9.a) Assistant Volunteer Fire Chiefs Meeting Date: 3/17/2009
Agenda Item: � ��
City Council Agenda Report
City of Scandia
14727 209t" St. North
Scandia, MN 55073 (651) 433-2274
Action Requested: Fill the vacancy in the position of Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief
created by the promotion of Fire Chief Finnegan, and confirm
appointment of the second Assistant Chief, specifically taking the
following actions:
1) Approve Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Position
Description
2) Appoint Mike Hinz as Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief
3) Confirm Steve Yehle as Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief
Deadline/ Timeline: N/A
Background: • With the appointment of Jim Finnegan as Volunteer Fire Chief,his
former position of Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief is open. Mike
Hinz has been nominated to the position.
• Steve Yehle has served as an Assistant Chief since 2005; this
appointment should be confirmed by the Council.
• A draft position description for the Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief
has been prepared,based on the Chief's description that was
approved by the City Council on February 17. A copy is attached.
• The committee working on new governing documents for the Fire
Department has recommended that the assistant chiefs be
appointed by the City Council for a term of two years ending on
March 1, 2011 and every second year thereafter. This would
allow a new chief to recommend new assistants shortly after his
appointment, and replace them in the middle of his 4-year term if
necessary.
• Because the committee will be reviewing job descriptions, hiring
and promotion procedures,personnel policies, etc. there may be
some changes from the process used for these appointments in the
new policies that will be developed. These, and any changes to
job description(s), would require Council approval.
Recommendation: I recommend that the Council:
1) Approve the Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief Position
Description;
Page 1 of 2
03/11/09
2) Appoint Mike Hinz as Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief
effective March 17, 2009 for a term ending March ], 201 1;
and
3) Confinn the appointment of Steve Yehle as Volunteer
Assistant Fire Chief for a term ending March 1, 2011.
Attachments/ • Draft Volunteer Fire Chief Position Description
Materials provided: . Resume, Mike Hinz
• Resume, Steve Yehle
• Letter of Recoinmendation for Mike Hinz from Fire Chief Jim
Finnegan
• Letter of Recommendation for Steve Yehle from Fire Chief Jim
Finnegan
Contact(s):
Prepared by: Anne Hurlburt, Administrator
(asst fire chiefs)
Page 2 of 2
03/11/09
Scandia Fire & Rescue
Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief
Position Description
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Performs a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory work in assisting the
planning, organizing, directing and implementing fire prevention, suppression and
emergency medical services to prevent or minimize the loss of life and property by fire
and emergency medical conditions. Performs fire and emergency medical services.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the General Guidance and Direction of the Fire Chief.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervises the Department Officers, (Volunteer Captains, Engineer) and Volunteer Fire
Fighters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• May act as Fire Chief during absence of Fire Chief.
• Supervises subordinate volunteer officers and firefighters in their assigned duties.
• Reviews, evaluates, develops and implements programs, policies and procedures
for various departmental operations including training and fire prevention.
• Directs and participates in major departmental programs.
• Responds to multiple alarm fire as'needed; assumes command in the absence of
Fire Chief.
� Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and
ordinances.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of Fire and EMS programs for the City in
order to better carry out the policies and goals of the City.
• Directs the operation of departmental in-service training activities.
• Maintains Departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of
volunteer personnel.
• Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Fire Chief regarding the Department's
activities.
• Assists in planning departmental operation with respect to equipment, apparatus,
and personnel; supervises the implementation of such plans.
• Assigns personnel and equipment to such duties and uses as the service requires.
� Assists in evaluating the need for and recommending the purchase of new
equipment and supplies.
� Assigns personnel and equipment to such duties and uses as the service requires.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
• Meets with elected or appointed officials, other Fire/EMS officials, community and
business representatives and the public on all aspects of the Departments' activities.
Volunteer Fire Chief Job Description �
For Council Approval 3/17/09 �
� Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field.
Represents the City Fire/EMS Departments in a variety of local, county, state and
other meetings as assigned.
• Performs the duties of command personnel as needed.
• Serves as a member of various employee committees.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• Four (4) years prior work experience of a progressively responsible nature in fire
fighting and prevention and emergency medical services.
• Two years supervisory experience. Fire service supervision preferred.
