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4.0. SR 08-29-1994 I ~'\( ( II ~li<' River ITEM 4. MEMORANDUM TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: PAT KLAERS, CITY ADMINISTRATOR ~ DATE: AUGUST 24, 1994 SUBJECT: FIRE CHIEF INTERVIEW Per City Council direction, an interview has been scheduled with Mr. Bruce West for the fire chief position. Mr. West is the unanimous recommendation from the selection committee for the Elk River Fire Chief vacancy. Mr. West is currently a member of the Anoka Fire Department and is employed by the City of Anoka as a fire department dispatcher/duty person. Attached for your review is the application letter and resume from Mr. West along with the Elk River Fire Chief/Fire Marshall job description. . The City Council should note that this interview is being conducted at a public meeting and as such, there may be residents and the press in attendance during this interview. Also it is expected that members of the Elk River Fire Department will be present during this interview. Potential interview questions and discussion issues include the following: . -Qualifications and/or experience for being the E.R. Fire Chief -Experiences with being in charge at fires or emergencies -Preferred management style for the operation ofthe E.R. fire department -Background/experience with the administration of fire departments -Background/experience in the development and implementation of capital budgets and operating budgets -Experience/background in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans -Background experience in development and implementation of a fire inspections program for buildings -Background/experience in public education regarding fire prevention -Background/experience in making public speeches -Background/experience in interaction with city councils (governing boards) and staff members P.O. Box 490 . 13065 Orono Parkway · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 . The Council should be aware that it cannot ask questions regarding protected issues. By this I mean you cannot discuss Mr. West's family, religion, age, etc... These are the standard issues to avoid discussing during interviews because they potentially relate to discrimination issues. One issue that is relatively sensitive relates to "response time". The City cannot require residency of its fire chief but it can require a reasonable response time in order for the chief to be able to respond to fire calls. During the committee's interview with Mr. West, he indicated that he would be willing to relocate into the area following the 1994-95 school year. If Mr. West does plan to move within the Elk River fire district, then he certainly would meet the department's concerns regarding response time. However, if Mr. West has no plans to relocate upon the completion of the 1994-95 school year and upon completion of his probationary period, then the City will be forced to require relocation to a reasonable response time, or Mr. West will not be able to successfully complete probation with the City. This is more of a terms and conditions of employment negotiating item than it is a City Council interview item, but I thought that you should be aware of this issue. . If everything goes well during the interview with the City Council and Mr. West, it is recommended that the Council direct myself to negotiate appropriate terms and conditions of employment for Mr. West to become the Elk River Fire Chief/Fire Marshall. The terms and conditions of employment would then need final approval by the City Council. If all goes well, hopefully, Mr. West can join the City in early October, 1994. . council:fcinterv.doc . July 7, 1994 city of Elk River Fire Chief7Fire Marshal Selection Committee Elk River, MN 55330 Selection Committee: I would like to introduce myself, Bruce A. West, to your selection committee and give you some of my fire service background. The Anoka-Champlin Fire Department is a combination full-time and paid on-call fire department. Our fire department consists of two stations, 43 paid on-call firefighters and 4 full-time staff members. The Anoka-Champlin Fire Department has a coverage area that includes two cities and one township with a population served of approximately 50,000 people. Our department responds to approximately 530 incidents per year. . My position in our department is two-fold. I am one of the full-time staff members and also a paid on-call firefighter. My resume will describe in detail my responsibilities and accountability for both positions. I have been in the fire service and a member of the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department for 16 years. I also have been involved in our fire departments training programs. In October 1990, I attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The two week on-campus class I attended was Fire Service Instructional Methodology. This is a course designed for fire department training officers and fire service instructors. I have instructed various classes which range from "Apparatus I" to "Responding to the Hazardous Materials Incident" . In March 1994 again I attended the National Fire Academy participating in the Fire Inspection Principles two week on-campus course. This course entailed the fundamentals of Fire Code enforcement, plans review, investigating fire code complaints, exiting requirements and many other areas in fire inspection. The interaction with fire service personnel during the on-campus classes is very rewarding and an experience one will never forget I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State University of which my major was Business Marketing. Enclosed for your reference are fire service certificates received from my continuing education. Again I would like to thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself to your selection committee. I look forward to hearing from. you. . Respectfully, Bruce A West . Bruce A. West 2902 8th Avenue North Anoka, :MN 55303 Education St Cloud State University St Cloud, MN 56301 Degree: Bachelor of Science Major: Business Marketing 1973-1977 St. Cloud State University 1971-1973 Anoka Senior High School Academic Preparation . Major: Business Marketing All areas of marketing and business studied. Minor objective: Managerial Finance Business core areas completed: Accounting, Managerial economics, Statistics. Business areas included: short and long term planning, capital budgeting, decision making, problem solving and others. Skills Computer knowledgeable: software Wordperfect 5.1, Microsoft windows 3.1, MS-DOS 6, McDonnell-Douglas Office Administration. Communications: excellent with people, energetic team leader, listener and leader, well organized and goal setter. Fire Service Experience August 1987-Present Anoka-Champlin Fire Department 2015 1st Avenue North Anoka, MN 55303 . Title: Dutyperson/Dispatcher/Pump Operator/Driver . As a full-time employee of the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department some of my duties include processing the Minnesota Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) reports for all fire department incidents during the year. Our fire department uses a Fire Reporting software to fill out the reports and then send via tape the completed reports to the State Fire Marshals office. I plan, gather and develop the annual report for our fire department relating to the emergency incidents the department responds to during the year. The report is prepared as a sununary of the years activities and presented to the Anoka-Champlin Joint Powers Board and the City Councils of Anoka and Champlin. I have included a sample copy of the 1993 report. Also among my duties is the preparation of the monthly payroll for the paid on-call firefighters. Using spreadsheet software, I prepare the payroll for the finance department to process for the firefighters payroll. Updating and maintaining the monthly training activities for the firefighters records. . Maintenance of the fire departments apparatus, SCBA maintenance, other duties as required to assure proper working order of all fire department equipment. Certificates enclosed detailing fonnal training classes completed. 