HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-1/20/2015COUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 20, 2015
4:20 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Cole (arrived at 4:25 p.m.), Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper. Absent:
Hart.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Motion
carried.
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant
Pat Treloar, Chief of Fire Services, reviewed the SAFER Grant criteria and the benefits to the
City of Waterloo. The Committee consisting of Chief Treloar, Battalion Chief Mike Moore,
Captain Bill Harter, John Eastman, Chris Ferguson, Bart Samuelson, reviewed the guidelines and
recommends application. The grant would fund 100% of salary and benefits for the hired
firefighter for two years. The Committee recommends asking for three positions to be funded.
Staffing levels cannot be reduced during that two year period.
Battalion Chief Moore explained the NFPA minimum standards.
Captain Harter explained the response time and the difference between the chute time and the
travel time. He explained the increase in travel time when out -of -territory responses are
necessary.
Mr. Welper questioned if there is any reason the City wouldn't qualify for the grant.
Chief Treloar explained that the City would qualify for the grant but may not be top priority.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if the grant has changed over the years.
Chief Treloar explained that the grant has evolved to a shorter period of time with no grant,
rather than having a City match for the last year of the grant.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if each state is awarded a percentage of the grant funds.
Chief Treloar explained that the grant is portioned out by the category they have applied for.
Cities with Layoffs are given top priority. There will be thousands of applications.
Mr. Lind asked for clarification of the difference between a fire truck and a paramedic response
time. He questioned if a fire truck always arrives with an ambulance.
Chief Treloar explained that NFPA standard for having a medic on board. Fire trucks respond to
medical calls to allow for staffing levels. The current staffing level is 105 firefighters.
Mr. Schmitt questioned how many firefighters are on disability.
Chief Treloar explained that the department is fully staffed and there is one firefighter on
disability and is expected back in four months.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:47 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Lik
Suzy Sch�res, CMC
City Clerk/Human Resources Director