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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Miscellaneous_12/09/1992_Fire-Rescue Task Force r VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, Florida 33469 -0273 • (407) 575 -6200 3 e Fax: (407) 575 -6203 A 4 f7cH couNty T E Q U E S T A F I R E- R E S C U E T A S K F O R C E M E E T I N G M I N U T E S D E C E M B E R 9, 1 9 9 2 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta Fire - Rescue Task Force held a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, December 9, 1992 in the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Chairman Wade Griest: Task Force members in attendance were: Chairman Griest; Vice Chairman Robert Mortimer; Councilmember Ron Mackail; Dr. Stanley Jacobs; Hal Hutchinson; Alec Cameron and Thomas Rodth. Boardmembers Mervin Crockett and Sandy Linnan were not in attendance at roll call. Mayor Earl L. Collings was also in attendance. Staff members present were: Village Manager Thomas Bradford; Village Clerk, Joann Manganiello; and Police Chief Carl Roderick. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Griest asked to: 1) make comments regarding public input under Item II; and 2) under Item IV (C) to make comment on the rich /poor of Tequesta Village and the firemen's union; 3) Boardmember Jacobs asked to read a letter into the record under Item IV (C). Boardmember Rodth moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Boardmember Jacobs seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Wade Griest - for Robert Mortimer - for Ron Mackail - for Dr. Stanley Jacobs - for Hal Hutchinson - for Thomas Rodth - for Alec Cameron - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Recycled Paper Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9 1992 Page 2 ----------------- - - - - -- Chairman Griest suggested that the public in attendance be allowed 20 minutes for questions after Commissioner Marcus' and Chief Brice's presentation; and another 20 minutes for questions after all Task Force business has been handled. Councilmember Mackail moved that the above - referenced suggestion be approved. Boardmember Rodth seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Wade Griest - for Robert Mortimer - for Ron Mackail - for Dr. Stanley Jacobs - for Hal Hutchinson - for Thomas Rodth - for Alec Cameron - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. III. PRESENTATION BY COMMISSIONER KAREN MARCUS AND FIRE - RESCUE ADMINISTRATOR HERMAN BRICE REGARDING PALM BEACH COUNTY EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN CONTRACT WITH TEQUESTA Commissioner Marcus and Chief Brice were pleased to be invited by the Task Force to make a presentation. Commissioner Marcus stated that it's the County's desire to keep Tequesta in the PBC F/R system. She reported that the County Commission, at their December 8, 1992 meeting, discussed spiraling fire /rescue costs. She suggested that if one would take out criminal justice costs and educational costs, then compare the fire /rescue costs, it would be found that fire /rescue costs probably have not spiraled as much as those. The ERU system was also discussed at the Commission meeting, but did not make it through the Board, for a variety of reasons, though it is still on the table for discussion: there was a philosophical dispute as to whether or not ERU is an appropriate measure for providing fire - rescue service, and dollar amounts for substantiation were not presently available. The commercial interests would be extremely upset with what they would end up having to pay: i.e., K -Mart in Tequesta would go from a $10,000 assessment to a $33,000 assessment. The County Commission decided to create a Task Force with a cross - section membership to look at issues and make recommendations on a business basis. The Task Force would have representatives from three Chambers of Commerce: Jupiter/ Tequesta; West Palm Beach; and Boca Raton, as well as some City representatives. This Task Force would bring back to the County Commission a variety of options (hopefully within three months) . Board direction was given to provide a shorter 'opt out' window for cities. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9 1992 Page 3 ----------------- - - - - -- The Commission also discussed ways to keep fire /rescue costs down, considering ways in which to finance fire /rescue capital items. Commissioner Marcus was in support of financing all fire /rescue capital costs. Chief Brice agreed that PBC F/R is seeking solutions to Tequesta's fire /rescue costs, as well as in unincorporated areas. He also is supportive of financing capital costs. One difficulty with capital financing is that fire /rescue is a separate MSTU. One of the concerns has been how that financing or bonding might take place. Chief Brice and the County Attorney will be addressing the technical aspect of that on December 10. Financing will level out the debt, rather than doing the funding all in one year. Projecting out capital and personnel needs will be more palatable. What PBC F/R does, within its organization to control costs: Last year a major restructuring of the management staff was done to bring it in line with other departments of the same size. In doing that, PBC F/R reduced the chief officer staff and rank by twelve different ranks, eliminating one rank entirely, in an attempt to flatten the organization to better provide the service without the high administrative costs. These issues continue to be addressed. Other