Firefighters' insurance tops Clarkston meeting

Dec. 29--A longtime fire captain said an ordinance that limits the number of hours reserve firefighters can work at the Clarkston Fire Department is "a kick in the teeth" to some dedicated city

employees.

At Monday night's Clarkston City Council meeting, Fire Capt. Dan Sokolowski said he's disgusted by the city's reaction to a federal law that calls for employers to provide health insurance.

Because the city doesn't want to be obligated to offer insurance under the Affordable Care Act, reserve firefighters will be limited to 120 hours or less of work each month. But Sokolowski and several other firefighters said the move will not save the city any money.

Instead of using reserve crews to cover shifts, full-time career firefighters will have to be paid overtime, at a much higher rate.

Monthly insurance premiums cost about $620 per employee with a co-pay of $108, according to the fire department. A 24-hour overtime shift for a reserve costs the city $425. The rate for a career firefighter is $852, and the rate for a paramedic captain is $1,025.

Sokolowski said limiting the use of reserves is a safety issue for the public and responders. The department has 12 career firefighters, including three captains, and eight reserve crew members. Three of the reserves have already reached the limit for this month.

Danny Tietz, who has worked for the department for 10 years, said he's concerned about reserves missing important training sessions.

Councilor Monika Beauchamp said she'd like the city to reconsider the ordinance as soon as possible. The issue was referred to the city's public safety committee for further discussion.

In other city business Monday:

--Councilor Brian Kolstad said he asked to have four ordinances, including a repeal of the city's ban on marijuana sales, listed on Monday's agenda. Instead, the mayor chose to ignore his request, Kolstad said.

Mayor Kathleen Warren said the community development committee meeting called by Kolstad a week ago should've been announced at least 24 hours in advance. In addition, the entire council should have a say in whether such an ordinance is drafted, Warren said.

Kolstad said he's frustrated because the city seems to handle agenda requests in an inconsistent and unfair manner.

Councilor Terry Beadles said it appears Kolstad was trying to railroad something through at the last minute.

--During council comments, Beadles said that although Clarkston's meetings have had a lot of friction and controversy of late, he has always had the city's best interests in mind. He also thanked Warren and outgoing Councilor Bill Provost for their years of service.

--Mayor-elect Monika Lawrence and incoming Councilor Skate Pierce were sworn into office at the end of the meeting. Their terms begin Friday.

Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.

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