8.1 SR 04-01-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bylaw Provisions Representing Management Policies and Practices Fire department bylaws are often used to codify policies and practices related to how the department is managed, such as how many firefighters are on the roster and how department meetings are conducted. While it may be entirely appropriate to seek input and support from firefighters on these kinds of decisions, there isn't a need to have these practices formalized in department bylaws. Membership Numbers Bylaws might contain a minimum and maximum number of firefighters to be on the fire department. This provision was probably implemented with a number of considerations in mind, such as the area to be served, the kinds of equipment used, whether or not the department runs EMS, etc. The problem with having a minimum and maximum number of firefighters delineated in the bylaws is that it forces a bylaw change every time there's an emerging need, and may not allow the department adequate flexibility to manage in the community's best interest. For instance, a new person may move to town with existing training and availability for day and night fires. If the fire department is at its maximum roster size, how will the new firefighter be added? There may also be concerns about dropping below the stated minimum roster size. Someone in the community could make a negligence claim based on the city's fire response if it operates below the minimum stated in bylaws. The decision about adequate roster size is certainly one to pay attention to, and to adjust accordingly with any community changes or response needs. These decisions are most appropriately made by the fire chief and city council as part of overall department management. Roster size may have different implications for the relief association membership and assets. It's important to keep the considerations of relief association business separate from fire department management and operations. Department Meetings Fire department bylaws frequently establish a regularly scheduled meeting of firefighters and the agenda format to be followed at each meeting. Some bylaws are detailed enough to specify start and end times of department meetings, and even provide for posting of fire department meetings to the public. The fire department is a part of the city, not a stand -alone governing body or corporate entity. The open meeting law does not apply to fire department meetings. In addition, there are no requirements that a fire department make decisions by majority vote, use a formal agenda for meetings, or operate according to Robert's Rules of Order.