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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07131993 - 2.A To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra r FROM: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator COSta obi 'S County July 13, 1993 DATE: a cooN� SUBJECT: Plan for Expenditure Reductions/Functional Integration of Fire Districts and Funding for 1993-1994 SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1 . Acknowledge that since the Preliminary Plan was released on June 10, 1993, it has been circulated for public comment for over 30 days . 2 . Acknowledge the following specific efforts regarding the distribution of the Plan: * Copies to Local 1230, Taxpayers and Fire Advisory Commissions . * Copies to Chambers of Commerce, Industrial Associations and the Contra Costa Council. * Copies to Mayors and Councils of the 18 cities in Contra Costa County. * Presentation by Supervisor Jeff Smith at the July Mayor's Conference meeting. 3 . Acknowledge the letters from the Cities of E1 Cerrito, Lafayette and Concord and direct Staff to meet with those cities to discuss specific concerns and clarify the need for and intention of the County regarding the expenditure reduction plan. 4 . Consider Public comments from interested parties regarding the Functional Integration/Budget Reduction Plan. 5 . Direct County Administrator and Fire Chief to continue pursuing the budget reductions outlined in the Plan. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: x YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE / APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): y ACTION OF BOARD ON !3 / 9 93 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER 1i- APPROVED the above recommendations of the County Administrator, with Recommendation No. 7 amended to include instructions to the County Administrator to develop the Plan within a short period of time; and adding Recommendation No. 11 to request the County. Administrator to explore the costs and benefits of different organizational options in Moraga with a report to the Board on August 3, 1993, to include an update on the State Budget impacts and feasibility to proceeding with the Moraga Fire Protection District being an independent district; and REQUESTING the County Administrator to report to the Board on July 27, 1993 on organizational issues related thereto. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED `j Contact: PHIL BAT��/IELOR, LERK OF THE BOARD OF -I cc: County Administrator SUPER ORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR County Counsel BY DEPUTY J;uly 13, 1993 Plan for Expenditure Reductions/Functional Integration of Fire Districts and Funding for 1993-1994 Page -2- 6 . Defer final action on the recommended functional integration of the fire districts until the complete and final impacts of the State budget and trailer bills are known. 7 . Direct the County Administrator to develop a process to explore the feasibility of consolidating the five merit system districts and the Pinole Fire District into a single fire district and consolidating the three East County volunteer districts into a single volunteer district. 8 . Defer action on the desirability of including the Oakley Fire District in the East Diablo/Bethel Island Functional Integration Plan. 9 . Create a Community Task Force in Lafayette and Orinda area to review all aspects of the potential combination of Station 16 (Contra Costa County) and Station 43 (Orinda) prior to any final decision. 10 . Approve fire district management cost allocation plan for fiscal year 1992-1993 on the basis of the district budgets . REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendations Nos . 1-4 (Plan circulation and public comment. ) On June 15, 1993 the Board of Supervisors received the preliminary plan from the County Administrator and scheduled June 22, 1993 for consideration. One June 22, 1993 the Board received limited public comments, discussed the Plan and deferred action until July 13, 1993 to provide adequate time for all interested parties to review the Plan and to assure the widest possible circulation of the Plan for input and feedback. Written comments have been received from three Mayors, E1 Cerrito, Lafayette and Concord. (See attached letters . ) o E1 Cerrito, which has responsibility for operating a fire department, remains committed to the cooperative relationship with the County-governed West County District and requests that the implications of reducing staffing be thoroughly reviewed with the other fire service providers in West County. o Lafayette, even though it