HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.02.21 CC Minutes-Fire Dept Staffing Workshop MINUTES
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City Council-Fire Department Staffing Workshop
Hugo City Hall
Tuesday,February 21,2023 �
7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Klein, Miron, Petryk, Strub,Weidt
COUNCIL ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Bryan Bear, Finance Director Anna Wobse, Fire Chief
Jim Compton, Jr., Deputy Fire Chief Dave Jensen, Assistant Fire Chief Colin Emans
Council had previously discussed the possibility of creating a new full-time fire chief position at
the Preliminary Budget and Midyear Budget Review Workshops in 2022. At the Midyear
Budget Review Workshop Council had directed staff to place funds in the general fund budget to
cover a new full-time fire chief position and to schedule a workshop in 2023 for further
discussion on the topic. City Administrator Bryan Bear reviewed slides with the Council that
provided background for the discussion on the Fire Department staffing needs.
Bear reviewed call data for fire, medical and other calls. Two main options where highlighted
during the presentation, including keeping things as they are or establishing a new full-time fire
chief position. Bear reviewed the priorities that Council had discussed at the past workshops and
possible options on how to proceed. Bear shared that funds were included in the 2023 budget for
both the current officer salaries and for a new full-time fire chief position, and that Council was
not required to create the new position simply because the funds were allocated for in the budget.
Council asked questions on mutual aid, fire and medical calls. Chief Compton explained how
and why the Fire Department goes on specific calls. Council discussed the importance of having
succession planning and keeping firefighters motivated to advance in the ranks. Council felt that
even if a new full-time fire chief position was established that it might be beneficial to keep
some current officer positions as well so that firefighters remain active, involved and take
ownership within the Department. Chief Compton shared some of his ideas on how to make that
all work with a full-time chief position.
Council raised concerns that many of the duties listed in the Chiefs' staffing plan are
administrative duties and Council questioned if there was a need for an administrative assistant
to complete those tasks. Chief Compton shared that he felt a full-time fire chief position could
handle all of those duties. Council expressed a need to keep the culture of the Fire Department
the same and questioned if establishing a full-time fire chief position would change that. Council
agreed that this was a major decision that will have many permanent impacts on the future of the
City and they want to make sure that they are looking at all angles before making a decision.
The Chiefs' staffing plan had only highlighted the benefits of a full-time fire chief position and
Council asked Chief Compton to make a list of drawbacks of a full-time chief position so that
Council could look at both sides.
Council directed staff to add the creation of a subcommittee to discuss the Fire Department
staffing needs to the next City Council agenda. Council would like the subcommittee to consist
of two Council Members,the City Administrator,the three Fire Chiefs, one or two current
officers and one or two current firefighters. Council recommended that the Chiefs also set-up a
listening session with the members of the department to gather their feedback and opinions on
the creation of a full-time fire chief position. Council would like to hear back from the Chiefs if
the membership was supportive of the creation of a new full-time fire chief position or if they
had concerns regarding a full-time fire chief position.
Workshop adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anna Wobse
Finance Director