2025-05-29 Fire Commission Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes May 29, 2025 Page 5 and community events and are also creating video interviews with recent retirees, which are being shared on their YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages. Additionally, they are advancing their fire investigations and UAS (drone) program, recently completing nearly seven hours of flight and mapping using the Nova program. They alsosupported search efforts for the missing kayaker and boater. Auxiliary Services Section: The Program Support Technician position has been filled. Orders are still being processed through Shopify, with 100 orders placed in April totaling approximately $30,000 in products delivered to stations. Work is ongoing on the canopy tent extension at Station 18 while the department continues to await the dorm expansion. Items from the VFA grant are continuing to arrive at the warehouse and are being distributed. In April, the Apparatus and Equipment Repair section handled a total of 264 repairs, 23 service calls, and 16 contracted tows. Emergency Communications:In April, the new dispatch center was officially blessed and opened. The switchover took place on April 24th and went smoothly. Both police and fire dispatchers are now fully operating out of the new facility. Information Technology:IT continues to upload all equipment into EPR FireWorks. As they transition away from paper-based processes,iPads have been purchased to streamline equipment and vehicle checks, work orders, and status tracking, improving data collection and decision-making. They are also developing internal dashboards using EPR FireWorks to analyze and visualize data more effectively. Additionally, IT is progressing on mobile data terminal plans. In April, IT supported the setup of the new central station near the Mormon church, allowingDPW to begin safety repairs at the existing fire station. They also played a key role in the IT setup and transition work for the new Joint Communication Center. Safety Specialist: Progress continues on the Respiratory Protection Program, and work is ongoing with Class B foam disposal. The recent continuity of operations test went well. Chief Todd expressed satisfaction and emphasizedthe goal of making the department more resilient and prepared for major disastersor disruptions. During the next test, held every six months, all administrative staff will be required to take their laptops and relocate to an alternate site; this upcoming exercise will be more comprehensive. An internal memorandum was issued concerning measles precautions. There were two accident reports, and the April safety committee meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum. Commissioner Cushnie requested an update on the aviation program, including pilot contracts, FAR 135 compliance, and hours of operation. Chief Todd reported that st the department plans to implement 89-day pilot contracts starting July 1. However, challenges have arisen dueto a determination by the Department of Human Resources that pilots must fall under Bargaining Unit 11 (HFFA), which the union has declined, citing the pilots’ status as contract employees. The department is now working with counsel to submit the issue to