HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.13.2000 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESS1•
November 13, 2000
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Berry, seconded by Getty that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Fire Chief Frank Magsamen reviewed an Automatic Mutual Aid Agreement between neighboring
cities. Chief Magsamen recommended that the agreement be limited to residential and
commercial structural fire calls in cities adjourning Waterloo. The Fire Chief would establish
guidelines and procedures regarding radio communications with the dispatchers in responding to
calls. Chief Magsamen reported that more communities are going to this type of agreement, with
the cities of Ankeny and Des Moines already using mutual aid agreements. Chief Magsamen
stated that the Black Hawk County Fire Association has reviewed and approved the mutual aid
agreement. Chief Magsamen recommended that the city seek an agreement with the City of
Cedar Falls. Waterloo could wait until the surrounding city councils approve the agreement, or
be the lead city. The mutual aid agreement would replace 28E Agreements currently in effect.
The extra cost would be fuel and any damage to equipment.
Councilperson Getty stated that he has a problem with entering into this type of agreement.
Councilperson Getty asked what incentives would the other cities have to respond when they
know Waterloo personnel will automatically respond to calls. Councilperson Getty stated that we
have good equipment and personnel, and he is concerned the other cities will not respond to the
calls.
Chief Magsamen stated that he does not believe the other cities will rely on Waterloo any more
than they currently do. Chief Magsamen stated he is not suggesting that we would be first on the
scene, but this agreement would reduce our response time. Chief Magsamen stated that if our
truck was outside our zone, it could increase our response time for Waterloo fire calls, but he
believes the agreement will have a minuscule effect on response time for our city.
Councilperson Jordan asked if the agreement could cause Waterloo to be unprotected. Chief
Magsamen stated that if our personnel were at a call at another city, it could change our response
time for our calls. Chief Magsamen stated he does not believe the agreement will increase our
labor costs, but it could increase calls to the Dispatch Center. We would include the cities of
Evansdale, Hudson, Cedar Falls, Gilbertville, Dunkerton, Janesville and Denver. Chief Magsamen
noted that if cities have a good working relationship this should enhance sharing of equipment.
Councilperson Anders commented that he would be in favor of signing an agreement of intent,
and then the Mutual Aid Agreement if we receive 100 percent involvement. Councilperson Berry
stated if just three cities agree, that is 100 percent involvement.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Berry that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:23 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk