HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09241996 - D8 ` .......,6,E
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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FROM: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator en) nl,an► C./VJIa
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County
DATE: September 24, 1996 00 - •�~,�
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SUBJECT: Report from County Administrator on Issues Related to the Proposed
Consolidation of the Moraga and Orinda Fire Protection Districts
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION(S):
1. APPROVE and ADOPT property tax transfer agreement for the consolidation of the Moraga
and Orinda Fire Protection Districts.
2. RECEIVE report from the County Administrator and Contra Costa County Fire Chief regarding
issues related to the proposed consolidation of Moraga and Orinda Fire Protection Districts.
3. CONSIDER submitting a resolution to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
requesting the addition of alternative consolidation election options.
4. CONSIDER recommendation of the advisory fire commissions of the Moraga and Orinda Fire
Commissions to request LAFCO to proceed with the consolidation of the Moraga and Orinda
Fire Protection Districts.
BACKGROUND/REASON(S) FOR RECOMMENDATION(S):
Property Tax Agreement Resolution
On August 30, 1996,the Town of Moraga and the City of Orinda submitted an application to LAFCO
for the consolidation of the County governed Moraga and Orinda Fire Protection Districts.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE: ,
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR—RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
—APPROVE —OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON e p e m e-r24 , APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED_,OTHER x
See addendum for Board action and votes .
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
See attached addendum I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT I TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ON MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
contact:Terry McGraw,335-1055 ATTESTED September 24 , 19 9 6
cc: County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF
County Counsel THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Contra Costa Fire Protection District AND COU TY ADMIN
7,,TEOPuTy Moraga Fire Protection DistrictOrinda Fire Protection DistrictBYL
Town of Moraga
City of Orinda
United Professional Firefighters Local 1230
Standard LAFCO procedures require that a tax transfer agreement be in effect before LAFCO considers
a reorganization proposal. Accordingly, a proposed property tax transfer resolution is submitted with
this report for your consideration.
Consolidation Issues
On September 17, 1996, the Board of Supervisors discussed various issues related to the proposed
consolidation of the Moraga and Orinda Fire Districts. During the discussion, Board members
requested staff to report back on certain issues.
Supervisor DeSaulnier asked if and when the service level proposed in the consolidation plan could be
provided by Contra Costa County Fire. This issue is discussed in the attached report (Attachment A)
from Chief Little.
Supervisor Rogers requested information on the potential impacts on other fire districts and
communities if Moraga and Orinda become an independent fire district. Information on this issue is
provided in the attached report (Attachment B) from Chief Little.
Consolidation Election Alternatives
Supervisor Smith proposed requesting LAFCO to include an additional condition regarding
consolidation options for submission to the voters of Orinda.
The current proposal to LAFCO requests a condition that the voters of Moraga and Orinda be asked to
approve the consolidation. Supervisor Smith has proposed that the voters of Orinda be asked to vote
for consolidation with either Moraga Fire or Contra Costa Fire.
Advisory Fire Commissions Recommendations
During the first week of September 1996, the advisory fire commissions of the Moraga and Orinda Fire
Protection Districts submitted similar resolutions to the Clerk of The Board recommending that the
Board of Supervisors submit an application to LAFCO requesting the reorganization of the Moraga and
Orinda Fire Protection Districts.
2
ADDENDUM TO ITEM D. 8
SEPTEMBER 24, 1997
On this date the Board of Supervisors considered the report
from the County Administrator on issues related to the proposed
consolidation of the Moraga and Orinda Fire Protection Districts .
Chief Alan Little, spoke on the paramedic program.
Supervisor DeSaulnier requested clarification on issues
including seismic retrofit, timeline, and a report on option.
Chief Little responded to Supervisor DeSaulnier' s concerns .
The following persons presented testimony:
Ray Davis, 20 Zander Drive, Orinda;
Mike Majchrzak, 606 Rheem Boulevard, Moraga;
Pete Wilson, 35 Lost Valley, Orinda;
Carl Weber, 43 Berkeley Avenue, Orinda;
Peter Erlin, representing the Orinda Chamber of Commerce;
Sargent Littlehale, Mayor Pro Tem, 4 Carolyn Court, Orinda.
