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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980/11/18 - Minutes - Adjourned November 18, 1980 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JOINT MEETING WITH FOOTHILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT Adjourned Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Schlosser and Fire District Board President Alexander called the joint meeting of the City Council and the Foothill Fire Protection District to order at 7:08 p.m. The meeting opened the a salute to the flag. Present: Councilmen James C. Frost, Jori D. Mikels, Michael A. Palombo, Arthur H. Bridge, and Mayor Phillip D. Schlosser. Fire District Board members John Lyons, Pete Amodt, Daniel Richards, Ronald Spiers, Jr., and President Bill Alexander. 2. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS: A. JOINT FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING CITY ASSUMPTION OF FIRE SERVICES. (1) Chief Robert Lee noted that the Joint meeting is the result of comments, questions, and concerns expressed regarding the feasibility of having the City operate the fire services for Rancho Cucamonga. Chief Lee indicated that the primary cause for financial problems in the District are the direct result of Proposition 13 and the State Subvention Program which was implemented through the passage of Assembly Bill 8. Chief Lee stated that one of the questions the Board has this evening is whether the city control of the Fire District would result in an improvement in the overall financial condition. In response to a question from Councilman Bridge, Chief Lee indicated that the boundaries of the Fire District exceed those of the City by approximately 17 square miles. The Foothill Fire Protection District boundaries encompass approximately 53 square miles while the City boundaries include approximately 34 square miles. Councilman Frost asked whether the County Service Area 38, a special district, still serves the City as it did prior to incorporation. Chief Lee respo~ded that no portion of County Service Area 38 is within either the City or Fire District boundaries The Chief noted that there is, however, joint responsibility for the protection of the area which is outside the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The Department of Forestry assumes command over all vegetation fires while the Foothill Fire Protection Dis- trict retains Jurisdiction over structural fires. The Chief noted that the District and State Forestry respond simultaneously to many fires however. Particularly, those in vegetation areas which are uninhabited. In response to a question from Mayor Schlosser, Chief Lee stated that if the City ever assumes the Fire District, it could continue to serve areas within the District but outside the City limits through a contractural arrangement with the County of San Bernardino. The Chief noted that a similar practice is currently in effect in the City of Montclair. In effect, the Chief noted the Foothill Fire District would be retained as a legal entity~ however, the governing board of the District would be the City Council rather than a separately elected group. In all other ways, the Fire District would function as a city department. The Chief noted that the same arrangement now in effect in Montclair works extremely well for both the city and unincorporated adjacent territories. Mr. Alexander noted that if the Fire District is ever transferred to the City, there will be a severe financial impact due to the fact that additionbl stations, equipment, and personnel are necessary because of recent growth in the community. City Council Minutes November 18, 1980 Page 2 Councilman Mikels asked Chief Lee whether or not the state assistance (bailout) provided through the passage of Assembly Bill 8 is likely to be continued, parti- cularly if the City at some point in the future assumes control over the Fire District. Chief Lee indicated that the source of the funds provided through AB-8 are those funds which formerly were apportioned to school districts. Chief Lee indicated that San Bernardino County receives a lump sum allocation for all special districts. Distribution is determined by the Board of Supervisors based upon the needs of the districts. The Foothill Fire Protection District must compete for funds to purchase major equipment. Chief Lee indicated that the allocation provided through AB-8 assistance is inadequate for the Foothill Fire District. The District is simply unable to keep pace with the growing needs of the community. The Chief indicated at the present time the budget appropriations for the District are at the 1977-78 level and in no way have they kept pace with the growth of the community. In response to a question from Councilman Palombo, Chief Lee stated that the Foothill Fire District has not requested an accounting of the AB-8 funds which were received by San Bernardino County. The primary reason for this is that the State when enacting AB-8 established no guidelines. Therefore, the Board decision concerning the a~pro- priations is final. Mr. Alexander pointed out to the City Council that at some point in the future, perhaps as early as the next fiscal year 1981-82, it is anticipated that AB-8 re- venues will no longer exist. Therefore, new revenue sources must be found. One of the options being considered by the Foothill Fire Protection District Board is to sub- mit to the voters a ballot issue to approve a standby and availability fee. Mr. Alexander noted that if approved by the voters, the measure would only be effective for a three-year period. After that the issue must again be approved by the voters if it is to continue. In response to a question from Councilman Bridge, Chief Lee pointed out to the City Council that at the present time there are 37 employees of the Foothill Fire Protection District. Of that total, 33 are assigned to fire suppression. The Chief imdicated that turnover in the department is much lower than average; however, because of the uncertainty of funding for