HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.14.2002 (3)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 14, 2002
8:30 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Hurley.
Members absent: Berry, Jordan, Getty.
Moved by Clark, seconded by Hurley that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Four.
Absent: Berry, Jordan, Getty. Motion carried.
The Fire Department Budget was reviewed. The department currently has 116 firefighters, with
two shifts of 37 and one shift of 36, and six civilian staff. The average number of firefighters
absent on any given day is seven. Engine #1 is placed out of service when the department is
understaffed. Staffing levels were reviewed. With the opening of Station #6, response time is
now under four minutes at any location 90 percent of the time. Ambulance service was
reviewed.
The purchase of the combined pumper and rescue unit was discussed. The combined unit was
purchased with the understanding that the number of members required on shift would be
reduced.
The number of retirements was reviewed.
The Fire Chief proposes filling two full time positions to eliminate $100,000 from the overtime
line item.
The department's three assistants have been replaced with three Battalion Chiefs. At one time,
there were six captains, and now three captain positions are funded. The department includes the
Fire Chief, Administrative Secretary, Medical Secretary, two Inspectors, Medical Officer and one
Training Officer.
The Fire Chief is requesting four new employees at a cost of $120,000, but the department would
spend $100,000 less for overtime.
The firefighter position at the Airport was discussed. Funding for the firefighters at the Airport
is provided by the Airport Budget. The proposal to staff the Airport firefighter positions with
Maintenance Workers was reviewed. The Fire Department would still be required to provide
back up service to the Airport. Discussion was heard on training for Maintenance Workers vs.
training of Firefighters.
The department is searching for grants to network the fire stations and do web base training.
Projected revenues were reviewed. FY02 revenues for inspection are lower than budgeted
because the proposed fee increase was not approved by the council. Proposed rental inspection
fees were discussed. Commercial inspections are on an annual basis, with the three engine
companies used for the inspections. There are approximately 2,500 commercial buildings and
800 inspections were completed last year.
The Fire Department is proposing an Annual Occupancy Fee similar to rental inspections.
Businesses would pay the fee up front every year, which would increase revenues $120,000 per
year.
28E Agreements with outside communities were discussed.
Clark now absent at 10:20 a.m.
Ambulance billings were reviewed. Medicare allows 80 percent of the bill. Medicare and
Medicaid are 55 percent of the ambulance calls, with private pay 17.6 percent, collection 17.4
percent and commercial 22.8 percent of the calls.
Council Work Session
February 14, 2002
Page 2
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The Haz Mat Center was reviewed. The Haz Mat Center is budgeted to be self-sustaining.
Revenues and expenses were reviewed. The goal of the Haz Mat Center is to raise more
revenues to hire an assistant.
The Fire Pals Program was reviewed. This program teaches elementary students fire protection.
The program includes a half time secretary and one staff member.
The Northeast Response Group was discussed. The city is paid fifty cents per capita for the
program. The fund pays for all training and equipment at the Haz Mat Center. Approximately
$84,800 is collected each year.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk