05-14-1974 Special Work Session SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION - on Review of Proposed Contract
for Fire/Rescue Merger.
May 14, 1974 at 5:00 p.m.
In attendance: Mayor Condit, Councilmen Jones, Clement and Claussen,
Attorney Robert Jarvis, Chief Fletcher, Charlie Perez, and Dr. Isham.
The Mayor called this meeting for the purpose of reviewing the contract
submitted by the County for the merger of the Village Fire/Rescue
Department with the County.
Mayor Condit stated that we have been advised by the Village Attorney that
the Council cannot make this change without a 2/3 vote of the Council or
by referendum of the people.
Dr. Isham stated that information offered at one of the public meetings
indicated that the Miami Shores unit under Metro would service approx-
imately 40, 000 people which he felt was too many and for this reason
would like to see it kept in the Shores. He suggested that some agreement
be made with E1:Portal and Biscayne Park for service and get their help
to pay the cost of the firemen; that he was against turning it over to
Metro chiefly because the truck would be too widely used.
Mr. Jarvis stated that we should have an inventory of all equipment and
it was agreed that the inventory should be made a part of the agreement.
Concerning pension funds Mr. Jarvis asked what happens to the funds
presently in the Pension Plan and what happens to the funds if you take
the department back?
In paragraph 5. Mr. Jarvis stated that the last sentence should read,
"No alterations or expansions shall be made without approval of the
Village Manager. "
In paragraph 8. concerning return of equipment, it was pointed out that
it should read "the same or similar equipment".
Mr. Jarvis pointed out that there was no provision dealing with such
matters as insurance on the building and equipment. Also concerning
the site, it is not clear as to who is to pick the site; also as to what
happens to this particular fire station if the Village re-establishes the
fire station; also assuming selection of a site is made outside of Miami
Shores, there should be some agreement that the County will cooperate
with the Village if it is necessary to use condemnation.
5/14/74
SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION Page 2
He continued that the intent is to get rid of all liability of the Fire
Department and there should be a provision in the contract by which
the County agrees to indemnity and hold harmless the Village of all
liability.
If a new department is constructed does the County have a claim
against the Village for that building or do you get that building or
lease whatever building they put up.
Following this review of the contract Chief Fletcher discussed
Officer Harold Cummings' work assignment problems because of
sight disability.
The meeting adjourned at 6;45 p.m.
Village Clerk