Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 06-01-2010 special — reading text

500 lump sum employee incentive for all non -bargaining employees. Mr. Reeves seconded motion. Discussion included objection to giving out bonuses with the possible elimination of jobs; the desire to offer the employees something that would show they are valued; disappointment expressed that input on the items before Council were discussed by Department Heads but not by the employees, and the desire expressed that the employees be asked what they can do, what can be done, and how the City can make adjustments. 162 Special Council meeting 6 -1 - 10 Reserves —Employee Incentive cont. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it failed by a vote of 2 to 5 with Reeves and Rynearson in favor and Holmes, gossom, Minich, Nabors, and Patterson opposed. Mr. Minich moved to grant two additional vacation days to all non -union employees. Motion failed for lack of a second. During discussion it was suggested that staff look at the last year the employees were able to receive a cost of living increase, take the cumulative percentages to determine what the percentage would be to see what the actual dollar figure would be per person; the desire was expressed to offer a one-time bonus that would substantially convey to the employees they are valuable. Ms. gossom moved to request the City Manager and staff to return with a revised incentive plan for City employees. Mr. Holmes seconded motion and it carried by a vote of 4 to 3 with Holmes, gossom, Patterson, and Rynearson in favor and Reeves, Minich, and Nabors opposed. Reserves —Capital & Other Policy Decision: Should the City appropriate reserves for capital, infrastructure, and unemployment compensation. The presentation included information that Capital replacements cannot be delayed indefinitely and as equipment ages the cost of maintenance increases; that reserves may be the only mechanism for replacing these items until revenues recover; that staff has identified several capital replacements and improvements that would be a fiscally sound use of reserves; and unemployment expense will be unusually high next year due to the Federal government extending benefits for ex- employees currently collecting as well as the anticipated expense for additional employees affected by the FY 2010 -11 program/ service reductions. The Mayor opened the floor for public input. As no one wished to speak public input was closed. Mr. Reeves moved to appropriate remaining reserves to fund vehicle, equipment, computer, and infrastructure needs, as well as unemployment compensation. Ms. gossom seconded motion and it carried by a vote of 6 to 1 with gossom, Reeves, Minich, Nabors, Patterson and R.ynearson in favor and Holmes opposed. Public Safety —Battalion Chiefs Policy Decision: Should the City eliminate 3. 0 FTE Battalion Chief Positions. The presentation included information that the primary purpose of Battalion Chiefs is to ensure the safety of emergency responders and citizens during an emergency by establishing incident command to account for personnel, determine the size and scope of an emergency, develop initial strategic goals, and assign and direct crews; that the driver /engineers could remain outside to direct operations until relieved by Fire Chief or Deputy Chief and still meet the 2in/ 2out rule for entering a burning structure; that Captains have supervisory capabilities and are qualified to perform administrative tasks such as directing employees and apparatus and conducting training activities in addition to their fire suppression responsibilities; that the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief currently work a Monday- Friday 40 -hour schedule and staggering their work hours and alternating on -call after hours would enable them to command fire scenes in the absence of Battalion Chief. The policy impact included the initial control of the scene will be delayed or not performed at optimal levels, creating a possible safety hazard for the firefighters entering the structure, the administrative duties performed by the Battalion Chiefs would need to be absorbed by the Captains which could delay completion of the tasks, the vacation and sick leave within the department would likely require the City to incur additional overtime costs, and the elimination of three Battalion Chiefs would save $ 407,000. 00. It was noted the millage rate increase required to fund at the current status would require 0. 3758 mills to sustain the 407K for three Battalion Chiefs. Special Council meeting 6 -1 - 10 163 Public Safety —Battalion Chiefs cont. The Mayor opened the floor for public input. Curt Isakson, 4349 Chautauqua Drive, President of Suburban Fire Training LLC, fire training consultant, commented that the City could not mitigate and handle emergencies on a daily basis, without the outside agencies; discussed the responsibilities of the Battalion Chiefs to protect the firefighters and to ensure the residents are still receiving adequate protection; and stated the citizens of Fort Walton Beach and surrounding communities will be jeopardized if the positions are eliminated. Bill Lord, Fire Chief Ocean City- Wright Fire District, suggested sitting down with the personnel to find ways to save the money without cutting the positions. He said the City' s Battalion Chief is an asset to Ocean City - Wright and the Ocean City-Wright Battalion Chief is an asset to Fort Walton Beach. He asked Council to consider sitting down with the employees to work out an agreement that will