Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutres1984-0541 2 3 4, 5 6 71 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 INTRODUCED BY: Johnson PROPOSED BY: C. J. Johnson DATE INTRODUCED: 12 -20 -84 RESOLUTION NO. 84 -54 A RESOLUTION PROPOSING SEGREGATION OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE BETWEEN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, at the Special Council Meeting of November 28, 1984 the County Council adopted the 1985 budget; and WHEREAS, the budget as adopted removed the Fire Marshal service from the Department of Public Works to the Sheriff's Department effective March 1, 1985; and WHEREAS, after review of the Fire Marshal's duties and responsibilities and the County's obligation to provide adequate Fire Marshal services in the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County and the incorporated cities through interlocal agreements; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that the greatest percentage of the Fire Marshal's time at present and in the past is spent on arson and fire inspections and investigations, leaving minimal time for appropriate fire code enforcement for the maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land and in buildings, structures and other property, including those existing and under construction; and WHEREAS, it is determined that the County would be best served if Fire Marshal services were segregated between the Sheriff's Department and the Public Works Department; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Executive is hereby instructed to provide the County Council with the appropriate ordinance esta- blishing the position and functions of fire and arson investigation in the Sheriff's Department and the position of Arson and Fire Investigator under the supervision of the Sheriff's Department. Said functions shall include, but not be limited to: fire and arson inspection and investigation, statistical and informational reports; examination of witnesses; criminal prosecution in con- junction with the Prosecuting Attorney's office; maintenance of all records on fires and disposition of same; annual reports to the Council, State Fire Marshal, County fire districts, State Insurance Commissioner and insurance com- panies; and other activities that are permitted and required under RCW 48.50, j 48.48 and other related sections of State law, local ordinances as approved or ' may be approved by the Council in accordance with 48.50.090, and those sections pertinent to the investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fire as enumerated in the Uniform Fire Code. i The ordinance shall provide that the Uniform Fire Code shall be admi- nistered and enforced through the Department of Public Works and in conjunction with Buildings and Code functions. Said duties and functions shall include, but not be limited to the following: Inspection and approval of handling of expl.osives, flammables, combustible, toxic, corrosive and other hazardous gaseous, solid and liquid materials and storage of same. RESOLUTION - 1 Date drafted: 12/18/84 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Inspection and approval of installation and maintenance of auto- matic and manual fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing systems. Inspection and regulating of fire escapes and exits in all struc- tures and buildings, existing and those under construction. Inspection and elimination of fire hazards on land, in buildings, structures and other properties, existing and under construction. Inspection and correction of unsafe buildings. Inspection, approval and issuance of permits and collection of fees for the following: Public fireworks display Fireworks stands Aircraft repair hangars Aircraft refueling vehicles Automobile wrecking yards Compressed gases Dust - producing operations Explosives or blasting agents Flammable or combustible liquid tanks Flammable or combustible liquid pipelines operation Garages Hazardous chemicals Liquid petroleum gases Places of Assembly Apartments Liquor License (new), (renewal), (transfer) Review and approve plans for: Fire flow Sprinkler systems Fire alarm systems Hood and duct systems Specialty systems Fire hydrants Water supply and other conditions as required by the Uniform Fire Code. The person designated to perform these duties and functions shall be designated as the County Deputy Fire Marshal under the administrative super- vision of the Director of Public Works The County Executive is further instructed to prepare the necessary ordinance amending the budget to reflect the changes herein and directing the Director of Public Works to coordinate inspection and issuance of permits in a manner to support and improve the efficiency of the Buildings & Code functions and through enforcement of the Uniform,Fire Code relating to buildings and structures and through the issuance of permits and inspection fees in the unin- corporated area and within the incorporated cities which have or may have interlocal agreements for this service, collect all fees and said revenues shall be utilized to pay, in part, expenditures for services provided. It is further recommended that this resolution be approved on the con- dition that the Council will review performance and revenues received prior to the adoption of the 1986 budget and will determine through analysis of perfor- mance and revenues the future disposition of this service. RESOLUTION - 2. Drafted 12/18/84 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 j I 18 19 20 21 22 i 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 PASSED this FATTEST: C/ it fir, fie' 2 Clerk of the Counc i V (APPROVED AS TO FORM: 20th day of vil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney RESOLUTION - 3. date drafted: 12/18/84 December, ftIGOM COUNTY COU CIL TCOM, COUNTY/,)* IN C,KIG W. Chairper 1984.