(4)AR 030408 Agreement/Loma Linda

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2008 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: Tom Hendrix, Fire Chief ITEM #4 SUBJECT: Consider Approval of Battalion Chief Response Agreement with the City of Loma Linda DATE: February 25, 2008 BACKGROUND: The Fire Department has provided Battalion Chief duty coverage to the City of Loma Linda by contract agreement since 1999. Due to a reduction in their chief officer staffing, Loma Linda was left with insufficient personnel to cover every weekend. Colton's agreement provided coverage two weekends per month. During the period between November, 2006 and July 2007, Loma Linda and the City of Redlands considered the possibility of consolidating their two fire departments. During this period of time, the City of Redlands provided Battalion Chief coverage to Loma Linda; however, effective July 31, 2007, Redlands Fire Department cancelled their agreement with Loma Linda. Once again, Loma Linda was unable to provide Battalion Chief coverage for their city every weekend. The City of Loma Linda has determined that they will maintain local control of their fire protection and will hire three Battalion Chiefs, which will ensure adequate coverage on a 24-7 basis. Considering the previous agreement, we offered to continue covering Loma Linda, two weekends per month on a mutual aid basis, until an agreement is approved by both City Councils. At that time the service will be provided on an assistance for hire basis. The agreement has been presented to the Loma Linda City Council and approved. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: This agreement will provide the City of Loma Linda with a response by the on duty Colton Battalion Chief from 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday, two weekends per month. When a holiday falls on Monday, coverage will extend to 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday. We will further provide weekday evening/night coverage after regular business hours for two weeks per month. The agreement also allows for trading of Battalion Chief coverage between the two cities on an occasional basis as needed, with no charge to either city. When covering Loma Linda, Colton's Battalion Chief will have full authority to command and control Loma Linda emergency scenes and personnel. The term of this agreement is August 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008; however, Loma Linda is currently recruiting for three Battalion Chiefs. Once those positions are filled, Colton's services will no longer be needed, and the agreement will be terminated. If the agreement is approved, Colton will receive $4,727 per month retroactive to August 1, 2007, and monthly thereafter until Loma Linda has filled their Battalion Chief vacancies. Colton's Battalion Chief response will be provided with existing resources; therefore, there will be no additional costs to our Department.