11-20-2002 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 2002 Fire Chief also pointed out that in addition to tank replacement, the Fire Department is proposing that the masks and hoses, etc. be replaced as well. These wear out and the Fire Depa~ tment felt it prudent to replace both portions of the equipment at the same time. It was noted that the Fire Department has applied for Federal grant dollars to assist in the cost of this equipment replacement. The Fire Chief also noted that the Fire Department is evaluating whether to replace the SCBA tanks with one-hour tanks versus the thirty-minute tanks they have now. No decision has been made on this issue; however, the budget reflects the cost of one-hour tanks. The Department would also look to purchase the equipment on a joint venture basis with other cities in an effort to reduce costs. Anderson asked about the $1,500 budgeted for radio replacement. The Chief reported that the Fire Department has about 20 portable radios and they budget for the replacement of 2 each year. Anderson asked the cost of the Fire Department command center vehicle that was purchased a couple of years ago. Jim Gustafson, Fire Department, estimated the cost at $225,000 but noted that this vehicle does not have a pump nor does it carry water. Fahey indicated that as the Fire Department reviews its vehicle replacement plan, he would encourage the Department to consider a schedule that gets the longest life possible from each vehicle. Fahey noted that the Department has excellent equipment and he congratulated the Fire Deparrinent for their charitable gambling fund-raising efforts that helps to buy down the cost of this equipment for the City. Fahey also encouraged the Department to seek grant dollars as well to help with vehicle replacement costs. Anderson suggested that given that SCBA tanks must be replaced every I S years, the City set aside a budget amount each year to spread out the impact to the Capital Improvement budget. The City Administrator agreed that this was an option, but noted that the current mechanism is a 5-year capital improvement planning process. Setting aside dollars on an amrual basis impacts other capital improvement items. Scalze again mentioned that this may be an item that local charities would be interested in funding. The City Administrator reviewed in detail vehicle replacement for both the Parks & Recreation Department and the Public Works Department and the system for cycling vehicles through both departments. The Administrator indicated the need for multiple uses of various trucks such as summer park maintenance tasks and