Here's a QCTimes article about an idea for Davenport to provide some of Bettendorf's fire protection. As usual, there are pros and cons to this idea. Leading the con list is the fact that we've already saddled our fire department with rental inspections, probably to the detriment of Davenport's safety. Do they need even more work? Then there's the mention of another town yet that's also interested in something like this.
On the other hand, Davenport currently responds to big Bettendorf fires under mutual aid, for free. Why not set up a formal system where Davenport actually profits from what we already do. This proposal would only involve structure fires, which happen fairly infrequently. Also there's the money aspect. $102,000 is nothing to sneeze at, although not even enough for 2 new firefighters.
Why do you folks think? I'm sure most people will jump all over this in the usual negative way, but maybe there's room for a few thoughtful comments too.
8 comments:
It sounds to me as if they need to start prescheduling their fires. Will everyone please just take a number; we will get to you as soon as possible! Now serving number…
Sounds like a good theory but it could use some realistic numbers. If this were a business they wouldn't commit themselves to something without a guaranteed ROI. The charges should be per fire and depend on the number of trucks requested and the amount of time spent there. A flat fee for coming out (kind of like the plumber) and additional fees for each unit per hour.
What to think? The only thing that makes me a little worried is there going to be provisions for the gap in coverage for medical calls.
Though I will say that during the riot at 885 W. 61st St. last summer, while all Dav. units were out at Goose Creek, the Bettendorf Police Department was handling 911 call for Davenport. There was nothing in the news about it. I would think that it would be a wash if we helped each other and not look at the money involved. It could very well become a mess and start a fight between the two cities
I think some of the leaders of the organizations are starting to look for more progressive ways of handling emergence response. This type of situation is not uncommon in other parts of the state or country. This could be the first step in finding a way to consolidate resources and making improvements in all areas.
I haven't heard lately, but it seemed like Bettendorf was dragging their feet on the consolidated dispatch thing.
Maybe this could get us some leverage on that, if its not already decided.
Maybe we can get Bettendorf to trade us some environmental inspectors for some firefighters and get this dump of a city cleaned up. Better yet, lets trade Ploehn for Malin and our council for theirs.
That would be the council that wanted to sell land that had cost them $600,000 for $200,000?
At least we got more money than we paid for the 53rd and Eastern land.
Qci, The city has bought and sold that parcel of land several times, just ask Nikki Bowles. The tax payers have lost several million dollars in these transaction. Yet this council would still like to sell of parts of it to th highest bidder. Davenport should not be in the land business.
Anon. 4:36 Bettendorf has one elderly Enviro Officer that is not getting much done, so the city has hired her a retired police officer to work 20 hours a week to assist. One good thing is she has a sweet ride.
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