09-08-93 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 8, 1993 analysis of staffing needs for full-time fire departments, they have not done it for volunteer departments. The Center will be undertaking this study. The Chief then presented the Council with a time analysis of the commitment of the Little Canada Fire Department to provide 24-hour coverage of the City 365 days per year, and the ability of a 36-man department to honor that commitment. Based on this analysis, the Chief felt that a 36-man department was necessary. The Chief pointed out that while 36 fire fighters may be a little high, that number provides a small cushion to cover fire fighters who are on vacation, ill, or on leave of absence. The Chief pointed out that there are currently two vacancies on the department which resulted from retirement. The Chief commented that there have been moves to downsize departments around the country, however, the fire industry believes that the downsizing of departments is causing problems and undermining the type of service that departments have been providing. The Chief reported that after studying the issue, the Little Canada Fire Department is confident that it is at the right size. Fahey reported that the Little Canada Fire Department has had a membership of 36 since 1945, and there is an historical precedent in this number. Fahey noted that the size of the membership was established long before the fire fighters were receiving any compensation, and a membership of 36 has proven to be effective. Pedersen reported that he raised the issue at a previous meeting since 36 was the membership size when the Fire Department protected a city with a population size of 3,000. Little Canada now has a population of 9,000. Fahey replied that the Fire Department used to provide fire protection to a much larger geographic area than it does today. The Chief pointed out that the Department is responsible for providing adequate fire protection to Page 2