08-28-01 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee August 28, 2001 Page 3 It was noted that the EMS Task Force has had its second meeting which is addressing the topic of the growing shortage of paramedics. A report should be ready from the EMS Task Force within six (6) months. It was noted that the Task is made up of three (3) paramedics, Mayor Luecke, Assistant Chief Switalski, one (1) doctor from each hospital, one (1) County Commissioner, the President of the Firefighters Union, and two (2) other individuals. Council President Pfeifer requested copies of the minutes from the EMS Task Force for the Council. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that the next EMS Task Force meeting will take place on September 7th at 11 am. The Council Attorney inquired whether the Fire Administration had been given a copy of the letter which Leon Stein gave to the Council on Monday, prior to that meeting, or if they had discussed any of these concerns raised by the Union. The Chiefs noted that limited discussion has taken place. Assistant Chief Switalski noted that a grant will assist the Fire Department partment in purchasing thermal imaging cameras. Two(2) are proposed in the budget. There will be a total of four(4) with each quint having one. The hand-held version is more versatile and has a larger screen. The cost per camera has gone from $ 25,000 to$ 16,000. It was also noted that Spanish classes will start in September at Fire Stations#4, #5, and#6 for eighteen(18) firefighters who have volunteered for these classes. 2002 EMS Capital Budget (Fund # 288) 2001 Budget: $ 1,043,900 2002 Budget: $ 736,967 Assistant Chief Switalski noted that 2002 will be a leaner year. A fund transfer may be needed before the end of the year in order to balance this account. The Council Attorney noted that Council Member Ujdak has expressed a desire to hold a joint meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and Dr. Varner's Public Works and Property Vacation Committee to receive an update on the fire/police facilities expansion and remodeling project. Chief Taylor noted that he would also like to provide an update on Station # 2 after this .Friday's meeting. g Council President Pfeifer questioned which side of the river the new Station #2 would be located and Chief Taylor stated that various areas are still under consideration and that the consultants are looking at each location. Council Member Kelly noted that Fire Station#9 was built in 1926 and urged that something has to be done to address his increasing concerns about that fire station. Chief Taylor noted that he brings those concerns up each year. Sgt. Paul Niezgodski and Assistant Chief Switalski then reviewed the fire and police pensions. Tom Skarbek noted that SEA 260 guarantees that the State of Indiana will pay fifty percent(50 %)