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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 Fire Chief and City contributions to the IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan
2. Resolution Providing for Supplementary Benefits and Compensation of Certain Officers and Executive Employees of the City of Glendale to Supplement the Classification and Compensation Resolution
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for August 26, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On June 24, 2025, the City Council approved the appointment of the City’s 14th Fire Chief.
As part of his employment agreement, the City Manager is allowing the Fire Chief 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. The MERP enables retiring employees the opportunity to convert unused accumulated sick leave hours to pre-tax monies to be used for the retirees’ medical insurance costs during their retirement.
The City reached agreement on the IAFF MERP terms on September 24, 2024, and will incorporate them into the Executive Employee Supplementary Benefits and Compensation Resolution for the Fire Chief. The IAFF MERP terms are attached for reference.
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RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve the Resolution pertaining to the IAFF MERP terms and the Executive Employee Supplementary Benefits and Compensation Resolution.
ANALYSIS
The City of Glendale’s Fire Chief 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 Executive Employee Supplementary Benefits and Compensation Resolution.
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 Resolution. 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 of the Resolution and will adjust accordingly as Resolution provisions change.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the adoption of the IAFF MERP for the Fire Chief in the current fiscal year. The City’s contribution amount remains unchanged and is included as part of the FY 2025-26 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
Not approve Resolution as submitted.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Paula Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Prepared by:
Paula Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
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EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
1. IAFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan Terms.
2. Trust Agreement Governing the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Employee Benefit Trust.