Minutes - 2005/09/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 12, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 10 • Fire Chief Zikmund advised that Blaine has seven employees and their manager was in .support as long as no more than two at a time were deployed. We have six full time Staff within the Fire Department who are all interested depending on their schedules.. He stated he recognizes that taking four individuals out of the fire population has consequences so they want to minimize that. He explained that if Council is supportive fine and if they are not, they recognize that too. Councilmember Thomas stated it does not surprise her that anyone in the fire service is willing to step forward. Her first question is if we can spare them. She noted the deployment would be two weeks which would not be an unreasonable request if it were vacation time. Since this is a worthwhile event, and volunteer, she could not say no. Councilmember Flaherty stated it would involve ladder and personnel and asked if it will in any way hurt effectiveness and time response. Fire Chief Zikmund noted that for the first 52 years, the Department protected three cities with one ladder so it is a luxury to have two ladders. He stated he does not recall any fire where ladder is used except for in a defensive position. He stated he wouldn't consider the request for the ladder if there were not a second ladder to use. Councilmember Flaherty noted both the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief are on the list. Fire Chief Zikmund assured the Council that both would not be deployed at the same time. He noted that the department boasts less than two injuries a year, which is one of the best safety records in the State, and it is an active Department. Councilmember Stigney stated this is over and above vacation time so he does not think the City can spare the personnel. Councilmember Gunn asked Director Ericson for his opinion.. Director Ericson stated that while he prefers there is no Staff time lost or vacation taken, they can make due with Mr. Anderson's potential departure even if for two to three weeks. He stated if this is something Mounds View can do to help, Staff can make it work. Mayor Marty stated if the situation were reversed, Mounds View would be thankful for any outside help. He stated he learned from the news last week about fire departments from Vermont or New Hampshire that were deploying fire fighters to these areas and that is even farther away than Mounds View. He stated this would be the City's contribution and he applauds Fire Chief Zikmund, Deputy Fire Chief Krueger, Mr. Anderson, and all the others for being willing to "step up to the plate" and do their fair share. Mayor Marty asked about the personnel request. Fire Chief Zikmund advised that the State has made arrangements to flatbed transport the equipment and leave it there longer than two weeks, perhaps four to six weeks. However, other people would not be allowed to Staff that equipment. Councilmember Thomas stated her support, noting. this is a much better form of action than a written resolution that is words only. i