2010-08-17 CC Agenda - PRESENTATION - ITEM C2 - Feasibility StudyFEASIBILITY STUDY
FOR THE PROVISION OF FIRE PROTECTION,
PARAMEDIC AND INCIDENTAL SERVICES
FOR
THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO
m
THE CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors 8-17-2010
FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction............................................................................................................ 3
11. Executive Summary ............................................................................................. 4
III. City of El Segundo................................................................................................. 6
IV. Proposed Operation by the Fire District................................................................ 8
V. Financial Analysis................................................................................................ 10
VI. Benefits of Annexing the City to the Fire District ................................................. 13
VII. Transition from City to District............................................................................ 22
VIII. Summary ............................................................................................................26
Appendices:
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Glossary of Terms
Description of Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles
County
Additional District Services
Annexation Process
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
I. INTRODUCTION
On December 1, 2009, the El Segundo City Council requested a proposal for the
provision of Fire Protection, Paramedic, and Incidental Services from the Consolidated
Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (Fire District). On December 2, 2009, the
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed that the guidelines for
preparing such proposals be revised to include specific criteria regarding liabilities,
benefits, and financial risk. The new guidelines were prepared in consultation with the
Chief Executive Office, Auditor -Controller, and County Counsel, and approved by the
Board on July 13, 2010.
In accordance with the recently approved guidelines, this feasibility study was prepared
to outline for the Board the Fire District's preliminary recommendations for proposed
staffing in the City of El Segundo and provide preliminary findings regarding the:
• reciprocal benefits to Los Angeles County and Fire District residents and
businesses, as well as those of El Segundo, including increased staffing and units
that will be available to the Fire District and El Segundo;
• evaluation of any increased County risk exposures and costs, including but not
limited to liability and workers compensation benefits, to ensure that the fee
structure would include a proportional charge for such costs to the City of
El Segundo, and if appropriate, a charge back of any unique costs identified for
the City's contract; and
• evaluation of the City of El Segundo's financial solvency, in consultation with the
Auditor -Controller, using the City's last published Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR).
If authorized by the Board, the Fire Chief would submit this feasibility study to the City of
El Segundo for review. The City would then determine whether or not to proceed with
negotiations for annexation to the Fire District. If the City decides to proceed, it would be
required to sign a Reimbursement Agreement that ensures payment to the Fire District of
its costs for evaluating the City's facilities, equipment and vehicles to determine potential
one-time costs of conversion to Fire District operation.
If negotiations with the City are successful, the Fire District would return to your Board
with final recommendations and request that the Board make application to the Local
Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to annex the City of El Segundo to the Fire
District. Appendix D outlines the steps in the annexation process.
FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Annexation of the City of El Segundo to the Fire District would provide reciprocal benefits
to both agencies. The City and Fire District's common boundary, alongside the western
boundaries of the unincorporated area of Del Aire and the City of Hawthorne, is
conducive for economically sharing resources. The City would benefit from the Fire
District's regional and specialized resources, while the Fire District and Los Angeles
County would benefit from the additional resources that would be staffed within the City.
The Fire District would operate the City of El Segundo's two fire stations, Station 1
located on Main Street on the western side of the City, and new Station 2 located on
Mariposa Avenue on the eastern side, for a total 2010-11 estimated cost of $10.1 million.
Constant staffing for both City stations with two assessment engine companies, one truck
company and one paramedic squad would provide a total staffing of 12 uniformed
personnel on -duty daily in the City, plus fire prevention staff.
A service contract between the Fire District and the City would provide benefits to both
agencies, including:
➢ Specialized Fire District resources such as hazardous materials and
urban search and rescue squads are constantly staffed and would be
available to respond within the City as needed. Within 5 miles of the
City, 24 District units are constantly staffed and would respond to major
or simultaneous incidents within the City.
➢ Engine and truck company response times to the unincorporated area
of Del Aire would improve due to the proximity of El Segundo Station
2, and City units would also be available as second -due units when
simultaneous or large-scale incidents occur within the vicinity.
The Fire District's fee structure ensures that the City of El Segundo would pay its
proportional share of costs associated with providing fire protection and emergency
medical services, including expenses such as liability, workers compensation, and
overhead. Additionally, a review of the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report concluded that it is anticipated that the City would be able to meet its financial
commitments to the Fire District. Specifically, this study found:
1) The Fire District's rate structure for salary and employee benefits ensures the City
of El Segundo would proportionally share in the worker's compensation costs
associated with positions assigned to the City of El Segundo.
2) Transferring City employees would be required to leave retirement contributions on
deposit with CalPERS and establish reciprocity with LACERA, limiting the Fire
District's retirement benefit costs. The employee's LACERA contribution rate
would be based on his or her age upon entering the CalPERS system. The Fire
District's rate structure for salary and employee benefits includes a component for
retirement costs for positions staffing City stations, and therefore the District costs
would be fee offset.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
3) The Fire District's overhead rate includes actual liability costs incurred by the
District over the last five fiscal years. The proposed annual fee for the City of
El Segundo would include a proportional amount of liability costs based upon City
staffing costs.
4) The Los Angeles County's Office of the Auditor -Controller has assisted the
District's review of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) for
both 2008 and 2009. Based on the guidelines developed by the Government
Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for evaluating a city's adequate level of fund
balance necessary to mitigate current and future risks, the City met the GFOA's
criteria for determining solvency in 2008 and 2009.
Based upon the above evaluation, the following Board actions are recommended:
1) Authorize the Fire Chief of the Fire District to provide a copy of the Feasibility
Study to the City of El Segundo.
2) Authorize the Fire Chief to begin the process of negotiations and, should the City
Council of the City of El Segundo decide to proceed, to execute a Reimbursement
Agreement with the City.
3) Upon successful conclusion of negotiations with the City, direct the Fire Chief to
report back to your Board requesting adoption of a resolution making application to
LAFCO for the annexation of the City to the Fire District and, upon LAFCO's
approval of the annexation, to return to your Board requesting final approval of the
negotiated annexation agreement as approved by the City Council.
FEASIBILITY STUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO BY `1' _ r
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
III. THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO
The City of El Segundo is located in southwest Los Angeles County. It is bordered by the
unincorporated area of Del Aire and the City of Hawthorne to the east, the City of
Los Angeles to the north, the City of Manhattan Beach to the south, and the Pacific
Ocean to the west.
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El Segundo is both a small coastal community, as well as a transitional corporate
town. Despite its size of 5Y2 square miles, El Segundo has the second highest
concentration of Fortune 500 companies in California, behind only San Francisco. Some
of the City's industrial sites are being transitioned into shopping malls, office space and
sports facilities. The City is also adjacent to the Los Angeles International Airport and
within 15 miles of the Port of Los Angeles, making the City very appealing for regional
and international business opportunities. In 2006, El Segundo won an Eddy award for
being the most business -friendly city in Los Angeles County.
