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FROM: Stephan Jilk, Administrator/Clerk
DATE: July 29, 1988
RE: Fire Department Computer Purchase
i As part of the ongoing effort to utilize personnel time
i efficiently and to respond to the ever growing requirements for
j information storage and handling by our departments Fire Chief
Aker formed a committee to review that departments needs for
computer equipment/software.
That committee has made their recommendation. Copies of Chief
Aker's recommendation as to funding the purchase of that
equipment is attached to this memo along with excerpts from the
committees recommendations.
I'concur and support not only the equipment purchase but also the
funding approach. The Fire Department has prioritized the
computer need above the storage (mezzanine) need and in light of
the Fire Station Facility Study being done, I see no reason to
proceed with the mezzanine work at this time.
State and federal mandates on information collection storage and
control, and ongoing Fire Department information handling and
report processing has demanded the need for computerization.
Ihis equipment will give the department that capability.
We ask your approval for the equipment purchase and funding
method.
13
ROSEMOUNT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA 55068
TO: Steve Jilk, Administrator/Clerk
FROM: Scott Aker, Fire Chief
DATE: -July 6, 1988
RE: Reallocation of CIP Funds
On February 23, 1988 p,committee was appointed to study the
computer needs of the Fire Department. On June 28, 1988, this
committee reported their findings to the membership of the RFD.
The committee recommended the purchase of an IBM Express XT
System at a cost of approximately $2500. The specifics are
outlined in the report which was submitted to you earlier.
At this time we would ask for authorization to use the $2500
remaining in the CIP Budget, under Mezzanine, to purchase this
computer system.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
•
BFCOMM NDATTONS QF. Tom. COMMITTRR
The requirement of the State Fire Marshal's office for
access into their system really dictates the type of computer
that the fire department will purchase. The current type of
computers being use by the City of Rosemount also match the
state requirements. The committee will make separate
recommendations for each of the following areas.
1. Computer equipment
2. General software programs
3. Special fire department software programs
1. The Rosemount Fire Department should purchase a P.C.
Express XT Perfect Computer system with the following:
A. 640K Ram (memory)
B. 360K Floppy Disk Drive (5 1/4 ")
C. 720K Floppy Disk Drive (3 1/2")
D. 30 M$ Hard Disk Drive
E. EGA Color Card with Parallel Port
F. EGA Monitor
G. Enhanced Keyboard
H. 24 months parts and labor warranty on computer
I. Keyboard drawer plus power surge protector
J. Epson FX -286e wide carriage printer
K. Printer connector cable
L. Everex 2400 internal modem
M Clock Card
N. 2500 Sheets of Paper
0. Extra Printer Ribbon
The current cost of this system is about $ 2500.00
This system is compatible with various City computers and
will meet the requirements of the State Fire Marshal's
system.
2. The Rosemount Fire Department should have the
following general use type programs for use on the computer.
These programs are for the general operation of the
department.
A. PFS: Professional Write (word processing)
B. Instant Pages V (form making)
C. Print Shop (sign, letterhead making)
1). Print Shop Companion (calendars, others)
F. Lotus 1 2 3 (spreadsheet)
Computer Committee Report, 1988
Page 5
DIVISION OF STATE FIRE MARS*
MARKET HOUSE
289 EAST DTH STREET A
ST. PAUL. MINNESOTA 55101
TELEPHONEt (612) 296-7641
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Dear Mn. Fire Chief
The State Fire Marshals Office is developing its new computer
system. This system will allow us to complete yearly MFIRS reports and
provide data on fire related issues in a more timely fashion. Starting
with 1988, Fire Departments will be able to use one of the following
methods to submit MFIRS to the State Fire Marshals Division.
1. Regular paper report form (as always).
2. 5 1/4 inch Floppy Disks (360,000 or 1.2
Meg format). Departments are encouraged to
contact Mark Huge at the number below for
details.
3. In the near future, Telephone Modem (300 or
1200 baud). We are currently testing this
system. Please contact Mark Huge if you are
interested in this mode of data transfer.
the criteria below will enable you to report MFIRS by way of
'i'loppy disk or modem to the State Fire Marshal Division. Use it as a
guide to determine if your present COMDUter and software will be
compatible with the Fire Marshals MFIRS* system. It should also be used
in specifications for new equipment.
The scftware vendor or seller will have documentation by NFIC Q4atlonal
Fire information Council) if the software has been tested and approved.
The manufacturer of the NFIC approved software should then recommend
the t_%'Pe of hardware, and these recommendations stjould t,e followed.
,ls:ir)c !ir.'1C Ipproved software is the cni3L way for data to hr, tr-Atir.fel7red
surel.y and accurately.
date you will f
'ind a.11 of NFIC approved reporting S'01*tware is
W-itt,?n f0r* 113M or truly !F"M cOmPatible hardware. (lf_
f sortie o!)e L,. -rites
and tests an acceptable program for another.
.V crutoij.")uter type or oy,E:rating
_c:rmat, Ile will be glad zc) -take a look at it to insur-� its
cora--atibility. However we know of none to date.)
;J.ere is also Fire incident Reporting software E.Vail&ble fr(DRI IiFIC
throlic7h the State Fire Marshals Office at the cost of $200.00. 1,I)is
software is the same software that is used in our office to enter
reports turned in on paper. It can be ordered through our office. The
equipment requirements for this software are as follows:
A. IBM or Guaranteed Comp4tible Computer with
6409. of RAM
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
B. At least one 360,000 Floppy Disk Drive and one
hard disk drive (size will depend on number of
runs per year and other software you plan to
use. (usually the bigger the better). The NFIC
software indicates you may use two floppy
drives, however it will be necessary to change
one of the four program disks when ever you
want to perform a different task.
C. A'Parallel Printer, preferably a wide carriage
(132 character).
Summary
To report MFIRS to the State Fire Division by floppy disk or modem,
your software must be NFIC approved, and the hardware must be IBM (or
guaranteed compatible).
We encourage the use of computers with NFIC approved software and will
support you in every way possible: Please give Mark Huge a call if you
_would like to submit fire reports using floppy disks or via modem or
if you have any questions and/or concerns.
State Fire Marshal Division
Market House
289 East 5th St.
St -Paul, Mn. 55101
612-246-7641
Yours for Fire and Life Safety
V.
Thomas R Brace
State Fire Marshal