08-25-04 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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CommittEE SW2ott of tgz /� �E.TIorinz an Jlnanez eommittEE of ti2E BEr2c1 eom1no,z eoune Chief Nowicki stated that a training facility is essential. As the Chief of Instruction one of his immediate goals is to have enough training so that every firefighter is at least at an Officer II level. With the new central fire station they will be able to have the fire recruit school in that building. He sees the top need in the department being a quality training facility. Chief Buchanon agreed that there is an urgent need for a training facility. He noted that they are looking for grants; as well as looking into charging for re-inspections and suppression tests. He believes that citizen fire academies are also positive. Chief Metzger noted that he recently replaced Chief Lopez as Chief of Special Operations which include the haz mat team, swift water rescue and tactical rescue. He noted that in light of threats of WMD the need for training cannot be over-emphasized. In light of the new equipment which is coming in from the Homeland Security funds, training on that will be necessary not only for firefighters but for the bomb squad, SWAT, evidence collection, etc. He noted that training must be more inter-departmental. Chief Switalski noted that at the September 13th Council meeting there is an appropriation ordinance for SEMA funds Council Member Kirsits noted that Mishawaka and St. Louis are just two of the growing number of cities which have already gone to equipment at least their ambulance personnel with bullet proof vests. He stated that unfortunately it is becoming a sign of the times. Costs range from $750 to $1,000 per jacket. Council Member Kirsits stated that perhaps bullet proof vests could be paid out of the false alarm revenues. Council Member Kelly stated that "safety is foremost" and he believes that it is a good idea to explore. Chief Switalski stated that it is"something we can look at". Dr. Varner stated that if the vests are purchased that there use should be mandatory, noting that when they were first purchased in the police department that there use was optional. Chief Switalski stated that usage should be based on all firefighters on an apparatus, noting that there are three (3) firefighters on an engine company and two (2) firefighters on a medic unit. EMS Capital (Fund#288) $1,404,800 2005 revenue $527,867 2005 expenditures Chief Switalski noted that this fund was established by the Common Council in the mid 1980's. It has been great in funding equipment needs and station repairs. EMS revenues are being projected at $1,400,000 which is a conservative figure. A question as to why there was no amount listed for"interest on investments". Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of August 25,2004 Page 6