HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2012-171RESOLUTION NO. 2012-171
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND IAFF LOCAL 2180 REGARDING AN ADVANCED LIFE
SUPPORT PROGRAM AND AMENDING THE
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN
TO ADD THE CLASSIFICATION OF EMS NURSE
COORDINATOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ADDITION OF
THIS POSITION TO THE AUTHORIZED POSITION COUNT
OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, an Advanced Life Support ("ALS") Program, inter alia, consists of
providing paramedic services to the public; and
WHEREAS, American Medical Response ("AMR") currently provides paramedic
services for the City's ALS program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista desires that its Fire Department personnel provide
the paramedic services; and
WHEREAS, the City and IAFF (Local 2180) have engaged in labor negotiations to have
City Fire Department Personnel represented by IAFF provide paramedic services for the City of
Chula Vista; and
WHEREAS, the City and IAFF have reached a tentative agreement ("ALS Agreement")
with respect to providing such paramedic services and which is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the ALS Agreement provides that the Fire Chief, subject to City Council
approval, shall have the sole and unfettered discretion to terminate the ALS program wherein
City Fire Personnel provide paramedic services; and
WHEREAS, the ALS Agreement further provides that the costs of the program, including
the compensation teens set forth in the ALS Agreement, shall be recovered entirely from the
pass-through fees collected from the City's agreement with AMR and, as a result, the impact of
the ALS program shall be cost neutral to the City's General Fund; and
WHEREAS, the ALS Agreement, including the compensation set forth therein, is
contingent upon future Council approval of an agreement with AMR to implement and fund the
ALS program wherein City Fire Department personnel provide paramedic services; and
WHEREAS, the ALS program requires the creation of an EMS Nurse Coordinator to
develop and implement a myriad of ALS and Basic Life Support ("BLS") paramedic training
functions; and
Resolution No. 2012-171
Page No. 2
WHEREAS, the cost to fund the EMS Nurse Coordinator position will also be recovered
from the aforementioned pass-through fees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
as follows:
Section 1. That the foregoing Recitals aze incorporated into this Resolution by this
reference.
Section 2. That the Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto as Exhibit A
between the City of Chula Vista and IAFF (Local 2180) is hereby approved and the City
Manager or his designee is authorized to execute the aforementioned Memorandum of
Understanding.
Section 3. The creation of the position EMS Nurse Coordinator is hereby authorized.
The compensation schedule and classification plan is hereby amended to add the classification of
EMS Nurse Coordinator and the Fire Department is authorized to add the aforementioned
position to its position count.
Presented by
~fr~~~~
Dave Hanneman
Fire Chief
Approved as to form by
len R. ogins
ey
Resolution No. 2012-171
Page No.3
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista,
California, this 1 lth day of September 2012 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Aguilar, Bensoussan, Castaneda, Ramirez and Cox
NAYS: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
~ r „ ~ ~~
Cheryl Cox, Ma r
ATTEST:
~~ ~~~
Donna R. Norris, CMC, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
CITY OF CHULA VISTA )
I, Donna R. Norris, City Clerk of Chula Vista, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 2012-171 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a
regular meeting of the Chula Vista City Council held on the 11th day of September 2012.
Executed this 11th day of September 2012.
,~- ~~~-
Donna R. Norris, CMC, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A Resolution No. 2012-171
Page No. 4
TENTATNE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 2180
August 24, 2012
The City of Chula Vista and IAFF (Local 2180) tentatively agree to the following
The creation of an Advanced Life Support (ALS) program is a mutual interest of both
IAFF Local 2180 and the City of Chula Vista. Continuation of the ALS program will be at
the discretion of the Fire Chief and based on the need and adequate funding of the
program via solely the use of pass through/transport fees.
This ALS program will become effective upon the completion of an_agreement between
the City and American Medical Response (AMR) and City Council approval.
Continuation of the ALS program will be at the discretion of the Fire Chief with City
Council approval, and based on the need for said program as determined by the City or
adequate funding of the program. Continuation of the program is further contingent upon
adequate and complete funding through the American Medical Response (AMR)
agreement or AMR successor. No General Fund monies will be used to fund the ALS
program. The term of this Agreement shall be until September 30, 2014.
The ALS program goat is to initially have five (5) companies staffed to provide
paramedic services and starting in the third year adding two (2) companies staffed to
provide paramedic services per year until all the companies are able to provide
paramedic services. The Fire Chief shall determine which stations and companies will
provide paramedic services. Assignment to the paramedic stations and companies
shall take precedence over seniority-based assignment to the specific station and
company. The City and IAFF will work collaboratively inthe assignment of paramedic
trained personnel. The Fire Chief shall have final authority to determine which
paramedic trained personnel will be assigned to the specific station and company.
The Department will create an ALS Committee ("Committee") to advise the Fire Chief on
matters related to this MOU, including development of ALS program polices and
procedures. The Committee shall consist of two representatives assigned by the Fire
Chief and two representatives assigned by IAFF Local 2180. The Committee's role shall
be advisory unless otherwise noted. Nothing in Phis provision shall be interpreted in any
manner that intrudes upon City Management's rights, unless otherwise expressly
specified herein.
A. PARAMEDIC TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
1. Annually, the Fire Chief will determine if there is a need to provide a
scholarship program. It is the Fire Department's goal to meet the paramedic
staffing level set forth above under those time frames, or sooner if possible. .
Chula Vista Cily Negotiating Team -ALS Pmgram 412011
Resolution No. 2012-27]
Page No. 5
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 27 80
2. The Chula Vista Fire Department (Department) will use an application and
interview process for those paramedic candidates interested in attending a
department-sponsored paramedic school scholarship program. The
department will establish an eligibility list for those paramedic candidates
based on their overall score. tf two candidates receive the same score, their
selection will then be based on seniority.
a. During the paramedic candidate selection process, priority will be given to
the firefighter rank. The basis for this is because each paramedic
company is based on the firefighter-paramedic position. The Fire Chief will
make the determination 'rf prospective paramedic candidates in higher
suppression ranks will be included in the scholarship program.
b. All scholarship candidates must be in "good standing" with the department,
San Diego County EMS, and California EMSA. Any active or pending
certification/licensure action or legal proceedings against an employee as
described in Health & Safety Code, Section 1798.200 will disqualify that
individual firom the sdholarship program.
The eligibility list will be established and utilized annually for the paramedic
class that begins each September. The eligible list may be extended as
determined by the Fire Chief.
4. A paramedic scholarship candidate must successfully complete all
prerequisite requirements for the Southwestern College paramedic school on
their own time and expense. This includes crompleting and submitting all
required paramedic training applications and forms, and being accepted into
the programs next class.
5. An employee who is unsuccessful in completing his/her department-
sponsored paramedic training program may have up to one additional
opportunity to complete the program. The individual will be placed at the
bottom of the following eligibility list. This does not guarantee a sponsorship in
the next round. Sponsorship eligibility is based on the number of qualified
applicants each year.
a. An employee who does not successfully complete EMT-P training will not
be obligated to reimburse the Department for any fees.
b. An employee who is unsuccessful in completing his/her paramedic training
will not face disciplinary action, unless a violation of an established law,
regulation, or City or Department policy has occurred. tf such a violation is
Chula Vrsia City Negotiating Team-ALS Program 4f2D11 2
Resolution No. 2012-171
Page No. 6
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 2180
deemed to have taken place, the candidate may be disqualified from
further consideration for department-sponsored paramedic training.
6. The Department will offer the following in support of employees who v~ish to
attend paramedic school:
a. The Department will pay all tuition fees (registration, exams, health,
parking pass, finger-print, etc.) associated with attendance in paramedic
school at Southwestem College or a school designated by the City.
b. The Department will purchase and provide all required textbooks. Optional
textbooks are the responsibility of each employee. However, the City may,
in its discretion, purchase optional textbooks.
c. The Department will provide early release from duty to employees who are
attending paramedic classes when necessary. Force-hire procedures for
staffing will bump down to the next employee during scheduled paramedic
training.
d. Didactic and Clinical Phases: The need for future paramedic classes is
determined by the Fire Chief and the minimum didactic hours (608 hours)
required by the program will be covered. For clinical time, the minimum
hours required (160 hours) by the program will be covered.
e. Ride-a-Long Hours: The Department will cover the minimum hours of the
required time (108 hours) for ride-a-long experience (as determined by
Southwestern College's paramedic training curriculum). All additional non-
mandatory ride-a-long hours are at the employee's expense. If further
hours are mandated by the program/department those mandated hours
shall be covered.
f. Field Internship: The Department will cover the full minimum hour
requirement (480 hours) of the field internship phase.
