Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 08-18-08 special miinutes - budget — reading text

required funds designated for the training. The City Manager pointed out the authorization for the position remains so if things change financially they can amend the budget to include funds for the position.  227 Special Council 8- 18- 08 FIRE DEPARTMENT cont. The question was posed if there was someone who could be moved into the position if it were funded. The Fire Chief replied they would have to hire from the outside and there have been inquiries from individuals interested in the position. The question was asked if it was a do all, catch all, fill in if short position. The Fire Chief explained the main function of that position is public education, he goes into the schools and makes sure the fire safety house is at City functions, and at any time there is a fire in the City he is designated to stop what he is doing to respond to the scene. The question was posed whether the position satisfies OSHA, and whether it would open to possible liability. The Fire Chief stated there is a possibility if someone on the fire ground is not designated as the safety officer, then if there is an unfortunate accident, the City could be liable. The City Manager did not think the City is subject to OSHA. The Fire Chief confirmed they were not. The question was posed if the City would not be eligible for grant funding to cover safety programs if there is no one in that position. The Fire Chief replied they would not apply for grants. The City Manager commented unfortunately the grants do not pay for personnel, just for supplies and materials for the programs. The Mayor opened the floor for public input. As no one wished to speak public input was closed, Mr. Hartwell moved to approve the Fire Department budget as presented. Mr. Reeves seconded motion. Mr.Holmes moved to amend the motion to fund the Fire Inspections Captain position. The question was posed on the cost to fund that position. The City Manager replied approximately 73, 463. 00 depending on who is hired and level of experience. Motion to amend died for lack of a second. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion to approve the Fire Department budget as presented and it carried by a vote of 5 to 1 with Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor and Holmes opposed ( Miller absent). RECESS Being no further business, the meeting recessed for the evening at 8: 50 p. m. APPROVE~/! J A~ MAYOR: J::: W W/ 1/ C. TY CLERK ~ ddm