Supervisor Smith moved to defer the matter for further
consideration in three weeks, direct staff to provide a complete
outline when we can implement specifically and with what money
the paramedic program in Orinda with accelerated alternatives,
the service plan, the equipment needs and the seismic retrofit .
Supervisor DeSaulnier seconded the motion with an amendment
that there be an item on next week' s agenda clarifying what the
dates would have to be both with the Local Agency Formation
Commission and the registrar' s office so the window- of
opportunity does not pass .
Supervisor Bishop indicated she could not support the motion
unless it included approval of the property tax transfer
agreement .
Supervisor Smith clarified that the matter would be
reagendized in three weeks and staff would have the opportunity
to demonstrate that the Board can implement services and would
give a timeline for implementation and payment for those services
and if that could not be done at that time then the Board would
approve the property tax transfer agreement .
Supervisor Bishop advised that she could not support the
motion.
Supervisor Rogers requested clarification from County
Counsel on whether the consolidation could proceed without the
okay of the Board of Supervisors .
Victor Westman, County Counsel, advised that he and Dennis
Graves of County Counsel ' s office would present their opinions to
the Board of Supervisors before their next meeting on the matter.
Supervisor Rogers moved a substitute motion to approve the
adoption of the property tax transfer agreement .
Supervisor Bishop seconded the substitute motion.
The vote on the substitute motion was as follows :
AYES : Supervisor Rogers and Bishop
NOES : Supervisors Smith, Torlakson and DeSaulnier
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The substitute motion failed.
Supervisor Torlakson spoke in support of the main motion.
Supervisor Rogers advised that if the Board were headed
toward the vote, he would support the motion.
Supervisor Bishop indicated she would not support the
motion.
The vote on the main motion was as follows :
AYES : Supervisor Rogers, DeSaulnier, Torlakson and Smith
NOES : Supervisor Bishop
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that consideration of approval
and adoption of the property tax transfer resolution for the
proposed consolidation of the Moraga Fire Protection District and
the Orinda Fire Protection District is CONTINUED to October 15,
1996; Chief Little and the County Administrator are DIRECTED to
provide a report to the Board on October 15, 1996, relative to
issues including provision of services, funding, and
implementation plan, and seismic retrofit as requested by the
Board on this date;and County Counsel is DIRECTED to provide a
report on October 1, 1996, to the Board of Supervisors on the
question of the timing of the election process and the LAFCO
process .
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
<o�
Fire Chief
ALLEN LITTLE
TO: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator
FROM: Allen Little, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Moraga/Orinda Consolidation Proposal
DATE: September 18, 1996
Battalion 4 operations continue to produce a cohesive unit functioning within Contra Costa
County Fire District. Since its inception earlier this year, leadership in Orinda and Moraga
has been accomplished with promotions of a Battalion Chief from each Fire District. The
Fire Prevention Bureau, Operations Division, Emergency Medical Services and Support
Services have played major roles in the service improvement in Battalion 4 (Moraga,
Orinda and Lafayette).
The enclosed report illustrates what will occur with Battalion 4 if Moraga and Orinda
become an independent district. In addition, an enclosed report relative to paramedic
services, outlines the feasibility and timeline associated with placing paramedics in the
Orinda Fire District without a Fire Flow Tax and under the current integrated management.
AL:Ir
Attachments
U:SRMGR/AUBATCHELOR.996
❑ 2010 GEARY ROAD • PLEASANT HILL, CALIFORNIA 9452,3-4694 TELEPHONE (510) 930-5500 • FAX 930-5592
❑ 4527 DEERFIELD DRIVE • ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA 94509 • TELEPHONE (510) 757-1303 • FAX 754-8852
❑ WEST COUNTY AREA • TELEPHONE (5 10) 374-7070 a.
MORAGA/ORINDA CONSOLIDATION PROPOSAL
ENHANCED FIRST RESPONDER EMT-I AND PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN THE
ORINDA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Attachment A
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) is presently in the process
of completing the necessary steps to implement an Enhanced First Responder EMT-I
and Paramedic Service in the Orinda Fire Protection District.
