2023-24 Riverside County - Amendment 2 - add Fire Safety Supervisor positionfor fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25; and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
Motion passed unanimously.
5. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, FOR FIRE PROTECTION, FIRE PREVENTION,
RESCUE, FIRE MARSHAL, AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICES, TO ADD
A FIRE SAFETY SUPERVISOR POSITION
Public Safety Manager Mendez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's
Office.
Council discussed the modification to the vehicle for the new position; the salary range
for the new position based on experience; and the annual cost of approximately $8 million
per year for fire services.
PRESENTER: Riverside County Fire Chief Bryan White — explained the duties of the new
Fire Safety Supervisor position; and noted the Fire Department's current difficulty in
recruiting new employees.
MOTION — A motion was made and seconded by Councilmembers McGarrey/Sanchez
to approve Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement with the County of Riverside, for
fire protection, fire prevention, rescue, fire marshal, and medical emergency services, to
add a Fire Safety Supervisor position; and authorize the City Manager to execute the
amendment. Motion passed unanimously.
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSS FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 PRELIMINARY PROPOSED BUDGET
Finance Director Martinez presented the staff report, which is on file in the Clerk's Office.
Council discussed follow up to Council's previous request that the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments update the City's Financial Advisory Commission on projects
such as CV Link and the Arts and Music Line; the many projects underway; and the 40
separate funds staff and Council monitor.
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS — None
MAYOR'S AND COUNCIL MEMBERS' ITEMS
Councilmembers reported on attendance at the La Quinta High School graduation; the
Women Who Lead luncheon; the Memorial Day event; and the Horizon School
graduation.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 10 of 11 JUNE 6, 2023
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 5
City of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: June 6, 2023
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, FOR FIRE PROTECTION, FIRE PREVENTION,
RESCUE, FIRE MARSHAL, AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICES, TO ADD A FIRE
SAFETY SUPERVISOR POSITION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement with the County of Riverside, for
fire protection, fire prevention, rescue, fire marshal, and medical emergency services,
to add a Fire Safety Supervisor position; and authorize the City Manager to execute the
amendment.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• The City contracts with the County of Riverside for fire services; the current
agreement includes two Fire Marshal positions, a Fire Safety Specialist and a Fire
Systems Inspector, both of which are responsible for plan check reviews and
inspections.
• Due to significant increase in building activity, workload demands have expanded
drastically.
• To meet increased construction demands, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is
recommending adding a Fire Safety Supervisor to supervise and support the
needs of the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual costs associated with this new position are estimated at $130,685.15
(Attachment 1). Additionally, this position requires a vehicle equipped with emergency
lights and decals. A Code Compliance vehicle could be transferred to this position at an
estimated cost of $6,000.
As shown below, the cost of this position could be fully covered by the revenues received
from Fire Plan Review Fee and Fire Inspection Fee, and if needed, Fire Tax Credits could
cover the difference.
Fire Plan Review Fire Inspection
Fiscal Year Fee Fee Fire Revenues
FY 2022-23 (as of 5/30/23) $59,368.50 $120,079.60 $179,448.10
FY 2021-22 $99,228.25 $119,607.00 $218,835.25
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FY 2020-21
FY 2019-20
FY 2018-19
FY 2017-18
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
$55,610.00
$73,338.31
$53,496.00
$48,538.28
$60,030.20
$56,535.05
$37,518.00
$24,930.00
$115,640.20
$129,873.36
$91,014.00
$73,468.28
The City contracts with Riverside County Fire Department (County Fire) to provide fire
services. Under this agreement, the City contracts for two Fire Marshal positions, a Fire
Marshal Specialist and a Fire Marshal Inspector, who are responsible for plan reviews,
construction, mandated inspections, fire investigations, and public education. The Fire
Specialist prioritizes land development and construction items to meet City's timelines,
reviews City events as needed, and conducts property inspections as time allows. The
Fire Systems Inspector focuses on inspections including the annual inspections as
required by law, and proactive inspections of businesses to ensure fire sprinkler systems
are properly functioning.
La Quinta Fire Marshal Activity
464
•
473
559
FY 2018-2019 FY 2019-2020
•
588
•
1927
• 582
FY 2020-2021 FY 2021-2022 FY 2022-2023 (as of
5/25/23)
—0—Plan Reviews —0—Fire Inspections
For several years, construction projects have significantly increased, resulting in an influx
of construction plan reviews and inspection requests. As shown on the graph above, the
workload of the La Quinta OFM has consistently increased in the last five fiscal years.
Specifically, fire inspections have multiplied by 315% from FY 2018-19 to FY 2022-23. .
In the past, the OFM provided additional temporary assistance to keep up with inspection
demands, however, that is no longer possible as the OFM has also experienced higher
demands throughout the County. As a solution, OFM is recommending Contract Cities
increase their Fire Marshal staffing levels to meet their workloads. Since La Quinta
already has two positions under contract, the OFM is recommending adding a Fire Safety
Supervisor to oversee, coordinate, prioritize, and assist in the daily operations of the
OFM. This position requires the incumbent to have five years of progressive responsible
experience and advanced -level plan review and inspection (Attachment 1).
