08-25-04 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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eon2YnitttE cREI2O'Lt of tI p ( �j n ,(� �E'LSonne- and 9inanaa eononitttE of tt2E �ou1J Eva C:ommOn eou. i Council Member Kelly inquired about Fire Station # 9. It was noted by the Fire Administration that they are looking for options but that most lots in the area are shallow. It was noted with regard to radio frequencies that the new 800 system would cost $24 million with South Bend's share being $11 million. It was noted that only one (1) fire guard (tower) is currently available. It is believed that they are several years away from a county-wide 800 system. City Clerk John Voorde noted that he. Mayor Luecke and County Council Member Mark Catanzarite were in Indianapolis yesterday for a meeting on restructuring governmental and government cooperation. He stated that there are seventeen (17) different fire departments operating in St. Joseph County. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has proposed "Indiana Works" which is a county-wide proposal for governmental services. He asked if anything similar to that would be realistic in St. Joseph County, especially in light of the fact that Clay and Harris Township fire departments are getting more and more professional. Chief Lopez stated that he believes it could work since there is alot of duplication now. Council Member Kelly stated that 10-15 years ago a metro command system was shot down by the townships,noting that there is always a struggle for power. Council Member Kirsits that township department are getting bigger and are under different pension systems. He noted that Kern County in California is the largest county in the United States and that firefighters in Bakersfield are also members of the county. Mayor Luecke noted that currently South Bend is required to fund two (2) different pension programs for police and fire. Council Member Dieter then asked each Chief to briefly address the services which they oversee. Chief Magdalinski stated that he would like to increase ALS services however approximately $180,000 would be needed, with the bare necessities costing at least $60,000. He would like to better address the staffing of ambulances in light of turnover and burnout, however he noted that it is better today than during the last negotiations. He noted that the calls for service of medical services continues to increase as the city population ages and as the city limits continue to grow through annexations. He noted that an EMS study is under way since four(4)ambulances may not be enough. Chief Lopez stated that a training facility is long over due, noting that he believes that much of the costs could be recouped if it is established as a county-wide or regional quality training facility. He noted that our River Rescue School is nationally known and respected. Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting of August 25, 2004 Page 5