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<br />Special City Council Minutes - 12/04/03 <br />Page 8 <br /> <br />Department; hours of the Public Works employees (7 :00 <br />a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and their ability to cross-train to address <br />shift hours that are short-handed in the Fire Department. <br /> <br />City Manager Beets noted that for people with a career in <br />Public Works, the time commitment and additional <br />training required to serve on the Fire Department would be <br />a major obstacle. <br /> <br />Ms. Berry noted that an additional dynamic could be less <br />interest by this generation, in comparison to past <br />generations, to provide public service and take advantage <br />of volunteer opportunities. <br /> <br />Assistant Chief O'Neill concurred with Ms. Berry's <br />observation; noting that the firefighter was also asked to <br />put their life at risk and everyone was not interested in the <br />pursuit of such risks. <br /> <br />Unidentified Audience Comment <br />The gentleman noted that the previous "carrot" was the <br />retirement fund after (20) years, but that young people <br />today were looking for more immediate gratification; and <br />opined that the City offer them a better hourly wage, rather <br />than retirement for their short-term time commitment. <br /> <br />Councilmember Maschka noted that State Statute <br />wouldn't allow that scenario. <br /> <br />Assistant Fire Chief O'Neill noted that it was a unique <br />idea; and concurred that in the future, the Department may <br />be required to think "outside the box" in their recruitment <br />efforts. <br /> <br />Lea2ue Position #6: <br />"The L WV does not support the proposed combination <br />Fire Department with volunteer firefighters and full- <br />time firefighters cross-trained as paramedics. (This <br />plan would provide two stations staffed 24/7. The City <br />would purchase two SUV's that would be equipped <br />with paramedic supplies, but would not be able to <br />