Fire board conforms to new meeting forum
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Board of Fire Commissioners adjusted to a new forum for their monthly meetings at town hall last Wednesday evening. Mayor Larry Kiker welcomed Beach fire officials into council chambers and commended them on joining the FMB Town Council in its pursuit to congregate on taxing authority issues before the fire commissioners took care of business.
“We’re on a mission to see if there is a way we can work together, identify resources, efficiencies and things that we can recognize together to help the bottom line for our taxpayers as well as help us govern,” said Kiker, who recognized Town Manager Terry Stewart was also present. “On behalf of the Town Council, we welcome you.”
The first order of business for the fire commissioners at their new venue was to listen to an audit presentation from Jeff Tuscan of Tuscan and Company. Tuscan applauded the board members for its organized financial paperwork from Sept. 30, 2009, to Sept. 30, 2010, but cautioned them on another rough year ahead economically. The fire board unanimously approved the audit after the presentation.
“We’re here already in January which is earlier each year out of the last several years which is positive. The books were in great shape, and staff was extremely helpful,” said Tuscan. “At this point, your investment options are extremely limited. Right now, the word of the day is security not investment.”
The second order of business was staffing shortages. Due to two more retired personnel, Fire Chief Mike Becker noted Florida is looking into freezing fire personnel positions, but feels there is a need to hire fire fighters for the upcoming tourism season to buck the increase trend in overtime costs that the district has been compiling.
“Being chief, I’m tasked with specifically hiring, advancing and firing employees. I’ve not taken action and want to disclose what I do to the board,” he said. “I feel like I’m in a Catch-22 because I feel like I need to assertive action to protect the district in its mission as well as serve the board.”
Fire Board Chairperson Carol Morris was concerned hiring at this stage would create more costs once season has passed and suggested the need for additional fire fighters is unnecessary.
“Once I hire, it’s a sunk cost,” she said. “Maybe if we take a look at what some of the other districts are doing in helping each other out, maybe we can get away with the overtime.”
In his prior report, Becker reported he has issued orders to push up staff to 14 as well as utilized the third ambulance beginning in February due to the start of the tourism season, historic trends and call data. He explained there would be a potential increase of about 100 calls per month and cited traffic and hospital delays being obstacles as well.
In the end, the fire board decided to unanimously defer the decision to hire until next month’s meeting and asked Becker to provide a detailed proposal with cost savings. The discussion may continue at next month’s workshop.
On the third matter of business, the board discussed the need for marine service for the district. In Becker’s chief report, he said the district found a vessel for marine services if approved. The funding source is external.
“I have had some discussions with the local Coast Guard for housing and maintenance. It appears that these are very positive positions to look at marine services as a possible need for our community for the board to consider,” said Becker. “It allows us to provide fire rescue services and absolutely will not affect the relationship we have with the U.S. Coast Guard, who does not provide that service.”
The fire board authorized staff to look into the annual costs associated with keeping the boat and to give a concrete proposal to that effect.
The chief also mentioned putting up a light at Station #33 for safety concerns, but reported the Department of Transportation would not pick up the cost that was said to be roughly $250,000.
The fire board is expected to meet next in a workshop at Station #31 on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and in its monthly meeting at town hall on Tuesday, Feb. 15.