HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070205 - VI-18VI-18
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HASTINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
MARK J. HOLMES, CHIEF
115 West 5th Street
Hastings, Minnesota 55033-1815
Business Office (651) 480-6150
Fax (651) 480-6170
Mayor Hicks and City Council Members
Mark J. Holmes, Fire
February 5, 2007
Authorization For Budget Transfer and Approval of Purchase
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In preparation for moving local dispatch to the Dakota Communication Center (DCC)
and associated technological needs the fire department has been including contributions
to the equipment reserve fund (ERF) each of the last three budget years. Doing so, would
allow the fire department to purchase equipment and programs necessary for that
migration.
As an operational need for the fire and ambulance service, a1160 personnel routinely
notify the fire department dispatcher of their daily availability. This process consists of
telephone contacts each and every time afirefighter/EMT is unavailable for call.
Although this process is unique to our service, it is necessary when we become dependent
on individual response to meet our emergency call requirements. This process has
become increasingly labor intensive as our number of personnel has increased.
In the fall of this year the DCC will begin all emergency call taking and dispatching for
all emergency response agencies within Dakota County. This consolidated facility will
not have the intimacy and time necessary to provide all of the individual services we have
become dependent upon. So that we may not lose necessary vital features we have been
forced to look to technology as a solution. An example of this need would be to ensure
we have adequate personnel responding to multiple calls while still maintaining the
necessary available 911 response if an additional emergency call is received.
A careful examination of the marketplace has provided one program, which will meet our
needs. It is called Principal Decisions Systems International; a producer of staffing
software provides a program, which will allow for all needed staffing features.
Firefighters calling to check in and out of service will contact a computer program, which
will allow them to enter their availability. Rosters will be kept electronically and
available both on site at the fire station and remotely in emergency response vehicles
FIRE SUPPRESSION - FIRE EDUCATION - FIRE PREVENTION - AMBULANCE SERVICE
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Mayor Hicks and City Council Members
February 5, 2007
through mobile data terminals. The program will provide immediate access to staffing
allowing responding units to know what their crew numbers will be, determine who
would be available for a repetitive call so that adequate coverage and critical decisions
can be made.
The Telestaffing program has an initial cost for software, setup, and necessary
connections in the amount of $25,250.00. Mobile data terminals and hazdwaze necessary
for vehicle access to information will be requested as part of other programs at a later
date.
If you should have any questions regarding this request, please feel free to contact me at
any time. My cellular phone is the best way to reach me at 651-775-5545. I will be
attending the February 5, 2007, council meeting, if you should have any questions at that
time.
Requested Action: Approve requested budget transfer from fire department ERF in the amount
of $25,250.00 to the 2007 operating budget and authorize the purchase of Telestaff software
from Principal Decisions Systems International.