10/05/1999FIRE TASK FORCE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 5, 1999
Present: Bill Horne Chair (non-voting)
Joe Calio Task Force Member
Joe Evich Task Force Member - arrived 3:13 p.m.
Rowland Herald Task Force Member
Russ Kimball Task Force Member
George Kraus Task Force Member
John Lee Task Force Member
Scott Nall Task Force Member - arrived 3:09 p.m.
Bill Schwob Task Force Member
Jean Stuart Task Force Alternate - arrived 3:15 p.m.
Doug Williams Task Force Alternate
Absent: Fran Briskman Task Force Member
William Sherman Task Force Member
Duke Tieman Task Force Member
Also Present: Margie Simmons Financial Services Administrator
Sue Diana Assistant City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. at the Belcher Road Fire Station.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes
In reference to page 2, paragraph 4, sentence 7, Member Calio requested the first word "Many" be replaced by the number "Thirteen."
Member Kimball moved to approve the minutes of September 28, 1999, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Presentation: One City. One Future. Safety Review
a) History, b) Division of Labor, c) Staffing Studies, and d) Questions
Firefighter Driver/Operator Jim Carino reviewed the report, One City. One Future. Safety Review. (Attached as Exhibit A to these minutes)
Mr. Carino discussed the team effort necessary to handle dangerous and complex rescue situations and how understaffing jeopardizes safety. He stated by meeting previous administrative
requests to cut budgets, the department has reached a critical juncture. Staffing levels are 10% lower than 20 years ago while staff workloads have increased. He said cuts in firefighter
positions were made to create administrative
positions and to maintain them. He said when compared with national averages, all City fire vehicle crews are understaffed. In response to a question, Fire Chief Rowland Herald said
salary differences between firefighters and deputy chiefs are minor.
Mr. Carino reviewed population projections, noting the department must also protect the safety of visitors and tourists as well as enclave residents within City borders. While the
projection for the year 2030 is a population of 160,000, the report bases future needs on a population of 140,000. In response to a question, Chief Herald said the City's population
was 85,000 twenty years ago.
Mr. Carino said while Police Department staffing levels meet national averages, Fire Department levels of 1.21 FTEs (full-time equivalents) per 1,000 residents are significantly below
the national average of 1.64. The Fire Departments of Florida cities of comparable size have average budgets of $20-million. He reported firefighters work 56 hours per week. Those
with EMS (Emergency Medical Services) certification receive a 15% bonus. All firefighters must have at least EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification. All firefighters receive
8 hours of training every 2 months.
Mr. Carino reviewed the staffing needs and related dangers related to high-rise, hospital, and structure fires, vehicular and industrial accidents, and helicopter transfers. Multiple
alarm fires decrease the department's ability to answer other calls. Additional stations are needed for Sand Key and the area north of downtown. He reviewed statistical data indicating
understaffed crews suffer higher rates of injury. He said fire engines should respond to calls within 5 minutes with a ladder truck arriving within 7 minutes. Traffic, road conditions,
and topography impede the attainment of these goals.
The meeting recessed from 4:00 to 4:10 p.m.
Concern was expressed these issues had not been brought to the attention of the budget committee in the mid 1980s. Chief Herald said the Fire Department was not run like a business
previously. Staff is developing a business plan, which will address future construction in the City and a vehicle replacement schedule. It was noted few residents are cognizant of
the need for fire services until they are affected by an emergency.
Mr. Carino estimated each new fire station will cost $1.7-million. The estimate includes planning, design, construction, landscaping, fixtures, and furniture costs. Not included are
costs for land or apparatus. Fire inspector positions now are held by civilians at lower salaries. In response to a challenge that he decrease administration levels, Chief Herald reviewed
the administrative support necessary for the reorganization process. No internal succession plan exists and guidelines need to be developed for equipment maintenance. Accreditation
requires administrative staff to gather necessary documentation. A goal is to increase the City's fire fighting rating from 3 to 2. The rating level affects residents' fire insurance
rates.
Concern was expressed that Sand Key residents had paid significant impact fees, while the City had invested minimal funds in the community. The Belcher Road fire station, constructed
in 1978, was the last one built in the City. It was noted 50 firefighters qualify for retirement next year. Mr. Carino stated that a cost reduction will result due to lower salaries
for new employees once unused vacation and sick time are paid to retirees.
Fire Chief Herald said the administrative staff is creating a career pathway guide to staff promotion, which will include a line of succession. In response to a question, Mr. Carino
said the City is able to hire certified firefighters with EMT or EMS accreditation. New hires participate in a one-week orientation and spend one year on probation. Nearby cities
responded to more mutual aid calls than Clearwater last year. Staffing levels have been reduced at the beach and downtown stations.
Mr. Carino reviewed Fire Department responsibilities including pool safety, air pack maintenance, dive and water rescue team, SWAT and bicycle medics, emergency management, mutual aid,
answering significantly more calls with old, and sometimes unreliable equipment, CPR training, etc. He said the department requests that staffing levels meet national averages. He
said a dedicated funding source is needed. In response to a question, Fire Chief Herald said staff injuries have increased 9% since FY (fiscal year) 1992/93. Mr. Carino expressed concern
two of the City's three aerial ladder trucks are non-functioning. He reported increased security measures have made building access more difficult. He said increased staffing levels
will improve safety.
In reference to the Knopf report, Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department Management Study, Mr. Carino discussed his opposition to various report conclusions. He felt the report was based
on opinion rather than fact.
ITEM #4 – Facility Tour
A facility tour followed the meeting by those who were able to stay and participate.
ITEM #5 – Miscellaneous
Establish Future Agendas
Chair Horne said the Fire Department's list of needs should be available for discussion by October 19, 1999. Currently, three separate plans exist.
Discussion ensued regarding Assistant City Manager Bill Horne's October 1, 1999, memorandum suggesting a proposed meeting schedule. Consensus was to schedule future agendas: 1) October
12 - County Fire Officials Perspective on Fire Service Needs and Discussion of Knopf Report; 2) October 19 - Validation of Fire Department 5-year plan; 3) October 26 - November 23 -
Identify and review funding solutions; 4) November 30 - December 14 - Make recommendations and complete report; and 5) January date to be announced - Commission presentation.
A line item budget for the Fire Department was requested.
The next meeting is scheduled on October 12, 1999, at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall.
ITEM #6 – Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
________________________________
Chair
Fire Task Force
Attest:
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Board Reporter