2001_1217_packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Department Approval 1 �� REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Manager Reviewed `�Z�� :.�' Date: 12/17/Ol Item No. : F-3 Agenda Section Reports and Recommendations Description: Request for a Budgetary Amendment for Station #3 Sleeping Quarters Preparation Background The tire department has been st�ng during the night for emergency responses for quite a number of years. This staffmg consisted of 2-3 firefighters on-duty at each of two of the City's fire stations. In an effort to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness, the st�ng crews from the two stations were combined and assigned to a single station. During the daytime, Fire Station #2 (on Fairview Avenue) is staffed. D��ring the night, the crew is located at Fire Station #3 (on Dale Street). This crew consists of 4-5 firefighters on-duty and ready for an immediate response to an emergency. Since the firefighters are all part-time and work other jobs during the day, it is necessary that they be able to sleep in a place that reasonably provides a comfortable and private setting. Privacy is especially important as our staffing program involves male and female firefighters. While there ha�e been no problems reported related to the co-ed arrangements, firefighters ha�e expressed concerns about the lack of privacy and the noise. Fire Station #3 was originally equipped to house two firefighters but temporary sleeping arrangements were needed and currently utilizes the use of the station's training room. This open room has three beds set up in it for the additional firefighters. The room is large, open, noisy, drafty, and without privacy. It had been recommended by the Fire Department during the 2001 budget process that more reasonable sleeping accommodations be provided. $75,000 was budgeted at that time. During the design, it was determined by both the state and local building codes that an exterior e�t needed to be added, which we originally did not think was needed. The budget allocation has been sufficient to complete the design, the e�t and to prepare the bathroom facilities. However, the sleeping area, composed of creating individual sleeping rooms on the second floor of the fire station including a bed and a door that can be closed and locked, cannot be completed without an additional budgetary allocation. That allocation, based on current bids, would not exceed $65,000. Policy Implications The city policy is to make the best estimates possible at budget time, but occasionally the estimate is too high or too low. The policy recognizes that in the best of circumstances, our Departments ha�e no crystal ball and unforeseen issues do come up. Financial Implications The not-to-exceed amount of $65,000 can be funded through the building depreciation fund, which specifically provides for situations such as this project. Staff Recommendations Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the budget amendment not to exceed $65,000 for the completion of the fire sleeping quarters remodeling. Council Action Motion to approve the allocation of funds from the building depreciation fund to complete the fire fighter sleeping quarters at Station #3 in an amount not to exceed $65,000. .