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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-22 Work Session e e e ""'11II MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 ' 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 165 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Work Session with the New Hanover County Board of Fire Commissioners on , . Wednesday, June 22, 1994, at 7:00 P.M. In the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A. Caster; William E. sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. He announced that before holding the Work Session for the purpose of discussing fire protection for the Highway 421 North corridor, the Board needs to consider an addendum to the FY 1994-95 Budget Ordinance. ADOPTION OF ADDENDUM TO THE FY 1994-95 BUDGET ORDINANCE FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY Chairman Greer reported on June 6, 1994, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY 1994-95 Budget Ordinance and at a regular meeting held on June 20, 1994, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve merit increases for the County Manager at 5%, the County Attorney at 7%, the Clerk to the Board at 5%, and a 3% increase to the base pay for the County Commissioners. The approved increases and benefits for the Commissioners and appointees will not increase the total of the 1994-1995 New Hanover County budget; however, an addendum to the Budget Ordinance is required since the increases were approved after the Budget Ordinance was adopted on June 6, 1994. Motion: vice-Chairman Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Sisson-to adopt the addendum to the New Hanover County FY 1994-95 Budget Ordinance. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the addendum is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXII, Page 13. DISCUSSION OF THE HIGHWAY 421 NORTH CORRIDOR FIRE PROTECTION ASSESSMENT Chairman Greer reported the purpose of the Work Session is to discuss and receive input from the members of the Fire Commission on the fire protection study of the Highway 421 North corridor prepared by Emergency Response Planning and- Management. He welcomed Mr. Dennis Moffett and Mr. Mark Scott, the consultants who prepared the report. Mr. Dennis Moffett reported Emergency Response and Planning Management, Inc. was hired to review fire protection for the Highway 421 North corridor. An interview process and a drive- through site inspection process beg~n with a review of the most unique and largest commercial facilities in the area. sixteen major industries, fifty-nine commercial enterprises, and approximately 40 single family home residences were identified. One hundred sixty hazardous materials were identified. Eleven facilities were broken down into large, moderate, and minimal fire load hazardous materials, associated risks, and response capabilities based upon the fire load. Seven of the .eleven facilities contained large fire loads, and most of the facilities had high to moderate risk involved. Based upon this analysis and interviews with fire officials in the County, it was determined that the following approaches could be followed to provide adequate fire protection and mitigate the type of problem that occurred in the North Wilmington Fire District: 1. Establish at the County government level a County Fire Administrato~ to oversee, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness ..... ,~ MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 166 and efficiency of all County fire services county-wide. This person would work with the volunteer fire department personnel on a daily basis; plan fire service programs for the County; develop training standards; provide county-wide SOP's for the Volunteer Fire Departments; establish standards for equipment purchases, and initiate and follow through ISO requirements relative to each Volunteer Fire Department. 2. Develop a cadr~ of professional, career paid firemen under the following options: o (al Twenty-one full time fire ,fighters working 4-man crews, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Cost: $2.2 million over a 3-year implementation period. (bl Fourteen fire fighters, working 4-man crews during the day with 2-man crews during the night and on weekends, 365 days per year. Cost: $1.66 million over a 3-year implementation period. (cl Eleven full time fire fighters working 2-man crews with backup volunteer support, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Cost: $1.4 million over a 3-year implementation period. All of the above options would require an increase in the levels of support from the Volunteer Fire Departments, and the equipment levels would be the same. The County would retain the county-wide hazardous materials emergency response contract with the City of Wilmington Fire Department for all three options. The Fire Administrator position would have to be established and the associated cost has been includ~d in each option. The suggested implementation strategy would begin with 11 fire fighters in year one progressing to 14 fire fighters in year two, and 21 fire fighters in year three at a cost of $1.6 million over a 3-year, period of time.