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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120517 public safety minutes 1 Public Safety Committee Meeting Call to Order The May 17, 2012, Public Safety Committee meeting convened at 7:50 a.m. by Councilman Pope. Attendance Present: Committee Members: Councilman Bryan Pope, Councilman Bill Luebbert, Councilman Rick Prather, Councilman Rich Mihalevich, and Councilman Larry Henry. Guests: Councilman Bob Scrivner, Councilman Bob Weber, City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus, Fire Division Chief of Prevention Jason Turner on behalf of Fire Chief Bob Rennick, Police Captain Bob Cynova on behalf of Police Chief Roger Schroeder, City Counselor Drew Hilpert, President of Fire Fighters Union Phil McKee, and Assistant Fire Chief Lonnie Brandt Approval of Minutes Minutes from the April 19, 2012, committee meeting were approved. All voted in favor. Discussion of Agenda Items OLD BUSINESS Fire Department Improvement Plan (F.I.P.) Councilman Pope advised that the packets distributed by Division Chief Turner contained additional, updated information on the F.I.P. The spreadsheets included a proposed timeline for expenses. This meeting is for informational purposes only, and no votes would be taken. Division Chief Jason Turner and Assistant Fire Chief Lonnie Brandt presented information concerning six categories and discussed the needs and costs of each. Category 1 - Fire Suppression and Emergency Equipment: Air packs are the first priority for replacement. The packs are at least 15 years old, and the cylinders are 20-25 years old. The equipment is obsolete. Councilman Scrivner asked Division Chief Turner to provide a differentiation on the equipment list of items that are to be updated and those that are new. Category 2 - Firefighting and EMS Training: Assistant Fire Chief Brandt advised that the Summer Fire School will use the majority of the Fire Department’s training budget, leaving them approximately $2,000.00 for the remainder of the year. Category 3 - Apparatus Lease/Vehicle Replacement: Division Chief Turner stated the Fire Department is comfortable with the apparatus lease program. This costs $375,000 per year and includes three engines, two squad trucks and 2 ladder trucks. Questioned by Councilman 2 Scrivner regarding the cost of lease v. purchase, Division Chief Turner advised he could provide lease savings documentation. Category 4 - Property Tax Replacement: Assistant Fire Chief Brandt stated the previous Fire Department pension fund is fully funded. It consists of retirees only; current firefighters are enrolled in LAGERS. Category 5 - Station Replacement and Renovations: The Peckham & Wright study recommended the following: Remodel Station 1; replace stations 2 and 4; build a new Station 3 at the Cherry Creek location; and renovate and expand Station 5. Accommodat ions for female firefighters were discussed briefly, as well as the area coverage for the various stations. Category 6 - Operational Projects and Improvements: Division Chief Turner gave an overview of the fire department’s technology needs. In answer to Councilman Scrivner’s question as to the department’s services if the F.I.P tax does not pass, Division Chief Turner advised the department will continue to provide the same quality of service, although it will be a struggle to do so. Assistant Fire Chief Brandt stated the purpose of this proposed tax is to keep the firefighters safe and increase their chances of survival should a critical incident occur. Councilman Pope stated he wanted council members to have all of the available information. If anyone has questions pertaining to the information disseminated, they should call the appropriate department for answers and/or clarification. City Administrator Nickolaus expressed concern with respect to the 15-year sunset period. A short discussion followed. Councilman Pope stated that what is being asked of the City Council is to give the voters a chance to say in August how they want to support the Fire Department. He also advised that the tax money would be designated for the Fire Department only. This process will be a tool for future city councils to utilize, but are not required to continue. Fire station tours are scheduled for Friday, May 18th. Participants will meet at the Fire Administration building at 3:30 p.m. NEW BUSINESS None. OTHER BUSINESS None. Adjourn Councilman Mihalevich made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Prather provided the second. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m.