pages: CityCouncil/2017-04-18.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2017-04-18 | 15 | which did not communicate; inquired how Alameda would make sure relevant departments could communicate with each other. The Fire Chief responded the Fire Department is cross referencing with other departments to make sure nothing is missed; staff is reviewing all business licenses to make sure inspections are done, and assigning inspection dates so none are missed; the Building Department uses the same program for tracking permits; if an issue arises, the Fire Department will be alerted and can get involved. In response to Councilmember Matarrese's inquiry, the Fire Chief stated the two agencies using non-sworn staff as Fire Inspectors are Oakland and Fremont. In response to Councilmember Matarrese's inquiry, the Fire Chief stated the City has a non-sworn Code Compliance Officer and Fire Inspections are done by fire companies. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether adding two Fire Inspector positions is enough to get through the back log, to which the Fire Chief responded in the affirmative; stated having two inspectors and an additional Fire Captain would help the Code Compliance Officer do follow-up; he is concerned about not having a full-time Fire Marshall; he will come back to Council after the end of the Community Paramedic program to make a request for a management position. Vice Mayor Vella inquired how much Alameda receives in Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) funds, to which the Fire Chief responded $275,000 per year on average; he expects to continue to ask for reimbursements. Councilmember Oddie inquired what does the City lose as a community by not having a full time Fire Marshall, to which the Fire Chief responded the City loses the management aspect; there is no one to explain policy and give direction; the position is important enough that it should be stand alone; a lot of technical information comes from the position; the City would be missing out on regional meetings a Fire Marshall would attend to be informed of fire prevention and new codes. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether not having a Fire Marshall or other resources would impact public events such as the Park Street festival, to which the Fire Chief responded things would be slowed down; the department is not functioning at the highest level; it will be more difficult when the Department loses the Chief from the Community Paramedic funding. Councilmember Oddie stated there was a huge cost overrun with the EOC funding due to lack of management of the IT aspect; inquired what the City would lose by not having management expertise. The Fire Chief responded the City would lose direct management of several things, including the Fire Prevention Bureau, quality control, quality assurances and quality improvement; a framework will be pieced together but making sure the plan is working Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 14 April 18, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-04-18.pdf |