City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: FEBRUARY 15, 2022 FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: REQUEST APPROVAL TO APPROPRIATE $40,000 TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PREVENTION DIVISION - SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION ISSUE:
Recommend that the City Council approve the request to amend the FY 2021/22 General Fund Fire Department budget to appropriate $40,000 for professional services with CSG Consultants, Inc., for the temporary employment service needs of the Fire Department Prevention Division.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council, with five affirmative votes, approve a supplemental appropriation in the General Fund, Fire Department Prevention Division in the amount of $40,000 from General Fund surplus reserves.
BACKGROUND:
On April 21, 2020, the City Council approved the agreement between the Community & Economic Development Department and CSG Consultants, Inc., for the temporary employment service needs of the Building & Safety Division in the amount of $100,000 per fiscal year, for a total contract amount of $740,000 in accordance with Purchasing Resolution 23256, Section 702 (g).
The Community & Economic Development Department is providing the Fire Department Prevention Division the opportunity to piggyback off the current Purchase Order #222766 for CSG Consulting, Inc. using funds from the Fire Department in the amount of $40,000.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Riverside's Fire Prevention Program prevents injuries, deaths, business interruption, and property damages resulting from fires. In accordance with the California Fire Code and the Riverside Municipal Code, the Riverside Fire Department is required to inspect all Riverside businesses for fire and life safety compliance. The frequency of the inspections depends on state laws, industry standards, and general life safety hazards.
The Fire Department Prevention Division currently has a backlog of 200 Plan Checks. The backlog results from of loss of personnel due to recent retirements and the limited resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developers, homeowners, and businesses submit various plan checks to expand, build, and upgrade their facilities. The current backlog affects the timeliness, efficiency, and business-friendly environment of the “One Stop Shop.” The Fire Department Prevention Division will use $40,000 to outsource Fire Plan Checks to CSG Consulting, Inc. with a completion time of 4-weeks for all backlogged plans. The City of Riverside currently has a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with CSG Consultants, Inc. and open purchase order. CSG Consultants, Inc. is certified to perform Fire Plan Checks according to the City of Riverside standards.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item supports two of the Strategic Priorities in the Envision Riverside 2025 Strategic Plan. First is the Strategic Priority No. 2 Community Well-Being and Goal No. 2.4 – Support programs and innovations that enhance community safety, encourage neighborhood engagement, and build public trust. Secondly, is the Strategic Priority No.5 High Performing Government and Goal No. 5.2 – Utilize technology, data, and process improvement strategies to increase efficiencies, guide decision making, and ensure services are accessible and distributed equitably throughout all geographic areas of the City.
This item aligns with Each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – Using funds for outsourcing backlogged Fire Plan Checks will build trust within the residential and business community.
Equity – The Fire Plan Check outsourcing allows all citizens, businesses, and developers access to timely and efficient Plan Check Reviews equally for the benefit of the community’s economic advancement.
Fiscal Responsibility – The use of CSG Consulting, Inc. demonstrates fiscal responsibility by providing timely Fire Plan Checks at a rate of 70% of current fees.
Innovation – The partnership with CSG Consulting, Inc. utilizes statewide resources to complete the backlog of 200 Fire Plans.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The Fire Plan Check outsourcing meets the needs of the community, businesses, and developers without compromising the Fire Department’s primary mission to protect life, property, and the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is a $40,000 supplemental appropriation from General Fund surplus reserves. Estimated plan check revenue in the amount of $157,297 is included in the adopted FY 2021/22 budget; as of January 31, 2022, 37% of the revenue target has been collected. With current resources, actual revenue will likely fall short of the target by approximately $58,000. Additionally, project development is delayed until the completion of the Fire Plan Check, which may impact the timing and collection of other development revenues.
If Council approves the supplemental appropriation, an increase in appropriations will be recorded to the General Fund, Fire Department, Fire Administration Professional Services account 3500000-421000.
Prepared by: Michael D. Moore, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Approved by: Al Zelinka, FAICP, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Fire Prevention Appropriation ● Page 2