By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The City of Whitewater’s strengthened ties with the Whitewater Fire Department moved to the next level early this month with the passage of a long-term agreement between the two parties.
The department, which provides fire and emergency medical services to the city and many surrounding townships, has operated independent throughout much of its existence.
In a nod to Whitewater’s growth and the need for a full-service agency, the two parties entered into an interim agreement a year ago as a long-range one was hammered out.
That permanent document was set in stone Dec. 6 after the Common Council reviewed it behind closed doors and adopted it in the open portion of its meeting.
Although the fire department and city have long had a close working relationship since they largely represent the same constituency, City Manager Cameron Clapper said, “We wanted to formalize that via an agreement.”
The new, long-term agreement sets in place a series of protocol. For example, it requires Clapper and Fire Chief Don Gregoire collaborate on such issues as information technology and human resources functions when the department is in need of the services.
“(The agreement) clarifies the expectations and services between the city and the department for fire service,” Clapper said.
The agreement also requires Gregoire furnish the city with numerous pieces of data, particularly as it relates to budgetary issues. This provision includes any long-term capital improvement projects already underway within the department.
The fire department’s board of directors approved the long-term agreement in advance of the council’s motion.
Council member Patrick Wellnitz, who is a volunteer firefighter, abstained from voting on the new agreement. The Common Council passed the document on a 6-0 vote.
