HomeMy WebLinkAbout35-Public Comment Station 229 Repair Request List
in Order of Priority
I. Bathroom Shower pan has been leaking for years. The walls are now very
"blistered" from mold/rust and water damage up to 26" from the floor. The
tiles are "popping" up and there is mold / rust coming up under the tiles. We
have requested this be repaired in the past and facilities have informed us
that " we have tested the mold, and it's not the bad kind ". We are still trying
to figure out what "good kind" of mold Mr. Sharer has in his office or is
allowing in City Hall.
2. We are getting quite a bit of rust now in our water. It discolors the Ice and
obviously is not healthy to drink. We would like either the pipes to be fixed
(inserts or new) or bottled water to be provided for drinking.
3. Dust problem. The current single pane windows inserted in block walls are
`— inadequate. You can feel the wind blow on the inside of the sills. Currently
the air filter must be changed every 14 — 20 days and it is fully caked with
dirt/dust. Facilities have put sweeps on the bottoms of the doors, (helped
some) but they (Rory) informed us that facilities will only provide us with 1
filter per month in the year 2006. The money that would be spent on
properly installed dual pane windows could probably be made up within the
first year on energy (heating and cooling) and filter savings.
4. Diesel exhausts recovery system for apparatus floor. While the current fan
system helps, it is not the best system for keeping carcinogens out of the
station sleeping area, the kitchen or off of our walls in the apparatus floor.
These top four all have health concerns associated with them and we would
appreciate them all being attacked within the next year, now that the station
relocation has been put on a permanent hold status.
5. Replace the tile in bathroom and kitchen areas. As best as we have been able
r to find out it is the original 1960's tile with possible asbestos. It is already
popping off in the entryway of the kitchen and in the toilet stall areas.
6. Repair/ replace phone system. Ongoing problems with phone system for
years. Each year the phone service goes out and must be repaired. It now
rings (shorts out) all the time including the night hours making sleep
difficult. It is our back-up dispatch system and should be repaired.
7. The station needs new beds. The current ones are worn out causing most
people that sleep here to have sore backs in the morning.
12—/17107
1 1
Station 229 Repair Request List
in Order of Priority
8. Kitchen cabinets: if you've been out here nothing more should need to be
said. They are also the original 1960 metal cabinets and are falling apart. We
are willing to do the install if the materials are provided.
9. Replace the carpet and ad a carpet pad. Adding a pad should extend the life
of the carpet in the future. Also, with all of the stuff (blood, feces,
carcinogens, oils, urine, etc.) we walk through in our turnouts and day shoes
on a daily basis, annual professional cleaning should probably be an ongoing
budget item for all of the stations.
10. Paint the station. After the top three items are taken care of we are willing to
do the painting ourselves after the kitchen cabinets have been replaced.
11. Replace worn bathroom sinks. They have deep cracks in the bowls. This
harbor germs and bacteria. They are almost impossible to clean thoroughly
besides being unsightly.
6.
If an ADA bathroom were to be installed similar to the other stations, then items
1,5,11 and parts of 3 and 10 would be taken care of. The bathroom could be
installed just like station 227's using the South side of the station for expansion.
Or an entirely new crews quarters and bathrooms could be constructed to the north
side of the station accessing the apparatus bay through the current window
placements. Then tihe south side icurretht living ar-al coulu be made into a day
room and captain office area that the current station lacks while still housing the
kitchen area.
Respectfully submitted, 1--r, nornrd it
Crews of station 229 A,B & C
t�?R�
s '
Gily Clefklcoc Secy
;,�, ;dims
EC/wpd 12/05
a
c
into Record at
. ,_VIlevcros hit" X'
SAN BERNARDINO CITY FIRE DEP TMENT
is Item 3 5— �._.
TO: BATTALION CHIEF DENIS MOON
FROM: FIREFIGHTER PATRICK BURTON
SUBJECT: VEHICLE EXHAUST REMOVAL SYSTEMS City ClerkICDC Secy
DATE: 03/31/07 City of Sall Bernrdino
CC: CHIEF LARRY PITZER,DEPUTY CHIEF MIKE CONRAD,NORMA
CAMARENA
Proposal:
To seek funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant to help supplement the cost of a
vehicle exhaust system. The system will cost $580,748.00. The grant would cover 80% with
a 20% City match of$116,149.60. Our research has led us to the Plymo Vent brand source
capture system as being the most efficient, user friendly, and reliable system available that
meets our needs. Other fire departments before us have already received this grant for the
same purpose in previous years.