- In summary, New Hanover County has a unique fire hazard in this particular area of the County because of the major industries and commercial centers located along this corridor as well as the 38 single-family dwellings. o Chairman Greer inquired as to whether anyone present would like to comment. The following remarks were received: Mr. Gary Rowe, representing the winter Park Department and currently serving as Chairman Commission, introduced the following members Commission: Volunteer. Fire of the Fire of the Fire Mr. James Pittman, Vice-Chairman of the Fire Commission and a representative of the Ogden Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Roger Miller, Secretary of the Fire Commission and a lay person representing the North Wilmington Corridor. Mr. Dominic Bianco, Chief of the Castle Hayne Fire Department. o Mr. Robert Korf, representing the Seagate Volunteer Fire Department and a retired volunteer fireman from the State of New York. Mr. Wayne Hartsell, representing the Myrtle Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. James Pittman, representing Department, presented the following consultants: the ogden Volunteer Fire questions to' the' fire l ",...;,,~'" \"11"<<, "'Ii}; . .,... ",' ". ...... , ~ q, MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 167 (1) What fire officials were consulted with during the development of the plan as proposed? Mr. Mark Scott responded that discussion was held with Gary Rowe, Chairman of the Fire Commission, Mr. Dennis Pinho, Mr. Roger- Miller and Commissioner william E. Sisson, Jr. e (2) How was it decided that a Fire Administrator was absolutely essential in the options presented? l'Ir. Scott responded that based on the past experience of the Fire Marshal and overall concept, it was felt a Fire Administrator was needed to oversee the entire Fire Program in New Hanover county. (3) Would a Fire Administrator and Fire Marshal create a duplication of duties and responsibilities? Mr. Scott responded that the County's Fire Marshal is basically involved with building code enforcement; therefore, this position was recommended so one person would be totally-involved with the daily operation of the Volunteer Fire Departments. (4) with the funding of $1.3 millon over a three-year period for implementation of the options, where would the funds come from since the fire tax now generates revenue in the amount of $1.2 million dollars annually? Mr. Scott reported no determination was made as to how the plan would be funded, and the Board of County Commissioners would the entity responsible for making this decision. e (5) If option 3 was implemented with backup from - the Volunteer Fire Departments, would the backup be scheduled, or in the form of mutual aid as currently being done? Mr. Scott reported the backup would be scheduled personnel on call at a station. (6) Do you feel that scheduled volunteer fire fighters working with paid personnel would create problems? Mr. Scott responded that this could be a problem. (7) Why is the Fire Administrator going to be responsible for establishing training 'standards when this is the duty of NFPA? Mr. Scott reported NFPA does not establish training standards on the local level. The recommendation is for establishment of county-wide training standards for all fire departments. (8) According to the articles in the local newspaper, the public has been led to believe that career fire fighters would automatically reduce ISO ratings which is not true. Is this statement correct? Mr. Scott reported this is correct and stated, for the record, as a current volunteer fire fighter, there is no difference in the training levels and commitment or professionalism of.a volunteer fire fighter versus a career fire fighter other than pay. e (9) Having standard SOP's was recommended; however, all Volunteer Fire Departments have SOP's to cover any legal liabilities. Is this a true statement? Mr. Scott reported this is true, but the purpose of the proposed recommendation is to establish a county-wide concept to ensure that the present system is maintained and continued. (10) If the county decides to implement any option presented at the estimated cost for each option, won't it be a huge tax burden to the citizens of the County for establishment of seven other stations? Mr. Scott responded that the North Wilmington Fire station is unique and is without volunteer manpower. If other stations are established with a pool of volunteers, the cost would be greatly reduced. --oOIIIl ,/ MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 168 (11) Do you think there would be dissatisfaction from other homeowners paying the same tax rate for fire coverage with the North Wilmington area receiving a higher level of protection? Mr. Scott responded that the study was for the purpose of preparing options to address the industrial corridor on Highway 421 North. commissioner Sisson reported no method of financing has been agreed upon and, in his opinion, the coverage for this unique area will not be drawn entirely from the fire district tax. Discussion has been held on special arrangements for this industrial corridor, such as special legislation to authorize a special fire district or other ways for the consumers to pay for the services being provided. If the County goes to a paid/volunteer system, the County will have to determine how this system will be funded. Mr. Pittman, again, expressed