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09/17/1999 FIRE TASK FORCE CITY OF CLEARWATER September 17, 1999 Present: Bill Horne Task Force Member Chair/Assistant City Manager Fran Briskman Task Force Member Joe Calio Task Force Member Joe Evich Task Force Member – arrived 1:35 p.m. Rowland Herald Task Force Member/Fire Chief Russ Kimball Task Force Member George Krause Task Force Member John Lee Task Force Member/IAFF President Scott Nall Task Force Member Rev. William Sherman Task Force Member Jean Stuart Task Force Alternate Doug Williams Task Force Alternate Absent: Bill Schwob Task Force Member Duke Tieman Task Force Member Also Present: Pamela K. Akin City Attorney – departed 1:47 p.m. Sue Diana Assistant City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #2 - Introductions The Mayor welcomed Task Force members, thanked them for their participation, and reviewed the Task Force’s mission to identify and recommend a funding solution for the Fire Department 5-year plan. He requested members approach their task and responsibilities with an open mind and let presented data drive conclusions and recommendations. He requested members not introduce personal agendas or special interests not relevant to the task. He requested members stay focused and make recommendations, with public safety and the best interest of Clearwater’s citizens as their highest priority. The needs of all residents in all areas of the City should be met. The Task Force is to provide the City Commission with appropriate recommendations no later than January 2000 A copy of the City’s Fire Services agreement with Pinellas County was requested. Members introduced themselves and presented a brief overview of their background. ITEM #3 – Brief on Sunshine Law The City Attorney reviewed the Sunshine Law. Task Force members can talk with the City Commission and staff members not on the Task Force but cannot discuss relative issues with other members outside a meeting. Members who wish to speak with an IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) representative may telephone Jim Carino at (727) 669-1270 or Secretary/Treasurer Dave Hogan at the Union Hall at (727) 442-8419. Members who wish to speak with a Fire Department representative may telephone Assistant Fire Chief Jack Callahan at (727) 562-4334x3050. ITEM #4 – Review Mission The City Commission has directed the Task Force to identify and recommend a funding solution for the Fire Department 5-Year Master Plan. ITEM #5 – Review Ground Rules Fire Task Force Ground Rules include: 1) a commitment to time; 2) meetings to start and end on time; 3) members are equal and without rank; 4) goal-oriented; 5) focused; 6) all members receive the same information; 7) listen to the other side; 8) everyone’s ideas are important; 9) respect each other; 10) don’t interrupt; and 11) brevity. ITEM #6 – Proposed Rules of Procedure Task Force Chair/Assistant City Manager Bill Horne reviewed a draft of proposed rules of procedures. Regarding Article I. Members - It was recommended the duties of alternates be defined. It was recommended members be limited to 3 consecutive absences. Regarding Article II. Meetings - It was agreed to schedule weekly meetings on Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. It was recommended during the meeting to break every hour for 5 to 10 minutes. Regarding Article III. Quorum - It was agreed 6 voting members shall constitute a quorum. Regarding Article IV. Motions – No changes. Regarding Article V. Debate/Discussion – No changes. Regarding Article VI. Public Comment - It was agreed persons speaking before the Task Force shall be limited to 3 minutes per speaker and that no person shall speak more than once on the same subject at the same meeting unless permitted by the Chair. Regarding Article VII. Voting - No changes. Regarding Article VIII. Reconsideration - No changes. ITEM #7 – Establish Meeting Schedule It was agreed meetings would be scheduled weekly on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for September 21, 1999, at 3:00 p.m. Location to be announced. It was recommended County representatives and City consultants be invited to present information. It was suggested former Fire Chief Davidson be invited to discuss historical issues. It was recommended the Task Force visit a fire station when discussing needs. It was recommended staff representatives from Finance and Budget be invited to review and discuss funding options. It was requested the origin and development of the previously proposed fire fee be discussed. ITEM #8 – Distribute material for next meeting Mr. Horne stated members can contribute to future agendas. The board’s initial focus is to receive an objective overview of Fire Department operations and review fire services priorities over the next 5 years. Member Lee said affects on manpower also will be discussed. It was requested a consultant study regarding a fire assessment and a labor study related to staffing be distributed. ITEM #9 – Miscellaneous – None. ITEM #10 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.