1993 Fire Personnel SOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Fire Equipment Mechanic Supervisor: Director, Fire & Safety
Department: Fire & Safety Job Grade:
Division: Fire Status: Hourly, Part-time
Primary ObjeCtiv~ of Position
To perform mechanical work and repair of special fire fighting equipment and related
work as assigned under the Director of Fire & Safety. The equipment to be repaired
would include exhaust fans, pen-a-power, water pump cans, nozzles, axe handle
replacement, portable generators, portable lights and other like equipment.
Major Areas of Accountability_
-Maintains records of fire equipment;
-Maintains an inventory of ail parts and supplies;
-Performs emergency repairs on equipment as needed;
-Coordinates the repairs of vehicles, engines, pumps and other related repairs with City
Mechanic or outside vendors.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
-Proper use and operation of fire equipment;
-Maintenance and repair of fire equipment other than engines and pumps.
Ability to:
-Follow written and oral direction;
-Perform mechanically related tasks;
-Maintain detailed and accurate records.
Education, Training and F_,x_t>erience:
-Automotive and/or truck mechanics schooling; or equivalent experience;
-Prior experience with fire service equipment.
Department Head Date:
City Manager Date:
Personnel Board Date:
JD-8 2/3/93
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee February 2, 1993
Meeting //1 Fire Station, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call
ORDER and notice thereof; Chair Reiswig called the meeting to order at 7:00
p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Carlson, Reiswig, Smith, Tate and staff liaison Sherry
Draper
Absent: Quarnstrom
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Smith to approve the minutes of
December 1, 1992. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
ENGINEER When asked to approve the Engineer job description, the Personnel
POSITION Board had a number of questions about the position. They referred
it to the Fire Personnel Committee for further review and
recommendation. Chief Smith distributed a revised job description.
The Committee changed the position title to "Fire Equipment
Mechanic" and added more appropriate language to the description.
An edited copy is attached.
The Committee then discussed whether the person in this position
should also be a firefighter. They decided the incumbent would not
have to be an active firefighter, but it would definitely be an
advantage to have the person at a fire scene if a repair were needed.
Chief Smith said a retired firefighter might be an ideal candidate.
The Committee also discussed whether the position should remain
as a regular Civil Service position under the Personnel Board or
changed to a position under the Fire Chief and the Fire Personnel
Committee. One of the considerations discussed was how this
position is paid. The position is currently funded in the Fire
Department budget, outside of the lump sum wage package for
firefighters. Chief Smith said this person would work 5 - 6 hours
per week at 88 to 89 per hour.
The Committee decided to recommend to the Personnel Board that
the Fire Chief and the Fire Personnel Committee could handle the
recruiting and selection procedure and that the details of paying the
individual could be worked out by the City.
MOTION Motion by Smith, seconded by Carlson recommending the revised
Fire Equipment Mechanic job description be presented to the
Personnel Board for approval. Voting in favor - All.
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Tate recommending that the Fire
Equipment Mechanic position be taken out of Civil Service and put
under the direction of the Director of Fire & Safety. Voting in favor -
all.
1993 Chair Reiswig opened the discussion saying that he had committed
OBJECTIVES two years of his time to the Fire Personnel Board and has now
exceeded that commitment. He told the Committee that the
Personnel Board had recommended and City Manager Donahue had
approved that Sherry Draper take over Chair Reiswig's position on
the Committee. Sherry and Chief Smith both thanked Myrle on
behalf of all the Committee for his expertise and help during the past
two years.
The Committee then discussed the Fire Personnel Committee's 1993
Objectives. The Committee set out the following agenda items for
1993:
1 ) Job Application
2) Compensation and Fair Labor Standards Issues
3) Day Availability Agreement
4) Staffing the Fire Department to 38 Firefighters
CONSOLI- Chief Smith stated that the next meeting of the Fire Consolidation
DATION Committee will be in New Hope on February 9. He said that a bill
REPORT regarding fire pensions has been drafted for the state legislature
through Representative Ann Rest's office. Greg read a portion of
the bill to the Committee. Greg told the Committee that there has
been very little communication from the City to the firefighters on
this issue.
OTHER Sherry asked if there is a timeframe established for recruiting new
BUSINESS firefighters. Chief Smith stated he will be checking to see when a
new Firefighter I class is starting and work around that date.