Issues: PBC F/R will bring before the Commission in January a request to assess directly those in the PBC F/R system who are charged by water utilities for fire hydrants. If approved, $350,000 - $375,000 will be backed out of PBC F/R Budget for next year. Revisiting North County MSTU: Initially there were three MSTUs, with the millage rate varying in each. Consolidation took place in 1989, equalizing the millage rate across the County, promoting advantages for operating a countywide system. It was Chief Brice's understanding that Tequesta wanted to consider looking at a regional system, covering from Northlake Boulevard north to County Line Road and west to Beeline Highway, to determine if there is a way for service to be provided under MSTU would compare more favorably to what those costs are today. PBC F/R has had discussion on, and continues to consider, this issue. It was Chief Brice's position that PBC F/R desires to be in partnership with Tequesta, providing Tequesta with the service they need at a cost which is acceptable to both the County and the Village. Boardmember sandy Linnan arrived at 5:08 p.m. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9, 1992 Page 4 ----------------------- Boardmember Hutchinson asked Chief Brice if the $55M Bond Issue is approved and financed, how much, and over what period of time that $55M would be spent. Chief Brice answered that would be a ten -year projection, with financing over the next few years. Trucks are one of the capital needs that must be addressed. Capital improvements can be offset partly by impact fees. The $55M was PBC F /R's best projection of ten year costs, which included some things which probably would not be done on a short -term basis. Consideration is being given to financing apparatus needs ($2 -3M) , alarm office ($2M) and part of the 800mhz program ($4 -5M over time) over the next few years. Commissioner Marcus explained that the Commissioners continue to have an on -going commitment to look at administrative costs for all departments. If financing is approved, the money would be borrowed in phases, leaving only an incremental impact on taxpayers. Boardmember Hutchinson reported than an in -depth study was done for Orange County, wherein a unique feature of that study was one in which the closest fire station responds to a call. Mr. Hutchinson felt Tequesta should consider this option. Boardmember Crockett arrived at 5:22 p.m. Commissioner Marcus pointed out that there are areas which would take more and different equipment to respond to fires, i.e., the Jupiter Hospital. Chairman Griest asked why, out of 37 municipalities, only 10 participate in PBC F /R. Chief Brice responded that the cities within the State of Florida grew up with providing their own fire service. The trend now is toward a regional service because municipalities don't want to build fire stations across the street from one another, as well as independent fire /rescue being a major cost. Chief Brice felt that what is needed is a regional system which coordinates the activities of the various city departments and the county, establishing together a level of service as previously discussed (i.e., the closest fire station responding to an emergency scene) . Chief Brice stated further that the PBC F/R stands ready to service Tequesta but would need to know by late February or early March 1 93 whether Tequesta will be in or out of the PBC.F /R system. Boardmember Cameron stated that not all Tequesta residents (i.e., Tequesta Gardens Condominiums) are interested in pursuing ERU. Commissioner Marcus stated she had received Mr. Cameron's letter regarding this issue and that those concerns were raised at the County Commission meeting. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9 1992 Page 5 ----------------------- Boardmember Rodth asked how a north county MSTU would change anything from the way it is now. Chief Brice stated PBC F/R is now doing a cost analysis with consideration to the Tequesta proposed MSTU tax base. It appears to be between $500,000 -$1M more tax base than the PBC F/R expenditure for the MSTU. If Tequesta had its own Advisory Board as a recommending body which would report to the County Commission, the County would provide a level of service chosen by Tequesta and others in the MSTU, trying to keep the cost factor down. However, if there was a fire in the north county MSTU which would require units from the south county MSTU, payback provisions would need to be made. MSTU monies can only be spent on MSTU. Boardmember Rodth stated that the PBC F/R assessment to Jupiter Inlet Colony is excessive. Commissioner Marcus stated it's like a good news /bad news story, in that each must pay the costs of the system (i.e., residents who have no children still have to pay for the educational system). One citizen in the audience stated that it should not be considered unreasonable for municipalities to expect to pay no more than their fair share for fire /rescue protection. Commissioner Marcus left at 6:05 p.m. Vice Chairman Mortimer asked if PBC F/R could give Tequesta a cost factor for over the next 5 -10 years. Chief Brice felt that if PBC F/R finances and gets a 2 -3 year contract with the Union, it would be possible to make that projection accurately. He stated also that if Tequesta stays in the system, PBC F/R would be able to project the cost from next budget year to three years out quite accurately. Village Manager Bradford asked why the millage rate in the old MSTU was less than