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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/1990 Special Meeting 78 CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AUGUST 7, 1990 SPECIAL MEETING The City Council met in session on this date at 11:30 A.M. at Fire Station No. 5, 807 E. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, Washington. Mayor Pat Berndt, presiding, Council members Lynn Buchanan, George Pechtel, Skip Semon and Bernard Sims present; Council members Clarence Barnett and Henry - Beauchamp absent and excused. Staff members present were City. Manager Zais, Fire Chief Beeson, Deputy Fire Chief Martin, Battalion Chiefs Gary Vance, Mike Meyer, and Mike Nugent, Captains Dave Bachmann, Rick Andring, and Joe May, and City Clerk Roberts. Also present were Ron Johnson and Rick Bowman, Union representatives. 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING FIRE DEPARTMENT RELATED ISSUES Chief Beeson stated the purpose of this meeting is to communicate with Council and talk about the status of the Fire organization and about the future. He introduced the Fire Department staff members participating in the meeting and the two IAFF Union representatives invited to attend this meeting. Chief Beeson reported that a major reorganization took place in the Fire Department about three years ago. He reviewed the reorganization in detail, referring to the organization chart in effect prior to the reorganization and the current organization chart. The reorganization involved a major change in the administrative structure, including the addition of two Battalion Chief positions and areas of responsibilities. The five Battalion Chief positions rotate on about a two year 'cycle with the intent to get them exposed to the different activities in the Fire Department. The same thing was done with the Captains. He spoke about the dissention this reorganization caused among the Fire Department personnel. He displayed an organization chart proposed for the future, including an auxiliary fire fighter force, which would be supervised by an additional Battalion Chief. This reorganization would also include placing one of the two electronic technicians at a supervisory level. He further stated that at some point in the future an assistant for the mechanic will be needed. When a consolidated dispatch center is implemented in the future, we may lose the alarm supervisors and dispatchers. Deputy Chief Martin distributed information regarding Department accident prevention (safety). In 1990 a goal was set to reduce on the job injuries by 50 %. He explained the charts he distributed -- and commented that he is currently analyzing the data gathered about the on- the -job accidents. He then distributed information on the Central Washington Critical Incidence Stress Debriefing team which was recently established, and standards for the Fire Department which have to be followed. Chief Beeson distributed information on the Fire Department's Strategic Management process. Captain Andring reported on the goal setting process in the Department and distributed information on -1- . AUGUST 7, 1990 7 9 this. He gave an ov o the process used to establish goals. Captain Bachmann distributed`'nformation on the training of new firefighters. A newly hired firefighter is placed on a 12 month probation period. A firefighter learns his skills on- the -job, although a new fire science program is being offered this year at Yakima Valley Community College. Battalion Chief Vance displayed some of =the equipment used by the firefighters, i.e. breathing•apparatus and turnout clothing. He reported that the Federal government is mandating that the • breathing equipment be updated or .replaced. He recommends replacement. The new equipment weighs ,22. 'versus . 32 lbs. and there has been a lot of new technology since '1978 when this equipment was purchased.. This will be a major cost impact to the City. Another policy issue for 1991 is replacement of turnout clothing. Changes have taken place in this equipment over the last 15 years. Each new suit will cost $600. He reported that the existing clothing cannot be cleaned and has been worn during medical calls, making them a walking hazardous material. 'Battalion . .Chief Nugent'distributed material on a pre -fire and hazardous material management plan,.which•he reviewed. He stated this plan is still in a drafting stage. Due to the lateness of the hour, it was suggested that staff return at a future meeting and let Captain May give his presentation on working with • the community. Mayor Berndt thanked staff for taking the time to give this' presentation to the Council: • The meeting adjourned at the hour of 1:47 p.m. • READ AND CERTIFIED ACCURATE BY: r MBE LATE • / -q COUNCIL MEMB ! . % DATE ATTEST: _>d Cjine- * (C .67d; &,-4/)- CITY CLERK MAYOR • • • • • -2-