Discussions include self-governing body, staffing structure
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The future of Whitewater’s fire and emergency medical services operations — a topic discussed throughout 2014 — could come into focus in the new year.
City Manager Cameron Clapper provided an update on the revamp of Whitewater’s fire and EMS operations plan at a Common Council meeting Dec. 2. A task force comprised of disparate city representatives have served on the assembled panel throughout this past year.
Members of the city’s existing fire and EMS department — including volunteers — recently approved a proposed organizational structure that includes governance that is independent of the Common Council. An elected official, however, is expected to serve on the board overseeing the department.
Other possible provisions could include a grandfathered clause that would give existing members the opportunity to obtain additional training and certifications that come with an incorporated force. Plans also call for a specifically drawn up hierarchical staffing structure.
While the council is not expected to have formal oversight of the revamped fire and EMS department when it is officially formed, the elected body does have a say, from the get-go, in creating an independently operated department.
Clapper said the task force will continue meeting in January to discuss a draft version of an agreement between the city and the department. The document will eventually be forwarded on to the council for further deliberation and action.
In other business Dec. 2, the council:
• Approved 2015 ambulance service agreements with six unincorporated communities for the use of the city’s ambulance and crash rescue squad. The agreements and dollar amounts include the towns of Cold Spring ($6,679), Johnstown ($1,233), Koshkonong ($3,019), Lima ($6,995), Richmond ($8,569) and Whitewater ($17,387);
• Received a report from Sharon Ehrhardt from Jefferson County’s Clean Sweep program. Ehrhardt announced the program would return in 2015 for all municipalities falling within the county’s boundaries.
Despite straddling Walworth and Jefferson counties, Ehrhardt said all Whitewater residents can take part in the Clean Sweep program, which provides an opportunity to safely dispose of a number of items.
Ehrhardt said additional information, including the dates for 2015 Clean Sweep activities, will be posted on the county’s website, www.jeffersoncountywi.gov.
