HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 1562ORDINANCE NO. 1562
BEING AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FIRE DEPARTMENT
SERVICE CHARGES
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Chapter 8, Article IV of the City Code, is proposed to include the following additions.
§8.403 Fire Department Service Charges.
Purpose anti Intent
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish user service charges far Fire Department services as
described in this ordinance.
Definitions
The following terms shall apply in the interpretation and application of this chapter:
1. "Motor vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle designed and originally manufactured
to operate primarily upon public roads and highways, and not operated exclusively upon railroad
tracks. It includes any vehicle propelled or drawn by aself-propelled vehicle. This includes semi
trailers. It does not include snowmobiles, manufactured homes, all terrain vehicles or park
trailers.
2. "Motor Vehicle Owner" means any person, firm, association, or corporation owning or
renting a motor vehicle, or having the exclusive use thereof, under a lease or otherwise, for a
period of greater than 30 days.
3. "Excavator" means a person who conducts excavation.
4. "Underground Pipeline Utility" means an underground line, facility, system, and its
appurtenances used to produce, stare, convey, transmit, or distribute gas, oil, petroleum products,
and other similar substances.
5. "Person" means the state, a public agency, a local governmental unit, an individual,
corporat2or~, partnershgp, aSSGClation , or other business Car p'ablsC; entity or a trLlStee, receiver,
assignee, or personal representative of any of them.
Conflicts
In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Code and applicable provisions of
State law, rules or regulations, the latter shall prevail
Emergency Response Service Charges
1. The collection of service charges shall be as authorized in Minnesota Statute 366.011.
2. Collection of unpaid service charges shall be as authorized in Minnesota Statute 366.012.
3. The service charges shall be as outlined below. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with
the fee schedule adopted by the City by resolution.
A. Vehicle Accident
1.) Any incident response to an accident involving a motor vehicle where the
Fire Department is able to render aid, provide assistance, or atherwise
improve the conditions of the patients. This would include but not be
limited to:
• Extrication
• Medical Care
• Absorbing Liquid Spills
• Vehicle System Safety
• Vehicle Stabilization
2.) An invoice for the service charge will be sent to the motor vehicle owner
or owner's insurance company. In the event the owner cannot provide
insurance information and is charged for the offense, the city shall collect
the fee through the criminal process as defined in the Minnesota State
Statutes.
3.} If there is more than one motor vehicle involved for which fire department
service is provided, each motor vehicle owner or insurer will be invoiced
an equal share of the service charge.
B. Fires Along a Railroad Right of Way or Operating Property
1.) Any incident response to a fire or fire hazard emergency caused by a
railroad locomotive, rolling stock, or employees on a railroad right-of--way
or operating property as defined in Minnesota Statute 219.761.
2.) An invoice will be sent to the railroad responsible for the railroad right-of-
way or operating property. The invoice amount will follow the Incident
Invoice Fee Schedule based on the number of hours on the incident.
C. Grass Fires Within Trunk Highway Right-of--Way
1.) Any incident response to a grass fire within the right-of--way of a trunk
highway or outside of the right-of--way of a trunk highway if the fire
originated within the right-of--way of a trunk highway as defined in
Minnesota Statute 161.465.
2.) An invoice will be sent to the commissioner of transportation. The
invoice amount will follow the Incident Invoice Fee Schedule based on the
number of hours on the incident.
D. `Technical Rescue
l.) Any incident response to a rescue on the water, ice, confined space,
trench, high or low level where specialized equipment and training are
required and where the Fire Department is able to render aid, provide
assistance, or otherwise improve the conditions of the persons in need of
rescue.
2,) An invoice will be sent to the persons, corporation or business owner
receiving rescue service. The invoice amount will follow the Incident
Invoice Fee Schedule based on the number of hours on the incident..
F.. Ii~derground. Pipeline ilt~lty Brea'_~s
1.) Any incident response to an underground pipeline utility break if caused
by an excavator or persan other than a homeowner or resident.
20) An invoice will be sent to the excavator or person responsible for the
pipeline utilaty break. The invoice amount will follow the Incident Invoice
Fee Schedule based on the number of hours on the incident.
F. Hazardous Material
1.} Any incident response to the release of hazardous material from it's
container, or the threat of a release of a hazardous material from it's
container, chemical reaction, or other potential emergency as the result of
a hazardous material where the Fire Department is able to render aid,
provide assistance, or otherwise improve the conditions or protect the
public,
2.} An invoice will be sent to the person responsible far the hazardous
material or transportation of the hazardous material. The invoice amount
will follow the Incident Invoice Fee Schedule based on the number of
hours on the incident, specialized equipment and materials used on the
incident.
G. Arson Fire
1.} Any incident response to a fire where a person is charged under the arson
statutes.
2.) The fire investigator responsible for the incident investigation will forward
all costs encumbered by the Fire Department in association with the
incident to the court for reimbursement through restitution.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its passage.
First Reading: Apri127, 2009
Second Reading: May 11, 2009
Date of Passage: May 11, 2009
Offered by: Williams
Seconded by: Kelzenberg
Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Williams, Diel~t~t~, Kelzenberg Nay: IvTawrocki
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Attest:
r ~-_
,_
of Patricia Muscovitz, CMC, City,,~Ierk
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