Some of the pertinent statistics of the City are:
Population:
Area:
Assessed Valuation:
Annual Fire Dept. Emergency Incidents:
Ell Segundo Fire Department
16,700 Residents, 70,000 Daytime
5.5 Square Miles
$9.9 Billion (2009)
2,425 (3-Year Average)
The City of El Segundo Fire Department is currently administered by a Fire Chief, a
Deputy Chief and three Battalion Chiefs that serve as platoon/shift commanders. Civilian
employees serve as the Fire Marshal, Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire
Prevention Specialists.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
The City's fire protection and emergency medical services are provided from two fire
stations. Fire Station 1 houses two fire engines, one paramedic rescue unit and one
Battalion Chief. Fire Station 2 houses one fire engine, one fire truck (quint) and one
paramedic rescue unit. When fully staffed, on -duty daily suppression staff is 19 per day
(one Battalion Chief, four Captains, four Engineers, five Paramedics and five
Firefighters). However, budgetary restrictions have reduced staffing in the City to a
minimum of 14 personnel per day, depending on absences and vacancies. As a result,
staffing on one engine and the truck is sometimes reduced from four to three persons,
and one of the City's three engine companies is often not staffed.
At each station, the City has a state-of-the-art rescue ambulance with updated
equipment and full transportation capabilities, staffed with two paramedics on each
vehicle. Other City resources that are not constantly staffed include one urban search
and rescue (USAR) OES Type I heavy vehicle, two multi -casualty equipment trailers,
and some reserve apparatus.
The El Segundo Fire Department has 24 members that have current OES Heavy
Inventory Level Certification. Twelve of these members serve as USAR instructors. All
suppression members are required to be Hazmat First Responder Operations (FRO)
trained and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). All paramedics are cross -trained
as firefighter/paramedics.
Dispatch & Communications
The City recently contracted with the South Bay Regional Public Communications
Authority, which serves as the City's public safety answering point (PSAP).
Mutual Aid
El Segundo receives greater mutual aid through the Area G Mutual Aid Agreement (cities
of El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance) and
also through the Fire Department Mutual Apparatus and Equipment Loan Agreement with
Area G cities (Torrance excluded).
In addition, an Exchange for Fire Protection and Rescue Services (Automatic Aid)
Agreement was executed by the City and the Fire District in 1996. This agreement
authorizes a reciprocal exchange of services between the two agencies, at no cost to
either agency, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was approved by
both agencies in 2006. The MOU details the day-to-day operations of both agencies and
is not intended to replace or adjust any Uniform Mutual Assistance Agreement which may
be in effect. The City also has automatic aid agreements with the cities of Manhattan
Beach and Los Angeles.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
IV. PROPOSED OPERATION BY THE FIRE DISTRICT
The Fire District has evaluated the fire protection and emergency medical service needs
of the City of El Segundo and developed the following proposed staffing level, resource
deployment, and an estimated 2010-11 annual fee structure for Fire District services:
Operations Staffing:
City
Station Equipment
Assessment Engine
Paramedic Squad
2 Assessment Engine
Truck
Total Daily On -Duty Station Staffing
Fire Prevention Staffing:
Fire Protection Engineering Asst. II (Plan Check)
Captain
Fire Fighter Specialist (Inspector)
Post (a)
Positions
3
2
3
4
12
Total Estimated Salary and Employee Benefits
Overhead @ 33.6539%
Estimated 2010-11 Annual Fee
0.5
0.25
1.5
Estimated 2010-11
Resource Cost
$1,810,008 (b)
$1,181,391
$1,874,229
$2,304,372
$59,587
$49,497
$251,382
$7,530,466
2,534,295
$10,064,761
Ambulance transport within the Fire District is normally done through private
ambulance contracts administered by the Los Angeles County Department of
Health Services (DHS). However, the Fire District will work with the City of
El Segundo and DHS to determine the viability of the City maintaining an
ambulance transport program in concert with Fire District station personnel, similar
to the program operated by the City of La Habra.
(a) Three persons staff each post position through a 56-hour work week. Station operations include overtime
required to maintain 24-hour constant staffing.
(b) The paramedic squad cost includes three paramedic bonuses — one for each of the two paramedics
assigned to the squad itself, and one for the paramedic assigned to the assessment engine.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
Below is the Fire District's proposed staffing as compared to the City's current
configuration:
Station Unit/Apparatus Type
Paramedic Assessment
Engine
Engine
1 Paramedic Rescue Unit
Battalion Chief
Engine
Paramedic Assessment Quint
2 Paramedic Rescue Unit
Total Daily Permanent Staffin
Staffing
Unit/Apparatus Type Staffing
3-4(a)
0-3(b)
Paramedic Assessment Engine
3
2
Paramedic Squad
2
1
_
--
3
3-4(a)
Paramedic Assessment Engine
3
2
Quint
4
1 d-1 cl
I 12(c)
(a) On 10/1/2009, staffing ran down to 17 due to budgetary reasons, up to 2 firefighters or one firefighter and one
paramedic. This often reduced the staffing of one engine from 4 to 3 and the staffing of the Quint from 4 to 3.
(b) On 3/1/2010, further budgetary reductions required that staffing can be run down to 14 per day. This often
results in shutting down one Engine company.
(c) The on -duty District Battalion Chief who would be assigned to the City is located at District Fire Station 161 and
is not included in the District's total staffing in the Cite.
Insurance Services Office (ISO) Fire Protection Class
This City's current ISO protection class is a rating of "S'. The annexation of the City to
the Fire District and the proposed staffing level would not result in a rating change to the
City.
I
FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
V. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Annual Fee for District Services
The Fire District's estimated 2010-11 Annual Fee is comprised of salaries, employee
benefits, and overhead costs for the proposed staffing level to be provided within the City.
This estimated annual fee amount can be compared to the City's current Fire Department
budget, plus any Fire Department related costs incurred by the City and not a part of the
Fire Department budget, to project the amount of savings the City would have realized
had it been annexed to the Fire District the entire fiscal year. The annual fee, as
described in this report, would fund all fire suppression, hazardous materials response,
fire prevention, emergency medical services, and support functions such as dispatching,
training, equipment maintenance, supplies, procurement, and all other services required
for the effective operation of a modern fire department.
The City would pay the annual fee directly from municipal funds. The annual fee would
be prorated on a monthly basis; payments by the City would be due monthly in advance.
Interest would be added to any payment received after the due date.
Fire protection, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services would not be
performed unless the City:
• Has available funds previously appropriated to cover the annual fee
and
• Has paid the appropriated funds to the District.
Approximately 60 days prior to the upcoming Fire District fiscal year (July 1 — June 30),
the Fire District would provide the City an estimate of the fee for the following year.
When the Fire District has information available to determine the actual annual fee, the
Fire District would present the City with a statement reflecting the difference between the
actual and estimated fee. An adjustment representing that difference would be charged
or credited to the City over the following 12 months in the subsequent fiscal year.
Annual Fee Payment Cap:
The minimum term of an annexation agreement between the City and the Fire District
would be ten years. A five and one-half percent (5.5%) payment cap would be placed on
any increases to the City's annual fee each year for the first five years of the Agreement.
This payment cap applies only to the City's annual fee payment amount (i.e., the salary,
employee benefits, and overhead cost). Calculation of the payment cap would not
include any conversion costs, credits, rebates, etc., which may be factored into the City's
monthly payment amount.
For the sixth year of the Agreement term, the payment cap would be the average of the
immediately preceding four years' percentage increases in the annual fee plus one
percent. For the seventh year of the Agreement and each subsequent year, the payment
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
`'ONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
cap would be the average of the immediately preceding five years' percentage increases
plus one percent.
