HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.22.21November 22, 2021
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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 Monday, November 22, 2021 at 5:00 PM in the St.
Joseph Fire Hall.
Members Present: Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, City of St. Joseph Representative Bob Loso, St. Joseph
Township Representative Doug Fredrickson, St. Wendel Township Representative Greg Salk via
telephone.
City Representatives Present: City Administrator Therese Haffner, Finance Director Lori Bartlett
Others Present: Assistant Fire Chief David Salzer
Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes of August 9, 2021; seconded by Salk and
passed unanimously by those present.
Financial Report & Budget Discussion: Bartlett presented the financial report.
Loso moved to approve the financial reports as presented; seconded by Salk and passed
unanimously.
Recommendation of Officers: Taufen presented the recommendations of officers as follows:
Assistant Fire Chief- two year term: David Salzer
Captains- two year term: Ken Jacobson and Andy Loso
Captains- one year term: Mike Folkerts, and Joe Orcutt
Intern Captain- one year term: Andrew Kremer
Loso moved to approve the Fire Department Officers as presented; seconded by Fredrickson and
passed unanimously.
FEMA Grant — Extrication Equipment: Taufen shared that the Fire Department has two sets of extrication
equipment —15 years old and 25 years old. Taufen recommended applying for a FEMA grant to replace
the extrication equipment estimated at $43,000. A five percent match is required, along with $400 for the
grant writer Neil Meierhofer.
Loso moved to approve hiring the grant writer to submit the FEMA grant for the extrication
equipment as presented; seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
Fire Truck Funding: Bartlett discussed the 5-year capital equipment plan and replacement of the rescue
van and recommended utilizing the American Rescue Plan Act. (ARPA) funding since it qualifies for the
purchase. The funding previously set aside for the rescue van would be transferred to replace
Unit#3/Grass Rig.
Bartlett requested the Board approve the capital equipment funding transfer and use ARPA grant dollars
for the purchase of the Rescue Van.
There was discussion on this qualifying for ARPA funding. Bartlett clarified that it qualifies. Salk reported
that they did not apply to receive their ARPA funding. Fredrickson said St. Joseph Township was
supportive of using ARPA funding if they can.
Loso moved to approve obtaining specifications and costs for the Rescue Van; seconded by Salk
and passed unanimously.
Pumper/Tanker Update: Taufen reported that the new Pumper Tanker truck has been ordered from
Rosenbauer.
Unit #3/Grass Riq Replacement: Taufen reported that the City did was not awarded the FEMA grant to
replace Unit #3/Grass Rig. Taufen requested approval to move forward with costs to replace the Grass
Rig. Loso asked why we have not been awarded. Taufen said these grants are tough to get.
November 22, 2021
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Loso moved to approve obtaining specifications and costs for a new Grass Rig Rig; seconded by
Salk and passed unanimously.
Fire Study: Taufen provided an update on the proposed Fire Study. Haffner explained the purpose of the
fire study. Haffner will continue to work with the area City Administrators on moving forward with the
study.
Pay for Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief: Taufen shared that the City Council did not approve the
proposed raises for the Fire Chief from $6,000 to $8,000 and for the Assistant Fire Chief from $3,500 to
$5,000 annually as recommended by the Fire Board.
Haffner shared the compensation rates for the area fire departments of Avon, Cold Spring, Sartell, Sauk
Rapids, Waite Park, and St. Augusta. The City Council approved an increase in the pay per hour for the
firefighters and requested a list of the current duties of both the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief to
review for possible increases in 2023.
Salzer voiced concerns that the City was not supportive of the Fire Department. Loso disagreed. Haffner
shared the City's support and highlighted the following:
• City Council approved purchase of the pumper tanker.
• City Council approved raises for firefighters starting in 2022. City Council agreed to review raises
for the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief for the 2023 budget and requested a list of current
duties for both the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief positions.
• City is proposing to move forward with the purchase of the rescue van utilizing ARPA funding for
the City's portion of the cost.
• City is proposing to move forward with purchase of Unit #3/Grass Rig by transferring funding from
the capital equipment plan previously allocated to the rescue van to the purchase of Unit#3/Grass
Rig.
Adjourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 6:19 PM; seconded by Fredrickson and passed
unanimously.
Min s drafted by: Therese Haffner, City Administrator
Certifie by: Kayla Klein, City Clerk