Meeting Summary
The city council accepted a comprehensive 200-page fire study, which provided over 60 recommendations for the fire department over the next 20-25 years. The study highlighted the department's high capabilities and excellent response times, while also identifying areas for improvement in data collection, mutual aid agreements, code consistency, and long-term financial planning. Council members emphasized addressing non-fiscal "low-hanging fruit" recommendations promptly.
Key Decisions & Votes
Acceptance of the Fire Study
The City Council voted to accept the comprehensive fire study as presented. This acceptance provides a roadmap for the fire department's strategic planning and operational improvements over the next 20-25 years, including addressing non-fiscal recommendations immediately.
Financial Matters
Fire Department Budget Projections (Status Quo)
Without changes, the fire department budget is projected to increase by 3.95% annually, leading to a 3-year deficit.
Fully Funded Capital Replacement & Reserve
To fully fund capital replacement and maintain a 5% reserve, the budget would need an average annual increase of 5.9%.
Adding Administrative Staff
Adding a Deputy Chief of Operations, a Fire Inspector, and an Analyst would result in approximately a 6% annual budget increase.
Moving Fire Station 6 and Adding Staff
Moving Fire Station 6 to West MWC and adding a fourth firefighter to an engine would involve an initial cost of $2.4-2.5 million for the station, plus an operational budget increase of about 6.9% annually over five years.
Public Comments
Three audience members posed questions to the presenter and council regarding the financial implications of the study's recommendations, particularly the timing and funding for future fire station moves and staffing increases.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Monitoring Station 5 and 6 performance for potential relocation of Station 6 and additional staffing
- Implementation of a new CAD system for accurate data collection
- Development of a strategic plan to guide the 20-25 year recommendations
- Addressing the disparity in building codes used by the building and fire departments
Announcements
- The fire study documents are available on the city's website.
- Sheldon Gilbert and the Fire Chief have met with all three shifts of firefighters to present similar information, with one more presentation scheduled for tomorrow.
Agenda Summary
Presentation of the Fire Study
Sheldon Gilbert presented a 10-month, 200-page comprehensive fire study, outlining current conditions, future needs, and over 60 recommendations for the fire department over the next 20-25 years. Topics included staffing, response times, facilities, mutual aid, administration, and financial implications.