4.7. SR 04-08-2013 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
RESOLUTION 13-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ESTABLISHING THE
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER STAFFING LEVEL AT
4S IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE II OF THE ELK
RIVER CODE OF ORDINANCES.
WHEREAS, the City of Elk River is committed to protecting the community from the
adverse effects of fires,disasters,and other emergencies;
WHEREAS, the Fire Department is committed to providing emergency response services
to the community in accordance with its mission and core values;
WHEREAS, the City of Elk River recognizes the importance and benefit of having an
adequate number of on-call firefighters ready,willing and able to respond to
calls for service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the maximum authorized on-call
firefighter staffing level for the Fire Department is hereby set at 45.
Passed and adopted this 81h day of April 2013.
John J. Dietz,Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\04-08-2013\FD Resolution.docx