Garden City Fire Board

Anita Weston, reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. October 20, 2016.  A copy of the proposed 2017 Budget was passed to the various board members.  They were asked to look over the information and make any changes they think would be good.  The suggestions can be incorporated into the proposed documents next month and final approval would be made at the December meeting.

The Fire Department has received $10,000 for the inspection of short term rentals.  The fire chief recommended that this money be spent on new radios or used in another way that would enhance the department. 

Equipment repairs have increased this past year.  The proposed budget shows that more money has been set aside to handle this expense in the coming year.

The Christmas Party has been scheduled for December 9 at 7 p.m.  The budget hearing will be heard that evening at 6 p.m. prior to the Christmas party.  The firemen decided that they would like to cook the dinner for the party and have it a bit more informal than in the past.  Gifts for the firefighters and door prizes will need to be obtained by that date.

The town needs to get more hazmat trained firefighters.  There are not enough people trained above the operations level.  When there is a critical hazmat incident, individuals have to be called in from other areas.  We need people to become technicians.  Usually to obtain this certification, it takes 3 to 4 months.  However, there is an opportunity in Alabama where individuals who are chosen to attend that program can be given a grant that pays for their expenses including airfare.  They get one week of intensive training and receive the required certification that is accepted in Utah.

Chief  Mike Wahlberg reported that five men including himself have indicated that they would like to take advantage of this opportunity.  The most difficult part for these individuals is that the individuals will have to take a week off from their regular jobs in order to attend this training.  Chief Wahlberg noted that because he is paid, he would not ask for any help from the board.  However, he asked that the board give $500 to each of the other individuals to help them while they are away from their regular work.  He noted that there is enough money in the budget to handle this request.  He noted also that it would make a big difference to the city and the county to have individuals certified at the technical level.  The board made a motion and passed it granting $500 to each of those individuals who would be going to Alabama.

Brush truck 43 had starter trouble that has been repaired. Brush 40 had a grinding noise.  It was taken to Logan for repairs which will cost about $700 - $800. 

There have been no purchase requisitions this month.

The fire boat was pulled from the water this past week.  It has been covered and is in the parking lot at the harbor.  It will take only five to ten minutes to get the boat back into the water if it is needed.  They have a jump starter pack on board so that it can be started even in cold weather.

All of the equipment is in good order.

Responses this past month include one small fire, nine fire alarms, one carbon monoxide, one agency assist, and eight medical incidents.

The Peterson Hollow Fire has a payout that affects us.  The fire was a good experience for all of the firefighters who assisted.  Those who help created a good image for Garden City.  In addition they were equipped and trained as well as any of the firefighters at the fire.  Chief Wahlberg noted that Garden City may have a small fire department, but the local firefighters did as well as any at the fire. 

The state has a firm set of rules and regulations that they follow very carefully, and it was interesting to become more familiar with them and see how they work.  The state fire rules determined that the Garden City Fire Department was to bill the state for $22,992 for our assistance in that fire. The amount of $8,335 goes for the help from the local firefighters, and $14,657 is for the use of our equipment.  The fire itself cost six-and-a-half to seven million dollars.  The fire burned 1200 acres. 

Chief Wahlberg noted that he would like to use the above funds to enhance the city’s equipment.  He noted that perhaps it would be good to buy a wild-land truck that is dedicated for deployments.  Another suggestion would be having two equipped four-wheelers or side- by-sides for emergency responses.