pages: CityCouncil/2018-06-19.pdf, 21
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CityCouncil | 2018-06-19 | 21 | Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she met with the Deputy Fire Chief over some points; the Fire Department is looking at an impressive list of measures and programs; seeing how everything materializes would be helpful, rather than basing an expenditure on projected revenue increases; more information is needed. Vice Mayor Vella inquired whether it is possible for Council to approve the position but not fund it, to which the Acting City Manager responded more research needs to be done; staff would need to talk to legal and understand what should come first; she cannot provide an answer tonight, but will come back with more information. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether the budget needs to be approved tonight, to which the Acting City Manager responded in the affirmative; stated the budget needs to be adopted by June 30th The Finance Director stated her request would be that Council adopt the budget and bring the Fire Marshall position back. Mayor Spencer inquired how fire inspections were handled under the previous Fire Chief and why it is an issue now. The Deputy Fire Chief responded it is an issue because of the increase in the volume of the work in the division; there was not much work in Fire Prevention under the previous Chief; the department took a substantial hit and City services were cut because of the downturn in the economy; the department is now working its way back, but work is increasing faster than staffing. Mayor Spencer stated perhaps non-sworn positions could do the inspections if the Fire Department is having trouble keeping up. The Acting City Manager stated staff would need direction on the issue. Mayor Spencer stated that she would like the item to come back; how to best utilize sworn fire firefighters to serve the community should be considered; she would like to reconsider non-sworn position to efficiently and effectively do inspections. Councilmember Oddie stated the previous Chief did ask for the Fire Marshall position and it was turned down; the ghost ship fire in Oakland is a good example of the Fire Department being short staffed; he does not want to risk the safety of Alameda residents with non-sworn people in the position. Councilmember Matarrese stated the issues is important enough to come back with real numbers; he would like to know the consequences of not having a Fire Marshall and other options. Special Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission 4 June 19, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-06-19.pdf |