Service Plan
Implementation of enhanced first responder paramedic services in the Orinda Fire
Protection District would begin with the hiring of three (3) paramedics. (See
Recruitment of Paramedics and Short Term Alternatives) A single paramedic with a
firefighter EMT-I would staff Orinda Fire Protection District's rescue unit (Rescue 45) on
each shift (A, B, and C) as a non-transport unit and respond on all medical calls with
each of the three (3) Orinda Fire Protection District engines (Engine 43, 44, and 45).
Should there be a situation where a patient is critical and there is a delay by AMR,
West's transport unit, patient would be transported by Rescue 45.
Recruitment of Paramedics
The critical timeline for provision of Paramedic Service is employment of staff.
Current plans are for a firefighter recruitment commencing October 11, 1996.
Recruitment of paramedics into this applicant pool will be a priority. Human Resources
expects to complete that examination and produce an eligible list by January 1, 1997.
Final selection interviews, medical screening and back ground checks for those
selected for hire should require an additional thirty (30) days. Once hired, all
candidates will participate in the Fire Academy for approximately ninety (90) days.
Thus, we estimate that new paramedic firefighters can begin duty on May 1, 1997.
Accelerated Alternatives
• There are two alternatives:
1. The first alternative is to temporarily assign existing firefighter paramedics
between Districts. There are meet and confer issues with this plan.
2. The second is to recruit "transfer" firefighter paramedics from other Fire Districts.
This might be a more expeditious process due to fewer recruitment candidates
and lesser training requirements. This is a "Merit System" decision for the
Human Resources Department with possible meet and confer issues for Local
1230.
• Both of these alternatives are short term "jump start" techniques to begin advanced
life support services. Neither is an alternative to the long-term process for meeting
paramedic staffing needs which will require extensive training of current personnel.
Training and Logistical Support
• First Responder Basic Life Support Equipment:
Con Fire is in the process of equipping all first responder units with all basic life
support equipment required by the County EMS Agency. Expected completion
date 10/96.
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Program:
Establishment of a critical incident stress debriefing program being finalized at
this time.
• Quality Improvement Program:
Con Fire is currently implementing clinical review and quality improvement with
medical oversight which meets County standards..
• Application for Enhanced First Responder EMT-I/Paramedic Services:
County EMS Agency must approve enhanced first responder services at the
EMT-I and Paramedic levels. Expected completion date 12/96.
• Written Agreement with County EMS Agency:
Will establish a written agreement with the County EMS Agency. Expected
completion date 12/96.
• Required Training:
"Partners" training will be provided for all EMT-I personnel to assist the first
responder paramedic.
J
• Paramedic Accreditation Process:
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has contracted with American
Medical Response, West, to provide accreditation evaluations.
• Advanced Life Support Equipment:
All apparatus must be equipped with advanced life support equipment.
• Response Data and Performance Reports:
Reporting and monitoring mechanisms have to be put into place with County
EMS. Expected completion date 12/96.
Lonp Term Development
• Additional paramedic personnel would be developed from existing Orinda Fire
Protection District firefighters who are interested in becoming paramedics. They
would be trained through an approved paramedic training program within the
County. A firefighter selected to become a California state licensed paramedic
would be required to complete a minimum of 1032 hours of training.
• In addition, County accreditation is required for each paramedic . This entails
satisfactorily treating five (5) patients with advanced life support skills. Additional
training required of the licensed paramedic working in Contra Costa County is:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Infrequent Skills Course,
Intubation Module and Basic Trauma Life Support or Pre-hospital
Trauma Life Support.
This would be up to seventy-two additional hours of training. The County EMS
Agency also requires the completion of twelve to fifteen hours of training to work
with an EMT-I partner.
• After completing all the training requirements firefighter paramedics must participate
in and successfully complete a provisional assignment program approved by the
County EMS Agency.
MORAGA/ORINDA CONSOLIDATION PROPOSAL
IMPACTS ON OTHER FIRE DISTRICTS AND COMMUNITIES
Attachment B
OPERATIONS DIVISION
History: The formation of Battalion 4 on March 1, 1996, has proven to be beneficial to
the citizens and firefighters. Battalion 4 consists of 9 fire stations, two in Moraga, three
in Orinda and four in Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts. With Battalion 4, the
citizens are enjoying improved service. This has been accomplished by Battalion 4
firefighters through their enthusiasm in training and participation in various committees.