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Staff has reviewed this recommendation among other options, such as splitting this
position with another city, however, sharing the position with another city will not
guarantee an acceptable turnaround. An additional option was to contract a consulting
firm to conduct on-call plan checks and fire inspections, however this is not a suitable
option as OFM staff must provide final approval for plan reviews and inspections.
Given the continuous increase in construction activity, plus annual State mandated
inspections, staff is requesting that a Fire Safety Supervisor position be added to the
City's Fire Service Agreement to ensure the City's needs are met in a timely manner.
ALTERNATIVES
Council could elect to delay, modify, or reject the requested amendment to the fire
contract.
Prepared by: Martha Mendez, Public Safety Manager
Approved by: Jon McMillen, City Manager
Attachment: 1. Fire Safety Supervisor Job Description
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COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
Established Date: Jan 19, 2006
Revision Date: Nov 14, 2013
FIRE SAFETY
SUPERVISOR
Bargaining Unit: SEIU - Supervisory
ATTACHMENT 1
Class Code:
37876
SALARY RANGE
$46.16 - $62.83 Hourly
$8,000.96 - $10,890.43 Monthly
$96,011.55 - $130,685.15 Annually
CLASS CONCEPT:
Under general direction, supervises and coordinates the daily operations of a fire inspection
or plan review division or city fire marshal service contract; coordinates fire prevention
activities with other jurisdictions and outside agencies; and performs other related duties as
assigned.
Incumbents of the Fire Safety Supervisor classification exercise general supervision over the
Plan Review and Construction division, Permit and Code Enforcement division, Special Unit
program or administer Fire Marshal service contracts, and may assist in planning and
logistical support functions for the Incident Command System.
REPRESENTATION UNIT:
SEIU - Supervisory
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
(Depending on the area of assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the
following)
• Supervise and coordinate fire prevention programs and activities of the Fire Prevention
Section; coordinate staffing, permitting, and scheduling of inspection programs and special
events.
• Supervise daily activities of fire prevention employees including: assigning, prioritizing, and
monitoring work in area of assignment; conducting performance evaluations; recommending
staffing and disciplinary actions; ensure appropriate training is available, counseling,
evaluating, and meeting with fire prevention personnel to identify and resolve
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issues/problems.
• Reviews, researches and evaluates fire protection, building and development plans and
specifications for conformance with applicable laws, codes and regulations concerning fire
protection and life safety; evaluates equipment for effectiveness and makes recommendations
for improved and/or alternative fire protection plans and devices; may conduct special
inspections and investigations of new construction and existing structures as it relates to fire
codes.
• Assist with developing and implementing the Fire Prevention goals and objectives, work
plans, priorities, and policy and procedures within assigned section; assist in preparing and
updating the Riverside County Master Fire Plan.
• May serve as contract Fire Marshall and develop, implement, and supervise the localized
fire prevention program and local service operations while maintaining program consistency
across jurisdictions.
• Serve as liaison for the plan review and fire inspection functions of the Fire Prevention
division with other department divisions, government agencies, partner jurisdictions and the
public; assist the public and other employees with technical inquiries related to Fire
Prevention operations; oversee and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Develop code amendments and participate in the code adoption process with stakeholders
and partner agencies.
• Write technical guidelines, bulletins, and interpretations; oversee and implement the
development of procedures and handbooks for fire inspection; prepare and maintain a variety
of organizational reports and operational studies; recommend modifications to programs,
polices, and procedures.
• Conduct quality control of fire prevention operations; prepare and maintain a variety of
reports and information related to Fire Prevention operations and appeal process.
• Supervise fire safety inspection of commercial, institutional, and industrial occupancies.
• Pursue legal remedy for non-compliance with fire codes, including issuance of pre -citation
notices, preparation of legal complaints, and testifying in court.
• Provide support to a variety boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional
group meetings representing the Fire Department interests; maintain currency with applicable
code, regulations, policies, and procedures.
RECRUITING GUIDELINES:
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience performing advanced -level
plan review and fire inspections related to application of fire and building code or equivalent
education, training, and experience which demonstrates possession of the listed knowledge
and abilities.
Knowledge of: The principles of supervision, performance evaluation, progressive discipline,
motivation and organization; principles and practices of staff and organizational development;
principles and practices of fire prevention, inspection, plan review, and code enforcement;
principles and methods of fire prevention education; burning characteristics associated with
building construction and chemical hazards; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes,
and regulations; State Fire Marshal's regulations and prevailing practices in fire prevention;
Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code; mathematical concepts; effective
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communication and interpersonal skills; customer service principles.
Ability to: Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of technical and clerical personnel;
monitor and evaluate employee; prepare clear, concise, and well-documented reports and
correspondence; analyze, interpret, and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules,
and regulations; recognize problems, analyze data, formulate alternatives, and make or
recommend appropriate decisions or resolutions; productively use personal computers and
associated software; prepare and conduct presentations to diverse audiences; recognize fire
and life safety code violations and hazards; interpret codes and regulations for the public;
read and interpret plans and blueprints; establish and maintain effective and tactful working
relationships with co-workers and the general public; provide quality customer service.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
May be required to successfully complete the Penal Code 832 course.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a pre-employment
physical exam, including a drug/alcohol test, and a criminal background investigation, which
involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from
County employment.)
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving
"At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable
Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per
Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
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