Findings:
It is clear that there is an urgent need to address the lack of Vehicle Exhaust Removal system
in our fire stations. The City of San Bernardino Fire Dept. is severely sub-standard in this
area. Five of our stations have the workout equipment situated on the apparatus floor due
to lack of adequate room. It is also important to the fire department labor and staff to
implement a program that does not fiscally challenge the city. Fire fighting is an inherently
risky profession and it carries with it many hazards up to and including death. Most
attention in the past has focused on line of duty deaths, mainly from heart attacks and fire
ground accidents. The fire service has made huge strides in improving the safety of fire
fighters through safety standards, wellness fitness programs, CO monitoring and improved
equipment. However, we are deficient in exhaust removal from our fire stations. During
the past decade, considerable interest has been expressed in the potential adverse effects
from exposure to diesel engine emissions. The EPA recently reported that "diesel exhaust
from large trucks as a probable cause lung cancer." The EPA has also found that diesel
emissions give a positive result on the Ames test, a widely accepted test used to identify
chemicals which are potentially cancer causing. Research by the Southern Occupational
Health Center of the University of California indicates that exposure to diesel soot causes
firefighters who run an average of four to six calls a day to have an increased risk to lung
cancer by 100 to 200 percent. Diesel exhaust exposure is a significant and avoidable
human health risk. Appendix A is a partial list of safety organizations and
recommendations pertaining to this subject.
Option A:
Station#1 Six vehicles $81,870.00
Station#2 Two vehicles $40,927.00
Station#3 Three vehicles $46,372.00
Station#4 Three vehicles $46,372.00
Station #5 Three vehicles $46,372.00
Station #6 Two vehicles $49,505.00
Station #7 Two vehicles $24,977.00
Station #8 Three vehicles $28,214.00
Station #9 Two vehicles $49,505.00
Station #10 Two vehicles $24,977.00
Station #11 Three vehicles $66,450.00
Station #12 Three vehicles $47,378.00
Sub total $552,920.00
Tax $22,728.00
Engine exhaust modification $5,100.00
Total Grant Request $580,748.00
City 20% Contribution after Grant 11� 6,149.60
Option B:
Option B deals with the possibility of eliminating stations that may be moved in the future.
Keep in mind that those stations have no current moving plans in progress, only theory. If
the Exhaust System equipment were installed in those stations, should Option A be
approved that equipment could be moved and re-installed in the new stations. Also, it is
unknown if a repeat Grant would be approved in subsequent requests should the City want
to re-apply for new station systems in the future. Therefore, the City would have to absorb
those costs. It is also impossible to determine the health implications of those personnel at
the stations in question.
2
Elimination of three stations potentially being relocated. Station six, station ten, and station
nine.
Station #1 Six vehicles $81,870.00
Station#2 Two vehicles $40,927.00
Station #3 Three vehicles $46,372.00
Station#4 Three vehicles $46,372.00
Station#5 Three vehicles $46,372.00
Station #7 Two vehicles $24,977.00
Station #8 Three vehicles $28,214.00
Station #11 Three vehicles $66,450.00
Station#12 Three vehicles $47,379.00
Subtotal $428,933.00
Tax $17,451.00
Engine exhaust modification $5,100.00
Total Grant request 4$ 51,484.00
City 20%Contribution after Grant 9$ 0,296.80
Cost of System in 3 stations installed later $129,264.00
City cost of initial grant and additional stations 2$ 19,560.80
Option C•
City to purchase entire system $580,748.00
Conclusion:
It is clear to see from the information included that the best option is A. To aggressively
seek to implement an exhaust removal system for all stations and seek AFG funds to do so.
Please consider this a high priority item.
Thank you,
PM/FF Patrick Murton
3
Appendix A
NFPA 1500 recognizes and advocates the need for elimination and containment of all
vehicles exhaust emissions to a level of no less than 100 percent effective capture.
