05-11-11 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 11, 2010 1 variations. The first item of note was Fund 200 with Morelan noting that their auditor advised the Fire Department that fire fighters should be treated as employees rather than independent contractors. The result was that fire call and drill remunerations were subject to FICA tax which was an added expense for the Fire Department. The next substantial variation was with Fund 400, specifically vehicle repairs. Morelan noted the difficulty in predicting repair costs as well as that repairing fire equipment is very costly. He also noted that the City did purchase a new pick -up truck for the Fire Department, and that the Fire Department spent a substantial amount of money outfitting that truck. Another expense of note was new office furniture. Morelan pointed out that excluding the outfitting of the new truck and some other unbudgeted items (paid for from the Department's gambling revenue), the Fire Departtnenl was over - budget by $9,000 in 2009. Morelan continued his report noting that one fire fighter retired in 2009 and two new members were added. Morelan then reported on the Department's Capital Improvement Plan. The first item of note is the Utility Pick -Up Truck 19 purchased by the City and outfitted by the Department. The next item is the Department's plan to install a monument sign in front of the fire station similar to the one at the City Center. Morelan reported that they are working with an architect on this sign and are aware of the City's signage codes and will comply with their. The next item is that the Department has installed a sign at the entrance of the Firefighters historical trail that talks about the early days of the department. Trees have also been planted in recognition of the early Fire Chiefs. There is also a bench for each past Fire Chief with the most recent on installed in recognition of Jim Morelan's service to the department. This was purchased by the department and installed by Public Works. Montour suggested that an article be included in the next newsletter about this, Continuing on with the Capital Improvement Plan, Morelan noted that plans have been in the works for new lighting in the fire station. He asked the stauts of this project. The City Administrator reported that the Parks & Recreation Director has taken charge of this project and is working on it. The Administrator thought that it would be done yet this year. Morelan commented on equipment mounting for two of the department's trucks that was done to secure loose equipment'. He suggested that the department may proceed with these saute improvements to Rescue 17 given that it may not be replaced for a few years. Morelan reported on the department's carbon monoxide detector program, noting that the Fire Department purchased detectors and made them available to residential property owners at no cost. Distribution has been coordinated by City staff. To date 426 alarms were purchased and there are 21 left. The Department has not decided whether or not it will continue this program. 5 2