Fire chief seeks guidance on fairgrounds coverage and reports ladder truck repair estimate

Fire Chief Bergman briefed the board on two related matters: an MOU with county volunteer fire services to share turnout gear and an MOU with the fairgrounds to clarify funding and liability for fire protection during events. Bergman warned that covering multiple fair events strains city staffing and that charging to recoup costs would require a board resolution and a fee schedule. "If we do have a large event ... we can share turnout gear between each other," Bergman said, noting the city may need to recruit funds if the department must provide event coverage.

On apparatus, Bergman reported a hydraulic leak in the ladder truck's turntable pump and a vendor estimate approaching $12,000 to remove, rebuild and reinstall the pump. He said the ladder will be out of service during repairs and for ladder testing; the department will notify mutual-aid partners while the ladder is unavailable.

Board members asked whether county property status at the fairgrounds or building-code jurisdiction affects liability and whether the city should apply its fire code on adjacent properties; staff committed to follow up with the county and to draft any needed resolution language.

Why it matters: MOU terms determine who pays for event protection and who bears liability; the ladder repair affects response capability in multi-story incidents. The board requested staff to return with clarifying legal and financial language and a proposed fee/resolution if needed.

What’s next: staff will pursue the draft MOU, clarify jurisdiction and liability with county officials, and provide refined cost/recovery options to the board.