other coastal MSTUs. Chief Brice answered that there were more personnel expenses in the other MSTUs. Boardmember Rodth asked if PBC F/R has any benefit from impact fees. Chief Brice, answering affirmatively, explained that the monies used to be divided up amongst the old MSTUs. Now the impact fees will be used wherever the needs are in the county, applying them to that part of the project that is attributed to growth. Those fees are presently approximately $1M, which will offset costs of capital. Boardmember Rodth asked what happens when the millage cap is reached. Chief Brice answered that two things could happen: 1) the Budget would have to be cut to the point of living within the 3 mills; or 2) (as Mr. Brice suggests) pay for the operating part of the Budget with ad valorem and pay for the retirement of debt with ERU, spreading the cost. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9, 1992 Page 6 ----------------- - - - - -- Glenn Kloiber asked when PBC F /Rs figures from projection of finance will be available for review, and will it be possible to contract to restrict any increase. Chief Brice answered that now that the State is no longer involved and the County has the MSTU totally under its ordinance, a formula under discussion for that Ordinance is to have a statement that the charge to a municipality will never be more than the cost of operation of their particular station, which would give some sort of assurance. This issue needs further exploration. He stated further that a handle on the Budget regarding preliminaries would be available in mid - January 1 93. Don Seay asked what PBC F/R stance will be if Tequesta becomes independent. Chief Brice answered that the PBC F/R will maintain a presence at Station 11. One option would be to keep an ALS pumper with paramedics on it (three people on one truck). Councilmember Mackail asked if PBC F/R can provide back up service to Tequesta it Tequesta is independent. Chief Brice felt it would be unfair for county taxpayers to be expected to provide a service to a municipality with a lower cost fire service who have perhaps a truck with one man on it. Councilmember Mackail asked Chief Brice to explain what the problems are with Palm Beach Gardens, if any; there is a difference in costs when comparing independent fire /rescue for Tequesta to stay with PBC F/R - concerns are building - why has PBC F/R not responded to these concerns of such municipalities before now? Corporate America has scaled down and in some cases still offers quality service at less cost; why is it PBC F/R cannot do the same, and what concrete solutions can be given? ERU appears to be a smokescreen which does not address the issues. What will the County do to take ownership of these problems. Chief Brice commended the Village Council for their protection of Tequesta taxpayers. He felt PBC F/R was in the ballpark, if not better, for what they charge when compared to other systems the same size. Though Chief Brice felt the Tequesta Fire /Rescue Report was excellent in terms of what was covered, he felt Tequesta, as an independent fire department, would face the same problems (i.e., escalating costs, increased staffing) which PBC F/R now faces. Though Tequesta will have less administrative time spent, staff will need to be added to do the things which the County now does for Tequesta; a system, even in Tequesta, cannot be managed with the fire chief being the fire marshall and the training officer and responding, as well. When more realistic costs are plugged it, it would be comparable to what Tequesta now pays to the County. Tequesta now receives a higher level of service because of the backup and with no bother, in terms of administration. Cost containment is always a concern with the County. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9, 1992 Page 7 ----------------------- Councilmember Mackail asked if the County could hold the line on their costs. Chief Brice urged the Village to stay in one more year to explore options, stating that there is, however, an anticipated increase in costs for next year. He stated further that the only additional station PBC F/R is considering is a temporary facility in The Acreage which will probably be totally paid for with capital from impact fees. Any requirement for increased staffing would be for that unit. Boardmember Rodth asked if Tequesta stays in for one more year only, and the County runs up large debts during that time, will the Village have any responsibility to that debt. Chief Brice stated that he would hope the answer would be that the Village would not take any assets with them and would not inherit any liabilities. However, that would not be his decision, but a policy decision. Boardmember Cameron left at 6:55 p.m. John Bartlett asked how communications could be improved between PBC F/R and Tequesta. Village Manager Bradford felt that communications were good, but that there is a feeling in Tequesta that it is difficult to assimilate PBC firefighters as being Tequesta's own firefighters. Mr. Bradford questioned whether an Advisory Board would be the right answer. Boardmember Hutchinson left at 7:10 p.m. Chief Brice left the meeting at 7:10 p.m. IV. DISCUSSION OF FIRE /RESCUE MATTERS A) Task Force Comments on Wackenhut Proposal. 1) Boardmember Jacobs felt that Wackenhut was supplying a lot of service for the cost, but felt that their quote for labor costs were too high. He felt Wackenhut was offering more than Tequesta needed. 