In any year where the City's annual fee payment amount exceeded the preceding year's
payment amount plus the applicable payment cap, payment of the excess amount would
be deferred to a subsequent fiscal year where the increase in the annual fee payment for
that fiscal year over the preceding fiscal year is less than the payment cap. The excess
amount would be repaid by the City in any subsequent fiscal year to the extent the City's
annual fee payment increase in that fiscal year is less than the excess amount for that
fiscal year.
Workers Compensation:
The "Resource Cost" as stated in the Estimated 2010-11 Annual Fee (page 8) is based
upon "Uniform Position Costs" (UPC) calculations that comprise both salaries and
employee benefits for firefighter series positions. Workers compensation costs are
included as part of those employee benefit calculations. The total estimated workers
compensation costs that the City of El Segundo would fund, as included in the total
Estimated Salary and Employee Benefits, is $518,311.
Liability:
The Fire District's overhead rate includes actual liability costs incurred by the District over
the last five fiscal years. The overhead rate is charged as a factor to the total S&EB
costs in the City. Therefore, the Estimated Annual Fee for services would include the
City's proportional share of liability costs. Based upon the Estimated 2010-11 Annual
Fee, the total estimated liability costs that the City of El Segundo would fund as part of
the overhead charge is $16,107.
Fire District Special Tax:
The City would not be a part of the Fire District's special tax for fire and paramedic
services.
Conversion Costs:
Certain items of City apparatus, equipment, and facilities would require conversion,
repair, upgrade, or replacement to be compatible with Fire District operations and meet
Fire District standards. The City would be required to reimburse to the Fire District all
expenditures made to convert to Fire District operations.
A comprehensive evaluation and conversion cost estimate would be completed by the
Fire District if negotiations are authorized. Before the survey is conducted for City
stations and equipment, the City would be required to enter into a Reimbursement
Agreement with the Fire District for the reimbursement of the costs incurred by the Fire
District in completing the survey.
Revenues:
Revenues, if any, generated by the Fire District for its services would be revenues of the
Fire District. Those revenues may include fees from hazardous materials inspections
(recovery of costs) or others. Revenues derived by the City for Fire District services such
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
as business license inspections may be collected and retained by the City as long as they
are not in conflict with any Fire District charges. Should the City undertake a City
ambulance transport program, any revenues the City would derive from such a program
would be retained by the City.
City Annexations:
The annual fee for service is predicated upon the City's current service requirements and
boundaries. To maintain adequate levels of service, increases in fire and emergency
medical services resources may be needed by the Fire District if City annexations occur.
Should the City annex additional territory, City and Fire District would need to assess
resultant service needs.
El Segundo Solvency Calculation
El Segundo's solvency calculation is based upon the City's 2008 and 2009
Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR). Both the Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) and the Los Angeles County Auditor -Controller's Office
recommend that, at a minimum, the Unreserved (unrestricted) General Fund Balance for
a city should be no less than two months of regular general fund operating revenue
or regular general fund operating expenditures. In addition, the GFOA recommends
that the financial resources available in other funds be considered in assessing the
adequacy of the unrestricted fund balance. Therefore, the Auditor -Controller's Office
recommends that the balance in the City of El Segundo's Economic Uncertainty fund be
included in tests to determine the City's solvency.
Applying the GFOA and Auditor Controller's recommended criteria to the City's 2008 and
2009 CAFRs, in both years the total available fund balances have exceeded both the
City's General Fund Revenue and General Fund Expenditures and, thus, the City of
El Segundo has met the criteria for determining solvency for 2008 and 2009, as follows:
2008 CAFR Analysis
Unreserved General Fund Balance $14,004,971
Economic Security Fund $5,317,570
Total 2008 Fund Balances
General Fund Revenue Two Month Fund Balance
General Fund Expenditures Two Month Fund Balance
2009 CAFR Analysis
Unreserved General Fund Balance $8,224,712
Economic Security Fund $2,129,495
Total 2009 Fund Balances
General Fund Revenue Two Month Fund Balance
General Fund Expenditures Two Month Fund Balance
12
$19.322.541
$8,720,085
$9.676.460
$101.354,207
$9,096,396
$10.237.576
FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
VI. BENEFITS OF ANNEXATION TO THE FIRE DISTRICT
Both the City and the Fire District provide outstanding fire protection and emergency
medical services. However, the Fire District, due to its overall size and economy of
scale, is able to provide a broader range of in-depth, quality services than most municipal
fire departments. There are certain benefits to being part of a larger organization that
strives to be an attentive and responsive "hometown fire department" to each of the cities
and communities it serves. For a general background of the Fire District, please see
Appendix B.
Regional Concept of Services Delivery
The Fire District operates under a regional approach in providing emergency services to
its Fire District cities and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Some of the
nearby cities and communities that are served by the Fire District include Inglewood,
Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Lennox, Ladera Heights, Alondra Park, Del Aire, Athens
and Westmont. To ensure the best response times possible, the closest available
resource is dispatched to an incident, regardless of jurisdictional or municipal boundaries,
thereby providing an optimum level of service. Both the Fire District and the City would
benefit from annexation of the City as follows:
Benefit to City: The City would benefit from the 24 District emergency response
units located within five miles of the City stations, which would be available to
provide enhanced responses to large incidents, and/or simultaneous incidents
when the City's units are assigned to other incidents. A preliminary review of
costs compared to the City of El Segundo's $15.7 million budget for its Fire
Department indicates City costs would be reduced. However, the City would need
to make this determination after it carefully considered all costs and revenues
associated with fire protection and emergency medical services in the City.
Benefit to the County: The unincorporated Del Aire community, as well as some
areas within the western Hawthorne area, would benefit from the proximity of City
Station 2. In addition, because truck companies' jurisdictions cover a larger area
than the first -in engine, the truck assigned to City Station 2 would greatly enhance
the level of truck service available to the unincorporated Del Aire and Lennox
communities, along with the District -served City of Hawthorne.
The following map shows the District's jurisdiction that is within 5 miles of El Segundo's
two fire stations. These areas highlighted in yellow will particularly benefit from the
additional service that would be available by annexing the City.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
District Areas within Five Miles of
El Segundo Stations
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Response Times
In most cases, the Fire District would respond from the same City stations or closer Fire
District stations on a "first -in" response. As a result, response times in the City would be
equal to or better than the existing response times, since some areas of the City may be
closer to an adjacent Fire District station.
Response times in the Fire District areas of unincorporated Del Aire would improve due
to the proximity of City Station 2, which would have first -in response jurisdiction in that
community.
Major or Simultaneous Incidents
The City has addressed the need to respond to large, complex, or simultaneous incidents
involving major loss of life or property through the use of automatic and mutual aid
agreements. While these agreements can provide significant resources, emergency
operations are less effective under these agreements than if City forces were an
established part of the Fire District and all responding resources were under a unified
command. Also, there is usually a dispatch "lag time" for automatic and mutual aid
requests, which causes longer response times for assisting units.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
Fire Ground and Emergency Operations
The fire service has recognized standards for the provision of fire and emergency
medical services. Some of these standards are dictated by federal or state regulations.
Tasks such as commanding and coordinating responding units, operating the fire
equipment, searching for and rescuing trapped persons, laying out and attacking the fire
with hoses, etc., must be done by an adequate number of properly trained and equipped
staff. All the tasks must be accomplished in rapid sequence within very limited and
critical time frames. Criteria such as "prior to flash over," "confinement to building of
origin," "prior to brain death," and "time to intervention" are applied.
