HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-07-22_BUDGET MEETINGw
AGENDA
EDINA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 22, 1985
5:00 P.M.
ROLLCALL
I. FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION /PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
II. STRATEGIC PLAN - SHORT TERM OBJECTIVES FOR 1986
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TO:
FROM:
M E M O R A N D U M
CITY COUNCIL, & CITY MANAGER KEN ROSLAND
ROBERT J. BURESH, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
SUBJECT: FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION /PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
DATE: JULY 22, 1985
The following are what I consider to be the major issues that support
the hiring of two additional paramedics for the fire department:
1) The major strength of our fire suppression system has been in a
quick response, fast interior attack by highly motivated, physically fit,
well trained personnel. When compared to national performance measures for
first ring suburbs, Edina Fire Department consistently rates "above average"
and "excellent."
We need two additional firefighters on the paid department in order to
assure a minimum response of six to a structural fire. As you can see from
the table below, this would only put us at the bottom of the national ._
average range and we would still be eight below the median for a response to
a single family dwelling fire.
NATIONAL AVERAGES OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Standard Initial Response
Occupancy
Single Multiple Commercial
Response Family Dwelling Highrise or Mercantile Hospital
Number of
Personnel:
Mean 15.1 16.9 21.1 18.4 21.8
Median 14 15 21 17 21
Range 6 -38 7 -38 10 -46 7 -38 7 -40
i.
2) No citizens have ever spoke out against an on -duty strike force of
this size. Also no citizens have ever spoke out against the continuation of
a fire department based paramedic program, yet we have hundreds of letters
and comments supporting our present service. It is the only service that I
am aware of where the city sends a bill and gets a complimentary letter
enclosed with the check.
3) The City Manager's manpower study of 1979 showed a need for twenty-
nine full -time people in the fire department. We have maintained a fragile
balance in. providing several services within the same department by cross -
training people. By hiring two additional paramedics and training them
as firefighters we will meet.the twenty -nine recommended and be able to
maintain all three service levels in fire suppression, emergency medical
services, and fire prevention.
4) If the hiring of two additional paramedics does not resolve the
issues relating to on -duty manpower, it will be relatively easy through
attrition to go back to the present twenty- seven. We have several retirements
coming up in the next few years.
5) The paramedic program shows a profit of $70,793. Without this we
will need a budget increase or be forced to reduce the fire protection
service level to the city.
RJB /pc