concern for the article in the newspaper which led the public to believe that a paid system will automatically reduce the ISO ratings and stated the general public should receive correct information. Chairman Greer expressed appreciation for the questions being asked by Mr. Pittman, but urged the members of the Volunteer Fire Departments and Fire commission to recognize that the study is just a guide and that no decision has been made. Mr. Bob Korf, a former volunteer fireman in New York for seven years, stated the report has not proved to him that millions of dollars should be expended for fire protection in this area. His major concern is for the 38 families living in this location. After reviewing the information listed in the study on the various industries located on the 421 corridor, it appears most of the industries have a fire brigade and emergency response team with only a few companies that need additional protection. After reading the report, which was well prepared, the County does not need to spend $1.6 million for additional fire protection to the industries in this area. In order to protect the 38 families living in the area, he would recommend placement of two water or pumper trucks in the. vacant Fire House as part of the Castle Hayne Volunteer Fire Department. This would provide the necessary equipment to properly cover these dwellings. Mr. Dennis J. Pinho, a former member of the County of Los Angles Fire Department for 20 years, reported the study performed, if handled correctly, can be a tremendous asset to New Hanover County. The question to be asked is whether the County has a responsibility to provide adequate fire protection to the North Wilmington area. To suggest that industry should be able to protect itself cannot be viewed accurately because their liability extends beyond their boundaries. The County must consider the 38 residential dwellings with a natural water boundary between the City of Wilmington and this area. The response time is of vital importance; therefore, a paid group of people may be the best way to provide a quicker response time and allow the firemen to allot more time for training. As to the hiring a Fire Administrator, the Board of County Commissioners must decide if this position should be a county or consultant position. In his opinion, these are the questions that must be answered before a decision is made by the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Roger Miller, representing the North Wilmington Fire District, reported the history 'of this area reflects concern for inadequate fire protection on this industrial corridor. with the dissolution of the North Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department, this area is receiving better fire protection with mutual aid from the Wrightsboro and winter Park Volunteer Fire Departments. However, the response time is running approximately 15-17 minutes on the average, which' is poor, and in an emergency is critical. The method in which to proceed is going to be a difficult decision, and ~ o o o e e e "J'''''''''''t' ..... :g. ff' 'i/' MINUTES' OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 169 in his opinion, some type of full-time protection is needed which will require a paid department with the help of volunteer firemen. Mr. Gary S. Rowe, a member of the Fire Commission, commented on the training received by volunteer firemen and stated all the Volunteer Fire Departments currently meet the state and federal requirements as well as the OSHA requirements. In responding to the 421 North area, the Volunteer Fire Departments now supplement the fire brigades at the industrial facilities. These brigades can handle the initial fire and do not allow the Volunteer Fire Departments to enter the closed gates until proper authorization is granted. The difference between the response time for volunteer firemen and career firemen is approximately four minutes. As to a County Fire Administrator, the County Commissioners will have to make this decision; however, the following items are of great concern to the Volunteer Fire Departments and should be addressed immediately: (1) The inability of the Fire Commission to Establish Rules that are Binding: The County Commissioners were urged to authorize the Fire Commission to amend the by-laws to allow the Fire Commission to enact and carry out policies and procedures. (2) Reassignment of Duties and Responsibilities of the Fire Marshal: The Fire Marshal should be reassigned to work closely with the Volunteer Fire Departments in providing fire training and administering fire prevention and educational programs to the community. In summary, the Volunteer Fire Departments have met the 9S rating and hopefully this year three or four Volunteer Fire Departments will drop the ISO ratings to a 5 or 6 classification. within the past two years, tremendous strides have been made by the Volunteer Fire Departments in reducing the ISO ratings. If the County Commissioners consider paid personnel, the Volunteer Fire Departments would like an arrangement whereby the paid personnel would be assigned to the Volunteer Fire Departments on this side of the river working with the Fire Commission to provide fire coverage to the 421 corridor, which would save money now being paid to