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�84 advised that more is tnvolved than the information provided on a particular closing in his report of March 31, 1978. He pointed out that the City could not make the decision alone since the de- cisions of other agenc�es are also involved. He reminded Council that at the preliminary budget study session, staff was d�rected to give the lowest priority to any reduction in police and fire , services so the possibility of clos�ng a station was not pursued Mr. Fales and Chief Building Official Gyselbrecht commented and replied to questions regarding the addition of a fire protection � engineer, noting that it is a non-uniform technical position re- quiring specialized college education, that the person is trained in the aspects of structural engineering and hydraulics related to fi re safety, that prevention of fi res saves people and many _ dollars, the need for an on-going program, the fact that the building industry tends to resist built-in fire safety features because of their added cost, although the savings in tax dollars and of people may eventually be great, the need for education with regard to fire prevention; and the factors which argue against the proposed fire protection engineer being a uniformed fire officer. In response to question regarding the possibility of switching the Fire Department communicat�ons from VHF to UHF, as weil as the Police Department, Mr. Fales advised that the federal grant of LEAA funds may be used only for police related items. He noted that it would be desirable to have both services on UHF, but funds are not available and the present needs of the police for improved communications within the County is great. In response to questions, Mr Fales described the items included ' �n the amount budgeted for capital expenditures, noting that some $6250 is for a drill tower training net. (Council recessed from 10.45 to 11 10 a m.) Frank Esposito (see above) asked if any assurance could be given that there will never be any additional increase in personnel in the fire Department beyond the recommended fire protection engineer. Mr Fales advised that there is no expectation any additiona7 per- sonnel would be employed, and it is expected the ultimate result will be that through the use of fire prevention methods, there will be fewer fire personnel needed in the future to suppress fires. In response to request for list of mandated programs of all tiypes, not �ust for public safety services, Mr Fales advised that such a list will be prepared and provided to Council at the next study session (memo 5/8/78) OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS (pp 17-18) WEED CONTROL RODENT CONTROL In response to question regarding participation in the County rodent control program, Mr fales advised that the City and Port pay separ- ' ately for their own areas, noting it is not a problem it can be expected will be entirely eliminated Assistant City Manager Smith advised that roof rat bait has been available on a minimum basis through fire stations Budget Study -4- 5/6/78