Minutes 1995 0626 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - San Leandro City Council Meeting - June 26, 1995 Page - 4 - PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) In response to Council questions, Chief Johnston said San Leandro cannot now automatically receive aid from Alameda County, but must go through the—Mutual Aid process:"-He--said minimum staffing will go from 24 to 21 , serving seven units in San Leandro. He said the sixth engine will remain at Station 4 on 143rd Avenue but will not be staffed. Wandzia Grycz-Hernandez, Assistant City Manager, described the highlights of the contract, including those services which will continue to be provided by the City and not by Alameda County. She discussed the City Council 's ability to make appointments to the Alameda County- Fire DepartmentAdvisory Fire Commission, which will allow the public the opportunity to be aware of the activities of the County Fire Department. She said normal procedures in San Leandro related to the Fire Department will remain the same; the community will be able to come before the City Council or speak with the City Manager or Fire Chief regarding their concerns. She discussed the yearly independent audit of Fire Department performance and said a copy of the report will be available to the City Manager 30 days after publication. She said this will provide outside, objective information regarding Fire Department performance. She said the City retains legal title to City equipment, apparatus, and property; but the County repairs and maintains it. She said the contract is for a term of five years and can be unilaterally canceled by either party no later than July 1st of the preceding year. In response to Council questions, she said this is a contract for services, not a consolidation. She said the Phase 1 report provided three alternatives, including consolidation; but it was determined that a contract for services was the most beneficial to the City. She explained that the budget for fire services would be submitted to the City Manager by March 1st of each year, in conjunction with the City's regular budget preparation cycle. She said the Fire Chief would report to the City Manager at least quarterly. The City Manager explained that the Fire Department would be located in the Civic Center so communication would be ongoing. Council Member Perry requested that the yearly audit be provided no later than March 30th of each year. In response to Council questions, Ms. Grycz-Hernandez said the City equipment will continue to have City seals and identification. The City Attorney said equipment will be maintained in accordance with industry standards recognized within the fire suppression industry. The City Attorney also described the means by which the contract could be terminated. Mayor Corbett said it appears the City has control over purchase of equipment and asked who retains ownership of equipment that is purchased through the Fire Department budget. Ms. Grycz-Hernandez explained the City will maintain the responsibility to ensure the City has funds necessary to replace equipment as part of the budget process.