02-14-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Minutes February 14, 1994 Page 2 . . the Fire Chief was ready to implement an apartment inspection program at this time. Fire Chief Russ Anderson stated he did feel commercial inspections were important but that apartment inspections should be a priority. Russ Anderson presented information regarding the fact that there are no fire chiefs in the State of Minnesota that do routine fire code inspections. He stated that the fire chief position is a full-time job in a city the size of Elk River. Russ Anderson explained that first it was necessary for the City to adopt a fire code and establish a fire bureau. He noted that at this time. the fire code has only been adopted in the building department. Discussion followed regarding the role of fire wardens in the City of Elk River. Council member Dietz stated that he was willing to authorize the Fire Chief to start with apartments in an inspection program. but that he wanted something started now. Council member Farber suggested that the Fire Chief start an inspection program with apartments and multi-dwelling rental units; for example. inspect one unit a week. The Fire Chief stated that he did not understand where the time would come from that is needed to do the inspections. e Discussion followed regarding the funding of the Elk River Fire Department compared to other cities. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO DIRECT THE FIRE CHIEF TO START AN INSPECTION PROGRAM OF APARTMENTS ON APRIL 1, 1994. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. Council member Holmgren stated that the City also needs to inspect older rental units. Russ Anderson recommended that the City establish a fire bureau and adopt the fire code ordinance. He stated that the fire bureau could be made up of internal personnel on a part-time basis. or outside individuals hired by the Fire Department. working under a fire marshal's direction. Mayor Duitsman stated that the City Council intends to provide funding in the 1995 budget for personnel to inspect apartments for building and fire code compliance, and also for a fire prevention program. Fire Chief Russ Anderson announced that he plans to retire August 1, 1994. 5.1. Reauest to Update Scanners at Northbound Liauor e The City Administrator explained that the scanners currently in use at Northbound Liquor will handle only 10 digits. He stated that changes in the liquor industry have required systems using scanners to maintain UPC codes up to 11 digits. The City Administrator further stated that the present system and software are 8 years old and are outdated. The City Administrator asked that the City Council