does not have responsibility for fire protection, urges that Station 16 be kept open while working with the County on mutually beneficial solutions . o Concord, even though it does not have responsibility for fire service, urges that action be delayed on implementing expenditure reductions until the State budget is adopted and to engage interested communities and parties in dialogue on the proposal . We suggest that staff offer to attend meetings of the three City Councils to discuss their concerns and clarify the County' s intent to preserve our fire service by maintaining current fire fighting staff, keeping stations open and maintaining a balanced budget. We would welcome any constructive ideas on how to achieve the goal of a 10% cost reduction outlined in the preliminary plan. Recommendation No. 5 (Expenditure Reductions . ) On June 29, 1993 the State budget and implementing legislation were signed by the Governor. This includes the elimination of the Special District Augmentation Fund. Although the purported objective of the budget legislation is to provide continued funding for fire districts, preliminary analysis reveals the application of the legislation in Contra Costa County may result in substantial reductions for many fire districts . July 13, 1993 Plan for Expenditure Reductions/Functional Integration of Fire Districts and Funding for 1993-1994 Page -3- This is a preliminary conclusion based on an initial review of the legislation by the County Administrator' s Office. The actual impact of the State budget will not be known until guidelines are formulated in August by a committee of county Auditors and Chaired by the State Controller. Additionally, there are efforts underway to amend the budget legislation to protect funding of fire districts . Notwithstanding the impact of the State budget and any clarifying guidelines expenditure reductions in the range of 10% are still required for County governed fire districts because the failure of the benefit assessment elections left a gap in funding for FY 1993- 94 . Recommendation No. 6 (Functional Integration. ) Many of the elements of the Plan were based on the relative 1992- 1993 funding levels and financial flexibility afforded by the Special District Augmentation Fund. In view of the uncertainties and the apparent unintended result of the State budget actions, it is appropriate to continue the existing shared administrative structure and defer further implementation of the functional integration plan until all the impacts of the budget legislation are known or clarified. Recommendation No. 7 (Exploring Consolidation. ) Depending on the effects of the final State budget actions it may become a necessity to formally consolidate the five merit system districts (Contra Costa County, Moraga, Orinda, Riverview and West County) and the Pinole Fire District into one paid fire district. The consolidation of the three volunteer fire districts (Bethel Island, East Diablo and Oakley) into one volunteer district should also be considered. This is due to the apparent fiscal disparities caused by State budget legislation and the attendant loss of local flexibility in allocating financial resounds . Revisiting consolidation should be done with a commitment to maintain and protect unique services, special taxes or local donations within existing districts - such as Moraga' s fire flow tax and para medic service. Recommendation No. 8 (Oakley Fire District. ) Until fire district funding issues are stabilized, the feasibility of including Oakley Fire in the volunteer functional integration plan cannot be determined. Recommendation No. 9 (Feasibility of Combining Stations . ) The June 15, 1993 report included recommendations to order a study of the feasibility of combining Station 16 and Station 43 into a new centrally located station. If the Board approves this recommendation, a Community Task Force should be created to review the pros and cons prior to any decision on the potential combination. The task force should consist of members from the following: * Orinda Fire Advisory Commission * Contra Costa Fire Advisory Commission * Happy Valley Homeowners Association * City of Lafayette * City of Orinda * An Orinda Homeowners or Taxpayers Group * Local 1230 Recommendation No. 10 (Allocation of Management Costs) The establishment of the integrated management structure of the five merit system districts on March 30, 1993 requires a method to allocate the costs of the management personnel of Contra Costa County and Riverview Fire Districts among the five districts receiving services . July 13, 1993 Plan for Expenditure