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fire trucks, one of which was made in 1996 and the other was made in 1999. Chief <br />Olshwanger stated that University City is the busiest municipal fire department in St. Louis <br />County. Between EMS and Fire calls they average about 5800 a year. Both trucks were <br />purchased through a company that is no longer in business and it is getting harder to find <br />parts. He stated industry standard for replacing fire trucks is ten to thirteen years. <br />Mr. Wagner asked if he will be considering the width of fire trucks that would be purchased <br />in order to navigate some of the City’s narrow streets. Chief Olshwanger agreed the <br />committee would keep that in consideration. <br />Mr. Price asked what would happen if it didn’t pass and the trucks broke down. Chief <br />Olshwanger said that we would do what we currently do and try to borrow a truck from a <br />surrounding community. Chief Olshwanger showed a book from National Fire Protection <br />Association their standard for apparatus specifications and the fire department is now two <br />standards behind in safety and emissions. Public safety is the most important part of this <br />town. In the bond issue there is an additional $200,000 to furnish the new fire house <br />received funded from a grant plus to refurbish the existing fire house for expansion of the <br />police station. Mr. Price asked Chief Olshwanger’s opinion on the dispatching system they <br />had to what they now have contracted. Chief Olshwanger stated it is 100% improved. It is <br />an A+ now compared to before. He noted that Mr. Wagner toured the facility with him last <br />week and said he could probably attest to its efficiency. The medical dispatch will be on <br />computer where it was on cards. They can pinpoint where cell phone calls are when calling <br />in. He noted that it was the best thing that has happened to the fire department and he <br />couldn’t thank the Council enough. <br />Mayor Adams asked Chief Olshwanger how long it takes to actually have possession of a <br />fire truck from the time ordered. Chief Olshwanger said anywhere from seven months to <br />most likely one year. Chief Olshwanger noted that one of the pumpers just broke down on <br />the way to a fire, which luckily was not a serious fire. <br />Ms. Ricci noted that she was amazed at the large call volume University City Fire receives. <br />Mr. Crow seconded Mr. Wagner’s concern with the width of new fire trucks that would be <br />ordered. He also was going to ask when the last time was when a pumper broke down. <br />Mr. Glickert asked about the feasibility study that said the fire department should keep all <br />twelve vehicles and eliminate nothing. City Manager Feier said that on the retention <br />schedule the City was looking for vehicles that could be reduced not that they should not be <br />replaced. <br />Mr. Price asked legally what the fire department can do to promote the bond issue. Mayor <br />Adams said they can do educational material or training. <br />CITIZEN COMMENTS <br />Sandi Harris and Adam Long, 6929 Dartmouth <br />Ms. Harris introduced Mr. Long from the City Fire Department. Mr. Long lives at 3501 Utah <br />in the City. He is a Battalion Chief for the City of St. Louis and a thirty-one year veteran. <br />Since he has been with the department it has been cut in half as what many fire <br />departments are experiencing. Mr. Long said that in 1992 the City of St. Louis entered into <br />a mutual aide agreement with University City and other surrounding municipalities. He was <br /> 11 <br /> <br />