Agenda - Council - 04/14/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

staff to watch the parks for activity level and social distancing and the Council can continue the discussion if problems arise or recommendations change. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she agrees with Mayor LeTourneau that the issue should be monitored as this is a rapidly changing issue. She noted that staff can provide updates to the Council for additional discussion if necessary. City Administrator Ulrich noted that the signs will be revised as directed and posted at the playgrounds. Fire Chief Kohner provided details on the duty shifts being implemented by the Fire Department during this time. He stated that social distancing continues to be stressed with more people staying home. He provided details on the calls received, noting that two people can adequately respond to a medical call. He explained that when more firefighters are at home and able to respond to calls, that could increase the costs and would not maintain social distancing. He stated that instilling the temporary duty crew would provide social distancing and would almost be budget neutral, or a cost savings, depending on the number of firefighters that would otherwise respond during this time. He noted that the duty crew would also ensure prompt response to calls. Councilmember Riley stated that it seems that this would make sense during this time. He asked if this would be a permanent decision to instill a duty crew. Fire Chief Kohner replied that there have been discussions during strategic planning on the use of a duty crew. He stated that this has come into place sooner because of the COVID-19 circumstances and therefore this would be for the temporary situation. He stated that he has provided comparison information on the duty crew versus the 30 percent response rate, as well as comparisons of response times. He stated that he would like to see how the next two weeks play out and will then bring a comparison back to the Council to review. City Administrator Ulrich commented that this is a great opportunity to test this method as a pilot during a time when it most makes sense. Councilmember Menth stated that he likes this plan as it decreases the response time and implements social distancing. He stated that the situation continues to change rapidly, and this will allow the City to better respond. Councilmember Kuzma stated that if the pilot project works, would the duty crew be a benefit to the residents moving forward from an insurance standpoint because of the reduced response times. Fire Chief Kohner stated that the response times are a part of the ISO rating, but was unsure if the insurance rates of residents would change. Councilmember Heinrich expressed appreciation to Fire Chief Kohner for bringing this idea forward and was hopeful that this would provide a cost savings and reduced response time. City Council / March 30, 2020 Page 7 of 9