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Mayor Rafferty questioned the budgeting practice for the extra officers. <br />The Interim City Administrator stated that when the Council sets the 2026 and future <br />budgets, the additional officers' salary can be budgeted as part of the Contingency Fund <br />line item. <br />The Chief of Police reviewed the officer hiring bonus and noted that other cities have a <br />minimum number of years of service. He recommended that the hiring bonus be <br />available for those with one or more years of service. <br />Councilmember Stoesz recommended that 2080 hours be used vs. 12-months when <br />calculating one year of service. <br />The Interim City Administrator reviewed the proposal to have another step, at three <br />years of service. With $2,500 for less than three years and $5,000 for more than three <br />years' experience. With payment in two installments, one at the time of hire and one at <br />the completion of the training period. <br />The Fire Chief reviewed Item 5A Application for a SAFER Grant for 15 Full -Time <br />Firefighters with three of these positions being Battalion Chiefs. With direction to bring <br />the final application back for Council approval, prior to the submittal date. <br />Mayor Rafferty stated that it is extremely important that we look at ways to move <br />forward. To take the analysis from the Citygate report. He stated that he would favor <br />the SAFER grant but not as currently presented. He questioned how the city would fund <br />the full-time positions after the grant period. <br />Councilmember Lyden stated there is the fire department we deserve and the fire <br />department we can afford. When looking at the SAFER grant. Suggest paring it down as <br />we cannot afford a full-time Duty Crew. He presented a possible schedule and <br />recommended moving forward slowly to provide a chance to work with neighboring <br />communities. <br />Mayor Rafferty said that he supports a positive effort to move forward in that direction. <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that he agrees that the City cannot just do everything <br />outlined in the Citygate report at once. He questioned if our grant would be competitive <br />if the City only applies for one or two fire department positions through the SAFER <br />grant. <br />Councilmember Ruhland outlined a plan for 12 firefighters including three Battalion <br />Chiefs, one Administrative Position, and a Deputy Chief. With positions to be included in <br />the SAFER grant as eligible. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />Page 19 of 142 <br />