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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-09-98 . July 9, 1998 The Fire Advisory Board of the City and Township of St. Joseph met in special session on Thursday, July 9,1998 at 8:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph Township Hall. MEMBERS PRESENT: Fire Chief Dave Theisen, St. Joseph Township Representative Joe Bechtold, City Representative Bob Loso, St. Wendel Township Representative Richard Schleper, City Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton. OTHERS PRESENT: None. The purpose of the meeting was to consider several Fire Department matters of urgency and consider finalizing a statement on a personnel issue complaint received. Chief Theisen called the meeting to order with Representatives Bechtold and Schleper, and Clerk/Administrator Stapleton present. Chief Theisen presented a revised agenda (items 1 - 14) for acceptance. The Board members present accepted the agenda. Bob Loso arrived at 7:10 p.m. MINUTES: Chief Theisen stated he had some corrections to the minutes of May 6, 1998 and discussed a correction concerning the airstream program that was scratched, and that the rescue sled was not to be an expansion of services, only of equipment. Being members had not brought copies of the minutes Bechtold recommended correcting the minutes at the next meeting. . TANKER AND VAN REPLACEMENT: Chief Theisen recommended the tanker bids could be scheduled to open on August 5, 1998 rather than August 12. Bechtold and Loso concurred, Loso suggested checking with truck specifications. Theisen stated there could be savings on the chassis but a used transmission and light axles as part of the package may be more costly in the long run. Chief Theisen discussed used Rescue Vans which may be available. One is at an estimated cost of $78,000 and one is a 1995 used demo with 18,000 miles at an estimated cost of $64,500. Loso made a motion to have van specifications prepared for the Board to review at the August 5, 1998 meeting. Bechtold seconded the motion. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION - FIRE DEPARTMENT ROLE: Chief Theisen reported the Fire Department agreed by motion to not provide service at an Emergency Stand at the 4th of July Celebration. Their function is a rescue unit, and would respond to emergencies. REQUEST TO COOL TURKEY BARNS: Rothforks' have requested the Fire Department continue to use the tanker truck to cool the turkey barns when the heat is intense. The Board discussed that this service has been provided in the past, but a former employee indicated it is not very effective. The Board requested Stapleton to check on the Workers Comp coverage in this situation. Bechtold recommended, and Loso concurred that the matter be brought to the Fire Department for consideration. SNOWMOBILE AND RESCUE SLED PROPOSAL: Chief Theisen asked if the Fire Department should accept a snowmobile and rescue sled donation as proposed by the Sno-Joes. Stapleton stated the Loss Control Consultant for our insurance carrier recommended strong guidelines be included in the S. O. G.'s. After short discussion Bechtold moved to accept the snowmobile and sled if the proposal - comes to fruition and there is insurance coverage. Bechtold further clarified that the donation will be City - and Township owned property. Loso seconded the motion. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. Pa{!e - 1 - -0- - . July 9,1998 PROPOSED DAMAGE DEPOSIT FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS USING THE FIRE HALL: Chief Theisen stated there has been a need for considerable cleanup after use by some groups. He stated he does the regular cleaning of the facility, but felt there should be something in place to charge those that misuse the facility to provide for additional cleaning or repairs. Stapleton will review the reservation form for possible changes and leave a copy in the Chiefs basket. ST. BEN EDICTS PAYMENT: Stapleton reported a St. Benedict's representative indicated we should receive the second payment next week. FIRE STATION AS A STORM SHELTER: Recently during a storm alert, several people arrived at the Fire Hall for shelter from the storm. It is not a designated storm shelter. After a discussion of sending notice to Super America and Amoco Station on directions to the designated storm at St. Benedicts the Board generally felt people will go to the nearest building that appears to be safe, whether or not a designated storm shelter. They agreed not to send any notice. Loso and Theisen discussed methods of activating the siren. Loso indicated if the siren is programmed on the County system to set off, they set them all off at one time. St. Joseph's could be set off even though there is no weather alert in the St. Joseph area. Theisen stated they do not set them all off. He further stated there may be an annual charge of approximately $2,000 in the future to be on the County system. Currently our police officers set off the siren from their patrol cars, when our Warning Officer Dick Taufen is off duty. Taufen sets off the siren during his regular work day. FIREFIGHTERS PAYMENTS SUBJECT TO SOCIAL SECURITY: Theisen presented Minnesota Statutes 355.07 indicating he understood this statute to exempt firefighters from Social Security tax. He stated further he had contacted State Auditor Judy Dutcher's office. Stapleton will further review the . matter. FIRE CHIEFS' CONVENTION IN DULUTH: Bechtold made a motion to approve the attendance of the Fire Chief at the Chiefs convention in Duluth as requested; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. PROPOSED GAMBLING LICENSE: Theisen questioned if the Fire Board would be supportive of the Firefighters obtaining a gambling license for Sal's Bar and Grill. The current holder of the gambling license will no longer be holding gambling there. He stated Randy Torberg would be the Gambling Manager. Bechtold and Loso recommended he bring the matter to the Fire Department members for consideration. On further discussion Theisen indicated all the net revenue derived from the gambling would go to the Fire Department or they would not hold gambling. Loso clarified that all purchases with gambling proceeds would have to come through the Fire Board. Loso made a motion to close the meeting at 9:30 p.m.; seconded by Bechtold. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. The Fire Board closed the meeting to receive further information on a complaint. After receiving such information the Fire Board re-opened the meeting and approved the attached findings and recommendations of the Fire Board on the Mark Gross Complaint. They also requested copies of such findings be sent simultaneously to the Fire Chief, Complainant, all the members of the Fire Board, City Council, and St. Joseph and St. Wendel Town Boards. - The next meeting will be held August 5, 1998. - Rachel Stapleton Clerkl Administrator Page - 2