09.b1 June 2022 Fire Chief ReportFire Chief Report 06/20/2022
COVID
-We are still seeing calls for COVID-19 related symptoms, but at a reduced rate compared to last year.
-We do have supplies & equipment if cases do surge again.
-We are still running under special COVID-19 protocols to protect our staff and ability to respond.
-The city does still have their Emergency declaration in place. One of the benefits of the declaration is
that it still may be used for allowing remote meetings if needed or desired. I wanted to bring it up for
discussion since we have not talked about it for a while now.
Project update
-While having the roof replaced on the fire station building it was brought to my attention that the
expansion joints on the walls are leaking and in need of re-sealing. I contacted Ryan to see if his firm had
anyone that could inspect the joints. We were able to have a company out to look at our building and
give us an estimate to repair. The estimate was about $60,000 to replace all the joints on the 3 exposed
sides of the building. He did state that we should be able to 1 more season out of them as they, but does
recommend replacing as soon as possible, as if there is a large enough leak it could damage a panel and
result in repair costs over $100,000. We will be discussing this during this year’s CIP process to try and
replace in 2023.
-Back-up Generator progress is delayed due to the generator unit being back ordered with an estimated
delivery of December. I have been keeping up our progress reports with FEMA for the grant funds. The
contractor is planning to start the install this fall for the items that they can do prior to the generator s
arrival.
-We have 2 items on the CIP for 2023 that we will discuss during the CIP meetings, but want to bring up
that both items (Recue Boat & Utility 1) are items that we would like to try to get purchased this year
with payment in 2023 due to the fact that these items have very long lead times.
Personnel
-So out of last year’s group we have now lost 2 out of the 4 that we hired. Both of the new hires had to
move out of the area and that is why they resigned.
-The 3 new hires for this year have started and seem to be excited to be here and are coming to calls
and training.
-There is a new program through MNFIRE that is supported by state funding to assist with costs
associated with the hiring of new firefighters. Part of this program is covering the cost of the physical
exam and also the purchase of new turnout gear for recruits. I will be coming to you to make an
adjustment to the budget line for turn out gear for this year. We currently purchase 3 sets of turnout
gear every year to keep the gear with-in the 10 year life both OSHA an NFPA require. Now that there are
these funds available through MNFIRE we would like to purchase new gear for the 5 new recruits and
continue to purchase 3 sets for existing members.