The service configuration presented in this Feasibility Study, with supporting Fire District
resources, provides strengthened numbers of trained staff to quickly perform required
tasks and meet standards within the City.
Response Matrix
The Fire District's Command and Control Division, Dispatch Services Center, utilizes
standardized response profiles to dispatch resources to emergencies. Initial response for
a building fire is dependent on the required fire flow in gallons of water per minute
necessary to extinguish the fire. Following are a few examples of the Fire District's
typical response to reported fires:
Initial Commercial Response: The standard first alarm response for a commercial
building fire is:
Total average staffing level =
5 Engine Companies
2 Ladder Truck Companies
1 Paramedic Rescue Squad
2 Battalion Chiefs
29
If the initial response does not provide the necessary resources, greater alarms may be
requested by the incident commander.
Commercial Third Alarm: Response to a third alarm for a commercial building fire
would result in the following:
13 Engine Companies
6 Truck Companies
2 Paramedic Rescue Squads
1 Hazardous Materials Task Force (Engine & Squad)
1 USAR Task Force (Engine and USAR Squad)
1 Mobile Air Unit
6 Battalion Chiefs, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 1 Deputy Chief
Total average staffing level = 104
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Refinery Third Alarm: 12 Engine Companies
3 Truck Companies
1 Paramedic Rescue Squad
2 Hazardous Materials Task Forces
1 USAR Task Force
1 Mobile Air Unit
1 Deluge Unit
1 Foam Unit
4 Battalion Chiefs, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 1 Deputy Fire Chief
Total average staffing level = 88
Additional resources, including various specialized pieces of equipment, technical
teams, etc., may be requested by the incident commander. When it is anticipated that an
engine company would be out for 30 minutes or more in designated critical coverage
areas, companies are automatically dispatched to "move -up" to pre -designated vacant
stations near the greater alarm incident so that coverage is available for any subsequent
emergency.
Paramedic Services
Sixty-seven (67) paramedic rescue squads are strategically assigned among the Fire
District's 169 fire stations. Paramedic rescue squad personnel provide advanced life
support, including drug therapy and sophisticated medical procedures, in addition to their
basic firefighting duties. In 2005, the Fire District instituted the 12-Lead
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Program. The primary goal of this program is to improve
patient care and outcomes by immediately correlating the chief complaint, clinical
presentation, transport decision, and hospital intervention. The Fire District has the
capability of responding numerous additional squads to an incident or area when a high
demand for service occurs.
In appropriate locations, the Fire District operates paramedic engine companies and
paramedic assessment engines to increase the optimum use and efficiency of personnel.
Hazardous Materials Services
The Fire District provides hazardous materials response services to all of its jurisdictional
area and, upon request and availability, to cities outside the Fire District's jurisdiction.
Hazardous materials task force personnel (hazardous materials response squad and an
accompanying engine) are trained to identify and deal with a hazardous materials release
or potential release on emergency incidents.
Related Services
The Fire District conducts a variety of public service, educational, fire prevention, and
related programs such as: the Explorer Program which introduces young people ages 15
through 21 to the fire service as a possible career through training and participation in
actual situations; the Juvenile Fire Setters Program which provides youth counseling; the
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
Rescue Youth Program, operated in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office,
which provides a mentoring program at District fire stations for at -risk youths that are
between 12 and 14 years of age; and the Yogi Bear Schoolhouse earthquake simulator,
which provides earthquake preparedness training.
The Fire District also provides ocean lifeguard, forestry, hazardous materials regulation,
and other health and safety related services. Lifeguard services are not included as part
of this feasibility study. The Fire District's current contract for lifeguard services along the
El Segundo beach area would not be impacted should the City transition to Fire District
services.
Patient Transport
The Fire District provides, without charge to patients, pre -hospital paramedic and
emergency medical services, including Advanced Life Support (ALS). The Fire District
does not provide ambulance transportation. Patients are transported to the hospital
utilizing private ambulance service under contract with the Department of Health
Services, using the exclusive operating area arrangement.
The City may opt to pursue a City -run transport program from City stations for which the
City could receive revenue. The Fire District would work with the City and the
Department of Health Services to determine the viability of this option for the City.
Regardless of whether the ambulance provider is private or City -sponsored, Fire District
fire fighter paramedics would accompany the patient in the ambulance if needed for
patient care. The private ambulance firm, or City, would charge the responsible private
party for transportation.
Fire Prevention
Fire District fire prevention and related services are provided by both the Prevention and
Operations Bureaus as follows:
• Building inspections for all commercial, industrial, high-rise, and multi -residential
occupancies.
• Fire prevention inspections in connection with the issuance of business licenses,
at the request of the City.
• Inspection of schools and institutional occupancies.
• Dwelling brush clearance inspections.
• Public education programs.
• Investigation of all fire hazard complaints, such as arson, from area residents.
• Review of all building plans, subdivisions, conditional use permits, zone changes
and water system improvement plans.
• Review of applications for filming and special effects permits, sets requirements
and conducts inspections at filming locations to ensure public safety and
compliance with the Fire Code.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
Move -Up Coverage
Fire District policy would require automatic engine company "move -up" coverage of any
designated critical coverage City station(s) when the jurisdictional engines are committed
to emergencies anticipated to least 30 minutes or more. Just as Fire District resources
outside the City would be used to move up and cover a designated City station(s), a
selected company in the City may be used to move up and cover stations outside the City
when necessary.
Automatic Aid
The Fire District utilizes automatic aid agreements with other fire departments to provide
the most expeditious response to designated areas on a day-to-day basis while
maintaining a reciprocal exchange of services. The Fire District would continue to
participate in the City's existing automatic aid agreements and mutual aid programs if the
City were to annex to the Fire District. Modifications would be made as appropriate.
Adjacent Fire District Resources
There are 14 Fire District fire stations, staffed daily with 72 firefighters that are within
5 miles of the City which would provide direct and support service under the regional
service delivery concept. Below is a chart listing all of the resources:
DISTRICT STATIONS AND RESOURCES WITHIN FIVE MILES OF
NEAREST CITY OF EL SEGUNDO BOUNDARY
District
Station
Number
Engine
Company
Paramedic Fire Post
Quint/ Truck Rescue Rescue Position
Company Squad Boat Staffing
X 6
Distance to
Nearest City
Boundary (Miles)
14
X (a)
4.85
18
X (a)
4
1.73
21
X
X
5
1.84
58
X
X
6
4.38
110
X (b)
X
X
9
4.81
158
X
X
5
4.94
159
X (b)
4
3.92
160
X
3
0.33
161
X
X
5
1.15
162
X
4
3.12
170
X (0)
X (`)
6
3.37
171
X
X
5
3.36
172
X
X
5
4.10
173
X
X
5
4.52
14
12
4
8
1
72
TOTAL UNITS
(a) Paramedic Unit
(b) Paramedic Assessment Unit
(`) Assessment Light Force
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
In addition, the map below illustrates the resources that are currently assigned within five
miles of the City's borders:
Los Angeles County Fire Stations Within Five Miles
of the City of El Segundo
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Dispatch and Communications
Dispatching for Fire District units in the City would be provided from the Fire District's Fire
Command and Control Facility located at 1320 North Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles. Fire
communications specialists staff the facility, all of whom are Emergency Medical
Dispatchers (EMDs). They are trained to provide lifesaving instructions over the phone
while persons are waiting for the arrival of emergency units.
