02-06 CSC MinutesRICHFIELD FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING #281 FEBRUARY 6, 2023 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Stratton President Jeffrey Bruzek Vice President/Commissioner James Frechette Secretary/Commissioner OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Dobesh Fire Chief Jenell Wood Assistant Chief Shea Chwialkowski Assistant Chief Joseph Ewald Captain Mark Butler Firefighter Chris Faint Firefighter Charlie Keis Firefighter Russell Berner Firefighter
Andy Chapeau Firefighter Jake Rehberger Firefighter Nate Brown Firefighter
Mark Watczak Firefighter Jamie Haefner Human Resources Manager Sharon Christensen Council Member liaison Kelly Wynn Administrative Assistant I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by President Stratton at 8:00 a.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 9, 2023
M/Stratton, S/ Bruzek to approve the minutes. Motion carried 3-0.
III. COMMISSIONER POSITION APPOINTMENTS
President Stratton nominated Jeffrey Bruzek for President, James Frechette for Vice President
and herself for Secretary. M/Stratton, S/Frechette to appoint Jeffrey Bruzek to President; James Frechette to Vice
President; and Mary Stratton to Secretary to begin after the current meeting. Motion carried 3-0 Chief Dobesh thanked President Stratton for her service as President.
IV. 2022 RFD ANNUAL UPDATE
Chief Dobesh stated 2022 was a record year with 4,876 calls for service with 80% being Medicals, 17 times where they requested aid and 29 calls to other cities for mutual aid. The department hired 7 firefighters as well as promoted 2 Lieutenants and 1 Captain. He also discussed that 36% of the calls had been overlapping.
President Stratton asked what types of calls are happening when requesting other cities to
assist. Chief Dobesh stated large fires require additional assistance or alarms. He spoke of how the
need for mutual aid is up 35% over the last 10 years.
V. 2023 RFD OUTLOOK
Chief Dobesh stated the department had cancelled the current firefighter list and are currently in need of two firefighters. VI. RESIDENCY DISCUSSION UPDATE Chief Dobesh stated the department has began looking at what it needs for residency in the future. Firefighters have created a top-ten list of needs and are doing pros and cons for each item. He added the Attorney General has provided backing to the special legislation for the current residency requirement. Vice President Bruzek asked for clarification on Attorney General backing. Chief Dobesh explained the Attorney General wrote an opinion the current residency requirement is in effect and enforceable as some questions have been raised lately.
President Stratton asked the attendees for any feedback. Firefighter Faint stated the firefighters would like to have an open discussion and be a part of
the process moving forward. President Stratton stated she was glad to see the discussion happening.
Vice President Bruzek stated it makes sense to bring the topic to Civil Service after discussion within the department. Chief Dobesh confirmed it will be brought to the commission before any permanent changes occur. VII. OTHER BUSINESS
Chief Dobesh introduced Council Member Sharon Christensen as the new Council liaison to the commission.
Council Member Christensen stated how grateful she is for the Richfield Fire Department and the help she and her family has received in the past.
President Stratton thanked all the firefighters as she lives in a high call volume area and appreciates their hard work and dedication. She also personally thanked Assistant Chief Wood for assisting with some questions and concerns regarding codes in her building. VIII. ADJOURNMENT M/Stratton, S/Frechette to adjourn the Civil Service Commission meeting at 8:15 a.m. Motion carried 3-0
Submitted by: Kelly Wynn Administrative Assistant
Date of Approval: March 23, 2023 _________________________ Jeffrey Bruzek, President
_________________________ James Frechette, Vice President
_________________________ Mary Stratton, Secretary