Council asks staff and attorney to clarify ownership of Class A fire uniforms and update SOP

Council members discussed an email from Chief Fitch and the fire relief association about Class A (dress) uniforms and whether items purchased by the relief association are owned by the association or by the city. The relief association reported that items it purchases are owned by the association, while the chief's correspondence asserted such dress uniforms belong to the city.

Councilors said the city has not located a clear, council-approved SOP governing dress and response gear and asked staff to obtain the full standard operating procedures and have the city attorney review them. Members noted historical council decisions distinguishing working uniforms (city responsibility) from Class A dress uniforms (traditionally bought by the relief association), and asked staff to bring clarified language back to a future meeting.

Councilors and staff also discussed whether newly purchased Class A uniforms that are person-specific should be treated differently when employees leave, and whether the fire relief association reserves (discussed during the meeting) could assist with costs. The council did not take formal action but directed staff to follow up with the SOP, legal review and recommendations.