02-07-00 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Health and Public Safety Committee February 7, 2000 Page 5 as a chief factor that would be affected by prioritizing this need. The current classroom has room for 25 persons and is overused. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that nine(9)recruits were sworn in today but had to go to Fire Station #10 because space was not available at Central. In light of the growing IOSHA AND OSHA training requirements the need for training will only increase. He noted that a separate training facility was a paramount need. Battalion Chief Randy Magalinski noted that firefighters and paramedics need to develop and maintain their skill levels on an ongoing basis. Rescue skills, life-saving skills, etc were cited as just some of the critical training that must take place. He noted that several other cities send their firefighters her for training and would continue to do so. Additional revenue may come to the city if this need is addressed properly. Assistant Chief Switalski then reviewed the five-page handout (copy attached) addressing the capital improvement program for the fire department. He noted that in light of the Walmart annexation that the need for renovating old Fire Station # 10 and additional personnel not reflected in the Fiscal Plan for that area will be necessary. The Fire Department has asked the Mayor to permit' Cole Associates to update the fire study conducted five(5)years ago. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that a top priority for this year will be the wage/benefit negotiations with Local Union #362. A new vice-president will be elected tonight. Leon Stein as President of the Union is permitted by the by-laws to sit at the table during negotiations. He noted that currently an increase of$ 1.00 on the base salary for the firefighter 1st class results in a cost of$ 131.00 on the pension base to the City. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that under the Nemeth Administration in 1976 the patronage system was abandoned and a merit hiring plan was implemented. The International Firefighters Association has endorsed the use of a new "physical ability test" on a pass/fail basis which has been approved by the Department of Justice. Currently the city uses a system of 50% written testing and 50% agility testing. The department is looking at material from Phoenix and Toledo. The new program will be implemented in June of this year. The new testing should assist the city in attracting qualified female candidates to the Fire Department. Assistant Chief Quinn stated that the department wants to avoid favoritism and therefore believes that the merit system should continue. Council Member Aranowski voiced support for continuing the merit system. Battalion Chief Magalinski reviewed the ambulance responses in the districts. They are attempting to reduce the response times. Station sizes are restricting the location of ambulances. A 7-8 minute response in the south end of the city is currently being reviewed. He believes that the AVL(available vehicle locator) computer system will assist in reducing response times. He noted that the City can refurbish three (3) quints for the price of purchasing one(1) new one. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the pension base discrepancy between the police and fire departments will be a hot issue during this year's negotiations.