Fire Advisory Board

Fire Advisory Board Meeting Agenda Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes from September 18, 2024 2-3 Fire Advisory Board - 18 Sep 2024 - Minutes 6. NEW BUSINESS a. 4Q24 Unaudited Financial Position 4 4Q24 Unaudited Financial Position b. Future Replacement of Truck 3265 and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 5-6 Process Memo: Future Replacement of Truck 3265 and RFQ Process c. Continuing Education Incentive 7 Memo: Continuing Education Incentive 7. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS 8. ADJOURNMENT  Fire Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 5:00 PM Council Chambers The Fire Advisory Board of the City of New Richmond was called to order on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: PRESENT: John Van Dyk, Richard Hesselink, Tom Heintz, Thomas Weinmeyer, Ron Volkert, Mike Montello, Dave Naser, Dave Stephens ABSENT: Rita Keating OTHERS Josh Bell, Noah Wiedenfeld, Rae Ann Ailts PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Tom Heintz. ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ADOPTION OF AGENDA John Van Dyk moved to adopt the agenda. The motion was seconded by Tom Weinmeyer and carried unanimously via voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING ON JULY 17, 2024 Tom Weinmeyer moved to approve the minutes from the July 17, 2024 Fire Board meeting. The motion was seconded by Dave Stephens and approved unanimously via voice vote. NEW BUSINESS 2025 PROPOSED OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET Rae Ann Ailts reviewed the proposed 2025 operating and capital budgets in detail. As presented, the total expenditures (operating and capital combined) for 2025 would increase 4.6% from the 2024 expenditures. Wages would increase $1 per hour across the board, utilizing the existing pay structure that was established in 2022 based on position and years of service. The largest capital priorities include $75,000 for replacement of radios, and $92,650 towards the future replacement of Engine Fire Advisory Board Meeting September 18, 2024 3265. The Fire Board expressed support for the proposed 2025 budget but still scheduled a tentative next meeting date of Wednesday, October 16 at 5:00 p.m. just in case it's needed to further discuss the 2025 budget, depending on the feedback members receive from their respective boards. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Chief Bell shared that visits to the local schools and childcare centers will begin the week of Sept. 23- 27 and continue into early October. The Fire Department will also host its annual open house event on October 7th at 6:00 p.m. CHILI FEED UPDATE Chief Bell shared that the Fire Department will be hosting a chili supper event on Saturday, September 28th from 3-6 p.m. at the fire station. This is a freewill donation event. There will also be raffles and silent auction items. COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS The Fire Board expressed support for communicating its dissatisfaction with some ongoing issues that have been experienced by local fire departments with the St. Croix County Dispatch Center. ADJOURNMENT Mike Montello moved at 6:00 p.m. to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Tom Weinmeyer and carried unanimously via voice vote. Fire Advisory Board Meeting September 18, 2024  MEMO Prepared for: Fire Advisory Board Staff Contact: Rae Ann Ailts Meeting: Fire Advisory Board - 19 Feb 2025 Subject: 4Q24 Unaudited Financial Position BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Staff will review the unaudited financial position of the Fire Fund with the Board on Wednesday evening.  MEMO Prepared for: Fire Board Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Fire Advisory Board - 19 Feb 2025 Subject: Future Replacement of Truck 3265 and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Process BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Fire Board has previously discussed the future need to replace Truck 3265. This vehicle was manufactured in 2006 and has over 88,000 miles. There is a consensus from the firefighters that when examining the overall vehicle fleet, this vehicle is in greatest need of replacement. During annual inspections in 2024, Emergency Apparatus Maintenance (EAM) identified several deficiencies in the vehicle, and pump testing failed as the pump was unable to create a sufficient vacuum – which would prevent it from properly drawing water during a fire emergency. Repairs were made, however not all of the issues – such as a badly rusted frame – can easily be corrected. Front-line fire apparatus should be evaluated for replacement after 15 years of service, but the actual condition of the apparatus and local factors should be considered. Factors such as usage, maintenance, mechanical issues, advances in technology, needs of the Fire Department, funding availability, etc. guide this decision. In recent years, the annual capital budget has included a line item for future vehicle replacement in order to reduce the amount of future borrowing required. Each jurisdiction has been levying for these funds as part of the annual budget and is responsible for designating their respective funds. By the end of 2025, we anticipate there will be about $360,000 held by the City, Village, and Townships for future vehicle replacement. When it comes to replacing Truck 3265, the Fire Department could consider purchasing a used vehicle, refurbishing an existing vehicle, or purchasing a new vehicle. The used market for emergency services vehicles can be challenging, as departments might have difficulty assessing a vehicle’s true condition, and while a great value can be found, there’s also the risk of acquiring another agency’s “headache” and finding oneself in need of a replacement vehicle just a short time later. Refurbishments are becoming increasingly common, but there are many considerations as to what will need to be replaced (e.g. body, engine, drivetrain, pump, etc.), how long the refurb will extend the life of the vehicle, and what the cost would be in comparison to a new vehicle. New vehicles have their advantages in regards to technology, features and functionality, and warranty, but come at a higher cost and can often times take 2-3 years for manufacturing. In order to move this conversation further along, staff would like to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify the manufacturer who we would like to partner with. Note that an RFQ process is different than an invitation for bids, which might typically be used for purchases of vehicles and equipment, or the reconstruction of a road. The RFQ process would look at qualifications, professional competence, experience, and references from other local fire departments who have worked with each manufacturer, and would likely include an interview component as well. The RFQ process is intended to help us identify a partner first, and from there proceed with determining what option is best for the New Richmond Fire & Rescue Department. The RFQ process does not commit us to either a refurbishment or a new build, but we would identify who we would like to work with to replace Truck 3265. RECOMMENDATION: The Fire Board should discuss and consider a formal motion to direct staff to proceed with a request for qualifications (RFQ) process as outlined above. Page 2 of 2  MEMO Prepared for: Fire Board Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Fire Advisory Board - 19 Feb 2025 Subject: Continuing Education Incentive BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In 2023, a continuing education incentive was established to encourage firefighters to take additional courses. Firefighters are not currently paid when they attend most continuing education classes unless it is a department-wide training, thus, it's a big commitment when it comes to also balancing family and work. Since 2023, firefighters who provide proof of successful completion and certification in the courses identified below receive a $500 stipend. An incentive was also given to firefighters who had recently completed the courses prior to the program being established.  Firefighter II (42 hours)  Ropes Rescue - Operations Level (40 hours)  Fire Officer I (40 hours)  Emergency Services Instructor (40 hours) When the continuing education incentive was initially established, staff indicated that we would revisit this program after the first year to see what the participation has been and whether we should continue to offer the incentive and/or make any changes. The table below shows the number of firefighters who completed each course and thus received a $500 stipend. COURSE # OF FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVING STIPEND Firefighter II 3 Ropes Rescue 1 Fire Officer I 2 Emergency Services Instructor 2 The Fire Board should discuss whether they would like to continue to offer the continuing education incentive, and/or if any changes should be made.