reduce the costs and save the positions. He also suggested Council consider re- implementing cost recovery fees as a source of revenue. Scott Hutchins, Battalion Chief Ocean City- Wright Fire District, speaking on behalf of Battalion Chiefs, stated to cut their role would be devastating and the decision will affect other departments. He asked they be given an opportunity to sit down with City staff to figure out what can be done. Tami Large talked about the number of years her husband has worked for the City and the importance of the Battalion Chief position to the Fire Department. Pat Thornber, 342 Holmes Blvd., commented that the insurance companies want to know how close a residence is to a fire hydrant and the ISO rating and questioned how the rating will be affected. She acknowledged she would pay more in property taxes in lieu of eliminating Battalion Chiefs. Fire Chief Mike Dutton confirmed any manning change will affect the ISO rating. Jonathan Kanzigg, Midway Chief, expressed concern that eliminating the Battalion Chief position will affect their service in Midway. He mentioned Midway saved money a few years ago by eliminating position and they are paying for it now as workman' s comp went up, response times went down and the work load and over time increased. Shannon Stone, Battalion Chief, expressed his belief there has been a breakdown in communication between the union and management; distributed a one -page handout on the duties and functions of Battalion Chiefs that will have to be absorbed by the Captains; mentioned they are trying to finish the final phases of the consolidation study; and asked Council consider all aspects of eliminating the positions. Dan Corrigan, 116 Berger Place NE, urged Council to visit the fire station before making a decision. Scott Mayville, 106 Oak Terrace Drive, Crestview, stated he felt comfortable in his job as a driver but he would not feel comfortable with the responsibility of a Battalion Chief. Tom Corrigan suggested the insurance agencies be contacted to determine how the insurance rates will increase. Bill Garvie, 315 Shell Avenue, mentioned during his experience as a Senior Executive with the FBI he found that the younger people relied on the experience of the older people. He discussed a disastrous fire he experienced at his property and said they are worth more than $ 407, 000 and would hate to think the City would cut that service. Patrick Boretsky, 604 Manor Court, mentioned the fire department was the first to reach his home when he suffered kidney failure in 2005 and believed if they had not gotten there he would not be alive today. He said the fire fighters look up to the Battalion Chief to know what to do. He expressed his hope that the City would not cut any Battalion Chief positions. 164 Special Council meeting 6 -1 - 10 Public Safety —Battalion Chiefs cont. Joan White, 39 Ferry Road, expressed that the Battalion Chiefs are the plans of the operation. Robert Hull, 345 Shannon Court and Fort Walton Beach Police Officer, expressed. his willingness to pay more in property taxes. Chris Gibson, 249 Brooks Street, first protested being sent to sit in the auditorium instead of being allowed to sit in the Council Chambers in her wheelchair and suggested Council move to the auditorium when a large crowd is expected. She then expressed her belief that the City gives away too many services and suggested that the Okaloosa County League of Cities demand the County start paying their share for the services they receive free of charge. She said the City should not do away with the Battalion Chief positions and expressed her willingness to pay more taxes for fire service. Larry DiAmco, 6612 Redfield Street, Navarre, President of Fort Walton Beach Professional Firefighters, expressed his belief there is a fundamental problem between the Association, management, and Council. He asked Council not to eliminate the Battalion Chief positions. He said the driver can make a split second decision if necessary but they need the Battalion Chiefs. He expressed the desire to sit down to discuss a solution as he was unaware the Battalion Chief Position was going to be on the agenda until 5: 00 p.m. on Friday Memorial Day weekend. He stated if they remove those positions they will be at risk. It was commented the Fire Department has not given up their fair share and questioned what the City can expect from the Fire Department to help with the $ 13M problem. Mr. DiAmco stated the fire fighters have allowed him to say they are not looking for any increases and would like to be more involved in the discussions with management to find a solution. The City Manager stated it is estimated the roll forward rate to be between 4. 8 and 4. 9 to generate the same amount of revenue. Chief Dutton clarified when they talk at the monthly staff meetings they discuss ways to save money and he thought what the Association is alluding to is more along the lines of contract negotiations. As there was no one further who wished to speak public input was closed. RECESS The meeting recessed at 7: 48 p.m. RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 8: 00 p.m. Doug Reed, 822 Santa Rosa Court, commented at least half of the ad valorem taxes come from the commercial district and they understand it takes money to run a community. He suggested the City consider using the roll forward rate so they can move forward with more pressing issues. Quality of Life —Outside Agency Funding Policy Decision: Should the City discontinue cash contribution to The Advocacy Group, the Chamber, and the EDC. The