07/01/1996 - Work Study - MinutesPort Orchard, Washington
July 1, 1996
Council of the City of Port Orchard, Washington, called to order for a Study Session
by Mayor Leslie Weatherill at 7:30 PM at City Hall, 216 Prospect Street.
Council members present: Clauson, Wyatt, Morrison, Geiger, Van Zee and Grable.
Staff present: Fire Chief Snow and City Clerk Parks.
Mayor Weatherill stated that the purpose of this Study Session is to update Council on
Fire Committee/Fire District #7 discussions relative to the proposed Cooperative Fire
and Medical Service Partnership.
Senior Firefighter Rick Christenson spoke on the Fire Department's need for a career
Lieutenants position. Mayor Weatherill allowed this presentation for informational
purposes, however, because this topic was not part of this meeting's notification
process no discussion was permitted. Mr. Christenson introduced his fellow firefighters
Chuck Hislop, Dan Ahrens, Michael Kehl and Mark Yergeau. His presentation outlined the
Fire Department organizational chart; employee functions and responsibilities;
firefighters' assessment of the need for three (3) lieutenant officer positions and
concluded with a proposal on how these positions can best be accomplished and the
financial impact to the City.
Councilman Don Morrison, Fire Committee Chair, reviewed Committee discussions on the
methods of establishing a partnership. He stated this proposal has been the subject
of discussion for two years and it is time to make a commitment to either develop a
service partnership or continue development of a fully manned City Fire Department.
Methods 1, 2 & 3 would drop jurisdictional boundaries with the closest city or district
fire station responding to an incident. Method 4 is a contractual arrangement for
operational services only. Method 5 would call for annexation of the city's
geographical area into Kitsap Fire District 7 boundaries. Councilman Morrison stated
the Committee is looking for insight on how the Council wants to proceed. If the City
is going to maintain a City Fire Department, the Council must be prepared to allocate
money to fund a growing department.
Mayor Weatherill suggested Council look at other cities who have formed partnerships
or contractual agreements which have fallen short and not worked. He offered opinion
that it is more advantageous to maintain a city department. If the jurisdictions
standardize equipment and training, with the mutual aid agreement, service should be
the same. He cautioned Council members to be careful on their decision on how to
proceed.
Councilman Morrison requested Mayor Weatherill be more specific on how contractual
arrangements have fallen short.
Councilman Van Zee stated detailed information on the alternatives is needed to allow
an informed decision.
Several Council members stated they take pride in the City having their own Fire
Department and would like to maintain a department if economically feasible. However,
it is recognized that they must look at what is best for the City as a whole, including
street/roads, public safety, water, sewer and other city services.
Based upon statistics presented by Rick Christenson, the effectiveness of the current
volunteer firefighter program was questioned. Mayor Weatherill stated that volunteer
officers are "toned out" to many calls which do not warrant a full response, such as
sprained fingers or a child with a bean in it's nose. Councilman Morrison questioned
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what can be done internally to restrict level of response based on nature of call while
maintaining Labor and Industries, training, insurance and manning requirements.
Councilman Clauson stated Council should not be concerned with the nature of individual
calls. The Fire Department must have the equipment, man power and facilities to be
ready to go when a call does come in. The cost of an actual call, ie; gas, oil, etc
is small compared with the cost of being "ready" to respond.
Councilman Clauson reiterated the need to have factual documentation to support a
decision to maintain a city fire department or to accept one of District 7's proposed
methods of service partnership.
Councilmembers requested Mayor Weatherill submit a detailed response to each of District
7's proposed partnership methods and the proposal to maintain a City operated Fire
Department. The Mayor's recommendation and proposal must contain a schedule of what
needs to be done with an implementation budget and time lines which can be validated.
The recommendation must also address funding source.
Councilman Morrison affirmed that one of the primary considerations is the care and
consideration of the current fire department staff. What ever direction the City takes,
the future of these positions should be considered.
Councilman Clauson added that the Mayor's proposal needs to compare realistic numbers.
It should be based on factual information, not emotions and include projected growth
of the City. He also emphasized the need for the Mayor to prepare a response to each
proposal, including the City maintained Fire Department concept.
Councilman Geiger questioned how many more positions are needed to maintain a City
operated Fire Department.
Fire Chief Snow responded with information on standards for number of personnel required
for each engine responding to a call. Number of uniformed fire personnel needed depends
on the number of pieces of equipment the City has. Chief Snow reviewed the number of
paid staff, residents and volunteers on board at this time and stated that with current
City fire equipment, a total of 14 positions are needed. This can be achieved by a
formula using paid staff, residents and volunteers.
Councilman Geiger questioned the relationship of forming a city/district partnership
to each jurisdictions respective "Fire Rating". Chief Snow responded that alternative
methods 1 & 2 drop jurisdictional boundaries and could result in faster response service
to some areas of the City and the District. Chief Snow added that the District has the
financial ability to build additional stations and hire more people to achieve a better
fire service rating.
Chief Snow reviewed additional funding sources enjoyed by fire districts which by
legislation are not available to cities. State statutes provide for payment to fire
districts for fire protection services to state properties, schools and port districts.
Councilman Morrison encouraged the City to actively solicit legislative change to allow
cities the same funding sources as fire districts.
Councilman Wyatt summarized that he thinks everyone would like to see a City operated
Fire Department, but it comes down to dollars and the Committee and Council are not
getting answers and facts that are needed.
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Councilman Morrison concluded meeting by reconfirming that the Mayor is to submit a
detailed response to each proposal including budget and time line for implementation.
The request presented by city firefighters for creation of lieutenant position(s) will
be considered along with the Mayor Weatherill's proposal and recommendation.
Mayor eatherill adjourned meeting at 9:00 PM.
Patricia Parks, City Clerk eslie J. Weatherill, Mayor