NIOSH recommends that occupational exposure to carcinogen be lowered to the lowest
feasible concentration.
OSHA 29 CFR 1990.103-OSHA is aggressively enforcing stricter preventive measures due
to the increase awareness of the health effects related to vehicle exhaust emissions. Local
exhaust ventilation removes fumes at their source, hoses to tailpipe or stack exhaust.
Monetary fines will be imposed if violations exist.
AFSCME (American Federation of Statc County and Municipal Employees) states under
control for vehicle exhaust, that local exhaust ventilation is the best way to reduce potential
hazards to diesel exhaust.
NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) "The scientific evidence is clear, diesel
exhaust is a complex mixture comprised of hazardous particles and vapors, some of which
are known carcinogens and others probable carcinogens. Diesel exposure poses a
significant and avoidable increase in human health risk. Compelling evidence from
dozens of well designed studies supports the conclusion that diesel exhaust causes cancer."
UMC (United Mechanics Code)-A mechanical ventilation or exhaust shall be installed to
control, capture, and remove emissions generated.
IMC (International Mechanics Code)-Motor vehicles that are operated shall be provided
with a source capture system connected directly to motor vehicles exhaust system. In
addition,re-circulation of air is prohibited.
4
!:rtnrod into Rer.ord at
r,f-,vnP%rrms Mtg:
2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program e iJ1A--'
Narrative Statement Ada Item
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: City ClerkICDC Secy
City of San 8'arnardino
The San Bernardino Fire Department (SBFD) is respectfully requesting funding assistance for
modifications to fire stations under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. We are requesting $
$529.114-56 in Federal Funds that will be matched with $_,11-",...27, 8,,,64 local funds for a total
project cost of$ 61,393.20. Upon successful funding vehicle exhaust extraction systems will be
placed in all twelve of our fire stations. t+ we ctirrently don't have a source capture exhaust
removal system__Current changes in health and safety standards have clearly identified that
vehicle exhaust emissions, whole diesel in particular, is a cancer causing substance. Agencies
documenting the hazards of diesel exhaust include but are not limited to The National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health-{ E(}�41#}, 4ie--the American Conference of General Industrial
Hygienists (--W-F444}, the U.S. Department of Health ( !SDOH), and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The above agencies have led to the implementation
of .National Fire Protection Association NFPA> 1500 2002 Edition Standard Section A9.1.6 on
facility safety regarding exhaust emissions. The guidelines for vehicle exhaust elimination state:
1+,,cal--local exhaust ventilation that remove harmful fumes at their source, hoses at tailpipe, or
stack exhaust as listed in the OSHA 1 lealth health and Sat;etNsafety fact Sheetsheet. Motor
vehicles that are operated shall be provided with a source capture system that connects directly to
the motor vehicle exhaust system. In addition, re-circulation of air is prohibited as stated in the
IMCttDte in gional klechanical Code; Code 2003. The agencies listed above and quoted
statements support our request and justification for the vehicle exhaust extraction system for the
health and safety of our firefighters, administrative personnel, employees of other departments
and visitors.
All fire stations are living and sleeping quarters, manned 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and
open to the public 365 days per year. The accumulation of diesel exhaust contamination is
evident throughout the stations. Effects of the cross contamination can be seen in our sleeping
quarters, training rooms, meeting rooms, on medical supplies, r,:al_ fitness coLiiciit,-and
firefighter turnout gear which are stored on the apparatus floor. Our stations are used for
elementary school fire safety training, voting polls, meetings with outside agencies, and
providing public information. In addition, all fire stations are equipped with exercise equipment
and five of those fire stations utilize the equipment on the apparatus floor due to age of the
buildHiL and lack of space. Installing the vehicle exhaust extraction system will eliminate a
known health risk to fire personnel and the general public who visit and use the stations on a
daily basis.
If we continue to allow toxic build up in our stations, it will lead to serious health and financial
crisis affecting our community and taxpayers. Occupational A !ii+nia--asthma or cancer related
illness, claims for workmen's compensation, line of duty related illness, and medical insurance
claims can be clearly tracked and attributed to exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions. This will
have a significant impact on the financial operations of our department, the mock-morale of
department members, and the ability to recruit new members, and impact mutual aid firefighters
who enter our stations.