Reductions/Functional Integration of Fire Districts and Funding for 1993-1994 Page -4- On June 8, 1993 the County Administrator provided the Board with a report discussing the issue and proposing several alternatives for the allocation of costs. Since the release of the June 8th report we have received comments and recommendations from three of the five Advisory Fire Commissions . The majority recommended allocating the costs on the basis of budget allocations because they reflect all activities of the districts and are easily determined and verified. Chief Allen Little and the County Administrator' s Office agree with this recommendation. The salary and benefit costs of the four positions (Chief and 3 Assistant Chiefs) assigned to the integrated management structure since its inception through the end of 1992-1993 is $126,566 (annual cost $506,263 x .25 for April, May and June) . The cost/revenue impacts on the districts for the three month period would be as follows : Less Credit Net District 1992-93 Cost for District Cost or District Budget(%) Allocation Cost (Revenue) Contra Costa 56 . 3 $ 71,257 $91,743 $(20,486 ) Moraga 6 . 1 7,720 -0- 7,720 Orinda 7 . 3 9,239 -0- 9,239 Riverview 25 .2 31,895 34,822 (2,927) West County 5 . 1 6,455 -0- 6,455 100 . 0% $126,566 $126,566 At the end of the first quarter of 1993-1994 the issue will be reviewed to determine what additional position costs should be added to the shared management structure for allocation to the five districts . DATE: 7 RE$UEST TO SPEAK FORM THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. c� NAME: �" ,` .�`I�Clvk{'4c,c� PHONE: 80 3 ` C700 U — ADDRESS: CITY: I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: NAME OF ORCANIZV ION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: 7 11-311 REgUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) 9 Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing �the Board. in NAME: L �.J V`,l 1,�1 o G' PHONE: z ZR -R 7't 2_. ADDRESS: /91 SN at-W Y\ 0 , f1` 7-17 CITY: Y\ RCCT-11 ty E"L I am speaking formyself ✓OR organization: Check one: IVI �NAE OF ORGANI7-\TION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general 14e for against I wish to speak on the subject of i'/ I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: 71 ' �J REguFmT TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressin a Board. NAME: j PHONE: ,%�oo ADDRESS: .0 � `�1�1, CITY: op,MA,- I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: (NAMEkbF ORGANIZATION) V I wish to �on speak Agenda Item # P �• My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: ' '-2,� -S REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM `� (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) / Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME: (,��u-\ f-� Uv\ C7 J S PHONE: ADDRESS: CITY: I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: NAME OF ORGANIZATION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing �the 1/Boa . NAME: -TU/LCf,5- PHONE: ADDRESS: P Uw,F `t•- n moi- D6�N Cny: � C I am speaking formyself OR organization: L ere L 1230 Check one: (NAME OF ORGA"NIZNTION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # 2- V. My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME: PHONE: -JZ,io ADDRESS: CITY: Oita in:)E-2• I am speaking formyself OR organization: A�55�,a��o!o Check one: (NAME OF ORGM17ATION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # 2.A My comments will be: general X for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the gBoard. M NAE: �-u•-, �, �� r: �Fn. PHONE: ADDRESS: �� �7 ►Je e� �.( c� CITY: I am speaking formyself OR organization: Fz., Check one: t� � F, ioti �� I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subjectof I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the P Iard. NAME: .. l etic �Q�e--- PHONE: .37 �a ADDRESS: i w �'� C f CITY: L/ p I am speaking formyself OR organization: (-�srai;t- Check one: (NAME OF ORGAN!%al'!ON) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # A a My comments will be: general X for against - I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: l3 3. REguEST TO SPEAK FORM THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. /s NAME: /�l�RLF- CS1w u ALJPHONE: ADDRESS: I eO T 6 {70,fer Pg . CITY: D �tTt2�i�ls f u 0�2 GowlttT k• I am speaking formyself OR organization: � MAZAGA F1124L r9bTEC77 ►1 Check one: N4- ,5 ORGANI%�l'fOti� I wish to speak on Agenda Item # -A . My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE' REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT Complete 's form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addres i the Boar NAME: PHONE: ADDRESS: ;4� ; CITY: �--- I am speaki formyself OR organization• Check one: VIME OF ORGANI/.a1'lOti) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # 6-"�/4­ My comments will be: general � for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME: �� 1. ��%lz���,J Cr• MOR PHONE: 3 7 j 0 ADDRESS: i CITY: -1)FA y F T T I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. :1 1 -T1'. 