If the City annexes to the Fire District, the "911" emergency reporting system would
remain in effect. A direct computer link and a direct telephone (ring -down) line or "speed
dial" system would be maintained between the South Bay Regional Public
Communications Authority (Authority), which is the City's PSAP (public safety answering
point) and the Fire District Fire Command and Control Facility.
All Fire District emergency vehicles contain mobile data terminals (MDTs) and automatic
vehicle locators (AVLs) for the most efficient communication and allocation of resources.
Command and other appropriate units use cellular phones in addition to radios.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
Coordination between City and Fire District
Recognizing that constant liaison is essential between the City and its fire department,
the area Assistant Fire Chief, who is located at Fire Station 158 in the neighboring City of
Gardena, along with his Community Service Representative, would maintain a day-to-day
working relationship with the City Manager and, through her/him, the City Council. The
Assistant Fire Chief would be responsible for representation at meetings called by the
City Clerk, meetings of the City Council, and other City staff meetings where Fire District
input is needed. The Assistant Fire Chief would act as the personal representative of the
Fire Chief of the Fire District on all daily operations between the City and the Fire District.
Emergency Preparedness
Internal City emergency management, programs, and responsibilities would remain with
the City.
Public Education
Community and school education programs are provided as a Fire District service by
local fire stations, assisted by the regional Community Services Representatives.
Fire Cause and Arson Investiaation
Fire cause determination services are provided by the Fire District. According to
established policy, either the engine company officer, Battalion Chief or, if necessary, the
Fire Investigation Unit conducts an initial investigation and establishes the cause of the
fire. Should the cause be determined to be arson, the Fire District's arson investigation
service would handle the investigation assisted by the City Police Department.
Hazardous Materials Programs
Were the City to annex to the Fire District, the Fire District could become the
administering agency for the City for the Hazardous Release Response Plan Inventory
Program and the Risk Management and Prevention Program. The Fire District would
collect all program -related fees as the administering agency. Fire District fee structure,
as required by law, is designed only to offset the costs of administering the program. It
would be necessary for the City to take the appropriate action necessary to transfer the
administrative responsibilities and make required notifications to the City's Certified
Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and the California Office of Emergency Services.
Should the City request to retain some aspects of the Hazardous Materials Health
Programs, the Fire District would work with City staff to determine the best way to
implement a dual run program for the City of El Segundo, which would be formalized
in the service agreement between the Fire District and the City.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITYOFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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Hydrants
The Fire District would annually inspect all fire hydrants within the City to ensure that they
are mechanically operable and capable of delivering water in accordance with
standard Fire District policy. The Fire District would notify the City of El Segundo Water
Division, in writing, of any maintenance requirements as soon as possible after such
inspections and at any other time the Fire District becomes aware of maintenance or
repair requirements. The Fire District would maintain liaison with the City's Water
Division for water needs during emergencies and routine functions.
Additional District Services
See Appendix C. for additional details regarding services provided by the Fire District.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITYOFEL SEGUNDOBYTHE
CONSOLIDA TED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
VII. TRANSITION FROM CITY TO DISTRICT
Citv Personnel
The California Health and Safety Code (Section 13861) and the California Government
Code (Sections 53292 and 55632) provide the legal authority for the Fire District to
furnish services to the City and to blanket in or appoint City Fire Department personnel to
Fire District status. Ultimately, the blanketing in of personnel is subject to joint agreement
between the City Council and the Board of Supervisors, the details of which would be
specified in an agreement for services.
Firefighting personnel with less than six months' service with the City at the time of
transfer to the Fire District, as well as trainees, reserves, auxiliaries, cadets, and fire
fighter apprentices, could not be brought in as Fire District employees. Positions and
salaries of all personnel blanketed in to the Fire District would be specified in the
agreement for services between the City and the Fire District. There would be no
reduction in salaries of City fire fighters blanketed in as Fire District fire fighter series
employees. Appointment of non -uniformed civilian or non -medically qualified fire fighters
for non -safety positions is subject to Fire District needs and negotiation and would require
a probationary term for any of these employees.
All personnel would be subject to a medical examination, drug screening, and an
appropriate personnel review prior to acceptance as Fire District employees. Those not
qualifying would remain the obligation of the City.
Personnel costs associated with annexation of the City to the Fire District including
transfer of any sick and/or vacation time as discussed below, would be defined during the
negotiation process.
Benefit Time
All employees blanketed into the Fire District would receive benefits now provided to Fire
District personnel. All time spent in rank as City/Fire District employees would be
considered for purposes of determining benefit accrual. Some of the prevailing benefits
and conditions are vacation time, holidays, sick leave, retirement plan, and group
insurance.
So that no employee is transferred to the Fire District without any available benefit time,
the City would be required to transfer to the Fire District for each employee, to the extent
the employee is entitled to such benefit time in City employment, a maximum of 20
vacation days, or 10 shifts, whichever is applicable, and 12 sick days, or 6 shifts,
whichever is applicable. City would reimburse the Fire District for transferred benefit time
at City salary rates. All remaining benefit time, such as vacation days, holidays, sick
leave, etc., accrued prior to the employee's transfer to the Fire District would remain as
obligations of the City. All City employees would be subject to the Hospital Insurance
Tax and any other applicable federal regulations.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDOBYTHE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
CalPERS/LACERA Retirement
A sworn City employee transferring to the Fire District would become a LACERA member
on the first day of the month following the transfer of service to the Fire District.
CalPERS and LACERA retirement systems are reciprocal. A transferring City employee
would leave his or her retirement contributions on deposit with CalPERS and establish
reciprocity. The member's LACERA contribution rate would be based on his or her age
upon entering the earliest reciprocal system.
At the time of retirement, a reciprocal member would receive retirement benefits from
both agencies based on the benefits of reciprocity, such as adding service credit under
each system to determine eligibility to retire and using the highest earnings under either
system to calculate benefits from both. Service with CalPERS or other reciprocal system
is not used to determine the amount Los Angeles County contributes towards the
members' retiree health insurance premiums.
Probation
Any City employee on probation on the commencement date of service by the Fire
District would remain on probation until the Los Angeles County probation requirement
for the respective rank is met.
Promoted Positions
Current policy of the Fire District is to accept only as many officers and other promoted
personnel as there are positions created within the Fire District as a result of the City's
annexing to the Fire District. The City would be required to designate the following
number of promoted positions and the remaining firefighting members would be blanketed
in as fire fighters:
9 Captains
10 Fire Fighter Specialists / Engineers
All personnel designated for promoted positions must be duly qualified to hold those
positions.
Seniority
The annexation of the City to the Fire District would create 37 additional Fire District
sworn positions; therefore, 37 uniformed personnel with the highest City Fire Department
seniority would receive seniority rights based on service time with the City Fire
Department. The remaining transferring employees would be assigned a seniority date
consistent with the effective date of transfer and placed on the Fire District's seniority list
in order of their relative service time with the City Fire Department. As those transferring
uniformed employees with full seniority status leave Fire District service, the other
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITYOFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
transferring uniformed employees would be assimilated into full seniority status based on
their total time in service as uniformed City/Fire District employees.
Employees would be eligible for promotional examinations within the Fire District without
regard to the normal six-month period applicable to new employees. All time
spent in rank as City/Fire District employees would be considered for purposes of
determining eligibility for promotional examination.
