10-09-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 9, 2013 stated that in making the decision on whether or not to continue, he would like information on the impact on response times, and, more importantly the other tasks that the duty crew accomplished such as getting written protocols up to standard. Morelan felt that there was no question that a duty crew working 4 hours per week will not impact the Department's response times. It was noted that current day time response times are 4 to 5 minutes. Having the Fire Station staffed, would eliminate that response time. Liebel indicated that next June or July the Department should be able to tell the City what the duty crew has accomplished, i.e. running and testing power equipment, developing standard operating guidelines (SOGs). Smiley indicated that the Fire Department is still putting together a plan for the duty crew and developing a listing of tasks to be accomplished. Keis felt that a definite goal needs to be developed for the duty crew. McGraw asked if the staffing of the duty crew would rotate among the fire fighters. Morelan replied that the staffing would likely rotate, but serving on the duty crew would be optional. Keis stated that next year there should be a cost /benefit analysis in evaluating the duty crew. Morelan felt that the $11,000 for a duty crew pilot program will provide a good return on that investment versus the cost of hiring a full -time Fire Chief. Keis asked what time of the day the duty crew would be scheduled. Morelan anticipated that the department is still working on that, and suggested that it may be at a time that is convenient for the fire fighters that want to serve on this crew. McGraw asked about other departments that are staffing their fire stations 24/7. Smiley described the phased -in approach that Lake Johanna Fire Department has taken with duty crews. Lake Johanna serves the cities of Shoreview, Arden Hills, and North Oaks. Blesener noted that the Lake Johanna and Roseville Fire Departments cover much larger service areas with higher populations. The City Administrator noted that the cost to Vadnais Heights for manning their fire stations is over $900,000 per year. The Administrator suggested that there may be a more collaborative approach that could be taken with departments relative to staffing of fire stations. He also pointed out that when Vadnais Heights made the decision to respond to medical calls that drove the need for day -time staffing. The Administrator stated that in the time he has worked for the City he has not had a call or concern expressed relative to response times of the Little Canada Fire Department nor Allina Medical. 3