-2-
Chief Smith stated he had not evaluated his officers as yet. He
stated that Departmental meetings will be held four times a year
rather than monthly meetings. Chief Smith also reported that all the
new firefighters are doing very well. All are finished with Firefighter
I and all are in various stages of responder classes.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Carlson, seconded by Tate to adjourn the Fire Personnel
Committee meeting. Voting in favor - All. The meeting adjourned
at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~r~e~cret~~ary~
-3-
CITY OF NEW HOPE
~.~.01 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee March 2, 1993
Meeting #2 Fire Station, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call
and notice thereof; Chair Draper called the meeting to order at 7:15
p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Carlson, Quarnstrom, Smith, Tate and Draper
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Tate to approve the minutes of
February 2, 1993 as written. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
RECRUITING Chair Draper stated that the Personnel Board had reviewed and
FIRE EQUIPMENT approved the job description for the Fire Equipment Mechanic at
ENGINEER
POSITION their last meeting with the guarantee that the Americans With
Disabilities supplement be added to the description, The Personnel
Board also approved the position as being under the direction of the
Fire Department and Fire Personnel Committee. Chief Smith stated
that he will complete the ADA supplement with Sherry's assistance
and bring it back to the Committee to approve.
Discussion followed on developing a recruiting plan. The Committee
decided to pattern the wage for this position after the Civil Service
position B-22 Mechanic Helper. It was the consensus of the
Committee to adopt the Mechanic Helper pay scale of $7.73 - $9.66
per hour.
Committee Member Tate suggested that the posting of the position
be opened up within the Fire Department first and if no one applies,
then go with an outside posting. Chair Draper said she will post the
position on Friday, March 5 with a deadline for applications being
accepted of March 26. The candidates will be interviewed at the
next regular Fire Personnel Committee meeting of April 6.
FIRE Chief Smith stated he attended the Fire Consolidation meeting last
CONSOLIDATION week. He said that the Committee reviewed the proposed
UPDATE
legislation and there were questions on the content of that
-ire Personnel Committee - 1 - March 2, 1993
legislation. Both Crystal and New Hope's Fire Chiefs were directed
to go back to their memberships for input as some clarification is
needed on some points of the legislation. One of the questions
regarding the legislation was concern over retirees on a monthly
annuity and what would be the impact on that group. Another
concern of the Committee was the vacancies caused by Gary
L'Herault no longer being a Councilmember and the retirement of
Don Fournier. The next meeting of the Fire Consolidation
Committee will be March 11.
OTHER BUSINESS Chief Smith asked Sherry how many people are on the certification
list. Sherry replied there are eight people certified and the list is
good until August. She said that no one is a certified day time
responder. Chief Smith stated that he had met with area Fire Chiefs
and there would be a joint recruitment process coming up this
summer.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Carlson, seconded by Tate to adjourn the Fire Personnel
Committee meeting. Voting in favor - All. The meeting adjourned
at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Recording Secretary
--ire Personnel Committee - 2 - March 2, 1993
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee April 6, 1993
Meeting #3 Fire Station, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Chair Draper called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Carlson, Quarnstrom, Smith, Tate and Draper
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Tare to approve the minutes of March 2, 1993
as written. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
INTERVIEW The Personnel Committee interviewed Firefighter Kurt Klipstein for the Fire
FIRE EQUIPMENT Equipment Mechanic. Firefighter Klipstein was the only candidate for this
ENGINEER position. It was the consensus of the Committee that although candidate
Klipstein had little experience as a mechanic, he was very enthusiastic about the
position and he would do a good job in this position.
MOTION Motion by Quarnstrom, seconded by Carlson, to certifl/Kurt Klipstein as the Fire
Equipment Mechanic. Voting in favor: All.
ADA SUPPLEMENT Chief Smith prepared the ADA Supplement to the employment application. The
FIRE EQUIPMENT Committee discussed it and added climbing in and out of fire trucks as an
MECHANIC essential requirement.
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Tate to approve the ADA Supplement to the Fire
Equipment Mechanic job description, Voting in favor: All.
EMPLOYMENT Chair Draper distributed copies of the recently revised City of New Hope
APPLICATION Employment Application. She stated that this is a very generic application and
SUPPLEMENT
a supplement will be added that is specific to the job being applied for. She
presented a revised copy of the Supplement for Firefighters that the Committee
had tabled some time ago. Following review, the Committee approved the
supplement for use in the next recruiting effort.
