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Mr. Hoeke stated that he is opposed to a procedure where Fire Department purchases must <br />go through an extra hoop and be approved by the Fire Board as well as City Council. Mr. <br />Hoeke stated that he did discuss the matter with Bill Rustand and it was his understanding <br />that the purpose of the Fire Board was to assist the Fire Department through start-up; once <br />the Fire Department was established, it would operate the same as the Police Department <br />with Mr. Hoeke reporting to Mr. Hartley and the budget being approved by the City <br />Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Bawden disagreed and stated that it was his understanding that the Fire Board would <br />be a support function and would differ from the Police Department because the Fire <br />Department is a department of volunteers. Once the Fire Department was established and <br />all things were in order, the Fire Board would be meeting as necessary to accomplish the <br />functions listed in the ordinance by which it was established. <br /> <br />Steve Wilson inquired as to the extent of Mr. Cich's control over the Fire Department, <br />noting that Mr. Cich has made comments regarding dismissal of the department for not <br />doing things his way. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley noted that Mr. Cich is one member of a 5-member City Council. Mr. Hartley <br />stated that it should not be that way, but persons in public service take public criticism on a <br />regular basis. The fire fighters are in public service and as individuals, they have to decide <br />if they can tolerate the public criticism. <br /> <br />A discussion ensued regarding items that should be reflected in the 5 year plan, including <br />staffing levels. Mr. Hoeke noted that in the 1991 budget, he is requesting 6 additional day- <br />time fire fighters and necessary gear for these fire fighters. <br /> <br />Bruce Hoeke stated that his term as Fire Chief expires in July and he will not be available <br />for another term; the Fire Department has requested that he serve an additional 6 months <br />and he is taking it under consideration. <br /> <br />Mr. LaTour stated that this is a very busy time for the Fire Department and it is requested <br />that the current terms for all officers be extended for a 6 month period. <br /> <br />Upon inquiry, Mr. Hartley stated that the City Council appoints a Fire Chief based on the <br />recommendation of the Fire Board; if the recommendation is not accepted, City Council <br />cannot select a candidate of their choice and the issue is returned to the Fire Board for an <br />alternate recommendation. <br /> <br />Mr. LaTour noted that most fu'e departments elect their own chief to avoid problems that <br />arise with not having the leader of your choice. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley noted that the current procedure is for the Fire Board to make a <br />recommendation to City Council as to the selection of a Fire Chief; 3 members on the Fire <br />Board are representatives of the Fire Department and it is their responsibility to represent <br />the department when it comes to selection of a Fire Chief. <br /> <br />Motion by Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. LaTour to recommend that the City Council <br />consider an ordinance amendment that would allow the Fire Department sole responsibility <br />for election of officers without confm'nation by the Fire Board or the City Council. <br /> <br />Fire Board/June 7, 1990 <br />Page 4 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />