Agenda Packets - 2002/02/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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We are also working on our records management program, installing one software package to replace four different ones currently being used. This will allow for greater efficiency and better utilization of critical information on the fire ground. The Department was notified by the Department of Public Safety on Wednesday February 6, 2002 that we have been awarded a fire year contract with the State for a Chemical Assessment Team. This is an ongoing program in which we were awarded a previous contract which had expired. This program places over $250,000 of state purchased hazardous materials equipment in our fire response area and provides $40,000 of annual operating income to keep our people trained and the equipment maintained. Chief Activities: As some of you know I am active in the Legislative process for the Minnesota Fire Chiefs. Our agenda this year includes a terrorism package that will provide equipment and training as well as money for improved communications. Additionally, we are working on code issues dealing with sprinkler systems and other fire prevention efforts. You may have read or heard about the Fireworks bill defeated last week in Senate Commerce which we played an integral part in defeating. Legalization of consumer fireworks would result in increased activity for both the police and fire department as well as increased injuries and property damage. I have also been working with all three police departments on a host of issues ranging from a chaplaincy program to bomb response in schools to a joint command vehicle. We are also looking to conduct some joint training between police and fire as part of our long range plan to better prepare us for large scale emergencies. Prevention Programs: We are working with Pinewood and the loc al day cares and private schools to implement a nationally developed fire and life safety program called Risk Watch. This curriculum, developed by the National Fire Protection Agency incorporates 8 different safety behaviors ranging from fire play to swimming safety to bicycle safety. Budget Issues: In anticipation of further state budget reductions, levy limits, and other fiscal pressures, staff has been meeting to determine appropriate changes or cuts. A analysis of all of last years “non-emergency calls” such as alarm ringing and smoke scares indicated over 40% of our volume was in this area. We are going to meet with our dispatching agency to determine response protocol changes that would allow us a more appropriate response (duty chief or station versus three stations) as one possible cost savings measure. Respectfully Submitted, Nyle Zikmund, Fire Chief