2) Boardmember Hutchinson made reference to a statement made by Mr. Roy Gupton, Director of Fire Services for Wackenhut, who stated in reference to the Tequesta Fire Rescue Report, that in considering the apparent liability risks involved in substandard and NFPA recommendations, he believed the Wackenhut proposal's staffing to provide better services than currently provided to Tequesta, while maintaining and enhancing Tequesta's ISO rating. Mr. Hutchinson agreed with that statement. He felt further that the Wackenhut proposal was better than the Tequesta Fire Rescue proposal, but that Wackenhut's staffing levels were below what Tequesta has presently. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9, 1992 Page 8 ----------------------- 3) Boardmember Rodth had no comment, except that he agreed with Boardmember Jacobs. 4) Vice Chairman Mortimer was surprised at the number of personnel recommended by Wackenhut's proposal, and the amount of money for financing. He felt, however, it was something at which to look. 5) Boardmember Cameron felt the Wackenhut proposal merely reinforces the realization that the major expenses would be overhead and equipment. It was his suggestion that the Board consider no further the Wackenhut proposal. 6) Councilmember Mackail felt the Wackenhut proposal was a good one; was impressed with Wackenhut's ability to come on line within a six -month period; he disagreed with Boardmember Hutchinson regarding staffing levels, but had not yet come to a final decision regarding the Wackenhut proposal. 7) Chairman Griest was not in favor of the Wackenhut proposal since he felt the proposal was too costly and would not help Tequesta to maintain control of its own destiny. The Board concurred that they would come to a final conclusion regarding the Wackenhut proposal at the next Fire Rescue Task Force meeting. B) Task Force Comments on Revised Tequesta Fire Department Budget: Boardmember Crockett suggested, and the Board concurred, that the Tequesta Fire Report should not be considered to be revised, but merely a re- calculation based on a few assumptions. With the Tequesta Report and the Wackenhut Report, a perimeter is acquired, with a higher case and a lower case and Mr. Crockett felt it could not be more reasonable than that. Boardmember Jacobs felt, after studying all data, that the Tequesta Fire /Rescue Report was all that was needed. Boardmember Rodth- felt a maximum and minimum cost had been received from two data points and felt comfortable with the two data points for comparison purposes. Vice Chairman Mortimer, Boardmember Linnan and Councilmember Mackail had no comments at this time. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9, 1992 Page 9 ----------------- - - - - -- Chairman Griest felt comfortable with the Tequesta Fire Rescue Report. C) Boardmember Jacobs read into the record a letter from North County Ambulance (NCA) stating that Boardmember Jacobs had never served on the NCA Board. V. ANY OTHER MATTERS Village Manager Bradford stated that the next Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting is scheduled for December 16, 1992 at 4:30. The Agenda will include: o Fire Chief Boone from Lake Park will make a presentation to the Board. o North County Ambulance is ready to respond in writing, per the Board's previous request, for indicating the dollar figure for each fiscal year into the future, or indicating the barometer which they suggest be used to increase. The contractual format will soon be finalized for the Board's information. Mr. Bradford felt the next meeting might very well be the last meeting of the Fire Rescue Task Force at which the Board should determine their recommendation to the Village Council. Boardmember Rodth reported that Jupiter Inlet Colony (JIC), on December 8, passed a Resolution which basically favors the service that would be provided by a joint Tequesta Fire Department, along with JIC, as long as a mutually acceptable contract could be developed, and with guarantees of no increased charges. He stated further that spending $58,000 for startup costs would not appeal to JIC. JIC would prefer to be assessed through the same method of taxation used in Tequesta. Mr. Bradford asked that Mayor Porto send a copy of the Resolution, along with a cover letter from the Mayor, to Tequesta, for the Village's review before the next Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting. VI. CITIZENS COMMENTS Betty Nagy read a note she had prepared stating she will not be silenced from making public comment, whether or not those comments are approved or disapproved by the various Village Committees and Village Council. Fire Rescue Task Force Meeting Minutes December 9 1992 Page 10 ----------------- - - - - -- Don Seay felt it was too soon to terminate the Fire Rescue Task Force and suggested that a detailed analysis of costs be done. Councilmember Mackail assured Mr. Seay that there would probably be workshops which will continue to cover issues of concern. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no other matters before the Board, Boardmember Crockett moved that the meeting be adjourned. Boardmember Rodth seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Wade Griest - for Robert Mortimer - for Ron Mackail - for Mery Crockett - for Dr. Stanley Jacobs - for Thomas Rodth - for Sandy Linnan - for the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ; ',.;i L..,I w4 'jam . ` i / ✓ �� A9 4 to Fran Bitters Recording Secretary Date Approved: ATTEST: ` J ann Manganie Village Clerk