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L-am/1/33L <br /> MEMO TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL <br /> FROM: CLERK-ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA ORDUNO <br /> DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 1991 <br /> SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM CHIEF <br /> FAGERSTROM REGARDING USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES AS <br /> EMERGENCY VEHICLES <br /> Attached please find a letter from Fire Chief Fagerstrom <br /> requesting the Council to provide a resolution in support of <br /> new legislation permitting the use of firefighter's private <br /> vehicles as emergency vehicles enroute to fire calls . <br /> In his letter, Chief Fagerstrom states that, in the past, <br /> private vehicles were designated as emergency vehicles <br /> (equipped with lights and siren) but the practice was <br /> discontinued because of the "pressure of local police" . <br /> Conversations with the Police Chiefs of Blaine, Spring Lake <br /> Park and Mounds View indicate that the practice of allowing <br /> firefighter's private vehicles to be used as emergency <br /> vehicles was discontinued because it posed a continuing threat <br /> to the health and safety of residents . Evidently, <br /> firefighters were stopped and ticketed for failure to obey the <br /> laws and restrictions governing emergency vehicles . <br /> • In considering the Chief's request, the following issues are • <br /> presented for your review: <br /> • Possible increases in City insurance costs due to <br /> the increased exposure/risks. <br /> ▪ Response time records; i.e. , what is the average <br /> response time now and how will that be improved - is <br /> the time saved sufficient to justify <br /> potential/perceived risks? <br /> ▪ Has there been a history of firefighters having <br /> difficulty getting to the station or fire scene in a <br /> timely manner? <br /> ▪ Public attitudes regarding emergency vehicles - The <br /> public recognizes police, fire and other marked <br /> emergency vehicles, yet often fail to comply with <br /> emergency procedures . Will additional "emergency" <br /> vehicles intensify the problem? <br /> • State mandates - The State has placed restrictions <br /> on the use and operation of emergency vehicles; <br /> i.e. , extensive training and equipment/vehicle <br /> • maintenance. To what extent will the City be <br /> expected to pay for the cost of compliance? <br /> so/mjs <br />