Historic districts can present unique challenges to fire departments with older buildings, different construction styles and grandfathered exceptions to the fire code.
After a presentation by the Independence Township Fire Department explaining how they can meet those intricacies, the Clarkston City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 12 to renew fire services with the final language to be approved in January. In addition to extending the agreement, the council also voted to update Clarkston’s fire code.
‘The agreement has no major changes besides adopting the 2003 International Fire Code,? said Fire Chief Steve Ronk.
A presentation by members of the fire department explained the variety of services provided by the fire department ranging from emergency medical services to specialized rescue training.
‘I really didn’t have any concerns in the first place, but the presentation was impressive. The fire department’s capabilities are above and beyond expectations,? said council member Scott Meyland.
‘It has to be one of the most professional fire departments in the state? I feel we are really getting our money’s worth,? said council member Dan Colombo.
The previous intergovernmental Fire Agreement between Clarkston and Independence Township, effective since Jan, 1999, was set to expire on Dec. 31. The new agreement extends the old one until Dec. 31, 2012.
‘It’s been a good relationship working with the village. The biggest challenge for the fire department is making the older buildings as safe as possible,? said Fire Marshal Greg Olrich. ‘It’s really the only place we have old buildings and mixed use buildings.?
In addition to extending the agreement, Ordinance 122-2 was adopted by the council, effectively replacing the 1996 BOCA Fire Prevention Code with the 2003 International Fire Code and bringing Clarkston up to date with Independence township.
‘It’s challenging to enforce the 2003 International Fire Code and the 1996 BOCA in a specific area? It’s much nicer to be able to enforce a code across the board,? said Fire Marshal Greg Olrich.
According to City Manager Art Pappas, the only real difference between the township and Clarkston in adopting the code was that Clarkston does not allow leaf burning. He also stated Clarkston will be charged the same millage rate as the township for the services plus a 10 percent administrative charge.