City Equipment
The City would transfer to the Fire District its interest, right, and title, which shall be free
and clear, in specified pieces of vehicular equipment which would be necessary for the
operation within the City by the Fire District. Major fire equipment or other equipment
essential to the operation of the vehicles or stations would also be transferred. All
vehicles and major equipment transferred would be specified in an agreement for
services negotiated by the City and the Fire District. Expendable equipment, tools,
fixtures, furnishings, supplies, and all items incidental to the operation of the Fire
Department would also be transferred but not specified. This includes all items currently
in possession or assigned to the City Fire Department unless specifically excluded.
The method by which any vehicles leased by the City would be transferred would be
addressed in an agreement for services. An agreement for services would also specify
the disposition of the equipment and vehicles transferred in the event the agreement is
terminated.
City Fire Department Facilities
If the City were to annex to the Fire District, the two existing City fire stations would be
occupied by the Fire District. The Fire District would lease the City fire stations for $1 per
year, per facility. For the first five years, fire station maintenance and minor repairs would
be the responsibility of the Fire District to the extent of $25,000 per station for the first
year, and would increase by 5% each year until the sixth year. All repairs in excess of
the Fire District's annual share would remain the responsibility of the City. Beginning the
sixth year, all fire station minor repairs and maintenance would be the responsibility of the
Fire District, and major repairs would be the responsibility of the City.
Landscape Maintenance
All routine maintenance of the landscaping at City fire stations would be performed by
Fire District fire station personnel.
Fuel Tanks
The Fire District would maintain and utilize the above -ground fuel pump located at Fire
Station 2. Costs to refuel Fire Department vehicles are included in the overhead
component of the proposed annual fee. The City would retain all responsibility for
previously removed and existing underground fuel tanks, fuel pumps, piping, etc., located
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITYOFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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at the City fire stations occupied by the Fire District, including but not limited to any leaks,
soil contamination and/or necessary remediation as a result thereof.
Site Assessments
Prior to the commencement of services by the Fire District, the City would be required to
have performed an Electromagnetic Field Survey, a Phase I Site Assessment and
Building Asbestos Survey, and a Phase II Site Assessment, if subsequently required, for
the two proposed Fire District -staffed City fire stations. The site assessments would be
conducted by a Cal -OSHA registered environmental assessor who would determine if
asbestos, fuel, lead paint, or other environmental contaminants or hazards are present.
All site assessment reports would be reviewed by the Fire District and its environmental
services consultants to determine if pertinent standards have been met or if further
mitigation measures are required. The City would be required to mitigate and abate all
environmental hazards and provide evidence to the Fire District that all recommended
measures have been completed and that all applicable laws and requirements have been
complied with. Any residual contaminations discovered any time after Fire District
occupancy would be the responsibility of the City to abate.
All costs relating to Phase I and II site assessments and hazard abatement/mitigation
measures would be borne by the City.
Withdrawal from the Fire District
An annexation agreement entered into by the City and the Fire District would be for a
minimum term of ten (10) years. Should the agreement be terminated by either party
subsequent to the initial term, the distribution of assets would be determined as defined
in the agreement.
The Fire District would not be obligated to return to the City any item such as apparatus,
vehicles, furnishings, equipment, tools, or other personal property for which a monetary
or in -kind credit was given to the City.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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VIII. SUMMARY
Annexation of the City of El Segundo to the Fire District would result in the City becoming
an integral part of an organization that provides quality service to 58 cities and the
unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County through a regional fire protection system.
Under this regional concept, fire stations are strategically located throughout the service
area, ensuring the most efficient use of resources for response to alarms.
The existing City fire stations would be occupied by the Fire District. Daily, on -duty
staffing would total 12 in the City.
A total of 72 daily, on -duty staff, located within five (5) miles of the City's boundaries,
would also be immediately available for fire, hazardous materials, and medical
emergencies within the City.
Participation in the Fire District offers a means for the City to provide and maintain a very
high level of emergency services. It also affords the Fire District enhanced paramedic
and truck coverage to the unincorporated Del Aire community and may improve engine
company response times. Had the City been a part of the Fire District for the entire fiscal
year, the estimated 2010-11 Annual Fee would have been $10.1 million.
The initial agreement term of any service agreement would be a minimum of ten (10)
years.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY
ALS Advanced Life Support including emergency care by a
certified paramedic (EMT-P)
ASSESSMENT ENGINES The staffing on a Paramedic Assessment Engine includes
one fire fighter paramedic. In addition to the care that
EMTs provide, an assessment engine can provide
advanced EMS care such as: heart monitoring and
interpretation of cardiac rhythms; manual defibrillation and
synchronized cardioversion: IV therapy; and advanced
pharmacology drug calculations and administration. A
paramedic squad is dispatched simultaneously with an
assessment engine to assist with patient care and follow up
at a receiving hospital, if necessary.
BLS Basic Life Support including emergency care provided by
an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1)
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Board of
Directors of the Consolidated Fire Protection District of
Los Angeles County.
CaIPERS California Public Employees Retirement System
CITY
The City of El Segundo
CITY COUNCIL The City Council of the City of El Segundo
FIRE DISTRICT The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles
County, also commonly referred to as the Los Angeles
County Fire Department
EMS
Emergency Medical Services
EMT-1 Emergency Medical Technician 1 — personnel certified to
perform basic life support and first aid.
EMT-D Emergency Medical Technician D — personnel certified to
perform basic life support and first aid, and to operate an
automatic defibrillator. Currently, all engine and truck
companies carry automatic external defibrillators and their
personnel are certified at the Emergency Medical
Technician -Defibrillator (EMT-D) level.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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LACERA Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association
LIGHT FORCE A Light Force is comprised of a pumper engine and a
ladder truck, staffed with a total of six uniformed personnel,
which respond together as a unit.
PARAMEDIC ENGINES The staffing on Paramedic Engines includes two fire fighter
paramedics and, in addition to the care that EMTs and
assessment engines can provide, can calculate and
administer controlled drugs. Paramedic engines also
maintain a disaster cache with medical inventory for
chemical and biological acts of terrorism. Paramedic
engines perform patient follow-up, if necessary, to a
receiving hospital. A paramedic squad is not dispatched
with a paramedic engine.
QUINT A fire service apparatus that serves the dual purpose of a
truck and also functioning as a pumper, carrying a water
tank.
TRUCK A fire service apparatus designed with ladder capabilities
and rescue tools such as the "jaws of life."
WILDLAND URBAN Area where development and wildland fuels meet at a
INTERFACE well defined boundary.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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APPENDIX B
DESCRIPTION OF CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County was established in 1949
and is a "special district" under California law. Pursuant to California Government Code
Section 55632, the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, as the governing body
of the District, may contract with any other neighboring city, county or fire protection
district for the furnishing of fire protection to such other agency.
Population and Resources
The Fire District serves approximately 4.14 million people in 58 cities and all of the
unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The Fire District is a nationally recognized
fire department that provides a variety of high -quality emergency and
safety -related services.
The Fire District operates 169 fire stations with 163 staffed engine companies; 32 ladder
truck companies, which include 19 quints that have both pumper and ladder truck
features; 5 light forces, which are comprised of both an engine and truck company that
respond in tandem; 4 hazardous materials response squads; 2 urban search and rescue
task forces; 3 staffed paramedic air squads (with the capability of staffing an additional 7
air squads); and 67 paramedic rescue squads. In addition, numerous support services
and special pieces of equipment are utilized.
