Fire Comm March 11, 2009Fire Commission
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Attending: James Pulliaum*, Tracy Catt*, Ramona Taylor*, Marco McClendon*, Phillip
Carter
Chief Eddie Spears, Wayne Gately, Chris Brogdon -WMFD
Trip Cook -Evening Times
Motion by Pulliaum with second by Taylor for Catt to act as chairman in Coleman's
absence. Unanimous yes.
Chief presented overtime memo that supports the addition of firefighters as a method of
reducing overtime costs. There was a question as to the support of administration.
Spears stated that the concept hadn't been discussed with the Mayor. Spears stated that
he was approved for 1 hire but was still down to 2 from 2008 staffing. Motion by
McClendon with second by Pulliaum to recommend to Mayor to hire 3 ~e1r~
firemen and to recommend to Budget Committee to increase the Fire Department budget
. Catt, McClendon, Pulliaum voted yes. Taylor voted no expressing
concern that a comprehensive plan regarding increasing charges and the increased
revenue projections to cover the costs be developed in conjunction with administration.
Brogdon stated that thus far in 2008 $85,000 revenue has been generated from ambulance
billings and presented the proposed EMS charge sheet, noting that rates have not been
increased in 20 years. Pulliaum requested that the City Attorney be consulted regarding
an increase in fees. Motion by McClendon with second by Pulliaum to recommend
approval to the Council after review by the City Attorney.
Chief has received notification of the award of funding for 62 sets of turnouts through the
Assistance to Firefighters grant. He will request permission to waive competitive bidding
and attachment of the emergency clause for the purchase.
WMFD has submitted a grant for a simulator fire extinguisher for fire safety education.
A proposal is being developed for additional clothing and equipment which would
include smoke removal equipment for each unit. It was reported that the heart monitors
need to be replaced and an application for $109,000 has been submitted for 2 heart
monitors and compression equipment which includes EKG transmission capability. All
of these grants would require a 10% match.
Gately reported attending the Governor's signing of the ban on novelty cigarette lighters.
McClendon asked if the WMFD taught the use of fire extinguishers and how to install
smoke detectors. Answer was yes and will work better with new simulator if grant funds
are warded.
Pulliaum asked how to restart the R U OK program. Chief will investigate but may
require purchasing new equipment and would need to be operated out of dispatch which
is under the Police Department.
To: William H. Johnson, Mayor
From: Fire Commission
At the March 11, 2009, the Commission voted to recommend the hiring of 3
firefighters to offset overt'-deeds of the West Memphis Fire Department.
Fire Comn4i~s~si~h Memb
fission
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Fire (Commission Mem`~er
I attest these to be the correct actions of the West Memphis Fire Commission.
. G` ~~
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Ramona Taylor, Secretary
West Memphis Fire Commission
Copy to 2009 Budget Committee