special districts, a number of employees are quite con- cerned that the Fire District will be unable to continue providing effective levels or service. Chief Lee also noted that the salary and benefits of the District are comparable to other fire departments. However, there are some differences between the salaries and fringe benefits of the City and those of the District. Councilman Bridge stated that he is in favor of public agencies providing paramedic services for communities. Rowever, he does not feel that the City assumption of the Foothill Fire District would accelerate the implementation of paramedic services in Rancho Cucamonga. Paramedic programs are extremely costly, and it is quite difficult to retain paramedic certification once it has been obtained. Mr. Richards noted that in his view there may be various levels of paramedic services which could be implemented. He felt that this paramedic service could be imole- mented if the District's priorities are changed. Mr. Richards also noted that he felt it was feasible to train each fireman in the District as a paramedic. Information was requested concerning the cost of a new fire station, equipment, and personnel. Chief Lee responded by noting that the probable cost for a substation is approximately $500,000. In addition, an engine company will cost approximately $150,000 while a ladder truck will add an additional$250,000. In addition to the $900,000 expense for buildings and equipment, an additional $700,000 per year is required in order to pro- vide the personnel to operate the equipment on a twenty-four hour basis. Chief Lee noted that the cost may vary slightly depending upon the type of structures that are constructed. However, the cost for buildings, equipment, and particularly personnel are almost equivalent to the present Foothill Fire District budget. City Council Minutes November 18, 1980 Page 3 Councilman Mikels noted that ~he Fire District was considering a requirement of future developers to provide at least the fire station facilities for the District. That woulc result in some reduction of the total finances needed to set up an additional sub- station where it is needed. In addition, Mr. Mikels noted that the operating costs of the District would continue to increase annually. Perhaps at some point the District may be unahle to provide any personnel for new stations. Councilman Frost commented that it is apparent that public service to the citizens is the top priority whether it is handled by the City or by the Foothill Fire Pro- tection District. Mr. Frost commented that, in his view, at some point in the future it will be feasible and more economical for the City to assume the responsi- bility for fire protection. However, before taking any action, it is important that a thorough study of the feasibility of assumption of fire services be completed. The standby and availability fees will provide an interim solution. However, a more permanent funding mechanism must be developed for the District or the City. Motion: Moved by Councilman Frost, seconded by Councilman Bridge to recommend the establishment of a feasibility study committee composed of two representatives of the Foothill Fire Protection District Board and two councilmen to prepare a report for the elected representatives of both agencies which analyzes the ad- vantages and disadvantages of the City assumption of fire services. The report is to be prepared Jointly by the Foothill Fire Protection District Chief and the City Manager and submitted to the City Council at the earliest possible date; hopefully by January 1981. Members of the Committee shall include President William ~ulexander, Board member Dan Richards, Councilman Jori Mikels (Chairman), and Councilman Michael Palomi~ The motion passed unanimously by the City Council. Motion: Moved by Mr. Amodt seconded by Mr. Spiers to concur with the City's motion and to appoint Dan Richards and Board President William Alexander to serve as representatives of the Fire District on the Feasibility Study Committee. The motion passed unanimously by the Fire District Board. B. DISCUSSION OF STANDBY AND AVAILABILITY FEES. Councilman Frost stated that the city's Financial Task Force has expressed a concern about the tolerance of voters to accept additional fees and charges. Mr. Frost indicated that at soma point the voters will simply refuse to approve any fees no matter how important they are to the community or how Justified they may be. Mr. Amodt commented that it is the responsibility of the citizens of Rancho Cucamonga to determine whether they wish to support additional fees. Each decision made by the voters is, of course, dependent upon personal values or judgement. Mr. Spiers commented that many people have moved to Rancho Cucamonga from other communities and simply are unaware that services provided by the Fire District are at a somewhat lower level than most communities. Mr. Spiers noted that residents of the community expect the same level of services they received elsewhere. Mr. Lyons commented that it is important that the City's General Plan be concerned with the future location of fire facilities in the community. Chief Lee responded by noting that the District has been working closely with the city staff and planning consultant to make certain that the fire needs of the community correspond with the overall goals established in the proposed General Plan for Rancho Cucamonga.. President Alexander thanked the City Council for its willingness to meet to discuss problems of mutual concern. Mayor Schlosser thanked the Board for providing the opportunity to meet to discuss problems of mutual concern. City Council Minutes November 18, 1980 Page 4 Motion: Moved by Councilman Palombo, seconded by Councilman Mikels that the City Council meeting of November 18 be adjourned. Moved by Board member Amodt seconded by Board member Lyons that the Fire District Board meeting be adjourned. The joint meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. by an unanimous vote.  lly submitted, City Clerk