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• <br /> Personnel and Finance Committee <br /> August 21,2000 <br /> Page 5 <br /> Council President Pfeifer agreed with the concerns raised by Ms. Gonzalez <br /> and suggested that the Fire Department look into budgeting for 2001 the <br /> necessary funds for instruction in light of the changing demographics of the City. • <br /> She noted that the cost to the City for not having it may prove to be much higher. <br /> Council Member King suggested that there are many quality self-study <br /> courses which the firefighters may be able to use on duty. He suggested that <br /> both tapes and computer programs be considered in light of the concerns raised. <br /> Council Member Aranowski suggested that perhaps language programs <br /> could be phased in with the Fire Department initially focusing on those fire <br /> stations that respond to areas of the city where there may be language concerns. <br /> He noted that when he road last night with the Police Department that a translator was needed and <br /> that this is a real concern. <br /> The Council Attorney inquired as to where funds were budgeted for ongoing drug/alcohol <br /> testing for management personnel in light of the threshold levels being changed as a result of <br /> contract negotiations. Asst. Chief Switalski stated that they would work with Madison Center and <br /> did not believe that additional funds would be needed for such ongoing training. He noted that the <br /> new drug levels with be consistent with DOT regulations which he believes are in the best interest <br /> of the department and public safety in general. <br /> Council President Pfeifer noted that so often wonderful ideas and <br /> suggestions are proposed during the budget review process but that the Council <br /> often times receives no formal update on them. She suggested that a written <br /> report be provided. Asst. Chief Switalski stated that the Fire Department would <br /> be happy to update the Council on a regular basis. <br /> Council Member Aranowski thanked the Assistant Chiefs for their presentation. <br /> E.M.S. CAPITAL (FUND # 288) <br /> 2000 Total Expense Projection: $1,191,169 2001 Total Expense Projection: TBD in Feb. <br /> 2001 Projected Revenue: $952,500 2001 Projected Revenue:$961,500 <br /> Assistant Chief Richard Switalski stated that various lease purchases are covered by this <br /> fund. Quint 7 will be done later this December then Quint 6 will be sent. In 2001 the Fire <br /> Department is looking at purchasing a pumper for Station # 9. In 2002 the Fire Department is <br /> looking at purchasing an aerial truck which is needed in light of the 1981 snorkel which is in <br /> reserve. In February the thermal imagers will be discussed; currently the department has two (2). <br /> They are currently reviewing hand-held vs. helmet type thermal imagers. <br /> In response to a question from Dr. Varner, it was noted that EMS has a collection rate of <br /> 73%. Asst. Chief Switalski noted that the department is closely following Elkhart and their EMS <br /> rate proposals in light of the changing Medicare regulations regarding "approved rates". Forty <br /> percent(40%)of the charges are Medicare related. <br /> Asst. Chief Switalski noted that there have been changes in the hiring procedures as noted <br />