Rolling Meadows adds fire marshal position

Rolling Meadows on Tuesday created a new position of fire marshal, but officials said it would not cost the city any additional money.

The move is one to clean up city codes and put an actual person in charge of fire code enforcement, a job that has previously fallen to the fire chief, said Chief Scott Franzgrote.

The move was approved by a 6-1 vote with Alderman Brad Judd voting against.

"I'm not really interested in any more personnel or costs to the residents so I won't be supporting it," Judd said.

City Manager Barry Krumstock said the move - which allows him to appoint a fire marshal, won't result in any new personnel. Likely an employee who is shared by the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District and the Rolling Meadows Fire Department will be moved into the role.

There is no intention to provide additional salary for the position, Krumstock said. According to the ordinance that was passed on Tuesday, any salary associated with the position would require city council approval via resolution.

The fire marshal will be in charge of fire code enforcement and other fire prevention bureau duties and will work with homeowners making changes to their residences as well as businesses in the city to ensure they are meeting fire codes.

Previously the codes referenced a fire marshal, but Rolling Meadows didn't have anyone in such a position, Franzgrote said.

"This is going to allow us to expand our resource-sharing agreements with the Palatine Fire Department and the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District," Franzgrote said. "This also helps the business community have an easily identifiable contact to reach out to with any questions."