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Council backs creating fire department advisory board to improve community ties
Summary
Council members discussed and supported establishing a fire department advisory board modeled on the police advisory structure to maintain community relations, monitor facility issues and provide nonoperational liaison support; staff said communication channels already exist and will be formalized.
Council member Frank asked on July 15 that the council consider creating a fire department advisory board after meeting with members of the Port Arthur firefighters’ committee. He said firefighters’ principal concerns centered on station conditions rather than pay, and he proposed a citizen advisory body similar to the police advisory board to improve communication.
Council members said the board should be a community‑relations liaison and should not interfere with daily operations or management of the fire department. Council member Doucette and others emphasized clarifying duties and responsibilities so the board’s role remains advisory.
City Manager Lynn Brennan said a safety‑related committee and a standing line of communication with the fire department already exist; she asked that the advisory board focus on community relations rather than operational control. Chief Evans and the assistant fire chief were referenced as having discussed needs including station repairs and mold concerns; council members urged a separate follow‑up on facility deficiencies.
Council member Hamilton Everfield asked that bylaws and committee duties be modernized and presented quickly, and she asked for the item to be brought back as an action item at a future meeting once staff drafts purpose and bylaws. There was broad council support to move forward; no votes were taken at the July 15 meeting.
