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BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ACTION SUMMARY
Wednesday, April 3, 2002 - 6:00 p.m.
Administration Building
2101 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Goold. Board Members
Present: Engellenner, Goold, Granados, Horel, Jones, Trujillo, Stewart,
Valley, Vanderveen; Fire Chief Martinez, General Counsel Price, Board
Clerk Tilson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST WITHIN
DISTRICT JURISDICTION INCLUDING ITEMS ON OR NOT ON AGENDA
None
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Board Meeting Action Summary-March 20, 2002
· Board Action:
Engellenner/Trujillo-Approve Consent Agenda. Unanimous vote in favor.
ACTION ITEM(S)
1. Recommendation to Implement Fire District
Helicopter Program-(Martinez):
§ Background history on implementation of an Air Operations
Program-staff recommendation at the November 7, 2001 Board meeting,
referred to the Executive Committee meeting on March 13, 2002, action
taken at a follow-up meeting March 20, 2002 in support of the program and
referred to the full Board.
§ Programmatic cost details provided for the helicopter retrofit
(one-time) and annual operational costs
§ Question and answer period
§ Concerns and issues expressed:
- Not the most appropriate utilization of our resources-higher priority
commitments such as the Fire Station Master Plan
- Authorize the Fire Chief to begin the retrofit with the understanding
that Policies and Procedures addressing each primary area be developed by
staff for approval by the Policy Committee and the full Board prior to
launching the Program
- ERAF legislation and possible loss of revenue
- Alternative funding sources be utilized for the start-up and program
operating costs
- Visionary but premature
§ One-page memorandum distributed by Director Vanderveen dated April
1, 2002 recommended the proposal be rejected
§ Fire Chief Martinez distributed four letters in support of the Air
Operation Program from the California Office of Emergency Operations,
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Kern County Fire
Department, and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
§ Captain Brian Rice, President of Local 522, stated initially the
union came out adamantly against an aviation program, but we now have five
helicopters and are at a crossroad-time to call a truce and consider Metro
Fire as a whole. Cautiously supportive but also need to take care of our
people-cost-of-living increases have fallen very much behind. It is up to
the Board to decide if this is the right thing.
§ Ernie Hughes, San Joaquin Helicopters, provided background
information on various helicopter programs based on 35 years of aviation
experience, citing reliability and safety records. Operate FAA approved
repair center--the UH-1 H helicopter once it goes through their shop for
retrofit will be as safe as a new one coming off the production line.
§ Battalion Chief Gary Klopfenstein, a member of the Helicopter
Project Team for this program, cited his extensive aviation and
firefighting experience since 1966; we will have a top-drawer very safe
program-because of his background as a rated Master Army Aviator in the
National Guard, anything less would be unacceptable. Emphasis was placed
on dispelling the statement that there is no professional experience
within the District.
Engineer/Paramedic Bryan Thomson is also a qualified pilot.
Director Vanderveen-expressed satisfaction in the background related
and stated it was the type of experience that was needed.
· Board Action:
Horel/Engellenner-Approve the staff recommendation for implementation of
an Air Operations Program for a one-time UH-1 H conversion to include an
increase in the helicopter retrofit cost not to exceed $300,000, program
to be a temporary pilot operation subject to a review and evaluation by
District staff and the Board following the close of both the 2002 and 2003
fire seasons. Directors Engellenner, Horel, Jones, Trujillo, Valley,
Vanderveen, AYE. Directors Granados, Stewart, Goold, NO. Motion carried.
Director Stewart distributed a prepared statement for the record in
opposition to the Program.
BREAK AT 8:00 P.M., RECONVENED AT 8:10 P.M.
PRESENTATION ITEMS(S)
[considered prior to Action Item #1]
1. Workers' Compensation Actuarial Report-(Appel)
§ A biennial actuarial study is conducted in the even numbered years
to assure District compliance with the financial obligations of its
self-insured Workers' Compensation Program
§ The dedicated reserve of $1 million budgeted in the 2002/2003
Workers' Compensation Preliminary Budget was based on information prior to
the reorganization. This study reflects the increased number of employees.
