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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-95 Personnel & Finance . r tommfttet Z*port: Personnel and Finance Committee Z0 trjt Common Council to of tfj* QC f ti of §outb Oltnb: The September 6, 1995 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was reconvened at 4:05 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room, by Committee Chairperson, Council Member Steve Luecke. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Kelly, Zakrzewski, Duda, Ladewski, Puzzello, Coleman, and Luecke; Jeff Rinard, Citizen Member Cathy Romer, Chief Luther Taylor,Assistant Chief Rick Switalski,Tom Scarbek and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand. Council Member Luecke introduced Citizen Member, Cathy Romer to the Fire Departments Administrative Staff. Council Member Luecke noted that there is a potential for additional meetings to be held on September 19, and September 21, 1995 with Council Member Kelly noting that he had a conflict. Fire Department: 1995 Budget = $8,532,150.00 1996 Budget= $9,090,364.00 (requested) Fire Chief Luther Taylor noted that his department followed the guidelines in the preparation of the first performance based budget for the Fire Department. Handouts were then provided to the Committee Members (copy attached). It was noted that the new structure has a lot of merit and should enhance the overall budget process. Assistant Chief Switalski and Chief Taylor then reviewed the various material provided. It was noted that the major change is an upgrade in the organizational chart where a Captain would be upgraded to a Battalion Chief. It was also noted that there will be three less Captains and that an upgrade is requested for an Auditor and a Secretary III. The Department objectives were then reviewed and significant changes were pointed out through the use of exhibits. To date it was noted that there have been 10 retirements and 2 resignations. The average age of the Department is currently 35 approximately, and that 112 Firefighters could retire, with 53 being eligible for benefits. Currently the Department is 2 positions short. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello it was noted that 4 women were unable to pass the agility test. One failed by 20 seconds. It was suggested by Council Member Luecke that perhaps preparation courses be utilized. Council Member Duda voiced concern with regard to the fairness in not having minimum standards for current Firefighters in retesting. The Police Chief noted along with the Council Attorney that the annual physicals have been a step in the right direction toward an overall wellness program which has been the topic of discussion in the last 2 wage negotiation programs. The chief noted that three Firefighters have been advised of disabilities in light of the annual physicals since that program was instituted. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 1995 Page 2 Council President Ladewski suggested checking with other communities as to how they recruit women and in particular Ft. Wayne. Council Member Luecke made that a specific request of the Chief and requested that they report back to the Committee. In response to a question raised by Council Member Zakrzewski,regarding the new ambulance it was noted that 6 additional people would be added in order to staff the ambulance with prorated salaries for 1995 which would be in the EMS budget.A handout (copy attached) dated August 29, 1995 was previously provided to the Council on this topic. In response to a question raised by Council Member Zakrzewski Mr. Rinard noted that the non-bargaining Ordinance was filed by title only today. The numbers reflected in the proposed budget reflect a 3%increase for non-bargaining personnel. It was noted that in#10-04 there is an increase of$70, 000.00 for training and an additional $70,000.00 for overtime approved by the City Controller. In response to a question raised by Council member Luecke it took approximately 3 months to replace retired Firefighters and that additional costs were incurred due to DTY; Vacations, Holidays, Rookie Schools, and Confined Space School. To date there have been 357 Neonatal runs with a 94% collection on such runs. The overall cost of confined space training was $30,000.00 which should be a one time cost for training.Additional costs were involved with regard to special equipment and related items. In response to a question raised by Council President Ladewski, Assistant Chief Switalski noted that there are over 200 Firefighters and Police officers under the PERF program requiring a 21% match from the City. He noted that pension relief is being lowered at the same time. A request was made for copies of the quarterly labor/management meetings to be provided to the entire and the Council Attorney. In response to a question raised by Council President Ladewski it was noted that the Confined Space Team is not presently in the position to contract out. Chief Taylor noted that HAZMAT spillers are required to pay under the law however there is not a similar guarantee for payment with regard to confined space situations. He note that the City of Indianapolis had stayed out of the contractual area entirely. The Chief noted that approximately$100,000.00 has been paid to date by the City for training, equipment, etc. It was noted that in the past the Kiwanis Club has donated smoke detectors for installation for the elderly. Under the Good Neighborhoods Program there will 500 available for installation again targeting the elderly community. It was noted that currently the inspection cost to the City is not being charged to those needing or requiring inspections. Chief Taylor, Assistant Chief Switalski and the Council Attorney noted that this could be an area which the City should pursue. