CC Minutes 01/10/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASSELBERRV CITY COMMISSION Minutes of January 10, 2005 - Regular Meeting Page 13 of 18 memorandum to Mr. Clifton. A copy of said memorandum is attached to and made a part of these minutes. The anticipated financial impact of the increased staffing for Fiscal Year 2006 was estimated at approximately $400,000.00. Mr. Clifton proposed that the City Commission hold a work session in the near future to discuss in detail the staffing issues, and evaluation of the fire service delivery and continued participation in the County First Response program. Andience Participation: One (I) audience comment request form was submitted for Resolution 05-1552. The following individual came forward: I) John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, inquired why additional staffing was required for the new truck. Chief Harkins stated the grant requires staffing of the truck. MOTION: Vice Mayor Hart moved to approve Resolution 05-1552 and related Budget Transfer Request 05-15 as presented. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hufford. Commission Discussion: Discussion ensued regarding the current availability of ladder service within the County, ISO rating impacts, opting out of municipal fire service, current staffing issues, and the current impacts of the First Response program on City fire stations. Commissioner Doerner was concerned about the significant budgetary impacts that the additional staffing will have on next year's budget and stated she was not comfortable in making this decision without more substantial data on those proposed budgetary impacts. Commissioner Doerner also voiced concerns regarding the impact the purchase would have on the City's possible future pursuit of opting out of municipal fire service. Mr. Clifton stated he did not think this purchase would affect the opt out process negatively, should the City Commission decide to go that route. Commissioner Cook voiced concerns regarding the County being responsible for service to portions of the City, whether ornot there is adequate justification for the purchase and current staffing issues. Chief Harkins acknowledged current staffing problems and stated he recently discussed and recommended to the City Manager to eliminate one (1) of the Deputy Chief positions and also eliminate the Fire Marshal position in the current budget and create a Senior Inspector position to replace the Fire Marshal. Chief Harkins stated he also proposed hiring three (3) additional firefighters utilizing the funds saved from the salary and benefits for the eliminated positions. Any funding deficits would be made up from overtime accounts. Chief Harkins stated that matter would address current staffing issues outside of the new fire truck and is anticipated to come before the Commission formally at a future meeting for consideration. Commissioner Hufford voiced concerns regarding the necessity of the new truck acquisition and the level of ftre service desired by the City. Commissioner Doerner suggested delaying action on Resolution 05-1552 in order for staff to provide additional information regarding specific proposed budgetary costs, actual cost savings associated with a lower ISO rating, analysis of current service levels and future projections for service, and whether the addition ofthis truck would be a duplication of services already being provided to the City by other entities. Mayor Goff inquired if delaying action on Resolution 05-1 552 until the next meeting would affect the ability of the manufacturer to deliver the truck by the September 15, 2005 deadline. Chief Harkins stated he was not sure what impact the delay would have on the manufacturer being able to meet the delivery deadline. Mr. Clifton stated two weeks may not be enough time to provide all the detailed information that was requested, but he would provide as much as possible within the time frame. Mr. Clifton clarified the worst scenario would be if the City Commission approved the purchase of the truck but then did not budget the additional staff for the truck for Fiscal Year 2006, the City would be able to keep the truck but would be