02/03/2009 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 2/3/2009 2) Dave Boatman, 2093 Brown Road, Lakewood, president of the fire fighters union, said that the North Olmsted fire fighters have strived for years to protect life and property. The fire fighters have led the department from the ground up, and all the work and accomplishments in the Fire Dept. ean be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the fire fighters, Lieutenants, and Captains. All the programs and services provided by the Fire Dept. can be directly attributed to these individuals. Some of the many functions, programs, and services that have been provided by the membership of the Fire Dept. include citizen CPR, child car seat inspections, AED's that have been placed in many public places in the city, HIPAA compliance, Safety School talks, and the seat belt safety program. Additionally, federal funds have been secured by the fire fighters exceeding $300,000. The different members and individuals saw a need, took an interest and filled the void within the Fire Dept. But the most important service provided by this Fire Dept. and the fire fighters is the protection of life and property, something the fire fighters feel the Fire Chief has forgotten. He noted the new city website lists the guiding principles of the department, and these principles have been embraced by the fire fighters each and every day and year as they respond to over 3,600 emergencies. The fire fighters feel that the administration has failed to follow these guidelines. The fire fighters feel the Chief has not been the leader he should be. He does not have a plan for addressing the decrease in staffing and felt the fire fighters could work it out. The city has laid off fire fighters and paramedics causing a decrease in the number of fire fighters on duty each day from 10 to 9, and eventually down to 8 for the Chief. Services and response times will be affected. The Chief says they can. handle 80% of emergencies with the decrease. What happens when the other 20% causes a delay, injury, or worse. The fire fighters feel the lack of leadership has caused internal problems to the point that in June the Safety Director stated she wanted to fire the Chief. Recently, the members of the Fire Dept. met to discuss this lack of leadership and what it means and had a vote of no confidence in the Chief. This was probably the most difficult task they ever had to make individually and collectively. The fire fighters are asking for the Chiefis resignation. They feel there are individuals in the department who can serve in the leadership position. Give one of those leaders the opportunity to lead the Fire Dept. and give the citizens what they deserve most-the knowledge of knowing that their safety comes first. They have been provided little to no guidance on how they are to run and respond with less fire fighters and paramedics and be expected to provide the same level of service and care. Lives are at stake, and they cannot do this alone. Give them the tools they need and the leadership that our community deserves. Mayor O'Grady said the comments made with regard to the Chief are exceedingly unfortunate. Additionally, he would point out unequivocally the comment attributed to the Safety Director is false. She did not make that statement. He wants it clearly known that the administration recognizes the outstanding work that police officers and fire fighters do, and the positive impact they have throughout the community. It is very much appreciated. Mr. Boatman said he has an audio recording of the meeting where the Safety Director made the comment, and he offered to play it at the next Council meeting. President of Council Kennedy said he and Mr. Boatman would discuss that possibility. 9 +a~~rz+xtm!V-ruetN~ll9