5.2. SR 04-14-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A community's public protection classification depends on: Fire alarm and communication systems, including telephone systems, telephone lines, staffing, and dispatching systems. In reference to this area of fzre alarm and communication systems, Sherburne County dispatch is studied in reference to its enhanced 911 system and its relationship with the dispatching for the Elk River Fire Department. The fire department, including equipment, staffing, training, and geographical distribution of fire stations. Here, ISO studies the fire department's equipment in relation to pumpers, tankers, aerial ladders, and other equipment within the fire department. The water supply system: The water supply system within a community is a very important part of ISOs public protection classification rating. This includes the condition and maintenance of hydrants, and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress frres. The ISOs PPC program evaluated our community according to a uniform set of criteria, incorporating nationally-recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association. The PPC program provides a useful benchmark that helps fire departments and other public officials measure the effectiveness of their efforts and to assist in planning for improvements. In recap, the ISO Public Protection Classification rating affects the insurance premiums of the citizens and specifically, the businesses within our community. For the average homeowner, the lowering of our f~re protection classification rating will not have a significant impact on their insurance premiums; however, for the business community each time the fire protection classification rating lowers they should realize on average a %7% drop in their business insurance premiums. The Elk River Fire Department believes that any potential lowering of our fire protection classification rating will have an impact on our commercial and industrial facilities in reference to their f~re insurance premiums. Additionally, I would like to comment on the survey results for the City of Otsego which is within the Elk River Fire Department's fire protection area. The results of the ISO survey were very positive for the City of Otsego, reducing it's classification from a previous 9 to a class 4. The results of this survey have been passed on the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator of the City of Otsego. If you have any questions in reference to the results of the Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification survey, please feel free to call me at the Elk River Fire Department at 763- 441-4919. I will be in attendance at the April 14, 2003 City Council meeting to present and discuss the public protection classification results. S:\COUNCIL\Bruce\isosurvey.doc