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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />NOVEMBER 19~ 1996 <br />spent for items that are needed, but not needed as <br />badly as items listed on the CIP Budget. Morelan asked <br />if these items were transferred to the CIP Budget <br />because their priority has risen, or because it was <br />felt they would never be funded with 10% dollars. <br />The City Administrator replied that the helmet and hose <br />washer were a part of the Fire Department's CIP Budget <br />request. <br />Fahey felt that not purchasing these items would not <br />negatively impact the Fire Department's operation. <br />However, spending the $33,000 on the helmet and hose <br />washer may have a negative impact on the Spooner Park <br />shelter project and the Historical Society Addition. <br />Fahey stated that he would rather defer the purchase of <br />the hose washer and helmet. Fahey also pointed out <br />that the Community Pride Committee has identified a new <br />project - that is the purchase of some blighted <br />property along Rice Street. Fahey stated that he would <br />ask staff and the Fire Department to defer the helmet <br />and hose washer items. Fahey felt replacement of turn- <br />out gear was a more essential item. <br />Morelan noted that turn-out gear is now being proposed <br />to be replaced a few suits at a time, rather than <br />replacing all the gear at once. Therefore, Morelan <br />felt that this expense should be a part of operating <br />expenses versus capital expenses. <br />LaValle felt that the hose washer purchase was <br />justified and pointed out the reduction in the Fire <br />Department's CIP Budget given the transfer of a copy <br />machine from Public Works to the Fire Department. <br />LaValle pointed out that the hose washer not only <br />eliminates the risk of fire fighters handling toxins, <br />but also prolongs the life of hoses. LaValle agreed <br />with the Mayor that the helmet should be purchased with <br />charitable gambling funds or donations from outside <br />organizations. <br />Morelan pointed out that the Department has lived <br />without a hose washer for the past 50+ years, and felt <br />it could live another few years without one. The hose <br />washer is more of a manual labor saver. Morelan felt <br />that the helmet could pay for itself in property <br />conservation and safety in a year or two. The helmet <br />allows a fire fighter to see the fire quicker, <br />therefore, extinguish it quicker. Morelan pointed out <br />that the budget works with the helmet purchase <br />included. <br />7 <br />