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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-19-2000 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting December 19, 2000 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on December 19, 2000. CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Harstad, Brown, Bildsoe, Black arrived at 5:50 p.m.), Slavik, and Johnson. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Moore, Finance Director Hahn, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt, City Manager Johnson, and City Clerk Paulson. City Manager Johnson stated at the December 12 Council Study Session, some Councilmembers asked questions regarding the Fire Department's place in the overall organizational structure, including whether or not the Fire Department should be a separate department that reports directly to the City Manager. He stated this issue was outside of the area of study of the task force but is certainly an important issue in its own right. In response to the questions and interest shown on this question, he has provided a report that proposes that staff research and analyze the issue and report back to the Council by February 2, 2001. The report would include information on the following: 1. Current structure in other comparable metro area cities. 2. History of Plymouth's organizational structure for police and fire. 3. Alternative options for Plymouth. 4. Analysis of the pros and cons for the various options. 5. Cost or staffing implications. 6. Legal or procedural actions necessary to change the current structure. Councilmember Bildsoe stated he would like to address the hiring of additional full-time staff. He understands the hiring of fire prevention officers. However, with one of the positions, he supports an individual who could address the mechanical/equipment operations of the department. This position could be in place of the third fire prevention officer. Councilmember Johnson echoed Councilmember Bildsoe's comments. Councilmember Brown asked if this idea ever was discussed during the task force discussions. Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated it was discussed, and the task force basically discussed the logistics of where this position would be housed (create a new shop, utilize public works facility, etc.). She stated overall, the task force identified the need to supplement the duty crew when Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of December 19, 2000 Page 2 of 4 there are times that the paid on-call firefighters are not signing up for some of the shifts and seem to be short on a regular basis. In addition, the concerns for routine inspections of commercial and industrial buildings, and the issue of fire pre -planning was discussed as currently, these two areas aren't adequately targeted. Councilmember Bildsoe stated he would like the Council to discuss the issue of hiring and recruiting. He believes it is important to recruit people who reside within five minutes of a fire station. City Manager Johnson noted that the staff is in the position to offer the fire captain position to an individual. The remainder of the new positions contained in the task force's report would be made in May 2001 and 2002. Councilmember Brown asked what the fire captain's role would be. Fire Chief Kline stated the role would be to manage the duty crew program and oversee the hazardous material response team. Councilmember Brown asked if duty crew management includes recruiting. Fire Chief Kline replied yes; there would be informal recruiting. The formal recruiting is done by himself and Administrative Fire Officer Hurr. Councilmember Bildsoe asked Fire Chief Kline if a fourth fire station would assist with responding to firecalls in the new Reserve Development. Fire Chief Klein stated it would definitely assist depending on the staffing. He also noted that this area is contained in the mutual aid agreement with Maple Grove and possibly with the cities of Crystal and New Hope. City Manager Johnson suggested that Fire Station No. 4 remain in the Capital Improvements Program. A discussion was held with Fire Chief Kline on the OSHA requirement that four individuals to respond to a fire. Fire Chief Kline stated the City always responds with four fighters but other individuals also assist. Steve Farnsworth, stated he has been a member of the Fire Department for four years. He stated hiring people for Community Development is outside the realm of the Fire Department. He stated there is a big difference between enforcing the fire code and fighting fires. Councilmember Bildsoe noted that the task force recommended the notice of openings for City positions be posted for the Fire Department. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of December 19, 2000 Page 3 of 4 Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to direct staff to provide a quarterly report to the Council which would address response time, hiring, lost/gain of firefighters, how the Fire Department's goals are being attained, and the makeup of the Fire Department. A friendly amendment was made to the main motion by Councilmember Bildsoe that an annual report be provided to the Council that would address fire issues. Councilmember Black voiced her concern with staffing levels. The suggestion was made to include this issue in the annual report as well. There being no further discussion, all members voted in favor of the amended motion. Councilmember Bildsoe stated there are three issues which he would like addressed. First, he would like to review the recruitment model which the City utilizes, and he would like to revisit whom the Fire Department is recruiting. He believes that there is a pool of residents within 35- 50 years of age who would like to be approached. Second, how the City should address the issue of false alarms and how to decrease the number of false alarms. Third, he would like the Council to study affordable retirement plans for firefighters. John Gavin, a Lieutenant with the Fire Department and treasurer of the Fire Relief Association, asked if the City would segregate the retirement relief option. The trustees of the Fire Relief Association supports that a study be undertaken to determine what would be the best retirement plan for firefighters. This type of study could cost approximately $10,000, and the association would assist in selecting a consultant. City Manager Johnson stated that staff feels there is merit in considering that, however, this probably couldn't be accomplished by February 2, 2001. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, for staff to provide a report to the Council on the recruitment profile, false alarms, and affordable retirement plan (the City would fund the study). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Brown, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to direct the City Manager to conduct a study of the Fire Department organization structure according to the recommendation provided to the Council (the items contained in the report are listed above as well as the deadline of February 2, 2001 to provide the report to the Council), retain Fire Station No. 4 in the Capital Improvements Program, and investigate alternatives for the three proposed inspectors(one of the positions being a maintenance/engineer). Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of December 19, 2000 Page 4 of 4 The Council stated staff could operate under the assumption that the remainder of the items recommended in the task force report which weren't specifically addressed this evening, would be implemented in the future. Dan Ricker, First Lieutenant from Fire Station III, asked if the Council could hold informal meetings with firefighters. Mayor Tierney stated yes, as long as there aren't more than three Councilmembers in attendance. The Council then voted on the main motion. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to schedule February 6, at 7:00 p.m. as a Study Session to discuss the structure of the Fire Department. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Brown, to formally accept the final report of the Fire Service Task Force. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. G y andra R. Paulson, City Clerk