HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.14.22February 14, 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 Monday, February 14, 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
Members Absent: St. Wendel Township Representative Greg Salk
City Representatives Present: City Administrator Therese Haffner
Others Present: Assistant Fire Chief David Salzer, Firefighter Keith Louwagie
Minutes: Hazen made a motion to approve the minutes of November 22, 2021; seconded by
Fredrickson and passed unanimously by those present.
Financial Report & Budget Discussion: Haffner presented the financial report. Fredrickson asked for
clarity on the interest — actual to budget. Haffner said that Finance Director Lori Bartlett could provide
clarity on that.
Fredrickson moved to approve the financial reports as presented; seconded by Hazen and passed
unanimously.
Relief Association Update: Keith Louwagie who serves as the President of the Relief Association for the
Fire Department provided an update on the retirement account for firefighters. There was discussion on
increasing the contribution amount.
Hazen moved to approve to increase contribution amount from $2,300 per year of service per
firefighter to $3,200 per year of service per firefighter effective January 1, 2023; seconded by
Fredrickson and passed unanimously.
State Fire Convention: Taufen reported that the State Fire Convention provides training for firefighters
and recommended approval of two members to attend.
Fredrickson moved to approve two firefighters to attend the State Fire Convention; seconded by
Hazen and passed unanimously.
Rescue Van: Taufen provided an overview of the rescue van purchase. Rosenbauer agreed to provide a
trade in value of $30,000 for the existing rescue van. Saint John's University is interested in purchasing
the rescue van so it could go to a bid process. Proceeds from the sale of the existing rescue van could be
applied to a new grass rig. Haffner discussed ARPA funding to pay for the purchase.
Fredrickson moved to approve the quote for a new rescue van from Arrow Ambulances in the
amount of $149,900.00; seconded by Hazen and passed unanimously.
Hazen moved to approve declaring the existing rescue van surplus and to move forward with
requesting bids to sell; seconded by Fredrickson and passed unanimously.
LODD Bench: Taufen said the fire department would like to honor Captain Andy Loso with a granite
bench outside the fire station.
Hazen moved to approve the LODD bench for Andy Loso to be paid by the general account of the
Fire Relief Association; seconded by Fredrickson and passed unanimously.
Fire Study: Haffner provided an update on the proposed fire study. The Cities of St. Joseph, Waite Park
and Sartell continue to explore options, including seeking other proposals from consultants.
Fire Hall Roof: Haffner reported that the plan was to have the fire hall roof inspected in the spring.
February 14, 2022
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Technoloqv Upgrades: Haffner reported that the City was obtaining a quote to have technology updates
completed at the fire hall to allow for a screen with the ability to have virtual trainings and meetings.
Pumper Tank: Taufen said the pumper tanker was ordered and was on schedule to be completed by
September of 2022.
FEMA Grant: A grant application was submitted for extrication equipment.
Fire Chief & Assistant Fire Chief Duties and Pay: Taufen shared the duties of Fire Chief and Assistant
Fire Chief. There was discussion on increasing pay.
Membership: Taufen discussed the Fire Department having a booth at the Chamber Showcase for
recruitment.
Fire Chief Report: Taufen reported:
2020 total calls: 508
2021 total calls: 553
January 1 — February 9, 2022: 78
Adjourn: Hazen made a motion to adjourn at 6:27 PM; seconded by Fredrickson and passed
unanimously.
Minutt s drafted by: Therese Haffner, City Administrator
Certi ied by: Kayla Klein, City Clerk