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Rescue leaders ask committee to fix repeated flooding, electrical and heating problems and pursue grant for generator
Summary
Rescue personnel told the First Response Services Committee that the rescue building repeatedly floods after heavy rain, some electrical outlets have begun sparking, and the apparatus bay lacks heat; staff requested authority to pursue repairs, expand member limits and pursue a generator and turnout-gear funding via a grant.
Kurt Sutherland, a rescue department representative, told the First Response Services Committee that recent heavy rains have repeatedly flooded the department’s building, affecting the bathroom, the administrative office and part of the apparatus bay. "With the recent rain we've had, the rescue building has been flooded a few times," Sutherland said.
The problem, Sutherland said, stems from poor drainage on neighboring state-owned land that directs water toward the rescue building. He also reported electrical outlets that have begun "sparking and arcing," and said most of the facility is old — "at least 30, 40 years old" — and that heating is limited to the office while the bays where equipment and tools are stored remain unheated.
Committee members and staff discussed existing maintenance processes and funding. One committee member said public works has been aware of the heating and water issues for about two years and that previous budgeted funds for EMS improvements had not been spent. A committee member reported that about $40,000 in improvements were identified and that some purchase orders and bids had been prepared for work elsewhere in EMS facilities.
Sutherland said the department is considering applying for a grant to purchase a generator and turnout gear. He said the grant application appears competitive and referenced a large funding pool they hope to access; in the meeting transcript he described it as "about $3,000,000," noting the department had a good chance of receiving funds. He said a portable generator would be used to warm Rescue 1 and could be used elsewhere, not just on the vehicle.
On membership and staffing, Sutherland reported a full-membership fee figure and a cap on new active members. He said the full-membership fee is $610 per year based on the current roster and that the department currently enforces a cap of 17 active members; he asked the committee to consider expanding the allowed number of active members.
Committee members said maintenance requests must go through county processes and public works; one member urged the rescue leadership to meet with County staff (including "Cliff" and the rescue head, Mr. Beatty) to reconcile the maintenance list and budget and to authorize the necessary work. Several members urged moving beyond discussion and completing the coordinated meeting to get repairs started.
The committee set a near-term expectation that staff would meet with county maintenance officials and the rescue leadership to inventory priorities and move toward procurement and repairs; a committee member asked that the meeting happen within two weeks if possible.
The discussion occurred during the committee’s regular meeting; no formal motion to authorize immediate emergency repairs was recorded in the transcript.