Organizational Structure
The Fire District's organizational structure is as follows:
Executive Support
Planning Division
Chief Deputy
Emergency Operations
Technical Services Division
Regional
Operations
Bureau
)eputy Chief
Risk Management Division
Regional Regional
Operations Operations
Bureau Bureau
)eputy Chief Deputy Chief
Fire Chief
I
Compliance Office
Medical Director/
Employee Services Section
Chief Deputy
Business Operations
Employee Relations Division
Administrative
Services
Bureau
Deputy Chief 1
29
Professional
Performance Section
Prevention special
Services Services
Bureau Bureau
Chief I I Deputy Chief
FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
For efficient management, the Fire District is divided into six functional bureaus, each
commanded by a Deputy Chief:
• Central East and North Regional Operations Bureaus
The firefighting, hazardous materials emergency response, and emergency
medical forces of the Fire District are assigned into these three regional
Operations Bureaus. These forces are divided into nine field divisions, each under
the command of an Assistant Fire Chief. Each field division is composed of two to
three battalions.
Each battalion is supervised 24 hours per day by a Battalion Chief. Six to twelve
fire stations make up a battalion. The Battalion Chief provides overall supervision
and administrative control of the stations and is the first line of management
responsible for dealing with union -represented employees.
An on -duty Fire Captain is assigned to each engine and truck company. The Fire
Captain supervises the station and is responsible for the fire prevention and
suppression, emergency medical, and other emergency and routine services that
are provided within the station's jurisdictional area.
The City of El Segundo would be included in the Central Regional Operations
Bureau. The Deputy Fire Chief in command of the Central Regional Operations
Bureau is located at Fire Station 171 in the City of Inglewood. The local Assistant
Fire Chief is located at Fire Station 158 in the City of Gardena.
• Prevention Services Bureau
Comprised of the Prevention, Health/Hazardous Materials, and Forestry
Divisions.
• Special Services Bureau
Comprised of the Command and Control, Fire Fleet Services, Construction and
Maintenance, and Information Management Divisions.
• Administrative Services Bureau
Comprised of the Human Resources, Financial Management, Organizational
Development, and Materials Management Divisions.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
APPENDIX C
ADDITIONAL DISTRICT SERVICES
Training
The Fire District operates four regional training centers. A newly hired Fire District
employee is given 17 weeks of intense training at the Fire District's training centers. Our
training system is designed to ensure that only highly trained firefighting personnel are
available for all emergency and non -emergency duties. In addition to basic firefighting
skills, the recruit fire fighter is trained for medical emergencies and is certified as an EMT-
1 and EMT-D. For one year after graduation, the employee is on probation and is rated
monthly on training progress. The probationary fire fighter receives daily drills and must
pass a final examination before being approved for permanent employment.
Ongoing training for all personnel is accomplished by mandatory, daily, two-hour drills.
Personnel are continually introduced to new or improved emergency and non -
emergency procedures.
City firefighting personnel assimilated into the Fire District, if not already certified, would
receive EMT-1 and EMT-D training and certification, and Class "B" commercial driver's
training and licensing as required by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Those personnel
would also receive various other orientations and training for their specific positions in the
Fire District.
Technical Expertise
The District is a progressive leader in the fire service. It is comprised of many individuals
and groups with specialized skills and equipment who provide a high degree of efficiency
and cost-effectiveness for both routine and emergency functions. Although District urban
search and rescue, hazardous materials squads and helicopter operations receive much
publicity, the District's scope of expertise and specialization is wide and varied. A few
examples follow:
• Arson investigators are full-time professionals.
• Specially trained members of the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (JRIC)
Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEW) which is comprised of personnel from
other agencies such as the Sheriffs Department, L. A. City Fire Department,
L. A. City Police Department, Department of Health Services, FBI, the Rand
Corp., and others.
• Six OES/FEMA certified urban search and rescue dogs and one ATF certified
arson dog.
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FEASIBILITYSTUOYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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• Swift water rescue teams.
• Fire prevention staff are specialized and develop in-depth knowledge in
particular areas. These areas include:
Schools and Institutions — Conducts inspections of schools and institutional
type buildings.
Area Offices — Inspections include new construction, tenant improvement, large
occupancies, public assemblies, some of the smaller projects and tenant
improvement plan checks.
Petroleum and Chemical Unit — Conducts inspections of refineries, large
chemical plants, etc.
Arson/Fire Investigation Unit— Conducts arson investigations and cause
determination investigations.
Engineering/Plan Check Section — Reviews all new construction/large tenant
improvement plans for Fire Code requirements.
Health/Hazardous Materials Division — Handles hazardous materials
disclosure.
• A full-time, professionally equipped video unit produces quality and effective
audio and visual training materials.
• Special committees provide procedures and training for railroad incidents, truck
operations, wildland pre -attack, fire prevention and other specialized areas.
• Experienced administrative paramedics or the District's Emergency
Physician/Medical Director coordinate multi -casualty medical procedures.
• A full-time, licensed breathing apparatus technician and experienced, trained
assistants repair and maintain breathing apparatus.
• Registered nurse/professional educators coordinate EMT training.
• The Information Management Division, with approximately 49 skilled technicians,
provides computer support to the field, administration, and the Command and
Control Division (dispatching).
• The District's 53 fire shop and field mechanics maintain the District's apparatus
for maximum use and efficiency.
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FEASIBILITYSTUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITYOFEL SEGUNDO BY THE
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• A state-of-the-art, computerized Command and Control Center dispatches and
manages the closest available resources on an incident. All first responder units
are equipped with an automatic vehicle locator device (AVL) that sends real time
data reflecting the location of each unit, unit type, and current rate of travel.
Dispatching and command staff see exactly where resources are at any time so
that units can be moved or repositioned, if necessary, to optimize the use of
emergency first responders based upon their actual location.
Following are examples of the District's specialized emergency apparatus and units:
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces — Comprised of a USAR Squad and a
USAR Engine, these two units combine to form a USAR Task Force that is specially
trained to respond to technical rescues, collapsed structures, trench rescues, confined
space rescues, swift water rescues, cliff rescues, major vehicle accidents with
entrapment, and structure fires.
Hazardous Materials EmergencV Response Task Forces — Comprised of a Hazardous
Materials Squad and Engine, these two units are staffed with firefighters who are
specially trained to provide immediate response to hazardous chemical emergencies and
collapse incidents and provide additional personnel for major emergencies.
Water Tenders — Provide water if hydrants fail.
Metropolitan Incident Resource Vehicle (MIRY) — A vehicle designed to convey
supplies and equipment to support a multi -casualty mass decontamination operation.
Tractors — Transport bulldozers and search and rescue trailers to incident sites.
Rehabilitation and Food Trucks — Assist fire fighters working on incidents for
extended times.
Bulldozers — Dike off hazardous materials flows or flood waters, assist in rescue
efforts, fire overhaul, and wildland firefighting.
Light Units — Provide lighting and electricity for effective nighttime operations.
Brush Patrol Trucks — Provide jurisdiction patrolling and immediate extinguishment of
small fires in the urban interface areas.
Foam Units — Provide special types of foam application for chemical and petroleum fires.
These are separate from foam units carried on engine companies.