B. SEPARATION FROM THE CVFD PARAMEDIC PROGRAM
A Firefighter-Paramedic will have the option of leaving the paramedic program
under the following conditions:
1. The Department will maintain a sufficient minimum number of firefighter-
paramedics to meet the operational needs of the Fire Department as
Chula Visb Ciry Negofiating Team-ALS Program 4120 i 1
Resolution No. 2012-271
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TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OFUNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHUTA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 2180
determined by the Fire Chief, with consideration of input from the ALS
Committee.
2. The department-sponsored paramedic employee will serve a minimum four (4)
year obligation as a paramedic with the CVFD (from the time they receive
California EMT-P licensure) prior to requesting to leave the program.
3. The employee may resign provided there is another eligible paramedic to fill
their position and will not impact other operational needs. If there is no
available paramedic to fill the position then the resignation will not go in effect
until an eligible paramedic is in place. The employee will_submit a written letter
of resignation from the paramedic program at least ninety (90) days in
advance of the date they wish to leave the program. In case of simultaneous
resignation requests, resignation will be based on seniority. The notification
requirement may be shortened under appropriate circumstances.
4. Upon resigning from the paramedic program; EMT-P compensation and
reimbursements will end. The employee must maintain and limit their scope of
practice to that of an EMT.
Department-sponsored employees who voluntarily resign from either City
employment, or from the paramedic program before the four year obligation is
complete will be obligated to reimburse the City for all tuition costs associated
with the EMT-P training. The aforementioned department-sponsored
employees may receive credit against the amounts due on apro-rated basis
based on the amount of time completed during the four year obligation.
6. Extenuating circumstances that require an individual to leave the paramedic
program prior to completing his/her tour-year commitment will be considered
on a case-by-case basis. The Fire Chief may on acase-by-case basis excuse
part of or all of the aforementioned required reimbursement based on upon
extenuating circumstances.
7. "Other-Paramedic" personnel do not have to comply with sections B1 and B3
above.
C. SCOPE OF PRACTICE
1. Any employee who possesses the qualifications as an EMT-P, but expressly
chooses not to participate in the Departments paramedic program will not be
compensated as an EMT-P, and will be limited in their scope-of-practice to
provide patient care at the level of an EMT.
Chula Vista City Negotiarmg Team -ALS Program 42011 ~
Resolution No. 2012-171
Page No. 8
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 2180
Employees who actively participate and function as paramedics for the Chula
Vista Fire Department shall successfully meet all State and San Diego County
certification, licensure and accreditation requirements.
D. PARAMEDIC PROGRAM EXPENSES
All costs of the paramedic program are paid from reimbursements for services
provided to the Fire Department from the City's Ambulance Transportation Contract.
Costs are to include EMT-P licensing, continuing education, paramedic training,
supplies, administration, and any other costs directly attributed to the program.
1. The Department will pay for all fees associated with Paramedic license,
certifications, and accreditation as set for#h by local, county, state and federal
agencies.
a. Employees must submit the original receipt along with the reimbursement
form, and a copy of their ACLS card, and California and San Diego County
EMT-P licenses to the EMS Division.
E. PARAMEDIC PROGRAM SPECIALTY COMPENSATION
1. A Paramedic Company shall be defined as a fire apparatus with advanced life
support (ALS) capability. The (firefighter rank] on this company shall be
trained to the level of EMT-Paramedic and two members trained to the level of
EMT as a minimum. Paramedics on the ALS Company shall carry out duties
as defined by the appropriate San Diego County and State of California
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies.
2. A "Firefigh#er Paramedic" shall be defined as an employes assigned by the
department to functionally ride and qualified to carry out the duties in the
.Firefighter-Paramedic position.
3. The Fire Chief will determine if there is a need to have additional suppression
ranks certified as Paramedics. These other positions will be considered as
"Other Paramedic".
4. In order to be eligible for paramedic specialty compensation, an employee
must:
a. Possess a valid current State of California EMT-Paramedic license.
b. Possess a valid current County of San Diego EMT-Paramedic Accreditation
card
Chula Vsta City Negotiating Team -ALS Program 4(2011
Resolution No. 2012-271
Page No. 9
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 218D
c. Possess a valid current Advanced Cardiac L'rfe Support (ACES) card
d. Possess a valid current CPR card
e. Attend a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course or equivalent every
four years (at a minimum).
f. Attend aPre-Hospital Trauma L'rfe Support (PHTLS) course or equivalent
every four years (at a minimum).
g Successfully pass Department EMT-P skills assessment. stations and general
protocol /knowledge test (initial start-up of the paramedic program).
h. Maintain and provide the Department copies with proof of certification,
licehsure and accreditation. While the employee is responsible for
maintaining certification, licensure, and accreditation, the Department will
assist employee by providing notices of required certifications, licensure, and
accreditation.
i. The Department will designate from which group certification, licensure,
accreditation is required. The Department shall make a list of such groups
available to employee.
