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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-182 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA IDENTIFYING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE AWAY FROM THEIR OFFICIAL DUTY STATION AND ASSIGNED TO AN EMERGENCY INCIDENT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution
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SUMMARY
The Fire Department participates in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA) to provide staff and equipment resources on a reimbursement basis to other agencies that have become overwhelmed by an emergency response. This automatic aid agreement is managed and administered by the California Office of Emergency Service (CAL OES). As a participant in this agreement, the Chula Vista Fire Department in turn can receive staff and equipment resources on a reimbursement basis if the Fire Department were to become overwhelmed by an emergency response. CAL OES requires that all participants of the CFAA provide a governing body resolution to be on file with them indicating that compensation for all hours worked, reimbursement for personnel and emergency apparatus shall cover the entire time of the commitment (aid agreement assignment) beginning from the time of dispatch until the time of return. This practice is commonly referred to as “portal to portal” reimbursement. Without this resolution, the Fire Department will not be reimbursed for all expenses related to an aid agreement assignment under the CFAA.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” in accordance with Section 15378(b)(2) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it is a personnel related action; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department has participated in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA) for many years and the Agreement is in place to provide staff and equipment resources on a reimbursement basis to other agencies that have become overwhelmed by an emergency response. It was the CFAA that provided the necessary resources to mitigate the 2003 & 2007 fire storms here in San Diego County. As a participant in the CFAA, the Chula Vista Fire Department in turn can receive staff and equipment resources on a reimbursement basis if the Fire Department were to become overwhelmed by an emergency response.
Portal to portal compensation is how the agency providing the aid will be reimbursed by CAL OES or the agency requesting aid. Portal to portal compensation is calculated from when the expense is incurred, i.e. the moment a staff and/or equipment resource is dispatched from their home base until they return to their home base. This is important to participants of the CFAA because when aid is provided they are reimbursed for all costs associated with the aid assignment. This includes personnel expenses for Chula Vista Fire Department response personnel on the aid assignment, as well as the cost to backfill behind them while deployed on the aid assignment. Portal to portal also applies to apparatus and equipment; which have associated use fees. Portal to portal compensation is the current practice used by the Chula Vista Fire Department in accordance with the MOU between the City of Chula Vista and Local 2180 International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).
Chula Vista Fire Department response personnel include: Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Engineer, Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, Firefighter, and Fire Prevention/Investigation and Fire Mechanic personnel.
Staff is recommending Council approve this resolution indicating that Chula Vista Fire Department response personnel and the personnel necessary to backfill behind them are compensated portal to portal while on an aid assignment under the CFAA.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18705.2(a)(11), is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This resolution supports Strong and Secure Neighborhoods because participation in the CFAA allows the Chula Vista Fire Department access to staff and equipment resources throughout the State of California in the event we are overwhelmed by an emergency response. Additionally, aid assignments provide valuable firefighting and field supervision experience for Chula Vista Fire Department response personnel. This experience further trains and prepares Chula Vista Fire Department response personnel to be able to handle similar emergency response incidents in the City of Chula Vista.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this action. Per the CFAA agreement costs incurred during aid assignments are reimbursable by CAL OES. The Department will appropriate funds after deployments have been completed and a reimbursement invoice is sent and approved by CAL OES.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this resolution. Costs associated with aid assignments under the CFAA agreement are appropriated during the Department’s regular quarter budget projection process and approved by City Council as part of this process.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Harry Muns