CITY COUNCIL: Resolution Authorizing "Firefighter" Classificatin, Job Description & Funds to Hire Three New Firefighters

Meeting Date: October 7, 2008
Prepared by: George E. Rawson

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution authorizing approval to add “Firefighter” to the
city’s position classification plan, adopt the job description, and appropriate funds to hire three new firefighters.

Description: The Fire Department is seeking to add three new fulltime firefighter positions to improve staffing coverage. The category of “firefighter” will be classified as a full-time position, in accordance to the provisions of Municipal Code
section 2.52.055. Adding three firefighters will ensure a 24/7 stable level of
staffing is maintained, in accordance with requirements of the Occupational
Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and National Fire Protection Agency
(NFPA) guidelines.
Overall Cost:
City Funds: $ 342,000 annually
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Resolution.
Important Considerations: The ambulance assigned to the fire station is staffed with two
medical responders, both of whom are cross trained as firefighters. When the
ambulance is committed to medical calls, these firefighters become
temporarily unavailable. Consequently, front-line firefighter capability is
diminished. Adding three new firefighters will resolve this problem by
ensuring a constant level of staffing.
Decision Record: None
Reviewed by:
______________________________ _________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date
138
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: GEORGE E. RAWSON, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
ANDREW MILLER, FIRE CHIEF
DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
APPROVAL TO ADD “FIREFIGHTER” TO THE
CITY’S POSITION CLASSIFICATION PLAN, ADOPT THE
JOB DESCRIPTION, AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO
HIRE THREE NEW FIREFIGHTERS
I. RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Adopt the Resolution.
II. BACKGROUND:
At its September 8, 2008 meeting, the City Council received a staff report, requesting
policy direction regarding a proposal to add three more firefighters. The report
contained a comprehensive analysis of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s fire protection
system including a fire threat hazard assessment, staffing levels, and the adverse
effect medical calls have on the availability of sufficient firefighters. The report
identified a staffing deficit in those instances where the CRFA ambulance (staffed by
Carmel Regional Fire Authority) is committed to a medical call. In some cases, the
ambulance may be out of service for several hours, thus leaving insufficient available
firefighters to respond to a fire call.
The City Council had a lengthy discussion concerning the staffing of the Fire
Department, and recognized that volunteer firefighters are not a viable alternative due
to increased training requirements and non-local residency. Based on a consensus of
the City Council, staff was directed to prepare a financing plan and resolution
proposing the hiring of three new firefighters, a firefighter job description, and
authorization to begin recruitment and selection.
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III. STAFF REVIEW:
Hiring three additional firefighters assures the Fire Department will maintain proper
minimum staffing levels on a 24/7 basis. The new firefighters will serve as front-line
emergency responders to enhance the fire operations system, and strengthen citywide
emergency preparedness. Currently, the Fire Department schedule provides 24/7
coverage, and is configured in a manner that allocates two city firefighters and two
cross- trained CRFA firefighter/medical personnel on each of the three shifts. The
addition of three new firefighters will allow each of the three shifts to be increased by
one city firefighter. Staff has prepared a resolution for adoption that includes a
request to amend the city’s position classification plan to include the title
“Firefighter,” a job description (attached as Exhibit “A”), and a respective salary
range.
Staff has analyzed the FY 08-09 budget to identify options for funding the expense of
new firefighters. Funds sufficient to cover the FY 08-09 costs of hiring three new
firefighters can be realized if the city defers filling five existing vacant positions
including: Finance Specialist, Community Planning/Building Director, Senior
Planner, and Public Services Director. Strategies for funding these positions in the
FY 09-10 budget and thereafter, will be incorporated as part of the FY 09-10 budget
proposal.
It is important to note that the new firefighters will be trained by seasoned Carmel
Fire department staff. As such, these new firefighters have, or will gain, a keen sense
of local knowledge of key landmarks in Carmel. Further, these new firefighters will
learn the quickest methods to respond to business and residential locations that have
no addresses.
