04-23-97 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUT~S CITY COUNCIL APRIL 23, 1997 incentive to get multiple-housing buildings sprinklered. Ttie Council discussed the pending Montreal Courts sale, and agreed that this issue will need serious consideration. It was pointed out that building owners realize an insurance savings if their buildings are sprinklered. The Chief also felt that tenants are willing to pay more rent to be in a building that is sprinklered. Council Member Morelan reported that some cities have adopted NSPA- 101 which requires the retrofitting of buildings with sprinkler systems. Morelan noted that it is very costly to retrofit, and it takes time to recoup costs through insurance savings. Therefore, he suggested that the City could adopt NSPA-101 and give businesses a period of time, such as 10 to 15 years, to retrofit. This time period will give businesses an opportunity to plan for the expenditure. Council asl<ed that the Fire Marshal do some research on the issue of NSPA-101, reporting on the details as well as the numbers of other cities who have adopted this provision. The Council also asked for information on tax credits or otl~er public incentives for public safety improvements. If there are no incentives, it was su~gested that our legislators be contacted with this proposal. Council also asked for informaYion detailing which buildin~s in the City are sprinklered. The Chief reported that Cl~annel 9 has contacted the Little Canada Fire Department regarding tlieir interest in doing a story on volunteer fire departments in the State. The Little Canada Fire Department had been recommended to Channel 9 as an example of a good volunteer department. Council Member Morelan asl<ed about the 38 system malfunction calls the Fire Department responded to in 1996. Morelan suggested that staff review false alarm calls to determine if there are specific businesses generating the majority of these calls. If so, perhaps an increase in false alarm fees was justified. Tl~e City Administrator repoirted that he would look at this information. Council Member Morelan suggested that it is time to have an evaluation of the City's fire rating done. Morelan felt given the improvement in fire- fighting equipment and the upgrades in the City's water system, an improved rating was a certainty. The Fire Chief and City Administrator agreed to work together and have a pre-audit done. This is the first step in havinb the fire rating re-evaluated. Mayor Fahey thanked the Fire Department for their presentation and good work over the past year.