4.7. SR 04-08-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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cf Ells _ REQUEST FOR ACTION River TO ITEM NUMBER Mayor and City Council 4.7 AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Consent Aril 8,2013 T.John Cunningham,Fire Chief ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Resolution Approving Maximum On-Call Firefighter Staffing Cal Portner, City Administrator Level REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Adopt by motion,a resolution setting the maximum authorized on-call firefighter staffing level. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION In accordance with Ch. 22, Sect. 22-33 of the Elk River Code of Ordinances,revised on April 8, 2013,the City Council shall, by resolution, set the maximum authori.Zed on-call firefighter sting level for the department. The attached resolution will set this number at 45. The department currently has 37 active firefighters with an authorized force of 40. The last increase, from 35 to 40, occurred when Station#2 was added, although the ordinance did not reflect the change. Currently, Station#2 has eight assigned on-call firefighters,which fluctuates based on the availability of full-time city employees who are also on-call firefighters. On average,the department has a turnout of 16-20 firefighters per incident,with roughly 3-4 responding to station#2. This is often not enough personnel to adequately staff needed apparatus,including an engine,ladder, tender, and two grass trucks. To ensure appropriate response levels from station#2, at least 15 assigned on-call firefighters are needed. The 2013-17 Fire Department Strategic Plan includes an objective to increase current on-call firefighter stafng by hiring within threeyears, an additional 75 on-call firefighters. The intent is to address staffing shortages at Station#2 and proactively train and develop new firefighters as the organization grows. The next recruitment period will establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates from which to hire to meet needs primarily at Station#2. Staffing needs are continually evaluated and must consider the impacts from potential retirements. Staffing level adjustments going forward will be discussed as part of the annual budget process. FINANCIAL IMPACT Staff anticipates that there will be adequate funds to meet this staffing objective this fiscal year with current budget projections,including the funds available for part-time pay. Staff will bring back,during the hiring approval process,a more detailed analysis of the cost impact,if any. ATTACHMENTS ■ Resolution P O W 18 I U A Y N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda P2cket\04-08-2013\4.7.docx INAWR