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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 28, 2000 4 . A second impact on the response time is that Ramsey Dispatch wanted to reduce tbe amount of air time. In the past after a fire call, they would call Ramsey Dispatch for the time of call, and units on the scene. However, now they fax that information to them. Fire Chief Schreier explained that the report indicates "Lake Johanna in route" which means Dispatch receives the call and are going to initiate the call to the Lake Johanna Fire Department and determine what stations to call. That is the time used in their report when, in reality, that is actually the time Dispatch receives the call. He explained that Dispatch only deals in whole minutes. However, it has since been corrected in the report wbich will bring down response time by as mucb as two minutes per call. Fire Chief Schreier stated tbat they would have a much more accurate record in Year 2000, as they bave had in the past. Mayor Probst noted the staffing numbers are down and inquired regarding the prospects to achieve full strength. Fire Chief Schreier agreed the staff numbers are still down and advised that they continue recruitment. He explained that if they can't get staff from Arden Hills, they can get tllem from Shoreview whicb assists everyone. Because of tbis, they have been able to respond to calls without problems, even daytime responses. He explained they are looking constantly for fire fighters and feel the stafflevel is nothing to be worried about at this time. Fire Chief Scbreier explained tbat after the first year, retention is pretty good. They now have 63 people between four stations with a goal of 70 people. . Councilmember Larson noted that one thing missing is the time between when the call arrives at Dispatcb and when it goes to the Fire Department. He stated that timing is important to know too, as well as how long it takes the Fire Department to respond. Councilmember Larson asked if there is a way to include that information in the report. Fire Cbief Schreier stated he would talk to Gary Coleman at Ramsey County Dispatch to see if that information can be tied into their report. He explained the current report is according to State guidelines relative to information it contains. Councilmember Larson asked if there bave been any times when the Fire Department bas received calls later than it should have. Fire Chief Schreier stated the timing has been good and the biggest thing they find is that when people have a fire, a minute seems much longer to them. He stated they have asked when tbe call was placed and found they arrive within a window of five to seven minutes from the time Dispatcb is called. Fire Chief Schreier stated they also pay attention to the timing from Dispatch and if they feel tbere is a problem, they immediately contact Mr. Coleman. He stated he has not witnessed anything he would identify as a concern. Councilmember Larson asked how it is known when to not respond with lights and siren. Fire Cbief Schreier stated it would be based on wbat Dispatch has told them about tbe circumstances, tbe Ramsey County police officers indicating tbcre is no problem and a routine response is appropriate, or when Fire Department staff arrives on the scene and determines it is a routine response situation. . Fire Chief Schreier explained that when there are Jigbts and sirens, public safety is impacted so they want to be sure there is a true emergency wben they respond Code 3 (lights and sirens).