77-7-1717 -5 -rO FO 2 Ill Q NE D1..57 P-:FC'T 2, .DDN!T AZL®cr Fc;2f Ct�pT,97irf 7' !J �� /Z �ovo Gs-oF., T ti` r.T/Z r- C c> I.-1 o Yi.0 ( i c� " /)c i !C)� A f r 2 E C DATE: �- � � � IJY� REQUEST To SPEAK FORS (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT / Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME:_w L,-�,- C�N vv-, Ca (ZO S -S PHONE: ADDREss: C.(--�UV\ Crr : O 2t �-3 I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: (NAME OF ORGA1q[ZA-ION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of b P,(NDN C-l'(�.�, () R,Lt Z LSI K I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete 's form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addre s' the Boao. NAM PHONE: ADDRESS: U/ CITY: I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: ( E OF ORGANI%4,11ON) /— I wish to speak on Agenda Item eral My comments will be: gen for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: 3 REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM THREE3) MINUTE umrr) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. / p NAME: l V c-. K)D e- PHONE: 3 ADDRESS: c)� 8 r CITY: Uy l (?- I am speaking formyself OR organization: tL-qaAC A F AG-- Q/v% Pnr+ Check one: (NAME OF ORGAN17ATION) y I wish to speak on Agenda Item # LV 6L, L CAMM� l My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. .• DATE: I REQUEST TO SPEAK '' ORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME. S PHONE: ADDREss: "6 f �" CITY: 0 1 J— I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: (NAME OF ORGAN[Z-XTION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of aj;4, vz ,��c�Ld,c I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. ED VINING FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER 'r RECEIVED t.,.. 4819 JOHN MUIR ROAD MARTINEZ, CA 94553 JUL 1 3 1993 -41'S=228-8792 CLERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONTRA COSTO CO... .._ . .. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING JULY 13 , 1993 I AM A MARTINEZ RESIDENT AND A SEMI-RETIRED FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER. I HAVE CORRESPONDED WITH YOU AND SCOTT TANDY, AND AMONG OTHER THINGS HAVE SUGGESTED THE FORMATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO WORK WITH THE FIRE ADMINISTRATION. THE NEED FOR THIS CONCEPT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED IN THE PLAN FOR EXPENDITURE REDUCTIONS AND INTEGRATION OF FIRE DISTRICTS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE RECOMMENDED COUNCIL WOULD BY MADE UP PRIMARILY OF FIRE SERVICE ORIENTED MEMBERS, RATHER THAN ORDINARY CITIZENS. I URGE THAT YOU CONSIDER EXPANDING AND MODIFYING THIS ELEMENT OF THE PLAN TO HAVE THIS BE A CITIZENS' COUNCIL. IN ORDER THAT THE CITIZENS CAN HAVE ACCESS TO ALL THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO REACH CONCLUSIONS, THE FIRE SERVICE MEMBERS SHOULD REMAIN ON THE COUNCIL. THE CITIZENS WOULD HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE FIRE FOLKS KNOWLEDGE, AND THE FIRE FOLKS WOULD GET FIRST-HAND INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY. I HAVE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE IS A SIZEABLE NUMBER OF COUNTY CITIZENS WITH BROAD FIRE PROTECTION EXPERIENCE, BOTH, FROM WITHIN THE FIRE SERVICE AND FROM WITHOUT. SOME OF THESE HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN SHARING THEIR VIEWS AND HELPING YOU GUIDE THE FIRE SERVICE IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. v CITY OF EL CERRITO Y �� OFFICE OF THE MAYOR June 21, 1993 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors c/o Mr. Scott Tandy Chief Assistant County Administrator County Administration Building 651 Pine Street, 11th Floor Martinez, CA 94553-1229 RE: Comments on Expenditure Reduction and Functional Integration Plan for County-Governed Fire Districts Dear Honorable Supervisors: We wish to provide you with our comments on the proposed "Expenditure Reduction and Functional Integration Plan for County-Governed Fire Districts". We understand that you will be considering this plan at your upcoming meeting on June 22, 1993. Since the County plan is fairly general, it is appropriate that our comments remain general as well. The City of El Cerrito along with