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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan.
1. Resolution approving employee and employer contributions to the IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for October 8, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Glendale Firefighters’ Association/Local 776 (GFFA) represents sworn fire personnel, including Firefighter Recruits, Firefighters, Fire Engineers, Fire Captains, and related Paramedic roles. On February 6, 2024, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the GFFA effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. As part of this agreement, the City allowed GFFA members to participate in the International Association of Fire Fighters’ (IAFF) Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) through both employee and employer contributions, with the City contributing $75 per month. Afterward, negotiations began to outline a process for future MERP fringe benefits.
On September 24, 2024, the parties reached a final agreement on the IAFF MERP terms, which were incorporated into the GFFA MOU. The IAFF MERP terms are attached for reference.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve the attached Resolution pertaining to the IAFF MERP terms, which amend and incorporate the previously approved GFFA MOU.
ANALYSIS
The City of Glendale firefighter employees represented by the IAFF Local 776, will participate in the IAFF MERP, which provides reimbursement for medical expenses for retired firefighters who meet the Plan’s eligibility requirements. This participation is facilitated through both employee and employer contributions outlined in the MOU between the City and GFFA.
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The City has the authority to implement mandatory payroll deductions as part of its compensation package to facilitate contributions to the Plan, ensuring compliance with the collective bargaining agreement. The monthly $75 employer contribution shall be deposited pre-tax with the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Benefit Trust. These contributions and any payouts related to unused leave at retirement will align with the terms set forth in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and will adjust accordingly as CBA provisions change.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the adoption of the IAFF MERP in the current fiscal year. The City’s contribution amount remains unchanged and is included as a part of the FY 2024- 25 budget. The subsequent years’ costs shall be appropriated as part of the regular budget process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item is exempt from the CEQA/NEPA.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Not approve Resolution as submitted.
Alternative 2: The City Council may consider other alternatives not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Paula Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Michele Flynn, Interim Director of Finance
Prepared by:
Paula Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
1. IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan Terms.
2. TRUST AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE WASHINGTON STATE COUNCIL OF FIRE
FIGHTERS EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST