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Santa deliveries tax Belleair Bluffs’ ALS capabilities
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008 |
BELLEAIR BLUFFS – Use of the city’s main fire engine to deliver Christmas gifts to neighborhood children last month impacted the fire department’s ability to respond to emergency calls.
A significant number of Santa deliveries resulted in the ALS engine being “out of service more than I was comfortable with,” said fire Chief Michael Wallace at the Jan. 14 City Commission workshop meeting.
Wallace acknowledged that the Santa deliveries were good public relations for the department, but since the paramedic is on that engine, the Santa visits placed a significant strain on the ALS system, he said.
The Bluffs fire department has delivered presents during the holidays for a number of years, but just began providing emergency life support service last fall. When the engine is out doing the Santa calls, one fewer ALS unit is available in the overall system.
Use of the city’s other non-ALS fire engine for the Santa deliveries would result in significant overtime expenses, Wallace said.
Wallace indicated the department was willing to continue the Santa deliveries, but said he wanted the city “to be aware of the implications.”
The commission took no action on the chief’s comments. Commissioner Robert Russo said the Santa deliveries have been a fire department tradition that he would like to see continued.
Wallace also said the number of calls made by the department had risen greatly since the ALS service was initiated. Citizens have commented they are “hearing the siren more and more,” he said. Wallace said the residents should get used to it. “It’s going to happen,” he said.
Discipline expected in fire department case
An investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office into remarks made by fire department spokesperson Chuck Barlet to the Bee has been concluded, city attorney Thomas Trask said. Copies of the report will not be made available to the public until a decision is made on what action should be taken as a result of the findings.
Recommendations are being formulated in the case by former Bluffs city attorney John Hubbard. Trask said “a recommendation of some form of discipline” would be made.
Barlet had criticized the city over its handling of department grievances, specifically directing his ire at City Clerk Debra Sullivan. Commissioner David Shimkus had termed Barlet’s remarks “a blatant lie.”
A presentation of the investigation findings and recommended actions is expected at the Jan. 22 commission meeting.
Antenna case headed to special master
A resident with multiple antennas on his property that have caused considerable neighborhood controversy will now answer to the city’s special master.
Steve Yudell, who lives on South Wind Drive, told the commission that the antennas were classified as a permitted non-conforming use. The city has claimed that the structures are higher than allowed by city code.
Public works director Robert David said the antenna on the right hand side of the property exceeds the required 25-foot limit.
Mayor Chris Arbutine told Yudell that the issue would not be resolved in the “political format” of a city meeting and that he will have the opportunity to state his case before the special master.
Chivas resigns from Board of Adjustment
Restaurateur Frank Chivas, who joined the city’s Board of Adjustments last August, has now left that board because he couldn’t make it to board meetings, City Clerk Sullivan said. Resident John Tabor offered to take Chivas’ place.
An opening still exists on the Fire Pension Board.
Antique Alley events OK’d, despite past parking problems
Despite past parking problems, the commission reached a consensus to allow Antique Alley to stage upcoming events, including antique shows and a Chocolate Fantasy Night. Commissioner Russo reluctantly gave his approval while deploring what he called “the disrespect shown citizens” at a recent event. Russo said attendees of that show “blocked residents’ driveways and everything else” while designated parking areas located farther away went unused.
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Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008
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