Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Wednesday

July 4, 2012

Officials have questions about possible fire pact

By Vanessa McCray vmccray@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — City officials developed a list of questions related to a possible consolidation with Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department.

A committee made up of Mayor Michael Estes and commissioners Jody Bergman and Michael Gillman met Tuesday to review criteria and questions as the group studies a potential pact with the Metro authority that serves three nearby townships. City commissioners are trying to determine if they can save money while preserving certain services by contracting or joining Metro.

Among the top criteria that emerged Tuesday is a desire to maintain both city fire stations.

"I would treat it as a condition, not an option," Gillman said.

Officials plan to ask Metro about response times, fire inspections, rescue service and how it would manage city fire department property, arson investigations and a contract with the airport. The city also wants to know what level of emergency medical service Metro can provide.

There's a host of other questions, too.

"How would Metro propose to cover the special events that occur within the city?" asked Bergman.

City Manager Ben Bifoss will submit the list to Metro and plans a meeting with Metro and city representatives to discuss answers. The committee eventually will report its findings to the full city commission.

A Metro consolidation could require a city-wide vote, depending on how the deal is configured.

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