many other West Contra Costa County communities has greatly benefitted over the years from the cooperative relationship for joint fire protection operations between the West County Fire District, Richmond, Kensington and El Cerrito. The foundation of this cooperative approach has been the fair contribution of resources from each of the partner jurisdictions to obtain a full range and depth of equitable fire protection coverage for each jurisdiction. We are concerned that the proposed County plan may erode the commitment by the West County Fire District to the joint operations fire protection arrangement which has served us well for many years. Particularly, the proposed expenditure reduction measure for overtime is troublesome. The West County joint operations partners may find themselves in a position of having to provide coverage for any West County District station closure or staffing cutback temporarily imposed because of a District policy commitment not to pay overtime to cover minimum staffing levels. While the County plan for minimum staffing may work adequately for other areas of the County, it is not practical for the West County area. Another concern for El Cerrito is that the County plan seems to have added new administrative burdens to an already reduced Fire District management staff. Political sensitivities notwithstanding, the County should be clown-sizing the complexity of Fire District policy oversight to match the reduced capacity of the administrative staff to CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue EI Cerrito, California 94530 Fax (510) 233-5401 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors - c/o Mr. Scott Tandy Chief Assistant County Administrator June 21, 1993 Page Two support the policy-making ftmction. We are concerned that the administration of the West County Fire District would become so over-extended that they would have little time to devote to District organizational concerns, the interests of their local citizens or the needs of their West County joint response partners. The City of El Cerrito remains committed to participating with the County-governed West County Fire District in providing effective firs; protection for our communities. We urge the Board of Supervisors to consider carefully the ramifications of cost-saving and functional integration measures as they pertain to the West County Fire District and its ability to remain a fully-functioning partner in our joint operations system. Sincerely, v W. Mae Ritz, Mayor WMR:slc JW23M Ar CITY COUNCIL CSR CO RD OF SUF6 SOBS Scott Talan,Mayor A COSTA CO, Anne Grodin,Vice Mayor LAFAYETTE Ivor Samson Donald L.Tatzin June 21, 1993 Gayle B.Uilkema OUR ANNIVERSAR Tom Torlakson, District 5 FAXED 6/21/93 Chair Board of Supervisors 651 Pine Street 11 th Floor Martinez; Ca 94553-1286 RE: CONSOLIDATED FIRE DISTRICT Dear Mr. Torlakson: We are extremely disturbed to hear of the potential closure of Lafayette's Fire Station #16, located in the Happy Valley Area. We recognize and understand the fiscal constraints you are working under, however, neither the City of Lafayette nor Consolidated Fire District voted as other districts did on the issue of consolidation. It is unfair for Consolidated Fire District to subsidize fire protection in other areas of the county. Public safety is the No. 1 priority and we should .fund this priority through all funding means available. We urge you to keep this station open and maintain current levels of service, as we work together over the next few months to find mutually beneficial solutions on this matter of crucial importance. The Lafayette/Orinda area is similar to the Oakland East Bay Fire region. We should not knowingly put further in jeopardy the health, safety and property of citizens in this community. Sin relyy,� Scott Talar �" Mayor ST:jag cc: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator Scott Tandy, Chief Assistant County Administrator Board of Supervisors Allen Little, Fire Chief Bob Adams, City Manger Lafayette City Council Walt Lautenberger, Happy Valley Homeowners Association cc; 3oord M embers CA-0 f r-_ �" Ch 1',o --- --- POST OFFICE BOX 1968 _.......... . ._......_ 3675 MT. DIABLO BLVD.,SUITE 210,LAFAYETTE,CA 94549-1968 TELEPHONE: (510)284-1968 FAX: (510)284-3169 01 N OF CONCORD C'I I'YCOUNCIL 1950 Pai ksidc Di i%t:. NAS/0 I (.on(ord.C;dihn nia 9 15 19-2578 Nancv Gore,c,Nht%m [xv (510) 798-owi(') Nkll k Dc4;11111licl. we B�.Jon(.:;lm[)(11 Colicen(-:()I] OFFICE OFTHE MAN OR Hm.