HomeMy WebLinkAbout13.F.1. Out of State Travel-Fire Conference
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CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Out of State Travel-Fire Conference
DATE: February 16,2010
Comment:
Introduction:
The Council is asked to approve a variation from adopted practice relating to out of state
travel for conferences for two members of the fire department.
Background:
In recognition of the difficult economic times, in the 2010 Budget the City Council
adopted a policy that restricted out of state travel by employees for training or conference
purposes unless the costs of the conferences paid substantially by other means, which
typically involve grants. I have received a request from the Fire Chief for a deviation
from that policy.
The annual Fire Department International Conference (FDIC) will be held in
Indianapolis, Indiana, from April 19-24, 2010. It has been the practice of Shako pee to
send the Chief and three other officers to this each year.
Recognizing the policy that was adopted, Chief Coleman has asked permission to attend,
with the understanding that it would be only himself and Assistant Chief Dave Judd. In
addition, the City will not be responsible for travel cost-the two attendees will be
responsible for that. Therefore, the costs that the City is being asked to pick up would be
those relating to registration, meals, and lodging. Chief Coleman estimated that would be
approximately $1200. The cost of the conference would therefore be the same as if a
national conference was being held within Minnesota.
Because this is contrary to the adopted budget, Council is being asked to approve this as a
change.
Budget Impact:
Fire Department currently has $14,777 in the training line item. Therefore, the $1200 is
certainly available.
Recommendation:
I have been told by several sources that the FDIC is the premier fire conference, and is
well worth attending. In view of the offer of Chief Coleman to personally absorb the cost
of travel, and because the money is available in the fire department budget, I would
recommend approval.
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Relationship to Visioning:
This supports Goal D "Vibrant, Resilient, and Stable".
Action Required:
If the Council concurs, it should, by motion, authorize Fire Chief Rick Coleman and
Assistant Chief Dave Judd to attend the Fire Department International Conference to be
held in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 19-24, 2010.
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Mark McNeill
City Administrator
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