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Fire Service Committee July 15, 1999 Page 8 space is not used for EMS vehicles, it can be used for other types of vehicles or other storage and our money would be well spent to build it in that configuration. Deputy Chief Neece noted that, currently, we could store reserve ambulances and other equipment and that the space will not go unutilized. The City Manager stated that you could go anywhere in our region or state and compare, and you would find that we have one of the top fire and one of the top EMS departments. He said you would not find any more dedicated or better trained personnel and that we are working to provide them with the equipment that they need to do the job. Their budget has been constrained for many years and other needs have taken precedence. He stated that, even though it appears to some that the fire department is getting more funds than other departments, that it is time to meet their needs and catch up. Chief Burgin noted that once we finish this next phase, until there is a definite growth to this city, we are through for a while. Councilman Bell remembered when all fire trucks were failing inspections and had gotten outdated and that the new ones are real close together in year model. He stated that when those start getting outdated, they are all going to be outdated at the same time. There ensued a group discussion of buying too many trucks at the same time and admonishments not to get into that situation again, if it could be helped. Chief Burgin suggested planning, making decisions, and taking action, and that now we need to get these two stations built. He stated that we need to move forward with Phase II. Deputy Chief Neece agreed, saying that we have the trucks in the house, most of men already hired, and we need the stations constructed as soon as possible and the three additional men hired and trained. Councilman Bell asked if the committee needed to present this floor plan to the City Council. City Manager Malone stated that, the Council having bought the two sites, has made the decision where the two stations will be located, and although there is some dissension in that some say build only one station in southeast and keep east side open, that is not the staff recommendation. He stated that we have had a very thorough investigation and presentation and that the people who are the professionals in fire fighting, in conjunction with the professionals in engineering and planning, those doing the Master Plan, have made a recommendation in presenting Phase Il. We pay a lot of money for the training these folks have received and we feel that the plan is capably conceived and presented and recommend that the committee give support with regard to the floor plan and continuing to carry out Phase II of the Fire Service Plan as presented. Fire Service Committee July 15, 1999 Page 8