05-10-2017 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MAY 10, 2017 Chief Smiley stated that the Department responded to 244 calls in 2016, which is average. IIe explained that the Vadnais Heights Fire Department responds to all Little Canada structure fires as mutual aid. He reviewed the types and numbers of calls that were responded to, noting that cooking fires are the most common, particularly in multi -family housing. He stated that 250 hours were spent doing volunteer activities, along with weekly meetings and training. Assistant Chief Morelan reviewed the 2016 profit & loss budget versus actual costs. He explained that it is very hard to budget for repairs and last year saw $50,000 in vehicle repairs. He noted that $30,000 was reimbursed to the Fire Department from the City, and they absorbed the remaining $20,000 which is the biggest reason why they were over budget. He explained that line item 610, New Truck, shows the donations made to the City from charitable gambling for the Fire Department capital improvement fund. Chief Smiley reviewed the 2017 capital improvements, and stated that their parking lot expansion is underway and they have started planning for the kitchen remodel. Assistant Chief Morelan noted that they spent $1,900 on tablets for the fire trucks using their fundraising money. Chief Smiley explained that the tablets were installed in the firetrucks in order to get more detailed information when a call comes in. He noted that Frison has started collecting electronic plans for larger buildings that show an aerial photo and they can mark where entrances, fire hydrants, etc. are located. He explained that the tablets are connected to a private network so the firefighters can see all of the information that dispatch has. He stated that this information could also be available to the Chiefs personal devices in the next year. Chief Smiley reviewed the vehicle replacement schedule and noted that it will be updated now that the new pumper truck has been ordered. He stated that some of their vehicles have issues so they will need to be evaluated. He explained that they will sell the current pumper truck, and noted that there are grants available for vehicles and equipment. Kevin Keenan stated that the firefighters spent 4,325 man hours at fire calls in 2016, and it is a testament to how hard they work, and the great service they provide to the City. Fischer stated that the department has a great safety training program and had no injuries, and thanked the department for all they do for the City. McGraw asked how many retirements are expected in the next few years. Smiley stated there are a few that have been on the department for over 30 years, but he does not know of any upcoming retirements right now. McGraw asked what kind of problems or trends the department sees happening in the next ten to fifteen years. Assistant Chief Morelan stated the number of medical calls is increasing, and if Allina or the other ambulance companies cannot provide 2