HomeMy WebLinkAbout#12 - Part Time Firefighter PostingSTAFF REPORT
DATE: March 20, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 12
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Greg Malmquist, Fire Chief
AGENDA ITEM: Authorize Advertising for Part Time Firefighters.
REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
On July 18, 2017, the City Council approved the hiring of Part Time Firefighters to staff the
station, 7 days a week from 6 AM to 6 PM, (2 – 6 hour shifts daily). Staffing would be as
follows:
M-F, 6 AM – Noon, 1-Part Time Firefighter + Administrative Assistant from 7 – Noon
M-F, Noon – 6 PM, 2-Part Time Firefighters
Sat/Sun, 6 AM – Noon, 2-Part Time Firefighters
Sat/Sun, Noon – 6 PM, 2-Part Time Firefighters
Since implementation of this staffing, we have struggled to fill all shifts. At the February 7, 2018
Council meeting the Substitute Firefighter position was approved. This utilizes Firefighters from
our current Paid on Call ranks to fill shift openings. While this has improved our shift coverage,
the recent resignation of one Part Time Firefighter has set us back.
Staff has taken this opportunity to pause and evaluate the staffing with Part Time Firefighters to
date and determine what is working, what isn’t and what can we improve on? We have also
asked the remaining Part Timers to evaluate changes in their availability since being hired and
any foreseen changes. Several of them are considering the option of the Substitute Firefighter as
a better alternative by allowing them to continue shift work and fit into their current life better.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Council approve authorizing advertising for Part Time Firefighters and creating an eligibility
list?
PROPOSAL:
Staff would like to advertise for the hiring of Part Time Firefighters to build an applicant list, to be utilized
and valid for one year. This should help us fill current openings and any vacancies that may arise, without
the need to go through the entire process again.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be no additional wage impact as we will advertise at the current $17/hour rate. The only
additional costs will be for the necessary uniforms and turnout gear.
RECOMMENDATION:
“Move to approve authorize advertising for Part Time Firefighters and creation of an eligibility list.”
ATTACHMENTS: None