City Council Minutes 2000 06 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 15. Phare stated that the City has one large storm sewer, two sanitary sewers and a small section of water lines in portions of that right-of-way, therefore, it is well used with underground utilities. Sisk directed a question to Fire Chief Chris Brewer. He asked which access fire trucks utilize on emergency; the front door access or the rear access via the driveway. Chris Brewer, Fire Chief, 646 W. Sagebrush Drive, stated that currently the front access is used by large emergency vehicles, and volunteer fire fighters use the driveway to respond to emergencies. That could change, however, as in past years fire trucks exited through the rear door. Sisk asked if the procedure for fire fighters personal vehicles, when responding to an emergency, is red lights and sirens and if the procedure is regulated. Brewer stated that fire fighters personal vehicles are equipped with emergency equipment, which use is regulated by State law. He noted that State laws require that the normal traffic laws be adhered to, including speed limits and traffic control devices. Sisk asked what access is used after an emergency call. Brewer stated that the driveway is used to return the fire equipment to the fire station. He noted that Main Street is so busy that it ties up traffic backing in fire trucks into the fire station. He also stated that fire fighters use the driveway when responding to emergency calls for safety reasons and explained that there is a potential for injury, when fire fighters park their personal vehicles across from the fire station and then try to cross the street. Brewer emphasized that the access is a driveway, not a street, has a higher elevation, does not have painted lines, and is constructed of concrete, not asphalt. He noted that even with an expanded driveway of 36', it would still be difficult to negotiate larger fire trucks with public vehicles within the driveway. Sisk stated that the Fire Department presently uses the existing 24' driveway, however, the applicant is suggesting widening the access to 36'. He asked if the Fire Department's complaint is based on public vehicles not being able to recognize a fire truck using the access. Brewer stated that the complaint is that 1) the fire fighters do not anticipate that type of traffic and may not react in a safe manner, and 2) there is not enough road to make that turn in or out of the Fire Station. 15