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ltam �e� �l_�� i_ 1 l 1 J Request for Council Action Date: July 10,2006 Item Number: 7. Manager Approval Agenda Section �Y��iM� .rl � L f i - - - � �•�� ?�� r�; Fir�e a+ep��tm�nt aa�rti�n$ �t�fEln� Backqround For decades the fire department operated a staffing program where firefighters worked on-duty in a fire station at night. In 2001 the staffing program was expanded to include daytime hours. With 92% of all the department's calls for service being daytime calls (b:00 am to 6:04 pm) the daytime staffing program has a significant impact on the department's efficiency and effectiveness. However, the continual problem of daytime turnover and the cost of recruiting and retaining quality part-time daytime available firefighters have resulted in inconsistent staffing and supervision of those shifts. There are three problems with the daytime staffing program we are seeking Council assistance to resolve. First, is daytime supervision. In 2006, three of the five day available part-time supervisors resigned and moved away (Hugo, Qakdal� and Texas). People moving away is a recurring problem in today's mobile society. Second, is a current shortage of stable daytime staffing. A shortage of firefighters in fire departments that use volunteers and paid-on-call staffing is a national phenomenon (see page 14 froin "A Call for Action. The Blue Ribbon Report" attached hereto). Fortunately for Roseville, we have adequate staffing at night and our problem is only during the daytime hours. Unfortunately, the limited day available staffing is causing us to run extremely shorthanded, causing safety concerns and concerns over our ability to continue the daytime staffing program. Third, are the on-going issues of turnover and the cost of recruitment and retention of quality daytime available firefighters. The ability to continue the daytime staffing program is going to require stabilizing the staffing program and to ensure the ability to meet the needs of the community efficiently and eF�ectively during an emergency. Daytime staffing and supervision are at the point where the staffing program is at risk of being cancelled. With more than 90% of all the calls for service occurring during these hours, it would have a significant impact on the quality of service if the staffing program were discontinued. Thus, we have crafted a creative solution that will save budget dollars. We are seeking Council support and authorization to immediately implement a three-pronged solution. 1. Hire one regular full-time supervisor. 2. Hire two limited-term full-time employees. * 3. Hire three part-time (3/4 time) benefited employees. This approach accomplishes three goals. First, it provides for stable daytime supervision. Second, it addresses the immediate problem of daytime staffing shortages. And finally, it addresses the retention of daytime staffing by providing benefits for some part-time day available employees.