8. Compensation under the Paramedic program shall be as follows:
a. [Firefighter Paramedics-Specialty Pay] That Firefighters trained as, certified
as, and assigned by the Fire Department to perform the duties of a
paramedic be compensated by receiving specialty pay in the amount of 15%
of their base pay per pay period (hereinafter "FF-Paramedic Specialty Pay").
For example, if the Firefighter is at E-Step ($2515.03 per pay period) and is
assigned as a Firefighter Paramedic then his FF-Paramedic Specialty pay
would be $377.25 per pay period (2515.03 x .15 = 377.25).
b. [Paramedic Trained Fire Engineers and Captains-Specialty Pay] That Fire
Engineers and Captains who are trained as, certified as, and that may be
assigned by the Fire Department to perform the duties of a paramedic be
compensated by receiving specialty pay in the amount of 7.5°I° of their base
pay per pay period. (hereinafter "Paramedic Trained Fire Engineers and
Captains Specialty Pay'). The aforementioned specialty pay would be
calculated as described in paragraph 8(a).
c. [EMT Specialty Pay] That Firefighters, Fire Engineers, Captains, and
Battalion Chiefs with current and valid EMT certificates will be compensated
ChWa Vista City Neg°tiating Teem-ALS Pmg2m 42011
Resolution No. 20] 2-171
Page No. 10
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 2780
by receiving specialty pay in the amount of 1.5% of their base pay per pay
period. The aforementioned specialty pay would be calculated as described
in paragraph 8(a).
d. [Not Eligible for EMT Specialty Pay] Fire personnel receiving compensation
in paragraphs 8(a) and 8(b) and Prevention Fire Department employees shall
not receive the compensation set forth in paragraph 8(c).
e. [Compensation Start Date] The compensation described in paragraphs 8(a)-
(c) shall begin to be paid the first pay period after the County certifies the
first paramedic station as operational.
f. [Term] The terms of this side letter on compensation shall remain in full force
and effect from the date the General Conditions below are satisfed and the
City and IAFF sign an agreement for the ALS program until September 30,
2014. The Fire Chief, subject to City Council approval, has the sole and
unfettered discretion to terminate the ALS program at any time and for any
reason. If the ALS program is terminated under this paragraph, all terms in
this compensation side letter shall cease immediately.
g. jGeneral Conditions] The compensation proposal offered herein is
contingent upon the follov~ing:
1. The Parties completion and agreement to the Advanced Life Support
("ALS") procedures for the ALS Paramedic Program (regarding
which the parties had also been in informal discussions); and
2. Amendment of AMR's contract to permit and completely fund (via
transport fees) the approved ALS Paramedic Program; and
3. City Council approval of the final versions of the AMR contract and
IAFF MOU amendments regarding the ALS Paramedic Program.
4. All funding for this agreement shall be from pass through fees from
the AMR contract and no use of City General Fund revenues.
F. CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)
Continuing education ("CE") is the responsibility of the employee. The
Department will provide in-service training as detailed below to meet CE
requirements. The Department may in lieu of providing in-service training,
approve other CE programs to satisfy CE requirements. In-service training will
be the primary means of providing CE and non-in-service trainings should only
be used when in-service training is not available or the employee is unable to
attend in-service training because of deployment related or other excused
7
Chula Vsta Ciry NegotiafmQ Team-ALS Prog2m 4f2011
Resolution No. 2012-271
Page No. 11
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
AND
IAFF LOCAL 2180
absences. To be eligible for reimbursement, all non-in-serve training programs
must be approved by the Fire Chief before attendance is permitted.
2. The Department will provide a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education
requirements annually. This includes Field Care Audits, and "on-line" CE
services available to on-duty employees to assist in satisfying the requirements
set forth by the State of California and County of San Diego.
3. A minimum of one Advanced Cardiac L'rfe Support (ACES) class will be provided
annually by the department.
4. Additional continuing education classes will be provided by AMR (or its
successor) at no cost to the employee.
5. Employees shall bear full responsibility for obtaining all required continuing
education.
For the City of Chula Vista: For IAFF, Lbcal 2180:
~~ ~~NI~~O~/1
Name: Name
Name: Name
Name: iVame
Name: Name
Name: Name
Chula testa City Negotiating Team- ALS Program 42011