City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  June 20, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation: That the Common Council approve the purchase of the Setcom in- cab intercom communication system for Engine 1865, 1867, and Truck 1871 in the amount of $5,931.00 

Background: This purchase is an in-cab communication system for Fire Department apparatus and will improve radio communications between the Dispatch Center and responding personnel.  The system will further support safe fireground operations by enabling responding personnel to hear important radio communications that would otherwise be missed due to ambient noise.  This system provides for communication between the fire officer and team within the vehicle, enhancing the effectiveness of the operational action plan.

The purchase will also decrease the risk of hearing loss due to high decibel (dB) ratings in the vehicle cab caused by excessive noise from sirens, air horns and engine noise.  The purchase of this in-cab intercom system supports our Hearing Conservation policy and aligns with recommendations of our insurance carrier CVMIC.  OSHA defines excessive noise as the exposure to sounds exceeding an average of 90 dB for eight hours per day.  The noise levels in the fire vehicle cabs exceed the levels defined by OSHA.  The ear muff style intercom and radio communication system we are recommending would help greatly in reducing the amount of exposure to dangerous dB levels.

Fiscal Impact:  The funds for this purchase are contained in the 2003 CIP 03021 and the remaining balance from the 2005 Engine CIP 05010.  The purchase was delayed and funds have been carried over due to technological issues that have been resolved by the manufacturer.

Prepared by: Jack Rehn Firefighter Paramedic	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Approved by: Brian Satula Fire Chief	Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk