HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM IV
City Council
Committee of the Whole
August 29, 2005
Fire Summary
Fire Access Issues:
1. During the process of evaluating potential annexation areas,
Fire has been asked to provide input on “operational” concerns related to the
annexed area. Last month the “Shaw” annexation came up for Fire evaluation.
Fire Marshal Dave Smith and Asst. Chief Mike Gerber visited the proposed area
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and found that three of the five parcels in the PAA were accessed via 116
Avenue SE and presented no additional challenges to fire services. However two
of the parcels, including the “Shaw” family property were accessed off of SE
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312 Street via a “road” identified as 117 Place SE. This road was actually best
described as an unimproved driveway serving three homes on the hillside. The
eastern most home was not part of the PAA but the other two were included. The
“road” is over two hundred feet long and makes two significant turns to reach the
last house. The road width, surface, grade, clearance and condition would not be
adequate for fire engine access. Additionally the road would not be allowed under
current City Code. It also lacked adequate turn around area meaning all vehicles
would have to rely on backing out if they attempted to get to the residence during
an emergency. This condition was reported to City planning Staff and further
action on the annexation petition was put on hold until meetings with the
petitioners could be arranged. It is Fire’s position that the substandard access
severely hampers the ability to provide emergency services to the potential
citizens of Auburn. If the petitioners and City staff understand that condition and
are willing to proceed with the annexation, then the appropriate operational
practices will be implemented by Fire at the time the PAA is added to the City.
Annexations:
2. Discussion has been initiated with City Staff and the Fire Fighters
Union on PAA’s in Lea Hill and Pierce County. HR Director Heineman and Fire
Administrators will be meeting regularly to discuss options for Fire Services. The
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first of these meetings is scheduled for September 1, 2005. “Temporary”
contracts with existing fire service providers (KCFPD #44 and East Pierce Fire
Rescue) are being considered as a method for allowing the annexations to proceed
until such time as revenue is available to transition fire service to the city fire
resources. Mayor Lewis has met with IAFF Local #1352 and explained his
position on this issue and the Union has expressed a willingness to discuss
options. It is important to note that any Pierce County annexation outside of the
long standing Lakeland Hills project was not considered in the fire department
study on fire station locations and may present significantly different issues.
Funding under Pierce County taxation, differing EMS protocol and systems,
licensing and discussions with current providers are examples of issues that would
need to be addressed by Fire staff.