Brookhaven aldermen voted Tuesday to spend $3,000 for anassessment of city fire department activities and functions.

Winston Minor, a former Atlanta fire chief who founded aconsulting firm following his 2003 retirement, discussed aspects ofhis proposal during Tuesday’s meeting. He said the work wouldinclude a three-phase assessment of the Brookhaven Fire Department,as well as a historical review and strategic planning suggestionsfor future service delivery.

“That is the bottom line in looking at service delivery, whereit is now and where it needs to go,” Minor said.

Minor said the assessment could be done in 45 to 60 days.Implementation of any recommendations would depend on the city’sresources.

“A lot of it is going to be on a long-term basis,” Minorsaid.

Alderman at large Les Bumgarner discussed the need to includedepartment leadership and personnel to encourage them to “buy into”the evaluation and suggested improvements. Minor, whose assessmentwould include interviews with fire and other city personnel, agreedon the importance of including them.

“They would be very vital to the program,” Minor said.

Aldermen voted 7-0 to have Minor do the assessment.

“We all know we need some immediate help in that department,”said Ward Two Alderman Terry Bates.

Minor said he could start the work in about two weeks.

“I will be doing my very best to deliver the service,” hesaid.