§ February 2002 actuarial study indicates a need to increase our
dedicated reserve in the 2002/2003 budget by $700,000 to maintain the
historical confidence level of 75% or $900,000 for a confidence level of
85%.
§ Staff recommendation to accept and file the February 2002 Actuarial
Review of our Self-Insured Workers' Compensation Program and refer the
dedicated reserve issue to the Finance Committee as part of their
recommendation for the 2002/2003 Final Budget.
§ John Alltop, actuary from Bickmore Risk Services, clarified a
statement in their report that the program is funded at below the 25%
confidence level. The program assets assumption of $684,000 in their
report did not include the additional funds in dedicated reserves, but the
recommended increase in the funding level remains the same.
· Board Action:
General consensus to accept the staff recommendation and refer the
dedicated reserve issue to the Finance Committee with a correction or
Addendum from the actuary reflecting for the record the additional funds,
with consideration of the 85% confidence level.
2. 2002/2003 Preliminary Budget-(Simcoe)
Presentation received.
§ Preliminary Budget heard by the Finance Committee March 20, 2002
§ Breakdown of the three primary budget components:
% of Annual Revenue
General Operating Budget $ 90,611,393 97.43%
Capital Improvement Program 2,886,105 2.57%
One-Time Expenditure Plan 1,711,945 [funded from roll-over]
Total Budget $ 95,209,443 100.00%
Total Annual Revenues $ 93,000,578
Fund Balance (Portion of CIP/One-Time Costs) 2,208,865
Total Funding $ 95,209,443
§ Three reserve account balances shown, prior to the establishment of
the final reserves after the close of the fiscal year with the 2002/2003
Final Budget:
Reserve, Undesignated $ 4,000,000
Capital Improvement Reserve 9,794,696
Workers' Compensation Mandate 1,000,000
Workers' Compensation Mandate-anticipate an increase to $1.7 million at
a 75% confidence level but may be adjusted to 85% level in accordance with
Board discussion for an increase to $1.9 million-funds to be drawn from
the roll-over.
§ Tax revenue growth based on County of Sacramento guidelines is
projected at 4%.
§ Fund Balance/Roll-over projected at about $3 million with $1.7
million expected to be utilized for the One-Time Expenditure Plan
§ Preliminary Budget required to be adopted by June 30, 2002.
Discussion:
§ Include Thermal imaging devices in the budget
§ Capital Improvement Program-hold to the $3 million commitment versus
$2,250,000 shown
§ Include the increase in the Workers' Compensation Mandate at the 85%
confidence level
· Board Action:
General consensus to refer the Preliminary Budget back to the Finance
Committee to work out further modifications and bring the proposed
Preliminary budget back to the full Board.
3. Paramedic Internship Program-(Haverty)
§ President Goold declared a conflict of interest in anticipation of
possible deliberation and action tonight. Recused at 8:45 p.m.
§ Six-page staff report submitted on development and implementation of
a Paramedic Internship Program in partnership with American River College,
to augment the numbers of entry-level firefighter/paramedics available for
hire.
§ Recent recruitment process resulted in 431 candidates passing the
written test, only 43 were paramedics. There is a demonstrated need to
initiate new programs to "grow our own" employees for long-term
retention.
§ Paramedic Internship Program-Power Point presentation--selection
criteria, aggregate Program cost per student of $14,475, wage comparisons,
program proposal of 20 interns/20 hour per week/47-week program-combined
total cost for instruction and employment expenses=$289,500. Separate
program from the Fire Recruit Academy.
§ Program will complement a renovation of our current EMS and
transportation program; purpose is to front-load paramedic trained people
into our Recruit Academy-no intent to replace active firefighters with
paramedic interns.
§ Prior to roll call, Captain Brian Rice of Local 522, pointed out
meet and confer issues such as any staffing other than full-time paid
professional firefighter/paramedics-not indicating opposition but need to
go through the process; seniority issues of an intern program.