(1 1). %1:1.s1mic Tclephone: (51(1) 6-11-3158 luoneorn CONTRA COSTA COUNTY RECEIVED June 21, 1993 JUN 2 � 1993 OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Scott Tandy Chief Assistant County Administrator County Administration Building 651 Pine Street, 11th Floor Martinez, CA 94553-1229 Dear Mr. Tandy: On behalf of the City Council, thank you for your recent correspondence dated June 11, 1993. It has been distributed to Councilmembers and entered into the public record, and will be acknowledged as received by the City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board at its meeting of July 13, 1991 At that time, all received correspondence is either referred for a response or accepted as information. We appreciate your taking the time to write and we value your communication. Sincerely, ee-/,. Nancy Gore Mayor PL2596.CM3 rn NCO RD CHI COUNCIL 'I 95(i Parkside Di ix S.,M Com i d.(.:;tli Io i nia 1)1519-2578 Nancy 1:\X: (.510) 70,8-0630 Mai k D(!S;m1nici,Vic(!khxor IScnnl Camph(.11 OFFICE OF IIIF.MAYOR 1- 11.Mashoic (510) 671-3158 k III= 1al swN%all,01 N' CONTRA COSTA COUNTY June 28, 1993 RECEIVED Mr. Scott Tandy EJ"LN2 9 1993 Chief Assistant County Administrator OFFICE OF Contra Costa County Administrator COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 651'Pine Street, 11 th Floor I Martinez, CA 94553-1229 Dear Mr. Tandy: This letter is in response to the Fire Districts' Expenditure Reduction and Functional Integration Plan for fiscal year 1993-94. Although we would anticipate that the Board of'Supervisors would delay action on this item pending disposition of State budget issues, we would encourage the Board of Supervisors to engage interested communities and fire fighting interest in dialogue on this proposal. City Councilmembers discussed this proposal at our June 22, 1993 meeting with concern being expressed in three major areas: 1) The details of the proposed reductions are not sufficient enough to determine impacts of personnel shifts and/or reductions on County fire stations located in Concord. 2) The proposal does not address the return to source'issues associated with tax funds through SDAF allocations from Central County to pay for services outside this area. 3) The implications of these proposed reductions should be discussed by all impacted parties to provide input to the Board prior to action. In addition to our general concerns the following comments are directed specifically towards the proposal: 0 The report reflects a 10% across the board reduction in operating expenses for all districts, but allows for the use of one time prior year capital funds in Riverview and West County to balance the budget. Will this not leave the County with an on-going problem for fiscal year 1994-95? Mr. Scott Tandy June 28, 1993 Page 2 • We are concerned that the elimination of 29.5 positions, including nine fire prevention personnel countywide, not impact the districts ability to continue to staff County fire stations located in Concord and the proposed station at the Cal State Hayward site in Concord. 0 The allocation of District wide administrative cost to each subdistrict under functional integration should be clearly understood at the beginning of this process. • If East County volunteer stations convert to paid staffing at some future date, funding mechanisms that are local to that area should be activated to pay for such services. We are pleased to see the County forwarding information on cost containment for Fire service and the County Board of Supervisors willing to consider options in light of programmed State funding take aways. We would encourage the County to take the time necessary to fully understand and explore the implications of this proposal. Thank you. Sincerely, Nancy Gre Mayor NG:jlu cc: City Council City Manager Assistant City Manager Deputy City Manager OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Administration Building Martinez, California DATE : June 22, 1993 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM: PHIL BATCHELOR 2,Co my Adam' ' tr for lam 7 �L- SUBJECT: FIRE DISTRICT FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION AND EXPENDITURE REDUCTION PLAN The Board of Supervisors scheduled June 22, 1993 to consider action on the subject report and plan. Copies of the report were distributed to the chairs and commissioners of the fire districts, Local 1230 and the Taxpayers' Association on June 10, 1993 . On June 11, 1993 the report was mailed to the city managers with the request that the report be shared with the mayors of their cities . On June 15, 1993 the Board received the report and requested that it be distributed to Chambers of Commerce, industrial associations and the Contra Costa Council . On June 18, 