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~~ <br />MINUTES <br />MARCH 25, 1991 <br />PAGE 2 <br />proposal to revoke the "no charge" policy for fire/ambulance <br />personnel and their families. Baldwin explained that the policy <br />had been discussed several years ago because the policy had also <br />been extended to councilmembers. At that time councilmembers <br />were dropped due to the fact that it was a costly service, an <br />enterprise fund that must pay for itself. Kurhajetz stressed <br />that fire/rescue provides many services to the city for which <br />they are not paid, such as funding some of their classes, have <br />recently picked up another heart aid at no cost to the city, and <br />no longer claim for travel as the system is too complicated. He <br />indicated the department is opposed to revocation of the policy <br />and commented on the fact that other departments in Ramsey County <br />have this same type of policy. Baldwin felt that it was more <br />appropriate to compensate firefighters by salary and other <br />quantifiable means that the public can see and commented on the <br />fact that Falcon Heights firefighters are the highest paid in <br />Ramsey County. <br />Jacobs suggested a compromise such as charging only for expenses <br />without labor in order to recoup the other costs, not labor. <br />Assistant Chief Schauffert explained that there have been only 6 <br />such calls in 13 years and that the proposed revocation is <br />frustrating to the department because they donate hours to the <br />city. Baldwin replied that there is no doubt about the <br />dedication of the department and that the change is not a <br />reflection on their dedication to the city. He felt a bad policy <br />should not remain in force just because it is not used. <br />Shauffert indicated that the department objected to Item 2 of the <br />summary regarding the possibility that the policy may lead to <br />calling an ambulance when less dramatic assistance is necessary. <br />He stressed that they are not doing special favors to families, <br />that they are professionals. <br />Gehrz questioned whether or not it would be proper to remove the <br />policy if firefighters were hired with the understanding that the <br />policy was in place as a fringe benefit. She indicated she would <br />be in favor of pursuing Jacobs' proposal or a proposal from the <br />department. <br />Ciernia was of the opinion that no more than the few times the <br />policy is used it was probably not worth bothering with, however <br />if the purpose is to make the bookkeeping more up front he would <br />suggest charging only for consumable items, the hard costs. <br />Following the discussion Ciernia moved that the policy be amended <br />to charge for out of pocket expenses for service to department <br />members and their immediate families living within a two mile <br />radius. Personnel costs would be waived by the department. Upon <br />