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City Council Study Session —10/18/04 DRAFT Minutes - Page 12 Staff Directive Council consensus was that the civilian position be funded for six months, with review of the recordkeeping function monitored to determine if the position could be eliminated sooner. 8. Are there other tax-supported, structural, operating costs the Council wants to eliminate? Discussion Councilmember Schroeder thanked Finance Director Miller for providing the additional information he had requested, allowing him to provide additional recommendations for Council consideration. Creation of a Fire Department Training Offcer Position Councilmember Schroeder identified his lack of support for the Training Manager position for the Fire Department due to the additional costs in the long-term for the position. Councilmember Maschka concurred that he could not support creation of the Training Officer position at this time. Mayor Klausing supported further consideration of the innovations available through this training position, and further analysis of benefit versus cost. Fire Department Organizational Structure Councilmember Schroeder addressed his previous comments regarding the Fire Department, noting that he was not a proponent of a full-time fire department, and his comments were prompted by his consideration of looking at all options to cut the budget and realize savings. His initial suggestion to consider a full volunteer department, and resulting supplemental information provided by Finance Director Miller, provided his recognition that cost savings may not be as substantial as he had originally thought, and the cost not offset and realized with volunteer positions for the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. Councilmember Schroeder noted that researching options was part of the challenge and charge within the City Council's authority and responsibilities. Councilmember Schroeder noted that, while future study may be prudent, he would not be pursuing the matter further at this time.