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DRAFT Comprehensive Fire Service Study MEDINA, MINNESOTA <br /> <br />Matrix Consulting Group Page 81 <br />Joint Powers Apparatus <br />Description Number of Apparatus <br />Type 1 Engine 7 <br />Water Tender 5 <br />Type 6 Engine/Brush Truck 4 <br />Rescue 2 <br />Heavy Rescue 1 <br />Command/Utility 12 <br />Water Rescue 1 <br /> <br />In terms of the number of apparatus needed to provide service, the amount of apparatus <br />in the previous table appears to be good starting point. Using a three -station <br />configuration, the seven engine companies would allow for each station to house two <br />engine companies with one in reserve. The number of water tenders and brush trucks <br />appear to be appropriate given the hazards within the communities and the lack of a <br />municipal water supply in various areas. <br /> <br />Hamel Fire Department has previously agreed to allow the City of Medina to acquire their <br />current apparatus. There are eight units in the department, of which seven units are <br />already partially owned by the City. Three of the units have principal balances totaling <br />$522,969. If the City can acquire all the apparatus for the principle balances owed, the <br />City should move forward with the acquisition. This would provide 2 of the 7 engines <br />needed and 2 of the 5 tenders needed along with other apparatus and vehicles. <br /> <br />5 Human Resources <br /> <br />The assumption of the JPA formation is for the organization to remain as a volunteer <br />organization with the exception of the Fire Chief’s position. The current volunteer <br />personnel would transition to the new organization. However, the fire departments have <br />expressed their concerns over the number of volunteer personnel that are available in the <br />area. For the future staffing of the JPA, there may be a need for part -time or full-time <br />staffing. <br /> <br />The fire departments have established relief associations to provide pension and <br />retirement benefits for the volunteer personnel. Typically, the amount of the pension is <br />based on the years of service the personnel have provided to the department. These <br />associations are governed by Minnesota Statutes and have specific duties and <br />responsibilities assigned to them. Minnesota Statutes allow for the consolidation or <br />dissolution of the relief associations and provide specific procedures to address these <br />issues. The consolidation of the associations will require appropriate legal guidance and <br />filings with the State to consolidate and create a new association.