As mentioned in the Exhibit A, there will be important decisions to make concerning
the immediate future management and administration of the Fire Department. Before,
or by the end of calendar year 2008, the services of the Pacific Grove fire chief will
not be available, pending the expected fire department merger agreement between the
cities of Pacific Grove and Monterey. It is important that Carmel begin to evaluate,
discuss, and prepare to implement a new model for fire services administration. One
option is to join the Monterey-Pacific Grove contract. These two cities have met
regularly and are now at a point where a draft merger contract will be presented to
their respective city councils for ratification. Staff has been attending these meetings
and will continue to monitor the progress of the Monterey-Pacific Grove merger
process.
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Another option for fire administrative services involves seeking a proposal from other
fire service providers. Regardless of what option the city chooses, the need for three
new firefighters with local knowledge and understanding of Carmel is clearly
essential. Any future contracts relating to fire administration services must stipulate
that existing front-line Carmel firefighters be retained for duty in Carmel.
IV. FISCAL IMPACT:
FY 08-09: Estimated at $189,000 (or $27,000 per month), assuming all three
firefighters are hired on December 1, 2008.
FY 09-10: Estimated at $342,000 including a MOU increase effective July 1, 2009
Funding for these three new positions will come from salary and benefit savings
derived from postponing recruitment to fill vacancies in other city departments.
V. SUMMARY:
Staff recommends the Council authorize three new firefighter positions (one
firefighter per shift), in order to maintain a minimum staffing level of three
firefighters on all shifts at all times. This staffing level will assure a properly staffed
engine company can respond and initiate immediate life-saving and fire protection
duties regardless of the status of the ambulance personnel.
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EXHIBIT “A”
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
FIRE FIGHTER
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties
performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to
reflect all duties performed within the job.
Definition
Under supervision performs firefighting and emergency service activities, responds to
fire alarms, emergency medical calls and other calls to protect life and property; performs
maintenance of the station including vehicles, apparatus, equipment, and communication
systems; teaches fire safety to the public, maintains a high level of physical fitness,
participates in career development programs, and performs other duties as required. This
classification has responsibility for emergency medical technician services providing prehospital
mobile emergency medical care.
Supervision Exercised
Receives functional and technical supervision from the Fire Captain or as designated by
the Fire Chief.
Examples of Important and Essential Duties
To perform this job successfully; an individual must be able to perform each essential
duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,
skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This classification encompasses the full range of Firefighter duties.
Respond to fire and emergency alarms; help lay hose and assist with the operation of a
variety of fire and emergency equipment; assists with fire suppression, rescues, disasters,
hazardous materials incidents, medical treatment, and other non-emergency calls.
Locate fire trucks and equipment at fires; operate pump at the fire; initiate, direct,
calculate, and control the flow of water to the fire.
Perform station maintenance; clean station living quarters and maintain them in a clean and
orderly condition.
Assist in the testing of fire hoses and hydrants.
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City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Firefighter (continued)
Examples of Important and Essential Duties (continued)
Study and review Fire Department rules and regulations, fire hazards, firefighting
techniques, and emergency procedures.
Assist with public education; provide CPR instruction, grade school presentations and fire
drills.
Operate and oversee the use of numerous types of vehicles, equipment, tools, and
apparatus; repair and maintain emergency vehicles and equipment.
Perform cleaning, salvage, and overhaul work following fire; assist in fire investigation
efforts; prepare apparatus and equipment for further alarms.
Receive emergency calls and dispatch staff and equipment.
Respond to Mutual Aid calls within Monterey County and throughout the State of
California.
Respond to emergency medical incidents; analyze correctly and quickly medical
problems and effective medical responses.
Maintain inventory of tools and equipment on apparatus; conduct daily inspection of
apparatus; report mechanical failures when assistance on repair is warranted; perform
minor repairs and may assist on major repairs.
Maintain current knowledge of City layout including geography, streets, hydrants, and
the water system.
Participate in training exercises and fire drills; attend continuing and advanced training
sessions, which include firefighting techniques, medical aid, and the proper use of all
apparatus, equipment, and related tools.
Maintain a variety of records and prepare reports including equipment maintenance,
emergency incident, and work operation reports.
Operate radio equipment.
Other Job Related Duties
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Firefighter (continued)
Job Related and Essential Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, and procedures used in modern firefighting.
Purposes, uses, and operating characteristics of a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools,
and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations.
Fire hazards and the related prevention and abatement methods.