The proposed system will also provide long term financial benefits as well. There will be
potential reduction in insurance premiums, i building maintenance costs,: _ rt�dtjte1
liability and lower energy bills by allowing the bay doors to remain closed during vehicle
inspections.
Our firefighters are our most valuable asset and this exposure to exhaust fumes is 100%
preventable with the assistance of this Grant.
OUR ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL NEED:
SBFD is requesting V44-,2-66bf}1,393.:=.iJ to install complete vehicle exhaust extraction systems
to serve all thirty-four pieces of fire apparatus at our twelve fire stations. Our fire department's
emergency response fleet consists of engines, trucks, and support vehicles that use diesel fuel.
None of our twelve fire stations have systems that remove diesel exhaust directly from fire
equipment or that clean the atmosphere in the station.
=r.< SBFD fiscal year budget is $ 8.-,4 ?x.31,312,300 and 488% of the budget is allocated to
personnel salaries. 1% of the budget is for maintenance of facilities and equipment suppression.
The cost of the vehicle exhaust extraction system cannot be funded through the budget. The
SBFD response area and responsibilities continue to grow without a corresponding change in
revenue for our department. As with every agency, we have seen a significant increase in the
cost of electricity, natural gas, and fuel costs. The State of California has also threatened to
reduce funding to counties, and local government to balance the state budget. All of these items
together have placed a substantial strain on an already tight budget placing this project out of
reach for the SBFD.
COST BENEFIT OF PROJECT:
This project will directly benefit the citizens of our community and our fire personnel. The
vehicle exhaust extraction system will be used on a daily basis and will help protect the city from
future medical liability. More important, the project will provide a clean, healthy work
environment for our fire personnel while meeting OSHA and NFPA regulations. This system
will also have financial saving in reduction of maintenance costs relating to painting, furniture
and fixture replacement, and most of all infiltration of carbon soot particles which contaminate
and short out sensitive electrical devices such as computers, EMS equipment, etc.
We will experience reduced exposure to workmen's compensation and medical insurance claims
and line of duty related illnesses. We will reduce energy costs by allowing station doors to be
closed during extreme weather conditions.
EFFECTING OUR DAILY OPERATIONS AND PROTECTING LIFE AND
PROPERTY:
The proposed system will enhance our day to day operations by allowing the doors to remain
closed during routine maintenance, vehicle checks and training drills, as well as community
events.
Personnel and visitors entering the fire station will not be exposed to dangerous vehicle
emissions as the system utilizes a particulate filtration, which captures 100% of diesel exhaust
emitted while being used in quarters.
The proposed system will eliminate cross contamination into training areas, meeting rooms,
administrative offices, medical equipment, supplies, computers, firefighter turnouts, and physical
fitness equipment.
On going maintenance costs and painting cost due to soot build up will be eliminated.
Measurable results include the reduction in future medical claims, workmen's compensation
claims, operational and maintenance costs, energy costs, and absenteeism. By providing a safe
clean environment, other favorable results include increased firefighter participation in drills and
meetings, and increased use of our facilities for community events.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The San Bernardino Fire Department is an all risk agency that provides fire protection to over
244)AO40198J__'1) residents in a 64 square mile area. We respond to over '2-4;4?N'�.-)')6 calls
annually, with an increase in calls every year without an increase in funding. In this jurisdiction
there is approximately 19 miles of wildland/urban interface, a major rail yard, an international
airport, a jail, two major mall complexes and three major interstate freeways. SBFD is a
participating member in the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement, responding to any request
for aid in the state. In light of the annual western wildfires, which include major conflagrations
such as the Old Fire in 2003 that burned down hundreds of homes in our city. As a result,
departments in our county and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Fire Department
will utilize the exhaust extraction system when responding to our stations for automatic/mutual
aid requests.
SBFD staffs twelve engine companies, two aerial truck companies, air light support, hazmat unit,
heavy rescue unit, five brush engines, two aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles, and reserve
apparatus that are housed in twelve stations throughout the City. It is the largest city in the
County and serves as the County seat.