DISCUSSION RE Chair Draper stated she put this item on the agenda as an informational item.
EMPLOYMENT OF Two firefighters have applied for seasonal employment with the Park and
FIREFIGHTERS Recreation Department. This situation brought forth several concerns and issues.
IN OTHER CITY
DEPARTMENTS The questions raised were overtime and answering day fire calls. Chair Draper
stated it was the consensus of the management staff of the City to try it out this
summer on a trial basis. It will be both the employees and managements
responsibility to manage the schedules to avoid an overtime situation. Firefighters
can work up to 53 hours per week (40 seasonal + 13 firefighter) before overtime
becomes an issue. If the firefighter is working in a maintenance crew position,
they could leave for second calls or mutual aid. If the person is working as a
playground leader involving supervision of children, then they cannot leave for any
Fire Personnel Committee - 1 - April 6, 1993
fire call.
FIRE CONSOLI- Chief Smith reported that at the last meeting there was some lively discussion as
DATION STUDY tO whether there should be a defined contribution or a defined benefit program
REPORT '
The two relief associations had gotten together and talked about it. Chief Smith
stated there was a lot of time spent on concerns of the active firefighters,
deferred pensioners, and retirees that are currently collecting their pensions. All
three had submitted concerns and the Committee spent a lot of time going
through those concerns and how those concerns related to the bill that is being
drafted for the legislature. Chief McGinty and Chief Smith were given the task
of putting together a spreadsheet showing what it would look like if we go with
defined contribution. He said he would have to get together with Greg Carlson
and the Relief Association to find out who is out there on retired status, who is
on deferred status, when they will be getting a lump sum, etc., and also active
members and what their status is. Chief Smith stated it would be a long process.
OTHER Chief Smith asked if there is any procedure for follow-up on job applicants
BUSINESS specifically to determine if a candidate has obtained his high school diploma after
finishing probation and before becoming a firefighter. Chair Draper stated that if
a probationary firefighter is in high school it should be up to that individual to
provide his/her high school diploma upon completion.
Discussion was held by the Committee regarding the term "State certification"
being put into the job descriptions as a qualification for Firefighter I and Firefighter
II. He stated that probationary firefighters attend classes to become firefighters
and upon completion receive a certification of attendance. In addition to
completing the course curriculum they must also successfully complete the State
certification.
MOTION Motion by Smith, seconded by Carlson to add "State certification" to the job
descriptions for Firefi§hter I and Firefighter II. Voting in favor: All.
ADJOURNMENT Because there was no further business to come before the Fire Personnel
Committee, Carlson moved to adjourn. Seconded by Tate. The meeting
adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
~lespectfully submitted,
Recording Secretary
Fire Personnel Committee - 2 - April 6, 1993
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee May 4, 1993
Meeting #4 Fire Station, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call
and notice thereof; Chair Draper called the meeting to order at 7:05
p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Carlson, Quarnstrom, Tate and Draper
Absent: Smith
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Quarnstrom to approve the
minutes of April 6, 1993 as written. All present voted in favor.
Motion carried.
FIREFIGHTER The Fire Personnel Committee discussed recruiting plans to get
RECRUITING another group of probationary firefighters on board. Sherry told the
PLANS Committee that at the Fire Chiefs meeting it was decided that all
cities should recruit at the same time. Sherry said that advertising
would take place in the City Newsletter, Cable T.V., the signboard on
42nd Avenue and POST Newspaper. Sherry went on to say that
there are eight people on the certified list from the last recruiting and
she has nine applications on file that include five daytime responders.
Mr. Quarnstrom suggested she write to the people on the certified list
and inquire as to their current availability and also letters should go
out to the nine applicants and invite them to the informational
meetings in July. Sherry informed the Committee that Chief Smith's
objective is to have 38 firefighters on board, right now there are 32.
The Committee discussed recruiting for day responders only. The
dates of July 14 (evening) and July 16 (morning) were set for the
informational meetings.
MOTION Motion by Tate, seconded by Quarnstrom, to approve the recruiting
procedure according to Chief Smith's memorandum. Voting in
favor: All.
FIRE Greg Carlson reported that there is to be a Fire Consolidation
CONSOLIDATION Meeting in New Hope, Thursday, May 6.
