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Special City Council Strategic Planning Meeting Saturday, February 7, 2009 Page 10 proposing for future City Council action that that vehicle be eliminated from the existing fleet. Mr. O'Neill noted that estimated replacement cost projections over the next 20 years would be $1.7 to $1.8 million. Mr. O'Neill opined that eliminating this piece of equipment would not reduce safety to the community, but would have a minimum impact on the City's ISO rating and classification. Mr. O'Neill advised that the City's numerous operational changes in the department over the last ten years since last classified should more than make up for those reduced points. ^ Placed Fire Station #1 on reduced mode; given the structural and mold issues; the thermostats had been capped at 55 degrees, which should provide energy savings, with no intent to use it during the summer months, saving further on air conditioning costs. ^ Reduce participation in community events; participating as much as possible by using on-duty staff rather than bringing personnel from home. Mr. O'Neill noted that he was unsure of the impacts to the community and interdepartmental needs; however, he noted that it was very expensive to staff those special events. ^ Mr. O'Neill noted that, while the City had initiated a hiring freeze, the department had staffed up on part-time employees toward the end of 2008, which should carry them through 2009 without additional staffing needs. ^ Not filling one FTE staff shift vacancy, with current staffing schedules indicating five FTE at Station #3; and now serving with a minimum of four FTE, and not filling sick or other leave, thus reducing other costs as well. ^ Implementing strategic changes via a computerized payroll system for documenting when firefighters arrive and reducing their manual documentation and preparation for their shifts ^ Transitioning Fire Inspector position to assist the day shift rather than bringing in a person from home. Anticipated MVHC-Specific Reduction = $48,500 Mr. O'Neill opined that, with the above-referenced items already reduced and/or eliminated, there wasn't much left with the exception of personnel cost reductions. Mr. O'Neill advised that further consideration would be given to whether early retirement options, reduced p-t staffing at fire stations, or complete layoffs were viable options. Mr. O'Neill advised that there were no other operational items that would be considered for reduction or elimination at this time. Mr. O'Neill noted that the location study, and interdepartmental coordination with other communities, had indicated that a reduction in fire vehicles could be achieved as the number of stations was reduced or relocation of remaining stations. Mr. O'Neill noted that such reduction in vehicles would substantially impact and reduce costs for annual maintenance, and outright replacement costs, of the department. Mr. O'Neill noted other potential cost-saving measures, while not recommended: ^ Reduce training provided by the department for other departments (i.e., Police Department training for hazardous material handling; OSHA requirements; First Responders training)