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Public Safety Commission September 29, 2014 Attending: Commissioner Allen, Commissioner Donohue, Commissioner Eichers, Commissioner Kerns, Commissioner Kocon, Commissioner Lamp, Commissioner Schumann, Commissioner Woods, Deputy Director Olson, Council Member Burg, Fire Marshal Kip LaMotte, and Mr. Dave Matteson (Allina Health) Absent: Commissioner Boyd, Commissioner Hollimon Call to Order/Roll Call Commissioner Allen called the September meeting to order at 6:31 pm and roll call was taken. July Meeting Minutes The July meeting minutes were reviewed. Commissioner Lamp noted- one correction needed to the minutes. Commissioner Woods made a motion to approve the July meeting minutes; Commissioner Donohue seconded. Motion carried. Public Hearing/Presentation A. Fire Prevention/Education — Fire Marshal Kip LaMotte Deputy Director Olson introduced Fire Marshal Kip LaMotte who began his presentation with a brief history of fire inspections. Fire Marshal LaMotte then spoke about the current inspection program. The frequency of inspection depends on the occupant type which include Residential (Apartments), Industry (Factory), Low Hazard, Business, Small Group Business, and Assembly (churches, restaurants). Fire Marshal LaMotte averages over 200 Fire Safety Inspections per year. The inspections have a "service fee" which is based on square footage. Fire Marshal LaMotte, also does Daycare/Foster Care inspections to help out the State Fire Marshal since their turnaround is so long. Commissioner Schumann asked what happens when you go to inspect a home and find something else. Fire Marshal LaMotte said he works closely with the other City departments and with Social Services to help with these types of situations. Fire Marshal LaMotte noted the purpose of these inspections is to keep residents and business patrons safe, to minimize City liability, to help keep the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating low, educate owners of fire code issues, and to keep Firefighters safe! Fire Marshal LaMotte spoke about the debate over the Residential Sprinkler requirement. He reported the International Fire Code (IFC) wanted a residential sprinkler requirement for all new construction. Home builders did not want this requirement at all so the compromise is for new residential construction over 4,500 square feet needs to be sprinkled. Commissioner Eichers asked if there are any exemptions to this requirement. Fire Marshal LaMotte reported there would be no exemptions. Commissioner Lamp asked if single family rental properties and duplexes were going to be added to the inspection program. Fire Marshal LaMotte reported he has looked into this but no program is currently in place. He would like to do voluntary inspections for single family homeowners.