the city of Wilmington Fire Department for contracting these services.' Chairman Greer inquired as to why paid personnel should be assigned to this side of the river? Mr. Rowe reported paid personnel per call should be on this side of the river to allow for a quicker response to all parts of the County and also provide the services needed in the North Wilmington Fire District. As to the consultant's study, he was quite insulted by the statement that a Fire Administrator would possibly prevent another North wilmington incident from happening. Mr. Bob' Mack, Director of Community Affairs with Cape Industries, commented on being involved with fire protection for a number of years since the North Wilmington Fire station was located on the Cape's property. The Cape, along with other industries in the area, encouraged the performance of the needs assessment study to become better informed on the degree of fire protection needed .... for the industrial corridor. since the study has been released," the Cape has not been involved in any meetings; however, after a review of the study, Cape Industries has the following concerns: (1) The Level of Fire Protection for Hazardous Materials: How would the options proposed in the study provide any additional benefits to the industries in this area over the present levels of service now provided by the two Volunteer Fire Departments backed up by the City of wilmington Fire Department? The Cape feels this question has not been answered in the study. ....oil ~ ( MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 170 (2) An Evaluation of the Value of Response Time: The Cape would like a study of the value of a. quicker response time. What is the value of a 12 to 15 minute response time versus a 4 to 5 minute response time in the context of a hazardous materials incident? Would this difference require the cost involved with a paid cadre, particularly when the Cape and other industries have fire brigades? This question was not completely answered in the study. (3) Backup Fire Protection: In ten years, the Cape has never required any assistance for an off-site fire. Again, it is questionable if a full-time paid cadre of firemen is needed? In summary, the Cape would like to address these items with the other industries on Highway 421 North in concert with New Hanover County, the Volunteer Fire Departments, and the City of Wilmington. Some industries contract directly with the city of Wilmington Fire Department; therefore, it was anticipated the study would include the possibility of the city placing an outreach station for more fire protection and hazardous materials coverage on Highway 421 North. The issue at Cape Industries is not economics, but whether the proposed mousetrap, which is more expensive, provides more benefits than the old mousetrap. At this point, Cape Industries has not been able to answer this question. Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to Mr. Mack for his remarks and reported the Cape and other industries on the 421 Corridor will be included in the decision making process for the provision of fire service to this area. Mr. Mack reported the Cape would like to explore a study on a total resource availability/capability basis with the city of Wilmington for additional fire and hazardous materials protection on the Highway 421 North corridor. Emergency Management Director, Dan Summers, reported serving as a liaison to the Board of Fire Commissioners and as the Director of Emergency -Management, he would like to make a few comments concerning fire protection for Highway 421 North. New Hanover County is ranked second -in the State of North Carolina in the number of fire hazardous materials, which is the reason the County received a grant for hazardous materials and contingency planning. Also,. the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 mandated New Hanover County to perform contingency planning. The federal government would not have mandated this requirement without feeling that major incidents could occur throughout the county. Although no major incidents have occurred on 421 North, there is an enormous potential for a major hazardous materials fire. With all due respect to the industries and their contingency planning, 99% of hazardous materials incidents can be handled on-site by staff; however, this area is an island with an environmental impact plus subsequent fire loads that must be considered in providing fire protection. The potential risk for a major hazardous materials incident is there and a quick response time is essentiaL The County has an excellent mutual aid system, but the County must prepare for the continued growth of the Highway 421 North corridor as well as the entire area and implement a plan that will meet this growth. Benefits may not be gained during the first year if a fire station is located in North Wilmington; however, a plan must be implemented to meet long~term needs. This can be done cooperatively with all parties involved. The industries must recognize the lack of intervention by local government, but due to this risk, the county must be prepared to handle a major hazardous materials incident. The funding levels for the Volunteer Fire Departments should not be reduc~d to provide fire coverage-to this area of the