The Celina City Council held a special meeting Monday Night December 9th. In addition to passing the second reading of the budget for next year, the Council heard from former Celina Firefighter Corey Agler. To hear the meeting in its entirety:

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To view an AI Generated transcript of the meeting:

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The following is an AI Generated summary of the meeting:

Date & Time: 2024-12-09 20:02:02
Location: City Council Chambers

Overview

This document provides a comprehensive summary of a series of meetings held to address various issues, including fire department concerns, staffing and funding challenges, and ordinance discussions. Key topics include leadership training, exit interviews, feasibility studies, and heating issues within the fire department. The document also outlines discussions on staffing levels, funding allocations, and communication gaps. Ordinance discussions focus on authorizing city projects and capital equipment for 2025. Action items are consolidated at the end to ensure follow-up on critical issues.

Opening

• Roll Call and Opening Prayer
  • Attendance: Roll Call was taken.
  • A prayer was conducted to seek wisdom and guidance for the meeting.
• Pledge of Allegiance
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Agenda Acceptance

• Agenda Confirmation
  • The agenda for the special meeting was confirmed without additions.
  • Motion to accept the agenda was made by Mr. Balzell and seconded by Mr. Clausen.
  • Unanimous approval from all present members.

Audience Communications

Fire Department Concerns

• Introduction by Corey Agler
  • Corey Agler, a former firefighter paramedic, addressed the council.
  • Emphasized the need for solutions rather than complaints regarding the fire department.

Leadership Training

• Status Update
  • Leadership training is ongoing, conducted pro bono by Avenulo.
  • No specific timeline for completion due to logistical challenges.

Exit Interviews

• Process and Findings
  • Exit interviews have been conducted for recent departures.
  • Discussions have occurred with administration, leading to minor adjustments.

Fire Department Feasibility Study

• Timeline and Expectations
  • The feasibility study is nearing completion, with a meeting scheduled for December 16th.
  • Results will be analyzed for funding and cost implications.

Heating Situation

• Current Status and Concerns
  • The fire department lacks adequate heating, with temporary solutions in place.
  • A purchase order has been issued for repairs, but delays have been noted.
  • Discussion highlighted the need for better communication and proactive measures.
• Council and Administration Communication
  • Emphasis on bridging communication gaps between council, administration, and department heads.
  • Encouragement for proactive engagement to prevent similar issues.

Discussion on Staffing and Funding Challenges

Concerns About Reactive vs. Proactive Approaches

• Reactive Approach Criticism: There was a strong sentiment that the city has been reactive rather than proactive in addressing staffing issues, particularly in the fire department. It was noted that significant experience was lost when nearly 40 years of fire service experience left for other jobs.
• Funding Delays: Questions were raised about why funding solutions were only found after significant staff departures, despite having access to funds for years.

Funding and Budget Allocation

• Half Percent Levy: The half percent levy, in place since 2010, was discussed. It was clarified that this levy was intended for capital expenses and not for wages, which has been a point of contention.
• State Auditor Approval: The city received approval from the state auditor to use some of the levy funds for future staffing, but not for current wages.
• Budget Constraints: The city faces challenges with insurance costs rising by 14% this year, outpacing the city’s revenue growth of 2-2.5%.

Staffing Levels and Challenges

• Historical Staffing Levels: Staffing levels have remained unchanged since the 1970s, despite a fourfold increase in call volume.
• EMS and County Involvement: The EMS is a county agency, and recent county initiatives have helped alleviate some staffing issues by funding additional positions.

Communication and Solutions

• Communication Gaps: There is a perceived communication gap between the council, administration, and department staff regarding staffing needs.
• Open to Solutions: The council expressed willingness to discuss and find solutions, acknowledging the need for creative ideas to address staffing and funding challenges.

Ordinance Discussions

Authorization for City Projects and Capital Equipment (2025)

• Purpose: Authorizes the Safety Service Director to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for city projects and capital equipment for fiscal year 2025.
• Discussion:
  • Mr. Claussen highlighted the importance of supporting upcoming projects in 2025, referencing previous discussions.
  • Motion to pass to third reading was made by Mr. Claussen and seconded by Mr. Gray.
• Decision: Ordinance passed to third reading with a unanimous roll call vote of 7-0.

Authorization for Materials, Services, Supplies, and Equipment (2025)

• Purpose: Authorizes the Safety Service Director to advertise for bids and enter into contracts for necessary materials, services, supplies, and equipment for 2025.
• Discussion:
  • Motion to pass to third reading was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Buxton.
• Decision: Ordinance passed to third reading with a unanimous roll call vote of 7-0.

Fire Department Staffing and Infrastructure

Staffing Challenges and Future Planning

• Current Situation:
  • Discussion on the need for consistent communication with the fire department regarding staffing and future needs.
  • Mention of historical renderings for fire department improvements, but no feasibility studies conducted.
• Staffing Dynamics:
  • Recent retirements have affected callback availability for ambulatory runs.
  • New hires are less willing to participate in callbacks due to personal commitments.
• Financial Considerations:
  • Discussion on the potential need for additional tax funding in the future.
  • Emphasis on the unique position of being the only full-time department in the county.

Heating Issues and Immediate Actions

• Problem Identified:
  • Recent heating issues at the fire department, with space heaters currently in use.
• Resolution:
  • A purchase order has been issued for repairs, with work expected to be completed within the week.

Action Items

•  Follow up on the completion timeline for leadership training.
•  Ensure exit interview findings are systematically reviewed and addressed.
•  Monitor the progress of the fire department feasibility study and subsequent actions.
•  Improve communication channels to address facility maintenance proactively.
•  Explore potential solutions for staffing and funding challenges with stakeholders.
•  Improve communication channels between council, administration, and department staff.
•  Review and assess the impact of the EMS levy on staffing levels.
•  Continue discussions on budget allocations and potential future funding sources.
•  Complete heating repairs at the fire department this week.
•  Prepare for the final meeting of the year next Monday.
•  Award the Public Works bid by the next meeting.