PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES 9/9/02 Committee members present: Lee Vesper, Rick Hilt, Ramona Carr, Terry Durette, Donna Hammons Department representatives present: Village Administrator Dave Kennedy EMS Chief Baird, Asst. Fire Chief J.T. Roach, Police Chief Hassebrock Chief Hassebrock presented his “wish list” of items he would like for the police department. These include the following: 1) Two new radars to replace the 15 year old units we presently have. The cost would be approximately $3000. 2) Mounting hardware and installation for the Mobile Data Terminals that we received from the county. Although the terminals are free the cost for hardware and installation would be approximately $6000. 3) Another full time police officer, however since the COPS grant application was not successful, he felt that money spent to hire a new police officer would be better spent on raises. Assistant Fire Chief J.T. Roach has recommended that Pierce Township Fire fighters as well as our own certified personnel be utilized as fire investigators. The county Arson Investigation Task Force has not been able to fully support us in a timely fashion and this would assure that all necessary investigations be made following a fire incident. The county feels that this is inappropriate, however the State Fire Marshall has stated that there is no problem with this agreement. Assistant Chief Roach will get something in writing from the state to further clarify there position on the matter. The fire department’s “wish list” was also presented which included pagers, gas monitor, thermal imager, pump repairs, tool mounting brackets, and class A uniforms. The cost for these items is about $28,000 and since the department has less than $23, 000 left in this year’s budget, these purchases will have to be part of next year’s appropriations, with the possible exception of pagers, which the department needs now. No word has been received from FEMA concerning our grant request for new pagers and J.T. is going to try to locate spares on the internet. EMS Chief Baird has recommended the following wage scale re-classifications: Terri Thomas to part-time EMT/Paramedic at $10.00/hour effective 8:01 am on 9/18/02. Steve Downey to part-time EMT/Paramedic at $10.00/hour effective 8:00 am on 9/18/02. . The committee recommends that these re-classifications be granted. Chief Baird also recommended that Desiree Maupin be conditionally appointed as a volunteer EMT-basic contingent upon receiving a clean background check, physical exam, and drug screening. The committee concurs with this appointment. Chief Baird also discussed the a new wage scale proposal which will become effective, with council’s approval, the first pay period in 2003. Mayor Durrette has recommended that Chief Baird be given an annual increase of $1500 effective with the next pay period. The committee concurs with this recommendation. Chief Baird also introduced the department’s “wish list” which at a cost of nearly $2,000,000 was by far the most ambitious “wish list” of the night. These items included a new emergency services station on Bethel-New Richmond Rd., the feasibility of which is presently being investigated, an addition to the EMS building, remodeling of the EMS station, a new chief’s vehicle, a new defibrillator, dishwasher, meeting room chairs, central air and heating for the EMS building as well as other renovations of the EMS building . Although this is a lot of money, it is clear to the committee that there is a definite need to re-locate the emergency services to another facility while at the same time utilizing the old buildings. Ways to finance this move will be determined in the near future. Dave Kennedy discussed 9 projects for 2003, 4 of which have grant requests pending and 1 has a grant request approved. Treasurer, Donna Hammons presented her “wish list” which included improvements to village hall, such as a new AC system, painting, new windows, and (in her words) “something with the floor”. She also recommended that a new copier be purchased or leased, a new fence be installed at the bandstand, and the creation of a Veterans Memorial Park. Although her list centers around village hall, it should be noted that the various renovations of village hall have improved service to the residents enormously. Donna also recommended that garbage rates be increased since we are spending more than we are taking in. Furthermore, based on data supplied by Donna, it appears that it will be necessary to raise sewer rates in order to avoid a shortfall which is likely to occur by the end of 2004. Also, income from existing water rates, have resulted in a loss of over $66,000 so far this year. It is apparent that water, sewer, and garbage rates will have to be increased very soon. Committee Chairman, Rick Hilt