
Fund.
Items left to discuss include: sanitation fees, layoffs and the Road Use Tax.
Mayor Rooff will form a group of accountants to look at the proposed FY03 Budget and make a
recommendation to the council on Monday.
Discussion was heard on the Mayor's Youth Initiative Program.
Discussed requiring the Waterloo School System to purchase Waterloo Water Works property
rather than the city donating the property to the schools.
Councilperson Hurley would like to look at the contingency fund and removing the lobbyist's
costs.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Greenwood that
the meeting be adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Getty, Jordan. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk