Agenda - Council - 04/14/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I ,I CASE # REPORT FROM FIRE BOARD By: Dean Kapler, Fire Chief Background: The Fire Board met on Thursday, March 26, 1998, and discussed the following issues: 1) Location and Floor Plan of Station #2 Facts and reasoning for the location and the floor plan for the proposed second fire station were presented. The location of choice is 161st and Armstrong. The fire fighting goal is to keep response times to not more than eight to ten minutes. This location is in the southeast corner of the City and with the current location plus this proposed one, the Fire Department can expect to meet the response time goal for 80% of the City. It was noted that the northeast corner of the City will not be in the 8-minute response time window and that will be discussed in #3. The facility is expected to be 8,200 square feet and will include an upper level. Included in the floor plan is four truck bays, male and female restrooms and showers, large meeting/training room, conference rooms and offices, and a kitchen area. The thought is that this facility could also provide space for community use - a polling place, for example.' The Fire Board was in agreement with the floor plan and directed this be forwarded to Council. (There is a case on tonight's agenda requesting authorization to proceed with Request for Proposals to architectural firms for the design of the second station.) 2) Fire Station #3 The Fire Board discussed possible near future acquisition of land for a third station, considering the fact that there is a "lost area" in the City where it is impossible to reach homes within the 8- minutes response time window with either of the station locations. Certain areas were mentioned and the Fire Board was in agreement that it would be a good idea to begin the search for land. The actual building is not in the plans for the near future. 3) Review of Nicotine Policy for Fire Department Personnel The Fire Board discussed the nicotine policy, which currently allows only fire fighters who do not use tobacco products. A concern had been expressed that this policy may be preventing a larger group of qualified people from applying for the position of volunteer fire fighter. However, the last hiring session was very successful, and it was determined that the policy would remain status quo. If there comes a time when the citizens are not getting good services because the Department cannot get more good people, then the policy will be revisited. Minutes with more detailed discussion will be forwarded to Council to note at their April 28, 1998 meeting. Council Action: No action is necessary. Reviewed by: Fire Chief CC: 04/14/98 jmt/RepFB.doc /t