Captain Walt White-There is a projected 35% increase in the job
opportunities for paramedics. Attrition of qualified ALS providers is
exceeding replenishment. This program provides an opportunity to develop
personnel to provide an advanced level of service.
Director Horel questioned the sense of urgency to move this item from
Presentation tonight-there are still some issues to be addressed.
· Board Action:
Stewart/Engellenner-move from Presentation to Action Item. Directors
Engellenner, Granados, Jones, Stewart, Trujillo, Valley, Vanderveen, AYE.
Director Horel, NO. Director Goold, Absent. Motion carried.
§ Staff recommends the Board adopt the Paramedic Internship Program as
a means to train entry-level candidates for eventual hiring as
Firefighter/Paramedics and authorize the Fire Chief to fund the program as
outlined, from 2002/2003 budgetary allocations.
· Board Action:
Stewart/Engellenner-approve staff recommendation as presented. Directors
Engellenner, Granados, Jones, Stewart, Trujillo, Valley, Vanderveen, AYE.
Director Horel, NO. Director Goold, Absent. Motion carried.
Director Engellener requested information be faxed on the number of
candidates passing the recruitment test who expressed an interest in the
Internship Program.
Chairman Goold back in session at 9:40 p.m.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT-(Goold)
§ Thanked staff for their work on the Helicopter proposal and Chief
Haverty for his presentation on the Paramedic Internship Program
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT-(Martinez)
§ Out-of-District on vacation from April 11 until April 26-will not be
in attendance at April 17 Board meeting
§ April 4-Badge Ceremony at Trinity Church at 6:30 p.m. recognizing 14
recently promoted employees
§ April 6-Dedication of Firefighters Memorial at Capitol Park, 1:00
p.m.
§ Deferred Compensation Committee has been meeting on a Third Party
Administrator-recommendation for the next Board meeting
§ Staff working on a lease with OES for office space and shops at the
former Florin Headquarters adjacent to Station 50
§ Conceptual agreement with Placer County for reimbursement of
$101,000 for actual staffing costs from period of July through November
for the Dry Creek Fire Station
§ Staff was directed to prepare a response to Charles Cuny's
questions-distributed a "draft" document to the Board for
review.
President Goold requested review by Board members and any questions or
comments be given to the Chief's Secretary within a week; response within
two weeks to Mr. Cuny
§ Heart of the Hero Program recognized our Explorer Program. Present
in the audience: Maurice Johnson, Manager of the Program, along with two
explorers, Bryce Mitchell and Mike Johnson
GENERAL COUNSEL'S REPORT-(Price): None.
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATE REPORTS:
Executive Committee
§ Next Meeting: TBD
Communications Center Delegate-(Vanderveen)
§ Next Meeting: April 30, 2002-10:30 a.m.
Regional Fire & Rescue Training JPA-(Stewart)
§ Next meeting: TBD
Finance Committee-(Horel)
§ Next meeting: April 17, 2002-5 p.m.
Policy Committee-(Granados)
§ Met today at 5:00 p.m.
§ Personnel Authorization Document discussed and forthcoming to the Board
INFORMATIONAL ITEM(S):
Newspaper Articles(s)
1. The Grapevine Independent, Read 'n Ride,
March 20, 2002
Correspondence
1. Becky/Proposed Eastern and Berrendo Fire Station
2. CSUS Thank You/Cummings
3. To: Sacramento County Registrar of Voters
· Board Action:
Received and filed.
BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Granados:
Absent at next meeting
Attended ICBO class for two days with some of our recruit Fire Inspectors
Stewart:
Absent at next meeting
Horel:
Reminded colleagues to pause when we move items to action on the same
night and give the public involvement process a chance.
Jones:
Absent at next meeting
Trujillo:
Will be in Washington, D.C. on April 17
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Grant B. Goold, President Charles A. Horel, Secretary
Charlotte Tilson, Clerk of the Board
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