Puslinch Fire Department deputy chief Steve Goode believes strategic planning would benefit the local fire department.
He noted that in recent strategic development discussions, it was suggested that more information be passed along regarding the actual master fire plan.
Goode said what he expressed to the fire committee is that the strategic plan is “a long-term blueprint for our fire department.”
“It basically looks at where we are, where we need to be, and how we are going to get there.”
He said ignoring the big picture can sometimes happen when members are busy dealing with daily matters.
“Sometimes we need to stand back and look at the whole picture.”
Goode pointed to the recent purchase of the mini-pumper truck instead of a full-size pumper as a means of maintaining the service while reducing a capital purchase significantly.
“I think it is important to have all kinds of different thoughts when discussing this.”
He believes that having one common goal for the department is important.
Councillor Susan Fielding hoped there could be some discussion to get some input from council.
Mayor Dennis Lever commented that Minto Mayor George Bridge had given him a copy of Minto’s report.
What he hoped was to provide the chance for other councillors to read through the document.
“What I read, I was very impressed with,” Lever said.
He suggested that discussion will likely be built into upcoming budget discussions.
Lever said when this was discussed previously, there was support for a master plan.
He believed there is a commitment to move ahead and the only question is how this would be done.
Fielding noted there was no resolution made at that time.
Goode said he had hoped to see a resolution to know that everyone was on the same page.
Lever asked if it would be sufficient for the resolution to simply state that council agreed to move ahead with a fire master plan.
That resolution carried.
