HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-24 Budget Committee Minutes
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE MINUTES
—FIRE & RESCUE—
APRIL 24, 2000
CIVIC CENTER
Committee members present: Cameron Hanson, Carole Wheeldon, David Find, David Williams, Don
Laws, Howard Braham and Jim Moore.
Committee member(s) absent: Cate Hartzell. Staff present: Mike Freeman, Keith Woodley, David
Peterson, David Hard, Patrick Caldwell and Sheri Bruce.
Don Laws called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m. Laws turned the meeting over to Keith Woodley, Fire
Chief for the City of Ashland.
I. PRESENTATION
Overview
Woodley introduced David Peterson, Assistant Fire Chief and David Hard, EMS/Fire Training
Director. In addition, he mentioned those on his staff who were not present for the meeting and the
positions of responsibility they held.
II. DISCUSSION
Wheeldon wondered how overtime is being managed. Woodley responded that overtime is
addressed within the line item detail. CERT instructors were hired off-duty—not all of the instructors
are firefighters. He noted that the costs are between $5,000 to 6,000 for the CERT program training.
Per Woodley, more and more requests are coming from the community for dedicated employees, to
provide training. He further stipulated that at this point, the costs involved have not been factored
into the budget but may very likely be in the 2001-02 budget. Fine asked if the department receives
any revenues for this service. Per David Hard, “although there are no funds allocated for this public
service activity, anyone can call at anytime and request the training. And, the training will be
scheduled for them.”
Fine asks, if the State provides any subsidy for fire coverage on behalf of the University who does
not pay any property taxes. Woodley responded that historically, the City has provided nearly all of
the code enforcement services. There are some benefits in the form of free services from the
University. A couple of those services are free use of the campus and use of rooms in the Student
Union to provide seminars. In exchange, for that the hall directors and RA’s are provided some fire
extinguisher training to safety and security staff.
Additionally, Fine wondered how many false alarm calls are received from the university. According
to Woodley, there is not a problem with false alarm calls from the University.
Braham asked, if there was a solution to the issue and “is overtime reflected as salary?” Woodley
responded that yes, overtime is reflected in the salary.”
Braham said, “How are you going about obtaining funding for training (referencing the FEMA grant)
outside of City funding? Are there programs similar to this, that you are pursuing?” Woodley
responded by saying, “unfortunately, not at this time as this is due to a lack of staffing. We do
accomplish as much training as we can within the Rogue Valley.” Woodley is on a state committee
which is looking to create a state out-reach training center. The placement of this center will be
determined based upon demographics. However, there are out-reach programs and they (State)
have committed to do satelite training. We are hoping to take advantage of this
Fire & Rescue Budget Subcommittee
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Braham asked if Woodley felt they are in a good position for growth. Woodley responded
“absolutely”.
III. CONCLUSION
Willams asks Laws if they are ready to make a motion to pass the proposed budget, as presented by
the Fire and Rescue Department, to the full budget committee. Laws motions, Williams seconds.
Laws asked the committee for consensus. No discussion. All AYES, non opposed, the motion is
passed.
Laws wanted to clarify that the committee would appreciate seeing written information (handouts)
prior the actual meeting. He also raises the need for additional detail within the budget document
itself. That is to say, this year’s response times versus last year’s response times, etc. Moore raises
a concern regarding the 41% increase over the past few years and notes that the unionizing is
eating up the costs.
Public Input
None.
Braham motions to adjourn for the evening. Moore seconds. The Budget Subcommittee on Fire &
Rescue adjourns at 4:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheri Bruce
Fire & Rescue Budget Subcommittee
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