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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-89 Public Safety (tnmmltttr arpnrt PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE alp tile Mamnwn Mundt of tip elttj_at enutll Erns: The May 22, 1989 meeting of the Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Vice Chair Person Council Member John Voorde at 3 :50 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Puzzello, Zakrzewski, Niezgodski, Slavinskas, Voorde, Duda, Coleman, and later Council Member Soderberg joined the meeting; John Leisenring, Rick Switalski, Dan Marocha, Fire Chief Taylor, James Wensits, members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Voorde noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Bill No. 36-89 which would appropriate $75, 095. 00 from the Emergency Medical Services Capital Improvement Fund to defray fire department expenses. Chief Taylor noted that in 1989, the budget for the 400 accounts was eliminated. He then briefly reviewed the proposed appropriate of $75, 095. 00. He noted that a mobile radio as well as monitor would be involved, a lease purchase payment of $18, 450. 00 on Rescue I would be involved, a lease purchase payment on Medic III in the amount of $13, 645, 00, $5,200 for Station 7 (Portage Avenue) for bathroom remodeling, and $10, 000. 00 for the repair of the Quint-Ten. Chief Taylor stated that none of the money was coming from the tax base rather it was coming from the Capital Improvement Fund. He noted that the original company which built the aerial (Peter-Piersch) of Konosha, Wisconsin had gone out of business, however, the successor company has retained the name. The Chief believes that the $10, 000. 00 amount is a small price to pay for repair of this equipment. It was noted that once it is back in service that the snorkel would be put into reserve. It was noted that the Quint-Ten was purchased in late 1983 . All of the other Quints were purchased from Pierce and the firefighters feel comfortable with working on the equipment. Council Member Slavinskas voiced concerns with regard to the growing annexations in the southeast and developments such as Irish Hills, etc. He questions the utilization of equipment in Station 10. Chief Taylor noted that equipment is based on the number of runs and that the statistics do not justify the increased equipment at Station 10 at the present time. The Chief did note, however, that the re- evaluations would be ongoing. He further noted that with the assistance of the Labor/Management Committee that such need would be reviewed. Council Member Slavinskas also / questioned whether the City has looked into a system that Elkhart is using where firefighters can actually change with a devise the stop lights during emergencies. The Chief stated that he would look into this from a cost perspective and safety perspective. Council Member Voorde stated that during the 1988 fire negotiations it was made clear that the City has adequate equipment with the issue basically being one of personnel. He stated that the Labor Management Committee would be meeting in its formal second meeting in the very near future. Chief Taylor noted that Jack Bland and three firefighters make a part of the committee which he believes is a good idea and is looking for positive recommendations. Following further discussion Council Member Puzzello made a motion seconded by Council Member Niezgodski that Bill No. 36-89 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned at 4 : 10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member John Voorde, Vice Chair Person Public Safety Committee JV:srk