HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.16.22August 16, 2022
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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 Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the St. Joseph
Fire Hall.
Members Present: Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, City of St. Joseph Representative Jon Hazen, St. Joseph
Township Representative Doug Fredrickson, St. Wendel Township Representative Scott Volkers
Members Absent: None
City Representatives Present: City Administrator Therese Haffner, City Finance Director Lori Bartlett
Others Present: Assistant Fire Chief David Salzer
Minutes: Hazen made a motion to approve the minutes of May 9, 2022; seconded by Fredrickson
and passed unanimously by those present.
Financial Report & Budget Discussion: Bartlett presented the financial report.
Fredrickson moved to approve the financial reports as presented; seconded by Volkers and
passed unanimously.
2023 Budget: Bartlett presented the draft 2023 Preliminary Budget which shows an increase in
operations. Cost of supplies and fuel have increased due to inflation. The wages and benefits are
proposed to increase due to firefighter pay that reflect the Board's recommendation from last year.
Bartlett highlighted the capital equipment (CEP) summary sheets. Debt service was added in 2023.
Bartlett asked for input. There was discussion on reducing the CEP since the City has to bond for
equipment. Haffner recommended Taufen and Salzer make recommendations on the equipment. Haffner'
shared that all departments were making reductions. Hazen recommended reducing by $15,000.
Hazen moved to approve the 2023 Preliminary Budget reducing the CEP by $15,000; seconded by
Volkers and passed unanimously.
Fire Study: Haffner reported St. Cloud Fire Chief was coordinating a kick-off meeting with Emergency
Services Consulting International (ESCI) to start the fire study.
Fire Contract: Haffner reported that the City Attorney forwarded a draft contract for services agreement to
St. Joseph and St. Wendel Townships using the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) template.
PERA Cost Analysis: Haffner reported that in July the city council approved the completing a cost
analysis to PERA as requested by the St. Joseph fire relief association for their retirement plan. The
request was submitted to PERA in August.
Compeer Financial Grant: Taufen requested approval to submit a grant to Compeer Financial for up to
$4,000 to fire hose for the new pumper/tanker.
Hazen moved to approve submitting a grant to Compeer for fire hose; seconded by Fredrickson
and passed unanimously.
Unit #3 Replacement: Taufen will obtain specifications and estimates for a new rig.
FEMA Grant Update: A grant was submitted for extrication equipment. FEMA staff reached out requesting
additional information.
Unit #5 Replacement: Taufen reported that the City received a bid from St. John's Fire Department for
Unit #5 for $70,000. Once the city's new unit arrives, St. John's Fire Department will take ownership of the
old Unit #5.
August 16, 2022
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Fire Chief's Report and Membership: Taufen shared the call reports for the year and membership at 26.
background checks were completed for the new firefighters and physicals were scheduled.
Adiourn: Fredrickson made a motion to adjourn at 6:38 PM; seconded by Volkers and passed
unanimously.
Minutes drafted by: Therese Haffner, City Administrator
Certified by: Kayla Klei ,City rk