Significant improvements have resulted within the integrated fire system to the benefit
of Moraga and Orinda. Should a Moraga and Orinda consolidation occur, the following
losses or degradation of service and coordination will occur:
Training:
• Lack of the more comprehensive program - from monthly training quizzes, multi-
company drills to mandated yearly training. This is superior training as compared to
mutual aid training.
• Elimination of the structured greater accountability - companies and individuals.
• Loss of the greater resources afforded through integration.
• Loss of standardization - operational and equipment.
• Elimination of a formally structured training schedule.
• Lost participation in Haz Mat, apparatus and equipment design, rescue systems.
• Loss of full-time training staff.
• Elimination of intensive specialized training
Operations:
• Elimination of the current Battalion 4 which has 24 hour Chief Officers stationed at
Station 45 in Orinda, with a satellite office in Moraga.
• Loss of the Orinda and Moraga Battalion Chiefs who are part of a pool of on-call
Chief Officers. This pool insures Incident Management depth.
• Reduction in resource depth provided by four additional Battalions (B-1, 2, 7, 8).
• No guarantee of Safety Officers who will currently be on scene at every major
incident before the end of the year.
• Loss of upgraded response in compliance with the Contra Costa County Fire
District.
• Termination of the improved the E.M.S. delivery system, created by more scheduled
training and standardization of equipment.
When assessing the total loss in the communities of Orinda and Moraga, what is
difficult to quantify, is the synergy which is realized within Battalion 4. We are training
together, operating with the same language, combining ideas, exchanging philosophies
and attitudes. This is healthy and helps prevent stagnation. Loss of such progress will
surely have negative impacts with respect to actual emergencies and our abilities to
function well together.
If Orinda and Moraga combined as an independent district under different leadership,
Battalion 4 will no longer exist. The four (4) stations in Contra Costa County Fire
District would move to another battalion. All of the enhancements from Battalion 4
would cease or would significantly be reduced.
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
From the Prevention perspective, it's difficult to imagine a more lucrative arrangement
than the present system serving both Moraga and Orinda.
History: Prior to integration with Con Fire, both Moraga and Orinda Fire Districts
employed their own Fire Marshal.
Proposal: A single Fire Marshal will serve both Moraga and Orinda.
Current Services: Tremendous strides have taken place in the last 3 1/2 years with
respect to improved service levels in both Moraga and Orinda. These same advances
in service are at risk to loss or degradation in the event a Moraga/Orinda consolidation
occurs:
• The two Con Fire Inspectors located at Station 45 would relocate to Con Fire,
leaving the Orinda Fire Marshal without needed assistance and coverage in his
absence.
• All planning matters, reviews of land development proposals currently performed by
Con Fire would cease.
• All building construction and fire equipment system plans review performed by Con
Fire personnel will stop.
• All Bureau field inspection activities performed by Con Fire personnel would end.
All computer generated inspection forms, permits and invoicing produced by Con
Fire would cease. All the database information and inspection file records would no
longer be managed. All the supporting materials and training necessary to maintain
the Engine Company Inspection Programs would end.
• The Fire Investigation/Arson Unit would no longer provide 24 hour coverage within
Battalion 4 or provide follow-up and assistance to engine companies at fires.
• The Public Education Unit would no longer offer the nineteen various educational
programs in Orinda and Moraga or support the many engine company programs.
• All Weed Abatement management services in Moraga, performed by Con Fire, will
cease. Planned changes for Spring of 1997, intended to allow Con Fire to help
manage Orinda abatement will not occur.
• Con Fire will no longer be responsible to have the Uniform Fire Code and Weed
Abatement Contracts in place for Moraga and Orinda.
The above examples of improved and new services are in place for Moraga and Orinda
because of the size, structure and capability of the Con Fire Prevention Bureau.
Prevention services in both communities are better today than ever and getting better.
By integrating the needs of Moraga and Orinda with the depth of Con Fire resources
and by cost effective methods of shared services, Moraga and Orinda have benefited.
Should Moraga and Orinda consolidate, all services provided by Con Fire become the
responsibility of a single Fire Marshal position. It stands to reason, therefore, complete
service loss and/or degradation of services will surely occur.
U:SRMGR/AUBATCHELOR.996