Must have knowledge of hazards identification, hazardous materials identification and
spills
Procedures, methods, and techniques of emergency medical services including basic
medical services and CPR.
Local geography, including street and hydrant locations within the City.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Pertinent State and local laws.
Skill to:
React quickly and calmly to fight fires and perform emergency medical techniques and
procedures.
Effectively and safely drive and operate vehicles and equipment used by the department.
Operate communications equipment.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability to:
Respond to fires and alarms and effectively perform fire suppression and rescue work.
Demonstrate mechanical aptitude for the operation of fire and emergency service
equipment.
Provide effective stream flows from fire pumps.
Conduct fire inspection and code enforcement work.
Observe and record findings during inspections.
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City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Firefighter (continued)
Demonstrate and maintain physical endurance, agility, strength, and stamina in the
performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions; think and act quickly and
calmly in emergencies.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and
demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for
the successful performance of assigned duties.
Understand and act in accordance with Department Policy, rules, and regulations.
Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing
situations and needs.
Learn to drive fire and emergency equipment safely and skillfully in accordance with
traffic rules and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those
contacted in the course of work including but not limited to a variety of City and other
government officials, community groups, and the general public.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would likely provide the
required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the
knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience:
Firefighting experience is desired including experience with fire related equipment
operation.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course
work in fire science or related field.
License or Certificate:
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City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Firefighter (continued)
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Possession of appropriate, valid California Driver’s License and, when required, a valid
Medical Examiner’s Card must be maintained.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Hazardous Material First Responder Certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Emergency Medical Technician
Certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, Firefighter I Certificate.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, bend, climb, and
lift 125 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space,
chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to
travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, and stand-by.
The employee must see well enough to drive vehicles, read small print on documents and
maps, detect subtle shades of color, hear and speak well enough to communicate over the
telephone, radio and in person; must be physically fit enough to walk over tough terrain,
climb hills, open and close heavy gates, load and unload vehicles, perform repeated
bending, and work outdoors for long periods of time in all types of weather conditions;
safely wear and work in a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) without medical or
physical restrictions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside
weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and
is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee often works
outdoors in hot weather; work under hazardous, life-threatening conditions, such as but
not limited to at heights, in confined spaces, at temperature extremes, around dangerous
persons or animals, crowds, with loud noises, with limited visibility, in and around
traffic, in the presence of hazardous materials, in the presence of victims of death and/or
dismemberment; must be able to work effectively as a team member and/or leader of a
fire company.
Effective Date: October 2008
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CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
AUTHORIZING APPROVAL TO ADD “FIREFIGHTER” TO THE CITY’S POSITION
CLASSIFICATION PLAN, ADOPT THE JOB DESCRIPTION, AND TO APPROPRIATE
FUNDS TO HIRE THREE NEW FIREFIGHTERS
WHEREAS, the City’s Position Classification Plan may be amended on recommendation of
the City Administrator and approval by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, in order to provide greater efficiency in the operation of the City and enhance
service levels, the job classification of “Firefighter” has been prepared; and
WHEREAS, additional full-time firefighters will ensure a constant staffing level is
maintained in accordance to federal legal mandates and guidelines.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA DOES:
1. Approve the City Administrator’s request to amend the city’s position classification plan,
as defined in Carmel Municipal Code 2.52.030, to include the title “Firefighter.”
2. Approve, in accordance to Carmel Municipal Code 2.52.030, the job description for
“Firefighter,” as attached in Exhibit “A.”
3. Authorize three new firefighter positions be added to the existing allocation of full-time
firefighter personnel.
4. Approve an addendum to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between
the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Carmel Professional Firefighters’ Association to
include the position of “Firefighter” as a recognized classification for exclusive
representation in city-labor negotiations.
5. Approve salary range of $57,288 to $69,648 (Range 265) for the position of firefighter,
and approve benefits be provided to firefighters as presently negotiated by the Carmel
Professional Firefighters Union.
6. Authorize the City Administrator to adjust the FY 2008-09 salaries and wages budget to
fund three new firefighters to be hired December 1, 2008 or thereafter and make
adjustments as necessary to other departments salaries and wages budget to fund the
positions.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THESEA
this 7th day of October, 2008 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
SIGNED:
______________________
SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_____________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk