09-12-07 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 12, 2007 Morelan reviewed the Compensation line item which is projected to increase by 2.53%. He noted that this line item covers compensation for a total of 19 positions, including Fire Department officers, clerical and cleaning staff. The Administration line item is projected to increase by 1.20% and covers insurance costs, radios, mobile phones, office supplies, dues and subscriptions. Professional Services projected to increase by 3.16% covers accounting costs, physicians' fees, OSHA mandated tests. Morelan next reviewed the Special Activities line item which is projected to increase .45%. This covers special events for fire fighters and their families to acknowledge the sacrifices that families make when fire fighters respond to calls. Morelan reported that under the Operations line item, expenses are projected to increase for the 2008 Budget by 27.78%. This line item covers all costs associated with responding to fire calls such as vehicle and equipment repairs, maintenance, uniforms, radio and pager repairs, 800 MHz monthly fee, air for SCUBA equipment, remuneration for responding to fire calls. Morelan indicated that in addition to increasing repair costs, the number of fire calls in 2007 have increased significantly. He also noted that this line item includes $15,000 for replacement of turn- out gear. The cost of turn-out gear replacement had previously been included in the General Capital Improvement Fund, however, since this is anon-going expense, staff felt it more appropriate to shift the expense to the Fire Department Budget. This shift accounts fora 13.5% increase to this line item. Morelan also noted that the Fire Department has included the cost of uniform replacement in 2008. Uniforms are typically replaced every 5 to 7 years, and this accounts for an $8,000 increase in the budget. Morelan noted that if turn-out gear and uniform replacement were backed out of this line item, the actual increase would be 2.9%. Morelan reviewed the Fire Prevention line item which is projected to decrease by 2.13%. This covers costs associated with Fire Prevention Week, National Night Out, etc. The Training portion of the budget is projected to increase by 8.26% About half this cost covers the fees of outside instructors brought in for training sessions. Costs also covered are remuneration for attendance at training sessions, conferences and State fire schools. Morelan noted that in 2007 the Fire Department instituted minimum training requirements, which fire fighters have now met and will keep current. Morelan again pointed out that the overall increase in the 2008 Budget from 2007 is 10.31% pointing out that shifting the cost of replacement of