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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [05] May 08 May 08, 2013 Page 1 of 3 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Fire Board for the City of St. Joseph and Townships of St. Joseph and St. Wendel met in regular session on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the St. Joseph Fire Hall. Members Present: Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, City of St. Joseph Representative Bob Loso, St. Joseph Township Representative Jeff Janssen, St. Wendel Township Representative Greg Salk, City Administrator Judy Weyrens Others Present: Police Chief Pete Jansky, Dwight Pfannenstein Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of February 20, 2013; seconded by Janssen and passed unanimously. Financial Report: Weyrens presented the following 1st Quarter Financial Summary: Revenues $ 48,282.55 Expenditures $ ( 21,854.36) Fund Balance $ 529,058.66 Loso made a motion to accept the 1st Quarter 2013 Financial Statement as presented; seconded by Salk and passed unanimously. DNR Grant: Taufen requested authorization to submit a grant application for the DNR for the purchase of two new backpack blowers, two new pagers and a battery charging station with six new batteries for the portable radios. The estimated cost of the equipment is $4,700. The DNR annually solicits grant applications from Fire Departments seeking equipment providing 50/50 matching grants. Loso made a motion to authorize the Fire Department to seek grant from the DNR to purchase two new backpack blowers,two new pagers and a battery charging station with six new batteries. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed unanimously. Yearly Vehicle Maintenance: Taufen presented the board with cost estimates to perform annual maintenance on all fire equipment from both using the City staff and outsourcing to a private vendor. If the City completed the maintenance, the cost is estimated to be $ 2,200 while an outside vendor is estimated at$ 4,324. The advantage to contracting with an outside company is that they have the tools and expertise to fix all problems so that if while performing routine maintenance and additional work is needed, it can be completed at the same time. Janssen questioned if the price from Emergency Apparatus is firm and if the price will be the actual when the work is completed. Taufen stated that the price should not change as they currently service the vehicles for certification and repairs with the same company and they have been fair. Loso made a motion to hire Emergency Apparatus to perform routine maintenance on all fire equipment and vehicles including MnDOT certification. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed unanimously. FEMA Grant: Taufen reported that he was notified on April 5, 2013 that the Fire Department was awarded grant funding in the amount of$ 89,566. The grant funding requires a 5% match ($4,714.00) and will fund the purchase of 16 new air packs, 32 air bottles and 30 masks. Taufen stated that during the budget process he will be requesting to start budgeting for the replacement of the air tanks as they have a 15 year life. Loso made a motion to expend the grant funds to purchase 16 new air packs, 32 air bottles and 30 masks. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed unanimously. Police Chief Dama Box — Police Chief Pete Jansky along with Police Sergeant Dwight Pfannenstein approached the Fire Board to request the Police Department have access to the DAMA boxes to assist with public safety. Jansky stated that currently the squad cars contain rings of keys for local businesses and some residential homes that can be used in the event of an emergency. He stated that the Police May 08 2013 Page 2 of 3 Department could get rid of the keys if they could have access to the DAMA Boxes. Providing access would help reduce potential liability should the key rings be misplaced or taken and would also increase response time for emergency personnel. Jansky stated that he talked to the Cities of Waite Park, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids and all of their police departments have access to the DAMA Boxes. Taufen stated that his biggest concern is unlawful entry. When property owners were required to install DAMA Boxes, they were told it was for the Fire Department onlySome members may not want the Police Department to have access. He also stated that he worries that an officer may enter a building with a fire, causing more damage or bodily injury, as this has happened in the past. To address the illegal entry, Jansky stated that he will have a policy that controls the use of the key and consequences will apply if the policy is not adhered to. As far as officers entering a fire m|tuadnn, that can be resolved by training the officers. Cross training would be a benefit to all parties and has the potential for expanding training opportunities Salk clarified that the argument is that they may enter the building with a key that they may not have had access too. Salk stated that he understands the fire access isnue, but questions access for other uses. He questioned how many times have the City had issues where they forced entry and foiled a plan. Jansky responded never; however if an Officer has to access a DAMA box, they will be required to document the date, time and reason. Janssen stated that the same thing happened with DVS; it is a great tool but can be misused. He understands that if you don't have access to a key, there's potential that a door or window could be broken, which happens regularly with Police Departments. Jansky reiterated that the Police Department already holds a large number of keys to businesses and homes, including some areas that the Fire Department does not have access too. He is not asking for new rights,just to find a more efficient and safe manner to provide access when needed. Salk questioned the entry of officers and burning buildings and why we are just now having the discussion. Taufen stated that they have talked about it and he has discussed the situation with the Police Chief. Salk questioned why the policy does not state they cannot access a fire scene. Jansky responded that discretion is needed and you can't have a policy prohibiting such. In discussing apartment bui|dings, it was questioned that residents have a right to privacy and can the Police have access. Jansky stated that Police Departments have a right to access public spaces and there is no expectation of privacy. In fact, the officers today have keys for apartment buildings so they can already access if need be. Salk stated he is more interested in hearing where access is needed for medical reasons. The people that gave you the keys want you to have access. Loso stated that we are all working for the same cause and the Police Department already has keys. Therefore a policy should be adopted with both departments having access. Taufen stated his only concern is what happens if there's a breach? Jansky stated that could happen with the Fire Department. The Police Department is more regulated as they are full time. Salk stated that he is concerned if a business only wanted the Fire Department to have access, how will that be managed? Taufen, stated that in viewing the request through the eyes of the property owner, it makes sense that both departments have access and would see it as a good policy. Taufen stated that the policy should address how access is managed and what documentation is requiredWeyrens questioned Taufen if the Fire Department has a policy that the Police Chief could adapt for his department, to which he stated they do not. The Fire Board agreed that it seems in the best interest of the public if both departments have access to the DAMA boxes. Loso made a motion to authorize the Police Department to have access to the DAMA boxes provided a written policy is adopted. Further, the final policy should be provided to the Fire Board as information. The motion was seconded by Janssen and passed unanimously. Membership: Taufen reported that the City received five applications for firefighter, with three applications forwarded for background checks. Upon receiving the background cheoks. Taufen stated the May 08, 2013 Page 3 of 3 Fire Department has recommended hiring Brian Theisen and Joe Bye. Loso questioned if the department is requesting to establish an eligibility list from the remaining candidates to which Taufen stated no. Salk made a motion to recommend the City Council hire Brian Theisen and Joe Bye effective June 1, 2013. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously. Training; Taufen reported that he and Assistant Fire Chief Justin Honer attended FEMA training in Annison, Alabama along with the other area Cities. He stated that training was paid by FEMA and was a good resource. In the future, he would like to send additional members as well as looking at sending some to explosive training in New Mexico. Adjourn: Salk made a motion to adjourn at 7:00 PM; seconded by Janssen and passed unanimously. d Ween i,�Z��s�� y Ad nistrator