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number of manpower, this would be impossible to do at the present time. It was noted that Rick Switalski is in the Communication Center quite a bit. Councilman Duda suggested considering recently retired Firefighters as volunteers in the Communication Center. In response to a question raised by Councilman Luecke, it was noted that currently there are 211 men in the Fire Department. There were 221 budgeted in the 1988 Fire Department and EMS budget. Three to four more retirements are expected this year with 18 projected for 1989. There were 16 retirements last year. 78 firefighters are eligible to retire this year and there will be 97 firefighters eligible to retire in 1989. Chief Taylor noted that fires are down City wide and that much of this can be credited to the Fire Prevention Bureau especially with regard to commercial fires. It was noted that Fire Station Numbers 6 and 11 could accomodate women firefighters. In the past women who have attempted to get on to the Fire Department have not passed the agility test. Councilman Voorde noted that the Labor-Management Committee would be looking into overall physical fitness programs. Chief Taylor also noted that various mutual aid agreements are in effect with surrounding communities. Currently the Haz-Mat Team has a specific cost structure in effect because of the extraordinary costs associated with such a program. Emergency Medical Services Page 1.A. 020-21 $645,932. 00 requested 1989 budget 32.9% Rick Switalski then reviewed this budget. It was noted that much of the equipment repair is done in-house and have resulted in considerable monetary savings to the City. It was also noted that four firefighters have been transferred to the EMS Department thus accounting for the considerable percentage increase. It was again noted that the third ambulance will be in service by September 1st of this year. It was noted that the City's rates for EMS services are comparable with Medicare rates with the average bill being approximately $200.00 for BLS (Basic Life Support) . It was also noted that $52,000.00 in Line Item 427 entitled "Motor Equipment" was for the new ambulance. In response to a question raised by Councilman Slavinskas, it was noted that there was a very good "exchange program" 2