county. Possibly, "some form of assessment should be considered to purchase the equipment and pay for-personnel needed to operate a fire station in this area. New Hanover County is fortunate to have Volunteer Firemen who are so dedicated and ~ o o o . .ji, jI:' '~ 1. MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22, 1994 ~ 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE 171 willing to provide fire service, and the members of the Fire Commission are to be thanked for giving hours of their time to address the fire concerns in the County. e Chairman Greer inquired as to whether an arrangement can be worked out with the city of Wilmington Fire Department to provide three trained firemen to work in a Fire station located in this area with use of the city's equipment for responding to hazardous materials incidents? Mr. Gary Rowe reported the current contract with the City of wilmington requires the awareness level of training to be met by the Volunteer Fire Departments with a desire for the departments to meet the operational level. All seven Volunteer Fire Departments have met the awareness level and each department has four to fifteen firemen who have met the operational level. The Volunteer Fire Departments are used to supplement the city of Wilmington Fire Department. Also, when responding to a major hazardous materials incident, the situation must be thoroughly analyzed before rushing into the fire fighting procedures to be utilized. AS to the future, there is a committee within the Fire Commission working on a paid per call plan to see the benefits that would be derived.from using this type of system. He requested Mr. Nic;:k Bianco to report on the status of this study. e Mr. Nick Bianco reported the committee is investigating two plans for a paid fire system and is in the process of completing a final draft that should be presented to the Fire Commission on September 28, 1994. Information has been received from counties and cities using these types of plans. The pay per call plan is in a draft form and discussion is being held with the Director of Human Resources to see if employees could be hired by the Volunteer Fire Departments with the County administering and absorbing the cost of benefits, including all paperwork. As a Fire Chief, it is difficult for him to have time to work a full-time job and handle the administrative duties involved with paid personnel. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 15, 1994, with the hopes that reports relative to salary and benefits will be received from the Director of Human Resources. He invited the Commissioners to review the draft document if they so desire. commissioner Caster commented on the recent fire that occurred in Ohio and inquired as to the chances of a fire spreading from one facility to another on the Highway 421 North corridor? Director Summers responded in order to answer the question of a fire spreading from one facility to another, you would have to go beyond a certain point in the chain of events. In his opinion, just because a major incident has not occurred in the past ten years does not mean that with continued growth along this corridor and the potential risk factor that a major hazardous materials fire incident will not occur. e Mr. Gary Rowe reported the incident referred to by Commissioner Caster happened in Ohio during the past two weeks. After receiving a report from a sister Dupont Plant, the plant that exploded in Ohio was an oil refinery which had a problem with the relief device. The vapors were not held back and this created the ignition source. The Control Room in an oil refinery should be explosive proof; however, the room exploded and four people were killed. He reported, presently, no oil refinery is located on the Highway 421 North corridor. commissioner Caster commented on the potential risk on the corridor and expressed concern for not performing long-range planning that will prevent a catastrophic disaster in this area. Emergency Management Director five Summers reported ..... -- -' - ..... ~ , ( ~ MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, JUNE 22,,~994 421 NORTH FIRE SERVICE ASSESSMENT PAGE ,1-72 evacuations have occurred on Highway 421 hazardous materials during his ten years Director. North due to release of as Emergency Management Mr. Dennis Moffett reported the response time is important because immediate action can minimize a small fire and avoid a major incident. Also, a Fire Administrator is needed to be sure that an incident similar to the North Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department does not reoccur. Regardless of what decision is made, the Board of County Commissioners should use the expertise that currently exists in Emergency Management, industry representatives, volunteer firemen and members of the Fire Commission in working out a fire protection plan for this area. A potential for a major hazardous materials incident does exist and is not adequately covered at the present time. Chairman Greer expressed appreciation for the comments and suggestions and reported hopefully a plan can be developed that will be satisfactory to all parties involved. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 9:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~;(~ Clerk to the Board o o o