Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 04-19-05 — reading text

21  FY 2005- 06 Budget Policy Workshop STORMWATER UTILITY STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL - Policv Decision Should a stormwater utility be created? Backaround preparing for federal regulations associated Staff is with the NPDES Stormwater Management Program. Discussion Financial and technical services are needed to undertake a Storm water Management Study to evaluate the feasibility and methodology for developing a stormwater utility in coordination with the NPDES Stormwater Management Program. The study would evaluate issues such as maximum daily loads, operating and maintenance obligations, and capital in order to recommend a rate. Policv Impact The FY 2004-05 budget includes $ 25, 000 and another $ 25, 000 is proposed in FY 2005- 06 for this study. Stormwater management costs could be offset by impact and/ or user fees. Recommendation Engage a consultant to evaluate a stormwater utility. IBiIf 22 FY 2005. 06 Budget Policy Workshop POLICE TAKE- HOME VEHICLES Policv Decision Should a shared take- home vehicle policy be offered to patrol officers? Backaround Current policy allows non- uniformed officers who live within a 20 mile radius of the police department to have a non- shared take- home vehicle. The Chief, Community Police Officers ( 5), Investigators ( 6), Street Crimes ( 4), and Captains ( 2 of 4) take advantage of this benefit. Discussion Expansion of the program would mean 32 patrol officer positions would be eligible for a shared take- home vehicle. Take- home vehicles are often inquired about in hiring interviews and commonly cited in exit interviews. The cities of Niceville, Panama City ( city limits only), Pensacola, and Tallahassee ( within 30 miles) have a take- home policy. Benefits include officer recruitment and retention, increased police visibility and number of vehicles on the road at any given time, and time saved at the start and end of each shift for loading/ unloading gear. The policy would emphasize that the use is to and from their personal residence only and, consistent with City policy, non- City employees are prohibited from operating or riding in the vehicle. Policv ImDact This is a non- taxable benefit the City could offer to remain competitive in recruitment and retention, especially when compared with the County Sheriff. The cost of the program is estimated as follows: Proaram Eliaibilitv Cost Miles # of Officers City Limits $ 1, 750 4, 325 5 Greater FWB Area $ 4, 950 12, 225 10 Within 20 miles of PO $ 25, 350 62, 625 22 Any Location $ 60, 600 149, 625 30 The average age of the patrol fleet is 5. 7 years and increased mileage may decrease the life of the vehicles. Recommendation Incorporate a shared take- home vehicle policy for patrol officers living within 20 miles of the police station in the FY 2005- 06 budget. 23 FY 2005- 06 Budget Policy Workshop RAPID RESPONSE VEHICLE STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL - Policv Decision Should ALS be expanded to phase 111- purchase of a rapid response vehicle? Backaround In January 2003 Council approved phases I ( inception at Station 6 with existing personnel and equipment) & II ( expansion to Station 7) of the ALS program and would thereafter evaluate if it should be expanded ( phase III - rapid response vehicle). Discussion Over the past 10 years, call volume has increased 46% from 2, 048 calls to 2, 994 calls. The ALS program has increased call volume to a certain extent because prior to program implementation the City was unable to respond to those types of calls. Truck 6 is a ladder truck designed primarily for responding to structural fires. However, the City is using the truck for all calls, including medical ones. This truck has averaged 12, 900 in annual maintenance and repairs over the last eight years. A manufacturer of fire vehicles estimates average maintenance and repair expense of $ 3, 200 annually for this type of vehicle in normal use. Factors such as mileage, usage, operator care, sl maintenance, and climate affect the useful life of the vehicle. Since January 1 this year, Truck 6 has been out of service numerous days. The primary purpose of the rapid response vehicle would be to respond to non- fire calls which account for about 60% of calls) to limit wear- and- tear on the ladder truck. It is anticipated that the rapid response vehicle will be less costly to operate than T6 and may improve response time due to its size and maneuverability. In the event that the rapid response vehicle responds to a fire, E7 or mutual aid cover rescue calls. Firedepartment staffing has remained unchanged over the past ten years. Due to minimum staffing requirements, a rapid response vehicle would require 6 additional EMTs/ Paramedics - a 21 % staffing increase. The State of Florida adopted the OSHA standard of 2in/ 20ut by state statute in 2002. The City complies with this requirement through its mutual aid agreement. Policv Imoact The first- year costs of ALS phase III are estimated at $ 521, 500 including the purchase of a multi- use rapid response vehicle. The cost could be reduced by approximately 70,000 if a single- use ( Le. no water) vehicle is purchased. It is anticipated $ 8, 000 in annual maintenance could be saved on T6. Recurring personnel costs are estimated at $ 333, 000 for the additional annual 6 EMTs/ Paramedics, excluding any future negotiated compensation increases. Program expansion could require a millage rate increase or implementation of a fire assessment fee to fund the additional personnel, vehicle, and equipment. Costs of implementing a fire assessment fee, including consulting and legal advice, have not been included in the estimated $ 521, 500 cost. Vehicle funding options considered include a FIRES grant, use of the Okaloosa County Chief's Association' s Special Ops Support Vehicle, or lease/ purchase with City funds. 24  FY 2005- 06 Budget Policy Workshop Recommendation Continue ALS program at status quo until funding is available for program expansion. t~ 25  CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA MEMORANDUM DATE: April 20, 2005 TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members FROM: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager ~ SUBJECT: Budget Workshop PresentatioJJ · Please find attached a copy of the Budget Workshop presentation that was presented at the April 19 , 2005, Council Workshop. Thank you. cj U:\ CJones\DPTOO2b\ CMO\Memos 2004\Memos 2005\4-20- 05 M& CC w budget workshop presentation. doc  OCD." ex.., U CD CD" CD::) I>> A..., CD 1>> CDm J) I>> I>> J n CD c.. m c c.. ta CDC'D CD""'" T un e~ C m3 J c.. 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