Alvin Council approves fire department changes

During Thursday evening’s Alvin  City Council Meeting, members unanimously passed a proposal to change the organizational chart of the Fire Department by creating a Firefighter position at a Pay Grade 12, non-exempt salary while the Fire Equipment Mechanic will be deleted. Olan Dyson, who has been with the Fire Department for 42 years, will be retiring in June.

He also serves as the department’s mechanic and fire truck driver during the day. The city was charged with a violation by the State of Texas because he was allowed to fight fires during the daytime and served as a dedicated driver as well as performing mechanical work on the department’s equipment. City Attorney Bobby Kacz and Fire Chief Rex Klesel went to Austin to appeal this violation. Their appeal was granted and the State of Texas will allow the position to be restructured after Dyson’s retirement. This agenda item was approved on the first reading.

 Also approved was the amendment of the city’s 2011-2012 Fiscal Year budget for the purpose of reclassifying the Fire Marshal position from Non Exempt Pay Grade 12 to Exempt Pay Grade 4. This was approved on the first reading. After the departure of Fire Marshal Martin Vela, the city has advertised for his replacement for the past six months. During that process, it became quickly apparent that the City of Alvin was not consistent with marketplace salaries paid for area Fire Marshals according to City Manager Terry Lucas. The passage of this ordinance will allow the city to upgrade the salary for that position, which should entice individuals with experience and knowledge to apply for the position.

The city’s 2011-2012 budget was also amended for the purpose of changing the organizational chart of the EMS Department by changing the title of EMS Director to EMS/EMC Director (Emergency Management Coordinator). Ron Schmitz has been performing the duties of the EMC since EMC Lucas was promoted to the City Manager position. “These two positions dovetail nicely,” said  Lucas. “At this time, there will be no pay increase but should the city receive a grant next year, his salary would then be adjusted.”This was also the first reading of this ordinance.

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