SBFD is requesting funding from the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for
modification to all our fire stations to install vehicle exhaust extraction system for each fire
station. With your assistance, we will continue to provide the best emergency services and fire
protection possible by providing adequate facilities that meet the needs of our residents and fire
personnel. We thank you in advance for your consideration and effort in this process.
CrLA CA-t-4
1
O % 0 � `a CIO ` c� c 4 °3 °r
b � b ,�°, 3 � � 0 � 3 l �0033 a�
> °off-� °' "Cl 4~, 0 'b " N Cd
cd o (, 'CO w .� r .°° co3 o ? > ai
0 '� aR o 'd � 04 ° � ° U moo . : o
O O •� OU 'v O
> .sue O ° r.+ w 0 Id 0
0 0 > Oj
'o dD o4 3 a� ° ° cd cm cs
Cd
�3 o
o
to 0
.,
�t cd «s o to O ++ ,, 0 tl, O 0 >
N R! O O O� O .f� cd >, s� v� U V 'V N 9 C)
-0 U a� 0 3 o cd a� 0, +� �s o
-,a m — , C:) 0 +1 0
H 0 3 x w 3 4.4 cd C7 3 3 U Q, °p 0
° .
o,
(n N w Gn 0 tso., a) �i cd ,, � N to ° 0 O
Cd cad N _� ctS aU, ° y '� U 'N O� •U. O
Cc
o u
0, 0 -0 ^d cd o 0 0
U
o N U O �+ O N O
o c�i� O 4-4 -al>, c� '+�- O '
Az, cd cd O O y„ U N +' O O ��+ G� U Cq
O ~ cn
0 0
U U ti 0 0
4. 'b o +�+ cd ° N U N i N cd
^ O O .�� .N. c� U v' s, +' �� >, } > U 4. �+ �+ 4, U bb
4.. O
' •-+
2 V v > O O p cd U O +, �^ •fir U '�, '�, bOA
N cd
w w cd �U 0 U V " y J 0 U o oo O lull o" O 0 M '4 s 4-. p 44-4 h O
4-4 " o
O O 4N O O ° b1-A f _rr�7C y 3
�i
o
+' N °bn U O N �, p cd °C ) ~ "al N Q
-O U ,, td O O ... ¢ O O O O O to 0
61 604
O U O O U cd >N O A 9 .O p
E—+ U U cd
William I Bennett: The bloated poster boy for a Drug Free America
By Jay Lindberg (4/99)
William Bennett was the drug Czar during the Reagan/ Bush years. He was so fat that TV
cameras were only allowed to show him from the chest up. He is an obese, chain smoking
alcoholic for a drug free America. Here is a humorous look at our former Drug Czar &
spokesperson for the Drug War.
I like seeing William Bennett as the bloated poster boy for a Drug Free America (Drug War
Economy). He espouses, by example, the virtues of a Drug Free America and the moral
foundation of the Drug War in all its glory. William Bennett is proof, there is no shame in
putting your mouth where the money is. Gobble, Gobble, Gobble.
William Bennett is proof that an honest drug policy has no place for this corrupt, obese,
chain smoking alcoholic and spokesperson for a Drug Free America (the Drug War
Economy). I can think of no better or more accurate depiction of the Drug War personified
in the flesh than bloated, corrupt, face in the trough, Bill Bennett. Gobble, Gobble
Bill Bennett's message is clear. "You too can profit from corruption and feed at the Drug
War trough. Gobble. Gobble. The Drug War is big business and Drug War Whores like Bill
Bennett are proof, we will feed you until you are "Too fat to fuck". So join the alcohol,
tobacco and pharmaceutical industries and the rest of Corporate America in this feeding
frenzy. Gobble, Gobble. You too can feed at the government Drug War trough until you
have become, TOO FAT TO fuck. Gobble. Gobble. Eat till you pass out. There is plenty
more where that came from. We're so corrupt and wealthy we will never have to say we're
sorry. Gobble. Gobble.
(First comment- I laughed out loud at your depiction of William Bennett gobbling out of the
Drug War trough.)