HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 04.28.2003 MINUTES
EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE
APRIL 28, 2003 5:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Members Present:
Dan Dart
Charlie Pratt
Ken Olson
Ambulance Director Jan Faught
Lauren Van Roekel
Dan Mears
Jack Gabrian
Police Chief Rick Musson
Others Present:
Harold Hanser & Robbe Carpenter of Yellowstone County Safe Kids Safe
Commtmities
Laurel Airport Authority Board of Directors
Laurel Municipal Airport hanger owners
Assistant Fire Chief Rob Harris
Previous committee minutes reviewed. No corrections were noted.
Proposed Safety Helmet Ordinance
Harold Hanser, of the Yellowstone County Safe Kids Safe Community Task Force, presented an
overview of the process that the task force used in presenting information to the City Council in
Billings, Montana, that lead to the creation of a helmet ordinance.
Mr. Hanser said that the ordinance is intended to ensure that government addresses one of its
most important functions -- that being public safety. In this case, the helmet ordinance would
require youth under the age of sixteen years to wear a helmet when bicycling. Mr. Hanser said
that their ordinance did not address helmet use for riding roller blades, scooters, and skateboards.
He encouraged the inclusion of all wheeled activities when Laurel when proceeds with an
ordinance.
Mr. Hanser indicated that "head injuries can be a one million dollar item". That being said, "the
police department, fire department, local PTA's, and the medical community are more than
willing to lend their support to the process". Emergency Services Committee Chairman Dan Dart
indicated that he would begin to contact local entities and ask their opinion of creating a local
helmet ordinance for Laurel. Robbe Carpenter said that she would send the EMS Committee
literature to disperse to local community entities.
Mr. Hanser concluded by saying that the task force is working with School District 2 in creating
a rule that states that no child can ride a bike on school property without wearing a helmet.
Proposed Keg Ordinance
Dan Dart provided background information about a keg ordinance that the City of Billings has in
statute.
Emergency Services Committee minutes of April 28, 2003
Dan said that he would contact members of the local Tavern Owners' Association (those who
sell retail kegs to the public) and ask them their impression of the proposed ordinance.
Fire Protection Rate Increase for the Laurel Municipal Airport
Dr. John Smith asked the committee how the rate increase came about. He also asked what other
districts charge. Dr. Smith said that he would like to have had the opportunity to meet with the
committee and discuss rote increases that would encompass several years instead of raising rates
yearly. He also asked the committee how he was supposed to recommend individual hanger
charges at the airport.
Frank Felke, owner of Big Sky Aircraft, said that even though there are more student pilots
utilizing the airport, the city must utilize a sound approach to addressing taxable value and rate
increases instead of raising rates without notice.
Stephanie Potter asked what taxable value was used to determine the rate increase.
Bob Weins asked what rates other airports of similar size were paying for fire protection.
Bob Redding said that a 160% rate increase without notice was unjustified. He said that fire
service at the airport is not substantial and there was only one incident last year.
Rob Harris, Assistant Fire Chief, said that a 2-hour fire call to the airport could cost the City of
Laurel in excess of $2,000.00. The cost breakdown includes:
1. Baserate of $600.00
2. A Pumper Truck on scene
3. $150.00 for each vehicle on scene; 1 Pumper Truck and 2 Tenders = $450.00.
4. Two support vehicles; $50.00/hr. = $200.00.
5. Firemen pay of $7.50/hr. x 21 men = $315.00.
6. A $500.00 FAP charge for heat, equipment storage, and dispatch charges.
Ambulance Service
Jan Faught said that Laurel has a new Ambulance Director. Dr. Tom Bennett is the new
Director. Jan also mentioned that our defibrillator is outdated and that extensive paperwork will
have to be completed so that we can begin to use the equipment. Jan mentioned that a new
Monoshock Defibrillator would require less paperwork.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Dart, Chairman
2