1978-Present Paid on-call Firefighter Anoka-Champlin Fire Department Currently: Fire Captain Officer in the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department for 9 years, 5 as Captain, 4 years as Lieutenant. Served as a member of the Truck Committee for the research and development of specifications for the bidding of new firefighting apparatus and equipment. Served as Chairperson of the fire departments Personnel Committee. This committee has the responsibility for the advertisement, screening, interviewing and selecting firefighter candidates for employment with the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department. . As an officer, I have been actively involved in the budgeting and short and long term capital planning for our fire departments operations. Our department has implemented a 20 year capital outlay program for the replacement of the firefighting apparatus. . Business Experience October 1985-August 1987 Full-Time employment August 1987-Present Part-time employment Howard Lumber Company Interstate Lumber Company 539 Pierce St. Anoka, MN 55303 Salesperson Retail/Contractor Lumber sales Estimation of building materials for the preparation of bidding lumber and millwork for new construction and remodeling. . Building design and structural design, complete knowledge of interior and exterior building construction. October 1981-1985 Arena Manager Anoka Area Ice Arena and Civic Center 4111 7th Avenue North Anoka, MN 55303 The primary objective of my position was to provide leadership and direction in the operation and maintenance of the facility in a manner which would assure the public a high quality recreational facility. Development and execution of job descriptions for the full-time and part-time arena employees through recruitment, screening, interviewing and selecting arena personnel. Preparation and administration of the yearly arena budget As manager of the, arena, one of the responsibilities was the day to day financial decisions concerning the arenas operation. . Monthly preparation of records for the financial statement to compare with the yearly budget projections. . July 1978-1981 Construction Supervisor Ronald G. West Development Company Anoka, MN 55303 Complete coordination and organization of all activities surrounding the construction and remodeling of residential and commercial property. Organizing and scheduling of the daily work assignments of the subcontractors to meet the needs and time schedules of the companies construction projects. Additional References Tim Farmer Fire Chief Coon Rapids Fire Department Coon Rapids, MN 55433 . See enclosure Harold J. Blair President Local Oil Company Anoka, MN 55303 See enclosure Arthur Bendiske Owner Bendiske Concrete Anoka, MN 55303 See enclosure . .\ Adopted Date: Revised Date: :;.llft'l' 4> I ;I.() l'l'f Position Title -- Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Department -- Fire Department FLSA Status -- [xl Exempt [ ] Non-Exempt Summarv Description Coordinate administration and activities of the Fire Department for fire protection, suppression, and prevention in the City of Elk River and other jurisdictions that have contracted with the City of Elk River. Train and supervise firefighters to ensure an efficient department. Survey building, grounds, and equipment to determine departmental needs. Investigate cause of fires. Duties/Responsibilities .) 1.) Administration -- Coordinate fIre department programs. Create and manage department budget and review with City Administrator for approval by City Council. Plan the staffing, organization, and function of the personnel in order to ensure an efficient and effective program for fire prevention and protection. Evaluate the fire department training program. Establish and maintain Mutual Aid Agreements with neighboring fire departments for response to emergencies as needed. Establish and implement a public information program that is appropriate for both the adult and youth population regarding fire safety, prevention, and emergency activities. 2.) Fire Suppression n Maintain department in a continual state of readiness in order to deal with emergency situations effectively. Direct firefighters at scene of fires and emergencies. Evaluate fire prevention and control policies by keeping abreast of new methods and incorporate appropriate new methods in department's operation. Maintain appropriate records on fire occurrences, equipment, personnel, training, and all items relating to the fire department. Investigate fire code complaints and issue corrective orders when appropriate. 3.) . Codes and Ordinances -- Coordinate with the City Building and Zoning Department the enforcement of State and local fire codes when building permits are issued. Review plats prior to approval of the plat by City Council. Investigate fire code complaints and issue corrective This Job Description Does Not Constitute a Contract of Employment. .i 5.) 6.) . 7.) orders when appropriate. Coordinate any changes in the fire department or fire code ordinances with the City Administrator and City Council. 4.) Inspections -- Develop and implement a fire inspection program to ensure compliance with the Uniform Fire Code. Conduct and/or supervise code enforcement and maintenance inspections of multi- family, commercial, and industrial buildings, properties, and fire protection systems. Emer!!encv Preparedness Plan -- Serve as the City's Emergency Preparedness Director. Establish procedures to respond to hazardous material emergencies. Coordinate duties and responsibilities with the City Administrator in order to effectively respond to an emergency situation. Maintain and monitor the emergency warning sirens to ensure adequate coverage in case of an emergency. Bud!!et -- Compile, prepare, and recommend to the City Administrator the overall budget for the fire department. Monitor and control overall departmental expenditures. Other -- The duties and responsibilities enumerated above are not intended to be all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that the City may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications 1.) Education -- High school education or equivalent. (4 year college degree desired). 2.) Specific Skills -- Ability to prepare and implement operating and capital improvement budgets. Ability to effectively communicate with the public, departmental personnel, city staff, City Council, and other governmental agencies. Ability to prepare technical reports and present reports to the city staff and City Council. Ability to provide leadership and promote morale among the firefighters. Ability to develop cooperative relations with the public. Knowledge of fire fighting equipment practices, principles, methods, and techniques. Knowledge of fire codes and fire prevention laws and regulations. Computer skills desired. 3.) . Experience -- Ten years training and experience with a paid on call fire department desired.