DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2024
DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL P. KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
BY: ESTEFANIA VARGAS, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
TITLE: PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR 2024 FIRE ACADEMY RECRUITS RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve the purchase of equipment from All Star Fire Equipment, Jaeco Fire and Safety, Curtis Tools for Heroes, Motorola Solutions, and Witmer Public Safety Group for seventeen (17) fire recruits in an amount not to exceed $404,431.50, inclusive of a 10% contingency per item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 10, 2023, the Salinas City Council approved a resolution accepting the SAFER Grant award, thereby securing full funding for nine (9) Fire Recruit positions. Recognizing the imperative to diminish overtime expenses and alleviate the strain on personnel due to turnover and industrial leave vacancies, the department has concluded that augmenting its workforce with an additional eight (8) positions would provide a comprehensive solution. Consequently, Salinas Fire seeks approval to procure all essential equipment for a seventeen (17)-recruit academy, ensuring its effectiveness and bolstering the department's operational readiness.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Fire Department is currently engaged in preparations for a forthcoming fire academy and is requesting authorization for the procurement of equipment required to outfit seventeen (17) Fire Recruits. In addition to nine (9) personnel funded by the SAFER Grant, the department continues to employ a strategy of “overstaffing” that has proven successful in curbing overtime costs associated with minimum staffing of a 24/7 emergency service and helps reduce reliance on mutual aid. “Overstaffing” includes the hiring of eight (8) additional personnel to account for current vacancies due to long-term industrial injuries, as well as forecasted turnover and retirements. The combination of SAFER personnel and overstaffing also helps assure the staffing of four (4) personnel on each of the two ladder trucks. This practice allows for additional unit hours to be made available for concurrent emergency calls, further reducing reliance on mutual aid. Should Council not approve this request, the department will be unable to provide new personnel with the necessary safety equipment and clothing mandated by state and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, consequently hindering the academy's operations. Pending approval of the proposed resolution, the Salinas Fire Department will proceed with the acquisition of the following essential equipment for a total of $404, 431.50 which includes a 10% per item contingency.
There are no local vendors which offer the equipment indicated above. The City Council has the authority to approve this direct purchase under Salinas Municipal code Section12-27 and without application of the local purchasing preference pursuant to Salinas Municipal Code Section 12-28.080.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This resolution supports the City Council’s goal of Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Salinas Fire Department will seek the support of the Finance Department throughout the purchasing process.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Funding was identified through the approved Mid-Year Budget Performance Review and Supplemental Appropriation Requests.
ATTACHMENTS:
Staff Report
Resolution
Quotes
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