Recommendation

It is recommended that the City Council approve a revision to the City’s Position Allocation Summary for the Fire Department.

Background

The City has been staffing an Acting Fire Engineer position for many years in order to provide a second response engine when necessary. At the City Council meeting of December 14, the City Council authorized City staff to meet and confer with the Hermosa Beach Firefighters’ Association regarding the implementation of converting these positions to permanent Fire Engineers. Staff is in the process of finalizing the implementation and prior to completion of this process it is necessary for the City Council to approve an amended position allocation summary.

Analysis

In order to maintain a second response Engine, Acting Fire Engineers have been used on each of the three sifts in the Fire Department on a daily basis. This matter was discussed with the Firefighters’ Association and with the former and Interim Fire Chiefs and it was determined that if the City wished to continue this practice that has been in place for a number of years, these positions should be permanent assignments. The cost of these acting positions has been included in the City’s annual budget. The fiscal impact of converting these positions is approximately $6,000. The exact cost will depend on which individuals are ultimately appointed to these permanent positions. Adequate funds should be available in the Fire Department’s current budget for the remainder of the 1999/2000 fiscal year.

This proposed change in staffing will NOT result in any additional personnel. Each shift will remain staffed with six employees. These positions will be filled in accordance with the established Civil Service Rules.

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