STUDY
REPORT
Fire Personnel Committee - 1 - May 4, 1993
ADJOURNMENT Because there was no further business to come before the Fire
Personnel Committee, Carlson moved to adjourn. Seconded by Tate.
Voting in favor: All. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Recording Secretary
~ire Personnel Committee - 2 - May 4, 1993
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee August 3, 1993
Meeting /15 Fire Station, 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call
and notice thereof; Chair Draper called the meeting to order at 6:00
p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Smith, Carlson, Quarnstrom, Tate and Draper
MOTION Motion by Smith, seconded by Tate to approve the minutes of May
4, 1993 as written. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
INTERVIEWS Chief Smith informed the Committee that all applicants with day
PROBATIONARY availability (10 of 24) had been invited to interview. He defined
FIREFIGHTERS days as 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and availability as a minimum of 4
hours during the day. Also considered as day availability were:
days off during the week. Not considered as day availability were:
employer approval to leave during regular working hours and
unemployed status.
Sherry informed the Committee that the Personnel Board had
reviewed the sample availability agreement and their opinion was
that it would not withstand a legal test. Their recommendation was
not to use an agreement, but to use the appointment letter to inform
the candidates that the City may not have a position for them if their
availability should change. Their alternative recommendation was to
seek legal counsel regarding a signed agreement. The Committee
decided to use the appointment letter.
Sherry also updated the Committee on the status of the remaining
candidates from the 1992 certified list. Of the eight, 3 did not
respond to the interest letter, 1 moved out of the area, 3 are not
available during the day, and 1 works 7 a.m to noon (qualifies as
day available). This one candidate, Michael Iwanok, will be invited
to the abilities testing. Certification for the other seven will expire.
All interview candidates were provided with information on the
required abilities testing and instructed to call Sherry Draper
regarding their certification status.
The Fire Personnel Committee interviewed the following candidates:
Shelly Ray
Paul Johnston
Shelby Osborne
Nicole Dockter
Kathy Hammerseng
Jim Mason
Eric Beske
Joel Nelson
Doug Dunnette
Pete Monson
All candidates scored higher than the standard passing score of 60.
All candidates were certified by consensus.
OTHER BUSINESS A joint meeting of Crystal and New Hope departments is scheduled
for August 26. They will talk about pensions and look at a defined
contribution plan. This meeting will be videotaped for those who
cannot attend.
Greg Carlson reminded the Committee has this term expires at the
end of the year and that recruiting plans need to be made for a
replacement.
ADJOURNMENT Because there was no further business to come before the Fire
Personnel Committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Draper
Administrative Assistant
tire Personnel Committee - 2 - August 3, 1993
CITY OF NEW HOPE
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 3, 1993
TO: Fire Personnel Committee
FROM: Sherry Draper ~
SUBJECT: Update on Probationary Firefighter Recruiting
Since I believe a recruiting update would be the only agenda item for a September meeting, I
am writing this memo in lieu of holding the meeting.
As you will recall, we interviewed and certified ten candidates. One candidate withdrew
application prior to the abilities testing, one did not pass the abilities testing, and one did not
pass the motor vehicle records check. The remaining seven candidates have passed all tests and
will be starting their activities Monday night.
The new firefighters are: Eric Beske, Doug Dunnette, Kathy Hammerseng, Paul Johnston, Jim
Mason, Joel Nelson, and Shelby Osborne.
We will need to meet on October 5 to make recruiting plans for Fire Personnel Committee
members (Greg and Dick), Assistant Chief, and Lieutenants. All these terms expire on
12/31/93.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 29, 1993
TO: Fire Personnel Committee
FROM: Sherry Draper
SUBJECT: October Meeting
Since three of you were unable to attend the October 5 meeting, it was cancelled. Doug, Jon,
and I met informally and set the following recruiting schedule for Lieutenants and Assistant
Chief.
Posting: October 15
Application Deadline: October 29
Interview: November 2
Since our regular meeting day, November 2, in an election day, we cannot officially begin our
meeting until 8:00 p.m. However, if at all possible, please plan to arrive about 30 minutes early
so we can prepare for the interviews that will start at 8:00 p.m.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee November 2, 1993
Meeting //6 Fire Station, 8:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call
and notice thereof; Chair Draper called the meeting to order at 7:30
p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Smith, Carlson, Quarnstrom, and Draper
Absent: Tate
MOTION Motion by Carlson, seconded by Quarnstrom to approve the minutes
of August 3, 1993 as written. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
INTERVIEWS The Committee recognized that the only applicants for the Assistant
FIRE LIEUTENANTS Fire Chief and Fire Lieutenant positions were the incumbents, all
& ASST. CHIEF fully-qualified. The interview questions were structured to gain
insight from the officer's experiences during their past terms and
their objectives for the future.
The Committee interviewed Joe Amos and Henry Benton for Fire
Lieutenant positions and Steve Homstad for Assistant Chief. They
did not score the responses. Consensus was to recommend
reappointment to the City Manager.
REPORT ON NEW Chief Smith reported on the new class of probationary firefighters.
PROBATIONARY Of the 10 candidates that were certified, one asked to be removed
FIREFIGHTERS from the list (decided to continue schooling), one did not pass the
physical abilities testing, one did not pass the motor vehicle record
check, and one resigned (change in full-time employment) after
appointment. The remaining six are actively pursuing their firefighter
training.
RECRUITING PLANS The Committee approved the following recruiting schedule for the
C O M M I T T E E open firefighter position. Posting -- November 12, application
MEMBERS deadline -- November 29, and interview -- December 7.
Dick Quarnstrom said he would like to be reappointed to the citizen
Fire Personnel Committee - 1 - November 2, 1993
representative position and he would be responding to the City
Clerk's letter.
CONSOLIDATION Chief Smith said that two consultants have been hired, one to assist
REPORT with the pension issue and one to assist with the operations side.
OTHER BUSINESS Chief Smith reported that all probationary firefighters from prior
classes have successfully completed their training and been
promoted to active firefighter status.
After reviewing the requirements for all officers, Dick Quarnstrom
suggested the addition of Fire Incident Command for the Assistant
Chief position.
Chief Smith mentioned that the City is proposing wellness programs
as part of a change in employee benefit plans, and he stated he
would be most interested in developing a wellness program for
firefighters.
ADJOURNMENT Because there was no further business to come before the Fire
Personnel Committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Draper
Administrative Assistant
Fire Personnel Committee - 2 - August 3, 1993
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA 55428
Fire Department Personnel Committee December 7, 1993
Meeting #7 City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope Fire Personnel Committee met pursuant to due call
and notice thereof; Chair Sherry Draper called the meeting to order
at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL Present: Carlson, Quarnstrom, Smith, Tate, Draper and former
member Myrle Reiswig.
Absent: None
MOTION Motion by Smith, seconded by Carlson to approve the minutes of
November 2, 1993 as written. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
RECRUITING The Committee's open firefighter position was posted on November
PLAN 12 with an application deadline of November 29, but no one applied.
The Committee discussed possible reasons for the lack of interest
as well as the future need for the Committee. Comments regarding
the position included 1) not a lot of firefighter issues right now, 2)
other opportunities for participation such as Relief Association and
Consolidation Committee, and 3) officers are discouraged from
applying because of the grievance/appeals process.
It was noted that although the Committee was really busy in the
beginning, the start-up objectives had been met, "things" have
settled down, and there's not much to do now. Doug Smith stated
that although there may not be a need to meet on a regular basis,
the Committee's role in the recruiting process is very important.
Myrle Reiswig said the Personnel Board is pleased with the
Committee's accomplishments and would want it to continue.
Consensus was to leave the firefighter position open for awhile and
recruit again later on when there is more activity. In the meanwhile,
firefighters should be surveyed to determine if the meeting date is
a problem, and if so, it could be changed. The Committee also
discussed the possibility of daytime meetings.
Fire Personnel Committee December 7, 1993
Page 1
REOOGNITION/ Myrle Reiswig officially thanked Greg Carlson for his participation in
GREG CARLSON the Committee and his efforts to help establish its credibility during
the challenging start-up time. It was announced that dessert and
informal recognition would follow the meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS Chief Smith stated there are currently 38 firefighters on the roster.
The only personnel related issue is that two are having trouble
meeting attendance requirements and some action may need to be
taken.
Greg Carlson reported that the Consolidation Committee was still
focused on the pension issue. They will be sending out an RFP for
consulting help.
ADJOURNMENT The Fire Personnel Committee adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Draper
Staff Liaison
Fire Personnel Committee December 7, 1993
Page 2