Grover Beach City Council
March 25, 2024

Five Cities Fire
Authority Policy and
Operational Update
March 25, 2024
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Staffing Update
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• New Battalion Chief Craig Angello
hired in February
• Chief Lieberman retired Dec. 29 and
interim chief until February
• Keith Aggson now serving as interim
until new Chief begins in April
• Strong Chief applicant pool with Board
approval of contract on April 15
• New General Counsel also appointed
Equipment Purchase
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• Replacement of Type I Engine and
Ladder Truck at end of 15-year lifespan
• Replacement Ladder Truck based on
“tiller” design with operators both in cab
and back of vehicle
• New vehicles to arrive in 2026 after
three-year build
• Purchase of used tiller truck for training
and use as reserve vehicle
Oceano Fire Service
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• One-year service agreement with OCSD until June 30, 2024 for $1.15 million in funding
• Limited term contract in interest of continuing FCFA service delivery while OCSD is requesting divestiture of fire services • Service response from Stations 1 (AG) or 2 (Grover Beach) as Station 3 (Oceano) currently closed
• Both Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande City Councils indicated that ongoing service would need to come at a higher cost Oceano Fire Service
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• FCFA Board held March 7th special meeting on Oceano fire service following earlier discussion in October
• Service level would be similar to current level with a 2-person company and contract fire prevention services
• County proposed $1.7M for this service in FY 2024-25 to provide similar 2-person service level to current level • County indicated desire for 3-person staffing but budget shortfall and equity concerns preclude them from doing so now Oceano Fire Service
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• Board recognized value of providing this service though concerned about lack of 3-person staffing
• Inability to reach agreement with County would eliminate funding for third FCFA company and reduce service levels while increasing costs • Board direction to work with County on multi-year agreement at initial cost of 2-person staffing with future move to 3-person staffing • Agreement would clarify contract oversight expenditures/administrative fees and commitment by County to improve Station 3
• Goal of bringing agreement to Board in April for approval followed by Board of Supervisors approval and review by LAFCO
Fiscal Impact and Recommendation
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• No direct fiscal impact from agenda item as FCFA cost is included in operating budget
• Recommendation:
• Receive an update on Five Cities Fire Authority policy and operational items to date in FY 2023-24 and provide input and comments to Council representatives and staff
• Staff would defer to Council Members Rushing and/or Weirick to provide additional information as Board members
Questions and Comments
FCFA Update
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