• FFI & FFII State of MN Certified
• First Responder Certified, EMT preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILTIES:
• Thorough knowledge of fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical
services principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment
• Working knowledge of first aid and resuscitation techniques and their application as
demonstrated through State Medical Certification
• Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental standard
operating procedures and regulations;
• Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment
• Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel
• Ability to perForm work requiring good physical condition
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions
• Ability to effectively give and receive verbal and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other
employees, supervisors and the public
• Ability to meet the special requirements listed below
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older at time of hire
• Must possess a valid State Driver's license
• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years
• Ability to read and write the English language
• Ability to meet Departmental physical standards.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Emergency medical aid unit, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard
firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, personal computer,
phone.
Volunteer Fire Chief Job Description 2
For Council Approval 3/17/09 ry
o`
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
• While perForming the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; talk or hear;
stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and
reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and
taste or smell.
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or
move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color
vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perForm the
essential functions.
• Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather
conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts.
• Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed
to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering
emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals,
liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.
• The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high,
precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions,
fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and
vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings, and loud at
an emergency scene.
Volunteer Fire Chief Job Description 3
For Council Approval 3/17/09
3
Steve Yehle
Scandia Minnesota 55073
(651) 433-2225
OBJECTIVE
Serve as the Scandia Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Fire Chief by leverage my
fire service operations education and experience, EMS education and experience,
leadership experience, business management experience, and business management
education.
FIRE SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Feb 2005— Present; Volunteer Assistant Chief, Scandia Fire & Rescue
Performed a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory work in planning,
organizing, incident commanding, directing and implementing fire prevention,
suppression and emergency medical services to prevent or minimize the loss of life and
property by fire and emergency medical conditions.
Pertormed duties of Scandia Fire Chief on an as needed basis.
Supervised the Volunteer Fire Fighters.
Planned, coordinated, supervised and evaluated Fire and EMS operations.
Participated in reviewing departmental performance and effectiveness; formulates
programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies.
Participated in the preparation and presentation of an annual budget.
Assisted in directing the implementation of the departments' budgets; plans for and
reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment.
Assisted in controlling the expenditure of departmental appropriations.
Responded to alarms and directed activities at the scene of major emergencies.
Participated in the development of pre plans of buildings and other properties for fire
Hazards.
Directed the operation of departmental in-service training activities.
Assisted in planned departmental operations with respect to equipment, apparatus, and
personnel.
Assigned personnel and equipment to such duties and uses as the service requires.
Assisted in evaluating the need for and recommends the purchase of new equipment
and supplies.
Met with elected or appointed officials, other Fire/EMS officials, community and business
representatives and the public on all aspects of the Departments' activities.
Attended conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field
June 1998 Volunteer Fire Fighter, Scandia Fire & Rescue
Response to fire, rescue and medical emergencies.
"�l
Steve Yehle
Scandia Minnesota 55073
(651) 433-2225
BUSINESS MNAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
2008- Manager, Gas Standards, Pipeline Safety Compliance & Technology
Provide visionary and strategic leadership while directing development of gas distribution
and transmission design and construction standards through out Xcel Energy's multi-
state operating areas. Accountable for attaining corporate and business goals, business
objectives and compliance with DOT and state pipeline regulations and all other
applicable codes.
Accountable for establishing distribution and transmission design standards to maximize
savings associated with material and construction practices. Standards are continuously
developed, revised, and maintained to take advantage of evolving materials and
construction methods.
Establishing and leading the UniYs business plan, goals, and objectives in line with
corporate and business unit strategic goals and initiatives. Providing strategic direction
for all functions of Gas Standards. Preparing and managing business plans and budgets
for Gas Standards.
Developing leadership, selecting and�retaining a multi-functional, diversified, well-
trained, motivated, and empowered workforce. Models innovative approaches. Promotes
employee involvement in continuous learning, career planning, and enhancing
job/industry knowledge and skills.
Established effective working relationships with related business units and Operating
Companies to maximize efficiency, responsiveness, and resource allocation.
August 07 Princip/e Consu/tant, Gas Standards and Technology-Xce/Energy
Responsible for NSP Minnesota and North Dakota compliance with federal and state
regulations for transmission lines and distribution systems. Take the lead role in the
facilitation of state and federal pipeline safety audits.
Provided written response to all regulatory inspections that balance compliance, safety,
and optimal performance of gas assets. Performed follow-up for all audit report
recommendations and process improvement changes to ensure that clients have
completed all agreed-upon responsive action.
Planed, scheduled, created, or coordinate implementation of policies to design, installs,
and maintains gas assets. Direct activities and provide leadership to groups responsible
for monitoring the quality, perFormance, and regulatory compliance of gas assets and
initiating remedial measures as necessary.
Technical liaison and facilitator to consolidate and standardize business practices within
the entire Gas Delivery operating regions. Recognized authority and consultant for
�
Delivery partners and others with a high degree of reliance placed on successful
experience in applying solutions to Delivery processes and assets.
Team Lead for cross-functional work group identifying technical and operational
solutions to improve gas asset performance and meet strategic vision of gas system
performance. Providing e technical, financial and regulatory basis for recommendations.
Jan 98 Manager, Field Operations Support, Minnesota Operations— Centerpoint
Responsibilities included leading the following field operations departments, work
planning - dispatching, damage prevention line locating, distribution regulation and
odorization maintenance, corrosion, leak detection, meter installation, field welding,
tapping, meter set fabrication and meter proving shop.
EDUCATION
University of Minnesota, Industrial Relations
(U of M Extension Services equivalent to Associate's Degree-awarded with distinction)
First Arriving Officer Strategies & Tactical Ops — Minnesota Technical College
Homeland Security/ Center pomestic Preparedness - ICS100, 200, 300, 700
Fire Fighter I & II Certified - MN
Hazmat Operational Certified
Emergency Vehicle Operations Certified
Additional fire education classes completion documentation available upon request.
PROFFESIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Washington County Fire Chiefs Association
Gopher State Once Call Board of Dir�ctors
Scandia Fire & Relief Association President
b
Michael J. Hinz
21775 Olinda Lane
Scandia, MN 55073
Phone (651) 433-4131
OBJECTIVE
Serve as Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Scandia, through my abilities of being a determined,
hard-working individual with tremendous technical, mechanical and leadership skills. Dedicated
Volunteer EMT, Firefighter and Rescue Diver
EXPERIENCE / ACCOMPLISHMENTS
8/91-Present PN Products:
Genera/Manager/Maintenance/R & D/Technical Support
Required to determine need for the purchase of new equipment and create a justification report.
Utilize engineering knowledge to provide effective manufacturing services, including machine
set-up, troubleshooting, repair and preventive maintenance of PN's industrial equipment. Use
expertise to review products and design improved product lines. Work effectively on
scheduling/staffing issues, as well as training new employees. Meet with PN's clients to assess
their specific needs and determine the most appropriate action to support them. Maintain
building and grounds.
8/92-Present New Scandia Fire and Rescue: Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician
Duties include On call Rescues, On call Firefighting, Truck Engineer, Pump Engineer, Building
Maintenance, and Hazardous Materials Training. For the last 2 years I have been working with
current and retired Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in their succession program.
12/06-Present New Scandia Fire and Rescue: Vice President of Relief Association Funds
Oversee Retirement Fund Allocations
3/99-12/06 New Scandia Township Board of Supervisors: Supervisor of Public Works
Chair member for Salary and Road Committees
Responsible for the New Scandia Township roads and employees in the public works
Department. Utilize knowledge in small and heavy equipment: dump truck, tractor, skid loader,
Forklift, chainsaw, auger, backhoe, lawn equipment, etc.
3/03-12/06 New Scandia Township Board of Supervisors: Vice Chairman/Supervisor
Completed the tasks of the Chairman in his absence. Assisted in creating Township Regulations
& Variances, Received & resolved complaints from township residents, assisted in budgeting &
allocating funds & Payment of Vouchers
2/00-12/06 New Scandia Fire and Rescue: Steering Committee Member
Allocation of Fundraising Funds for Department Purchases.
2/98-12/06 New Scandia Fire and Rescue: Trustee of Relief Association Funds
Responsible for Fund Allocations
3/99-3/01 New Scandia Fire and Rescue: President of the Executive Board
Lead and Organize Fundraising and Social Events, Prepare Agenda and Follow Up of Monthly
Meetings.
