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09/28/1999FIRE TASK FORCE CITY OF CLEARWATER September 28, 1999 Present: Bill Horne Chair(non-voting) Joe Calio Task Force Member Joe Evich Task Force Member Russ Kimball Task Force Member George Kraus Task Force Member John Lee Task Force Member Scott Nall Task Force Member Bill Schwob Task Force Member William Sherman Task Force Member Jean Stuart Task Force Alternate Doug Williams Task Force Alternate Absent: Rowland Herald Task Force Member Duke Tieman Task Force Member Fran Briskman Task Force Member Also Present: John Carassas Assistant City Attorney Charlie Flowers Deputy Fire Chief Jack Callahan Assistant Fire Chief Margie Simmons Financial Services Administrator Cyndie E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM 2 – Approval of Minutes of September 17, 1999 Member Kimball moved to approve the minutes of September 17, 1999, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Clarification of Role of Alternates – Draft The Chair reviewed the changes to address the role of alternates and attendance made to the proposed rules. (Attached as Exhibit A to these minutes) Member Kraus moved approval of the rules of procedure as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 4 – Fire Department Presentation Items A, B, C, and D - Historical Perspective; Current Operation & Programs, Priorities Through 2004, and Questions Deputy Fire Chief Charlie Flowers reviewed the Fire Department’s history, current operations and programs, and priorities through 2004. The task force will establish standards of coverage. The department faces increasing demands by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Fire and rescue apparatus is a mix of old and new equipment. Several stations need serious renovations or replacement. New trucks also are needed. Deputy Chief Flowers reviewed proposed facility expenditures, timelines, a technology proposal, and staffing requirements. Recommendations include replacement of older units, acquisition of new engines, and implementation of an apparatus replacement program. In response to questions, he said preventative maintenance is handled in-house. A fire truck has an average life span of 20 years. After 15 years of front line service, these trucks are relegated to a reserve status for another 5 years. Smaller rescue trucks last approximately 5 years. Quality equipment provides longer and better service. Due to the large number of repairs, etc. to equipment this year, Clearwater had to borrow fire trucks from Largo. Deputy Chief Flowers said the department performs routine fire rescue activities, technical rescues, SWAT medics, marine response teams, prevention programs, emergency management, and special events’ coverage. The meeting recessed from 3:59 p.m. to 4:08 p.m. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Flowers said the Fire Department does not share facilities with other entities. Sand Key is a top priority, assuming appropriate land acquisition is possible. Assistant Fire Chief Jack Callahan said combining police substations with fire stations is being considered. Staffing levels are lower than 20 years ago. Assistant Chief Callahan said staffing needs for a new Northwest station will be included in the final proposal. Significant population growth has occurred at Sand Key and near Clearwater Mall. Thirteen Sand Key high-rises have no sprinkler systems. Efforts to require retrofit of those buildings have not been successful. Local ordinances now require sprinkler systems to be installed in high-rise buildings at the time of construction. Mr. Callahan reported approximately 50 firefighters are eligible for retirement. Training replacements is crucial. He said EMS (Emergency Medical Service) is a countywide program with requirements for the City to upgrade its system accordingly. It was requested copies of the original 5-year plan, the 5-year plan submitted for the budget, the current 5-year plan documentation relating to the Knopf report, and other documents requested at the last meeting be distributed to task force members. ITEM 5 – Miscellaneous Establish Agenda for next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on October 5, 1999, at the Belcher Road Fire Station training facility. The union will present the bargaining unit’s perspectives. Future meetings will include guest speakers from the County, and address outstanding and funding issues. ITEM 6 – Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m.