1996.03.14 CC Minutes - Special meeting re new Fire Hall

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MINUTES FOR THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 14. 1996 The Mayor reconvened the City Council meeting from March 11, 1996 at 9:0 AM. PRESENT: Barnes, Goiffon, LaValle, Leroux„ Miron City Administrator, Robert Museus Fire Chief, Jim Wisner Assistant Chiefs, Jim Compton and Joe McMahon This meeting was called to review the Fire Department's 1995 Annual Report, budget requests by the Department, and site selection criteria for the proposed Fire Hall. The Council, and the representatives from the Fire Department present, went over the 1995 Annual Fire Department Report in detail, and discussed the Department's training program, possible ways to recognize the contribution of the fire fighters, and future needs of the Department. Joe McMahon presented the Council with a list of equipment purchases desired by the Department in 1996, including gas -operated exhaust fans, replacement hose, a foam system for a grassfire vehicle, and the purchase of additional foam for fire fighting. Council indicated that as long as the equipment to be purchased was within the existing budget, they had no objection to the Chief, and the City Administrator, making the purchases, as required within their expenditure authority. The Chief then requested that the City replace the current stipend paid to certain fire fighters for attaining attendance goals with a drill -pay system, paying each member one hour's pay for each drill attended. The Chief stated that if this policy had been in effect in 1995, its cost would have been $2,730 versus the $1,350 stipend paid. The Chief felt that this system would be an inducement for fire fighters to attend drills, and would also aid in recruiting new fire fighters. He recommended that the City transfer $2,000 from the community education account in the Fire budget, to the pay account to cover the additional costs. The Department has been successful in acquiring the educational material through community donations so that the transfer would be no loss to the Department's educational activity. After Council discussion, the following motion was made: Barnes made motion, Goiffon seconded, to change the City pay policies by deleting current stipend pay, and instead pay each fire fighter one hour's pay for each drill they attend in 1996. This policy is to be retroactive to January 1, 1996. In addition, $2,000 is to be transferred from the education portion of the Department's budget into the pay account to cover the additional cost of this program. All aye. Motion Carried. The Chief stated his concerns that one of the Department's two tankers had excessive play in its front axle, and would not meet MNDOT road safety requirements. Cost of repairs is expected to be in the area of $2,500. Chief Wisner felt that the cost of repair may exceed the value of the vehicle. The Council directed the Chief to prepare a recommendation on whether to repair or replace the vehicle, and to determine if the second