Members are requested to consider the identification of:

a)  declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  any additional items of business which the Chair has determined should be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)  items of business which may require the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

Members considered the identification of declarations of interest, any urgent additional items, and any business that may require the exclusion of the press and public.

Resolved that:

a)  no declarations of interest were made by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  no additional items of business to be considered as matters of urgency were determined by the Chair; and

c)  no items of business required the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

The Minutes of the Previous Meeting, held on 1^st September 2022, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the committee chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 1^st September 2022 were agreed as an accurate record

To Consider report CFO/56/22, which sets out the options for a fleet refresh for the Marine Rescue Unit (MRU) and seek the approval of the Authority for the option of purchasing 2 x Atlantic 85 (A85) Inshore Lifeboats from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan presented the report  on the Marine Rescue Unit Fleet Refresh.

Members queried the costs of  The boats and potential disposal of the A75 boats. Members were advised the cost was less than budgeted for as they were not bought new and while they had been retired from service by the RNLI they were still more than suitable for our needs and attainment of the rescue boat code. Members were also informed the resellable value would be considered at the point of disposal and gave assurance that the A75 boats would be disposed of accordingly.

Members were assured that the 2 A85 boats would meet the required boat code and it has been agreed that the RNLI will provide assistance by carry out any servicing of the boats allowing us to take vessels that they no longer utilise.

Members queried why a charity would dispose of something that can still be utilised and queries why if it is no longer suitable for them, why would it be suitable for us. Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan advises that the boats are utilised more with RNLI than they would be at MFRS so therefore they replace on a broader scale. The RNLI has an asset refresh plan which determines boat life irrespective of boat use. The boats will be refurbished to a high standard and servicing of the boats will be built into their management plan.

RESOLVED that;

a)    the purchase of 2 x Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboats from the RNLI, including 2 additional engines at a cost of £300k be approved; and

b)     the fleet options and projected costs to ensure a planned fleet life of 10-years for the use of the A85 type boat be noted.

To Consider report CFO/57/22, to inform members of the outcomes of the Bonfire period 2022

The Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan introduced Bonfire Fire Report  and Area Manager Mark Thomas and Group Manager Franny Hill who provided a presentation to Members on the same.

Members queried the breakdown of incidents by Districts and where they were connected, members were informed  in areas where activity was identified we worked with the Police however  there was nothing standing out to say that incidents were connected.

Members were also informed Offices work closely with Merseyside Police when they are made aware of people selling fireworks from vehicles in order to close down such activity. Data is reviewed from across Merseyside to identify hotspots  and then resources are put into action.

Members were also reassured  that work undertaken by Merseyside Police for mystery shopping of the sale of fireworks  did take place this year and premises would have their licences revoked if they were found to be breaking the law.

Members questioned if we get data from hospitals that shows how many people presented to A&E with firework injuries. Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan stated that would be good to have that information.

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan spoke about his experience of riding an appliance on mischief night and how an egg had been thrown at the vehicle. It was reiterated that MFRS has a zero tolerance to this behaviour but we seek to deal with it through restorative practice and education regarding acceptable behaviour.

Members were informed  the Arson Team and our police colleagues  regularly have input in schools to educate and reiterate the damage throwing objects at appliances can have, how there is the potential that the appliance would be unavailable and which may then prevent help arriving quickly to their loved ones if needed. During the bonfire period  the Stay Wise educational platform on how to enjoy bonfire night safely is communicated also. 

RESOLVED that;

a)    the content of the report and the impact that Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service  have had over the bonfire period be noted and;

b)     this year’s plan delivered through our staff and partners has been the most successful to date be noted.

Close

Date of next meeting Thursday, 6 April 2023

Signed:_____________________                                   Date:______________