�
Michael J. Hinz
21775 Olinda Lane
Scandia, MN 55073
Phone (651) 433-4131
EDUCATION
06/1991 Generals, Forest Lake Senior High
01/1994 Minnesota Commercial Drivers License Class B
01/1994 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, National Registry of EMT, Inc
03/1994 General Firefighting Skills
03/1995 Auto Extrication, Riverland Technical College Rochester
12/1995 Hazardous Material Awareness, Anoka-Hennepin Technical College
01/1997 Open Water Dive, PADI
10/1998 Ropes-Low Angle Rescue, Anoka-Hennepin Technical College
12/1998 LP Gas Emergencies (Bulk), Anoka-Hennepin Technical College
03/1999 Special Rescue, Lake Superior College Duluth
06/2000 Dive Rescue I Certificate, Dive Rescue International
03/2001 Advanced Open Water Dive, PADI
05/2003 Emergency Vehicle Operator II: Fire, CEVO II FIRE National Safety Council
04/2004 Hazardous Material Operations Level -1, F.I.R.E. Services
09/2004 Fire Fighter I Certification, State of Minnesota Fire Service Board
02/2005 Ice Diving Operations, Dive Rescue International
03/2005 Fire Fighter II Certification, State of Minnesota Fire Service Board
05/2005 Equipment Specialist, PADI
03/2006 National Fire Academy MCTO: Preparation, South Central College Mankato
10/2006 CPR and AED, American Heart Association
12/2006 Emergency Vehicle Operations Training, St. Cloud Technical College
03/2007 Emergency Medical Technician Refresher, EMSRB of Minnesota
03/2008 MCTO: Decision Making, South Central College Mankato
03/2009 On Scene Fire Investigation, South Central College Mankato
INVOLVEMENT
Washington County Dive Rescue Team
Polk County Relay for Life, American Cancer Society
Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association
Washington County Fire Chiefs Association
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CITY c_1F SCANQIA �
Denny Seefeidt March 6, 2009
Mayor, City of Scandia
14727 209t" Street North
Scandia MN 55073
Mayor Seefeldt and City Council members,
I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Mike Hinz's appointment as
Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief. Mike brings seventeen years of Volunteer Fire
Fighter experience and seven years Washington County Fire Department Dive
Rescue Operation experience. Mike's fire service education more than meets
required qualifications for our Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief position. Mike's fire
service education includes FFI Certification, FFII Certification, EMT Certification,
First Arriving �ire Officer Operations Certification, Emergency Apparatus Driving
Certification, Structural Collapse Certification, HAZ Mat Operations Certification,
Basic & Advanced Extrication Certification, and Home Land Security Incident
Command System (ICS) 100, 200, and 700 certification.
I am confident in recommending Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hinz as Scandia Fire
& Rescue's Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief for the next two-year term.
Sincerely, '
;f I=��_�..-�
,_, � ��---'
' Jim Finnegan
Fire Chief
Scandia Fire and Rescue
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CITY OF SCi���lf�lA �
Denny Seefeldt March 6, 2009
Mayor, City o�Scandia
14727 209th Street North
Scandia MN 55073
Mayor Seefeldt and City Council members,
I am pleased io write a letter of recommendation for Steve Yehle's appointment
as Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief. For the past three years Steve has served
effectively as Scandia Fire & Rescue's Assistant Fire Chief. As such, he has
been responsible for various aspects of fire operations and most of our fire
department administration. Steve brings ten years of Volunteer Fire Fighter
experience and three years Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief experience. Steve's
fire service education more than meets required qualifications for our Volunteer
Assistant Fire Chief position. Steve's fire service education includes FFI
Certification, FFII Certification, First Responder Certification, First Arriving Fire
Officer Operations Certification, Emergency Apparatus Driving Certification,
Structural Collapse Certification, HAZ Mat Operations Certification, Basic &
Advanced Extrication Certification, and Home Land Security Incident Command
System (ICS) 100, 200, 300 and 700 certification.
I am confiden�i in recommending Assistant Fire Chief Steve Yehle as Scandia
Fire & Rescue's Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief for the next two-year term.
Sincerely, -
�� r�
�:
�'Jim Fmnegan
Fire Chief
Scandia Fire and Rescue
! �