1988-01-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Eddison expressed the Board's appreciation for an excellent presentation and a well run department. He thanked the Chief for providing the Board with copies of complimentary letters to the Police from grateful citizens. FIRE DEPARTMENT Mr. White noted that he had recommended $1881844, for Expenses rather than $171,804 as requested by the Fire Department. The amount recommended by the Town Manager represented a 7.21% increase due largely to the costs of a new ambulance billing system at $10,400. Without this item, the increase would be less than 1 %. He felt that the Department was a well run, professional organization. Chief Bergeron outlined organization and staffing of the Fire Department. An experiment of 18 men per each of four shifts rather than the traditional 15, is being carried out pending results of an overtime and manning study= Coals for FY'88 were reviewed. The Chief reported that these goals were largely fulfilled or were in process of being implemented* FY188 Goals were listed as additional clerical support; refurbishing of Engine 2; compliance with Superfund requirements regarding planning for hazardous materials incidents; and a study of departmental training needs. A payroll of $1,878,784, including an estimated increase for contract settlement, and Expense Budget items were discussed. Chief Bergeron recommended increases in fees for ambulance service which would realize an increase of $6,500/year. A chart showing increases in total calls every year since 1888, was discussed. Serious fires, however, have declined owing to installation of smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and decreased smoking. Mr. Eddison asked if this trend might warrant consideration of reducing manning. The Chief felt that such action would represent risks to public safety and felt that the point of reduced forces was not in the foreseeable future, Mr. White also saw the need to maintain a force ready for response, but said the concept would be explored in the future. Chief Bergeron said that great effort is being made toward increased physical fitness by means of exercise sessions and equipment. Mr. McSweeney said that he, as a Selectman, was well pleased with two such fine departments: Police and Fire. Mr. Marshall asked that the steady increase in ambulance cads be looked into. Mr. White noted the low Level of collection of ambulance fees, which now should be corrected because of use of the new billing system. Questions on amounts of requests for various expense budge} items were responded to by Chief Bergeron. Mr. Dailey asked how the problem of turnover of firemen, who leave the Lexington Fire Department after receiving expensive training, could be addressed, The Chief said that effort is made to hire those who now live in Lexington or within 15 miles, but that some leave because of non - availability of housing here or Fetter offers in other towns and cities