City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: APRIL 8, 2025 FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: MEASURE Z SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR THE PURCHASE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) IN THE AMOUNT OF $135,000 ISSUE:
Authorize a supplemental appropriation for the purchase of PPE in the amount of $135,000 from Measure Z fund balance.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the purchase of PPE in the amount of $135,000; and With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $135,000 from Measure Z fund balance for Fire PPE.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Budget Engagement Commission convened on February 13, 2025, to review and consider recommending that the City Council approve a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $506,284 for the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the amount of $371,284 and $135,000, respectively. Following discussion, the Commission unanimously voted to support the recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
Firefighters are required to wear a variety of PPE to ensure their safety while carrying out their mission to protect the public. This equipment is used during structure fires, wildland fires, rescues, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. Due to the demanding nature of these emergencies, PPE is often exposed to extreme conditions, leading to significant wear and tear.
In recent years, supply shortages and inflation have driven up the cost of PPE considerably. The combination of increased replacement costs and frequent wear and tear has left the department unable to maintain an adequate inventory of PPE. This shortage affects the ability to properly outfit firefighters and maintain reserve equipment while PPE is being cleaned or repaired.
DISCUSSION:
RFD is experiencing PPE shortages due to increased wear and tear and rising replacement costs driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions. These shortages compromise firefighter safety and operational readiness. Additional PPE is essential to properly outfit all personnel and maintain reserves for cleaning or repairs.
In addition, recent updates from California Occupational Safety and Health (Cal OSHA) regarding care and maintenance standards have led to early retirement of older turnout equipment, shortening the previous four-year rotation schedule. This change has also contributed to the availability of backstock of PPE.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
Items contributing to the Strategic Priority No. 2 Community Well-Being and Goal No. 2.6 -Strengthen community preparedness for emergencies to ensure effective response and recovery.
This project aligns with the Cross-Cutting Threads of the City’s Strategic Plan as follows:
Community Trust – This project demonstrates Riverside's commitment to investing in public safety, reflecting the priorities established in the Measure Z Spending Plan.
Equity – The Fire Department is dedicated to delivering equitable fire and life safety services to all Riverside residents. This initiative will ensure that all fire firefighters are equipped to respond promptly to emergencies.
Fiscal Responsibility – Competitive bidding will be conducted per Purchasing Resolution 23812, ensuring that the department secures the best pricing while maintaining transparency.
Innovation – The acquisition of PPE that meet current industry standards, enhances the department’s ability to respond effectively to various emergency incidents. These upgrades ensure firefighter safety, interoperability, and operational readiness while keeping the department aligned with the latest technological advancements in the fire service industry.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The acquisition of new PPE ensures the department maintains operational readiness and firefighter safety. These investments enhance the department's ability to respond effectively to emergencies while extending the lifecycle of essential equipment, reducing the impact of wear and tear, and ensuring compliance with current industry standards.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is $135,000 for PPE equipment. Upon Council approval, a supplemental appropriation will be recorded in the Measure Z Fund, Fire PPE & SCBA Kits expenditure account to be established by the Finance Department at a later date.
Staff will submit a separate supplemental appropriation for the remaining $371,284 related to the SCBA kits when the bid is ready to award.
There is sufficient Measure Z fund balance to cover the costs of the one-time item.
Prepared by: Brian Guzzetta, Deputy Fire Chief
Approved by: Steve McKinster, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/ Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager Approved as to form: Jack Liu, Interim City Attorney
Attachment:
Budget Engagement Committee Report
MZ Spending Plan
Presentation
PPE ● Page 2