1993 the report was distributed to all Chambers of Commerce in the areas of the affected fire districts, the major industrial associations and the Contra Costa Council . Four of the five merit system Fire Advisory Ccommissions met to review the plan. Moraga did not meet because there were not enough commissioners available to obtain a quorum. However, Chief Little met with a Moraga citizens' group on the plan. Chief Little also met with the executive board of Local 1230 and held two meetings with the employees of the merit system fire districts which involved approximately 100 employees . TO: COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, JUNE 1, 1993 FROM: THE CITIZENS SUPPORT COMMITTEE FOR MORAGA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PARAMEDIC AND FIRE SERVICES RE: POSITION PAPER ON THE MFPD RESTRUCTURING AS A PART OF FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION OBJECTIVES: 1.The Moraga Fire Protection District Paramedic/Fire Fighter E.M.T. Program be kept intact and provide the high level of service it has in the past. 2.The residents of the MFPD be assured that: A. Our fire flow tax fiends will be used only within our MFPD and spending decisions will remain as in the past. B.The existence of our fire flow tax funds shall have no bearing on the budgeting and distribution of all other State and County funds available to all fire districts. C. Our existing and future fire and rescue apparatus remain within the MFPD and not be transferred elsewhere except for temporary emergency fire or rescue crises. D. Donations made to Rescue One Foundation and purchases made by the Foundation remain in the MFPD. 3.The Moraga Fire Commission remain as currently organized, and continue to play its Leadership role with the MFPD Chief Officer in establishing the MFPD's budget and tax rate. 4.The boundary lines of the MFPD,and the name "Moraga Fire Protection District" remain as currently designated, as legally necessary for: A. Protection of the Fire Flow Tax Authority, and RECEIVED B. Protection for the life-long contractual agreement for the Paramedic Program ambulances. JUL 13 19c,3 IMPLEMENTATION: CLERK BOARD OF SUF ERVISORS CONTRA COST CO. _ _ In support of these objectives, the following are essential for maintaininb y-" previous level of service: 1.A full time on-site Chief Officer with background and experience in Paramedic Service,fire protection,operations and budgeting be appointed to administer the MFPD. 2. Our current full time (or two-half-time)on-site clerical position be maintained in support of the full time on-site Chief Officer,other staff and the Moraga Fire Commission. 3. Our administration building remain as headquarters for our Chief Officer and staff, and continue to be available for community use. Moraga Fire Dif trict 1280 Moraga Way, Moraga, CA 94556 Ed Lucas. Fire Chief (415) 376-5454 March 30, 1993 Mr. Tom Torlakson, Chair Board of Supervisors Contra Costa County 651 Pine St. Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Chairman Torlakson, The Moraga Fire Commission met on March 29th to discuss the retirement of Provisional Fire Chief John Cooper and the need to insure effective fire and paramedic/ambulance operations in our district during the reorganization of county fire services. Chief Cooper has recommended that Fire Captain Robert Goodyear be placed in a temporary position as Provisional Assistant Chief to insure continued operational level management of the district. We support that recommendation and we ask that your board approve this request for a temporary provisional appointment. We have the utmost confidence in Robert Goodyears ' professional ability both as an experienced fire command officer and former paramedic. Captain Goodyear has prior experience in the Acting Assistant Chiefs position and knows the internal operations of our fire district well . Captain Goodyear would serve a useful role to any interim department head the board may select and could assist in coordinating the reorganization of our fire district. We also respectfully request that the matter of the future of the Moraga Fire Protection District be placed on either the April 20, or April 27 , Board of Supervisors agenda. As you can imagine, our commission and many of the citizens of our district are very concerned about the options for long term administration of our highly successful and financially solvent fire district. Our fire commission has several recommendations that we need to review and share with your board on either of these dates. Sincerely, Gordon Nathan, Chair Moraga Fire Commission cc Moraga Fire Commission