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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-98 I I February B;"1998 - The Fire Advisory Board of the City and To~ship of St. Joseph met in regular session on Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at 8:00 p.m. in the S1. Joseph Fire Hall. MEMBERS PRESENT: S1. Joseph Township Representative Joe Bechtold, City Representative Bob Loso, Fire Chief Dave Theisen, City Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton, S1. Wendel Township Representative Richard Schleper. OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens. Chief Dave Theisen called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. with all members present. MINUTES: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 5, 1997 meeting as presented; seconded by Bechtold. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT: Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens presented the 1997 Fourth Quarter Financial Report. After discussion of various items in the report Loso made a motion to accept the fourth quarter fmancial report; seconded by Bechtold. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. . OLD BUSINESS TANKER GRANT REPORT: Chief Theisen reported that it appears like the Lions International grant for the tanker is being denied, although official notification has not yet been received. Out of 35 grant requests, 28 were approved, two were held, and 5 were rejected. The Lions International has since established a policy to discontinue giving revenue grants to Fire Departments. STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES: Chief Theisen stated Standard Operating Procedures have been changed from S.O.P.'s to S.O.G. 's. The Board reviewed and discussed them along with the City Attorney's recommendation to include a procedure protecting fire fighters from the transmission of diseases by blood or body fluids by addressing the proper method of physical contact with victims or other fire fighters injured on the job so as to avoid the transmission. Loso discussed consideration of physical fitness requirements to reduce liability on the governments. Bechtold felt physical fitness is a separate issue and Theisen felt it would be difficult to impose on volunteers. There' was further discussion of S.O.G, A Responding to a Call. I. Emergency call starts at first page and ends at time of signed out. Loso stated the Emergency call should indicate the firefighter is actually responding in order to be covered under Workers Compo After further discussion Bechtold made a motion to adopt the S.O.G.'s as presented with AI) changed to "Emergency response starts at first page. .." and the understanding that an amendment would be prepared for consideration addressing the City Attorney's concerns on diseases . transported by blood and body fluids. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. Page - 1 If February -8,1998 NEW BUSINESS PAGER REPLACEMENTS: Chief Theisen reported matching grants of $500 from the Department of Natural Resources, and $1,250 from Central Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Council were received for the purchase of replacement pagers. He stated 17 pagers will be 10 years old this year, thereby loosing their warranty status. After short discussion Loso made a motion to purchase 10 new pagers at about $400 each, accommodating the matching grants, renew the expiring warranties on two other pagers and retain the old pagers for backup use. The motion was seconded by Bechtol~. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. PORTABLE LIGHTS: Bechtold made a motion to approve the purchase of two portable charger type lights for the ladder truck, estimated cost $110 each; seconded by Loso. ' Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. LADDER TRUCK REPAIRS: The ladder truck recently had a hydraulic leak and water leak repair. Piping and seals were replaced as well as the pump and ladder were re-certified. Estimated cost of these repairs is about $7,000. It is anticipated that the truck will require a neW tank soon. STATE FIRE CONVENTION: Loso made a motion to approve the attendance of two firefighters to - the State Fire Convention in Bemidji as requested; seconded by Bechtold. - Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. STATE FIRE SCHOOL: Bechtold made a motion to approve the attendance of four firefighters to State Fire School in May, at Bloomington; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. Theisen also reported on the need for diagnostic testing of the defibrillator at an estimated cost of $400. TRAINING: Theisen requested to allow about $1,000 for high level rescue firefighter training through . , the A VII. Bechtold made a motion to approve the training as requested; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSE: Open house will be held on Sunday, March 29 with a breakfast served starting at 9:00 am. The American Legion will conduct a flag ceremony at 2:00 p.m. with awards being presented following the ceremony. The Firefighters are donating $3,500 to this promotional event. There is consideration of holding a fund raiser meal at the Fire Station at some future time. EQUJPMENT PRIORITIES AND NEEDS: Chief Theisen discussed the top priority of items needed . is a tanker truck; after that will be replacement of the medical van or completely refurbishing the ladder truck. After discussion of the ISO insurance rating and effect on property insurance premiums, along with the role of mutual aid, Loso made a motion to initiate the process to purchase a tanker truck. Payment for the truck shall be made with $20,610 raised by the Firefighters, with the balance paid from the reserve in the operating funds. The motion was seconded by Bechtold. Discussion - A committee Page - 2 ( I ... February.H,1998 will begin to prepare the specifications. Loso also requested infonnation be prepared showing the effects of the tanker in lowering the ISO rating for the Townships. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. Loso also requested more infonnation prior to the meeting on items that require financial commitment. Chief Theisen indicated he presents infonnation on the agenda as his schedule does not allow a lot of time to be devoted to meeting preparation. Bechtold felt allittle more expansion to the agenda would be helpful. Bechtold made a motion to adjourn at 9:40 p.m,; seconded by Loso. Ayes: Bechtold, Loso, Theisen. Nays: None. Motion carried. ~ J~' r./~, ~d.. . ..pjj.,Çi.t/ Rachel Stapleton Clerk! Administrator - - . Page - 3