HomeMy WebLinkAbout[05e] Future of the Fire DepartmentST.JOSEPH
Fire Board Agenda Item
FIRE DEPT.
Maki MTH OF MI.SIN0101•
MEETING DATE:August 12th, 2019
AGENDA ITEM: Future of the Fire Department
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The demand of the Fire Department has increased over the years and is
getting to be almost overwhelming for someone to be able to run and take care of everything on a part
time basis. When I joined the department in 1996,we ran about 130— 140 calls a year. Last year we
had a total of 475 call for the year. For each call,there are a number of things to do besides just running
to the call. There is a report to the state that must be submitted, making sure all the equipment is
replaced and ready for the next call, making sure everyone who was there is getting accounted for and
the right pay is imputed into their time. Besides the calls there are numerous other items that need to
be done,from getting maintance done on the equipment and trucks, lining up training for the members,
meeting with the city on possible new constructions areas going up in the town, making sure all DAMA
boxes are updated,turning in bills to the city,answering phone calls during the day from citizens about
questions thy have, doing payroll,and on and on....
Being the chief for the last 13 years, I can tell you that it is getting hard to stay up on everything that
needs to get done on a daily basis. I do have a job that still allows me to be pretty flexible, however it's
still not enough time and if I were to step down, I'm not sure the next chief will have the time either.
I'm not sure what the right answer is, but I know I have been telling the board and the city a few times
over the last few years that they may need to look at hiring a full time Chief.
Over the last 23 years,the city has grown. Along with that the public works has grown,the Police
department has grown,and even the City office has grown. However,the Fire department is still at the
30-member max and they are all Part Time!
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: ???
ATTACHMENTS: No
REQUESTED ACTION: Get the Fire Boards to come up with a plan soon do decide what is best to make
sure this department is able to keep up with the size the city has become.
5E