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 1995 Page 3 The Council Attorney noted that she has provided information to the Chiefs where other communities are charging with fees being set on the type of zoning use for a particular building factored in along with a square footage consideration. Currently the Fire Department only charges$3.00 for reports. Council President Ladewski questioned the Key Box Program and the Chiefs noted that only the riding Chief's have access to the such keys for those commercial and industrial buildings under such programs. It was also noted that the City has saved substantial amounts of money in light of in-house personnel who can do heating, air- conditioning and ventilating work on the various 11 Fire Stations. It was noted that 4 Firefighters are required on Rescue 1 which has worked out quite well. The Chief noted that this is the first time since he has been Chief that there has been a second Rookie School. It was also noted that the incident Command Program is new and there is much better accountability in the safety of the individual Firefighters is enhanced through such a program. It was noted that overall budget is 93% personal dedicated to fire suppression. Council Member Zakrzewski complemented the Fire Department and the Fire Department Administrators for their dedicated service to the City and that he as the Public Safety Chairperson has enjoyed working with them and hopes to continue to do so in the future. It was noted that despite the negative headlines regarding OSHA and the Fire Department that the Fire Department have turned that into pro-active and positive results. It was noted that the only thing out of compliance was the Coke Machines which are not even owned by the City. The Chiefs also noted that the City is currently ranked a"3" with 1 being the best out of 10 for insurance purposes. Chief Taylor also noted that discussions are currently taking place with the University of Notre Dame to provide ambulance runs to the University on a contractual basis. Information available indicates that this would average approximately 311 runs per year with 118 of those being actual transports. It was noted that there is a 79% collection rate for ambulance service and that perhaps the fee for insufficient funds on returned checks should be reviewed and increased. Emergency Medical Services: 1995 Budget = $1.046.509.00 1996 Budget = $1. 362.477.00 (requested) It was noted that there has been 40% increase since 1990 and runs for the Department. To date there have 5,131 ambulance runs to date. It was noted that a new unit in order to be justified would require an additional 2,000 to 2,200 new runs which has more than been met. Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 6, 1995 Page 4 There has been considerable discussion with regard to"burn-out"of the paramedics because of the intensity of the injuries to individuals as a result of increase crime in the City.Discussions of having 1 month off every 3 months on are under consideration. It was also noted that AEMT's are required by County regulations which are directly set by the local hospital and County standards in this area. In response to a request by Assistant Chief Switalski on the EMS capital improvement budget,it was noted that that budget would be reviewed at a separate meting. Chief Taylor noted pre-calling the night before has been implemented and is working quite well. It was noted that this was a request of the City during negotiations and that now both the Union and the Management have come to an agreement and both see the benefits of such a program. Council Member Luecke voiced concern with regard to Civil Defence Warnings being antiquated and out-of-date.He requested of the Chief the cost to upgrade in this area and perhaps consider a fee similar to the E-911 fee. Chief Taylor noted that he would report back on this topic. He noted that this has been under investigation for some time and that that information would be provided. All of the Council Members present complimented the Fire Department Administration for their fine presentation and factual information. Council Member Luecke recessed the meeting at 6:10 P.M. and noted that it would be reconvened tomorrow at 4:00 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Steve Luecke Chairperson,Personnel and Finance Committee Attachments