Minutes - Council - 11/12/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmembers Kuzma and Johns advocated for Option #2, Fire Marshal, based on the cost benefits, cost savings for not reclassifying the position, and need for 24/7 coverage that is beyond what one full -time position can accomplish. Councilmember Backous stated this is a difficult decision as one argument from residents is that times are tough, home values are down, but taxes are not going down. He stated he also struggles with the timing of filling this position and felt a Fire Inspector could be used until the economy improves and home values increase. Councilmember Tossey stated after review of the October 15, 2013, meeting minutes he found the direction of the Personnel Committee was not to return with a position of this magnitude but to vet the opportunity to save money. He agreed it is an issue of timing as there are other needs and he questions whether this is a need at this time. He stated the two full -time Fire Department salaries are well over $200,000 and while he agrees public safety is a necessity, he cannot support staff's recommendation at this time. Councilmember Riley stated if the decision is between a Fire Marshal at $85,000 and Fire Inspector at $83,000, he thinks it is a waste of time to discuss it. Councilmember Tossey stated the issue is that the Personnel Committee did not want a salary of this magnitude, not a full -time position, as discussed on October 15, 2013. He spoke in support of the Fire Chief concentrating on Ramsey's needs rather than pursuing a Joint Fire District. Mayor Strommen stated with the options presented tonight, no one at the Personnel Committee meeting advocated for the contract position and that discussion revolved around the two full -time positions that fulfill the needs of the City. She noted the duties are not being fulfilled at this time and this recruitment will not be at a salary as high as the departing Fire Marshal. She found the pursuit of a Joint Fire District to be core to how fire services will be provided in the future and indicated that without the leadership of Fire Chief Kapler, it would be going no where. Councilmember Johns supported the comments of Mayor Strommen. Councilmember Backous agreed with Councilmember Tossey that a Joint Fire District may be cost neutral but is not time neutral as it has taken a lot of the City's resources. Councilmember Johns asked how long the City has had the Fire Marshal position. Fire Chief Kapler stated the Fire Marshal position has been in place since 1999 or 2000. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to adopt Resolution #13 -11 -192, authorizing staff to recruit for a full -time Fire Marshal. Further discussion: Councilmember Backous stated he does not feel comfortable voting on this issue as he was not part of the Personnel Committee discussion and intended to abstain from the vote. City Council / November 12, 2013 Page 10 of 12