08-21-00 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee August 21,2000 Page 3 numbers have been included for services provided to old fire station # 10 which is now # 13 as well as new fire station # 10. He noted that he will be meeting later this week with the County Commissioners regarding the St. Joseph County EMS contract which has a projected revenue amount to the General Fund of$ 1,577,724 for 2000 as opposed to the $ 1,471,828 listed on the summary sheet. $400,000 will be transferred to the Pension Fund to cover a projected deficiency in 2001. The proposed research and development position may be proposed if the Fire Bill in Congress is passed, or the department may use outside services for the grant writing proposal. If the bill becomes law, fire departments will have the opportunity to submit for grant funds. The fire department will be attending meetings in Fort Wayne on September 23rd and 24th on this topic and will keep the Council updated on the status of the Fire Bill. Such federal funds may be used for the proposed training facility, training and equipment. Council Member Aranowski noted that $ 12,000 is budgeted for furniture and small equipment needs in each of the fire stations. He noted that the amount represents $ 50 being budgeted for each firefighter. Inequities are evident since single houses get$450 whereas Central gets$3,000;however the Local#362 wage team were not receptive to changing current policy. Council Member Aranowski suggested that the thermal imagers be phased in with further discussions taking place when the capital budget is discussed. Council Member Kelly stated that he wants a first-class fire training center for the department. He noted that this would be further addressed in the capital budget, but believes that it must again be stressed now. Council Member Kelly inquired what the projected cost would be. Asst. Chief Switalski stated the 1997 Cole Associates study projected a cost of$ 1.2 millon dollars without the land cost being factored. Council President Pfeifer agreed with Council Member Kelly that the City should set the Fire Department Training Center as a top priority. She requested regular updates from the fire department on this project so that the Council could have ongoing input. Asst. Chief Switalski further noted that they have been working with John Schalliol for the South Bend Regional Airport regarding land which is adjacent to the US 31 Bypass near Blackthorn. Asst. Chief Quinn noted that they are working with the FAA and are pursuing access off of Mayflower Road. It was noted that water, smoke and noise concerns in light of the type of training facility which is need must all be properly addressed. It was also noted that the Fire Department is working with Bob Case of Community Development on a total of three (3) current sites. Council Member Kelly requested a summary of the efforts made to date on the proposed Fire Department Training Center as well as the proposed schedule of activities for the rest of this year, so that the Council will be prepared when it reviews the capital budget early next year. Citizen Member Isabelle Gonzalez suggested that perhaps such a training center could be shared with the Public Works Department since such training as confined space is needed for both departments. Asst. Chief Switalski stated that it is the department's hope that the training center would be regional in nature. Council President Pfeifer inquired as to the amount of space which would be necessary for both fire and police to properly administrate all of their various