Mobile Air Units — Provide on -scene refill of breathing apparatus to enable continuous
firefighting operations.
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FEA SIBILITY S TUD Y FOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OF EL SEGUND0 BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PR 0 TECTION DISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
Mobile Command and Communication Centers — Allow on -site communication and
coordination of resources at major incidents such as floods, earthquakes, explosions,
large industrial or life loss incidents.
Helicopters — Provide paramedic treatment and transport in life -threatening situations as
well as fire suppression water -dropping capabilities and air reconnaissance for major
disasters. The District has 9 helicopters which includes 3 Firehawks with a water
capacity of 1,000 gallons, and 6 Bell 412s.
Emergency Support Teams (ESTs) — Strategically located two -person units provide
first -alarm firefighting support to specific areas in the District to augment firefighting
staffing.
Deluge Units — Provide very large water streams for effective application and
knockdown of large industrial fires.
While the resources listed above are representative of the specialized capabilities of the
District, application of these specialized resources in addition to the economy of scale the
District enjoys leads to the high quality and wide variety of service the District offers the
City.
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FEASIBILITY STUDYFOR SERVICES TO THE CITY OF EL SEGUVDO BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTIONDISTRICT OFLOSANGELES COUNTY
APPENDIX D
ANNEXATION PROCESS
This process has been designed for the most timely method of annexation. Modifications to
the process may result in increasing the length of time to complete the annexation.
District Fire Chief: Transmits completed Feasibility Study to the Board of Supervisors
for approval. Upon Board approval, transmits the Study to the City.
City: Requests negotiations of an annexation agreement with the District
Fire Chief, approves Reimbursement Agreement with the Fire District
for costs incurred to evaluate City's facilities and equipment for
conversion to Fire District standards. Upon successful conclusion of
negotiations, City signs annexation agreement and adopts a $-0-
Joint Property Tax Transfer Resolution.
District: Submits for Board approval a Resolution Making Application to the
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), $-0- Joint Property
Tax Transfer Resolution, Negative Declaration, and legal description.
Upon Board approval, submits Resolution Making Application to
LAFCO, $-0- Joint Property Tax Transfer Resolution, Negative
Declaration, and a legal description to LAFCO.
Local Agency Holds a public hearing after receipt of Board Resolution
Formation Commission: Making Application.
District: Submits request to finalize annexation and the annexation
agreement to the Board for approval.
Board of Supervisors: Holds annexation public hearing and approves annexation and
agreement.
Local Agency Records annexation on date requested. Notifies the County
Formation Commission: Engineer, County Assessor, the District Fire Chief, and the State
Board of Equalization upon completion of the annexation
procedures. Map and filing fee must be received by LAFCO before
recordation and filing can be made.
City: Adopts ordinance to use District Fire Code and an ordinance for
the District to be the administering agency for hazardous materials
programs, if applicable.
Notifies the regional agency of the Insurance Services Office of
the annexation.
NOTE: Public notice requirements for public hearing require approximately four weeks.
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REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO AND THE CONSOLIDATED FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
day of
This Reimbursement Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this
. 2010, by and between the City of El Segundo and the
Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the City of El Segundo, hereinafter referred to as "City," is interested in
receiving fire protection, paramedic, and other incidental services from the Consolidated Fire
Protection District of Los Angeles County, hereinafter referred to as "Fire District"; and
WHEREAS, in December 2009, the City requested that the Fire District prepare a
Feasibility Study for the provision of services within the City; and
WHEREAS, on August 17, 2010, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
approved a Feasibility Study for the Provision of Fire Protection, Paramedic and Incidental
Services to the City by the Fire District and authorized the Fire District Chief to begin contract
negotiations and to execute a Reimbursement Agreement with the City; and
WHEREAS, the El Segundo City Council voted to commence negotiations with the Fire
District on , 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Fire District must conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the City's
facilities, equipment, vehicles, station uniforms, personal protective equipment, etc., to
determine any extenuating costs that would be included in the transfer of fire protection
services from the City to the Fire District to ensure compatibility with Fire District standards
(hereinafter "conversion costs") for which the City would be responsible to reimburse the Fire
District; and
WHEREAS, annexation of a city to the Fire District is authorized by the Fire Protection
District Act of 1987, Section 13810 of the California Health and Safety Code, and the Fire
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District contracting with a City to provide such services to a City is authorized under Section
13878 of the California Health and Safety Code, and the parties are interested in negotiating
the annexation of the City to the Fire District.
THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Fire District shall conduct a survey ("Survey") of the City Fire Department's
facilities, apparatus, equipment, vehicles, station uniforms, personal protective equipment, and
any other incidental items necessary for the provision of service within the City to determine
compatibility with Fire District standards and estimate costs associated with converting to Fire
District standards. Specifically, this Survey shall identify the following:
a. Estimated cost for the installation of signs, map boards, locks, and any
necessary repairs, upgrades, etc., to City Fire Station facilities;
b. Estimated cost for communications equipment;
c. Identification of Fire Department apparatus and vehicles which would be
necessary for the provision of service to the City by the Fire District and the cost for any
necessary maintenance, repairs, outfitting, modifications, and equipment installation;
d. Estimated cost for any fire and medical equipment, personal protective
equipment, and station uniforms necessary for conformity with Fire District standards;
e. Identification of any miscellaneous costs associated with the transition of service
such as Knox Systems retrofitting; and
f. Identification of any City Fire Department apparatus, vehicles, and equipment not
necessary for the provision of service by the Fire District but acceptable for conversion cost
credit to the City.
2. The Fire District will submit a written conversion cost report ("Report") to the City
Manager of the City which shall identify estimated costs associated with conversion to Fire
District standards as identified during the Fire District's evaluation as described in Section I
herein. Should the City and the Fire District successfully conclude contract negotiations for
annexation of the City to the Fire District, conversion costs will be updated at the time of the
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transition of the City to Fire District service to reflect actual conversion costs borne by the Fire
District. Provisions for the reimbursement of conversion costs by the City to the District will be
included in the annexation agreement.
3. The Fire District shall perform the tasks necessary to complete the Survey and
Report in its reasonable discretion and shall not be under the direction of the City as to the
manner in which it shall prepare and complete the Survey and Report, except that the Fire
District shall supply the Report fully and expeditiously as described in paragraphs 1 and 2
hereof so long as the City complies with paragraphs 4 and 5 hereof.
4. The City shall cooperate with the Fire District by furnishing all personnel necessary
for the Fire District to gather information necessary to complete the Survey and Report and
shall make available (i) all City Fire Department facilities, apparatus, equipment, and records
for inspection by the Fire District and (ii) City personnel for interview, consultation, and
discussion as the Fire District may request from time to time. The City shall disclose to the
Fire District any and all facts about the City and/or its Fire Department that could materially
affect the Fire District's report.
5. The City shall further assemble, process, and provide to the Fire District all records
and data in its possession as requested from time to time by the Fire District for the purpose of
this Agreement.
6. The City shall pay the costs incurred by the Fire District in performing the services
herein above mentioned, or incidental thereto, in the amount of eighteen thousand dollars
($18,000) within thirty (30) days of invoice from the Fire District. Fire District shall invoice the
City within thirty (30) days of receiving a fully executed copy of this Agreement from the City.
7. If the City contracts with the Fire District for fire protection services, a maximum of
nine thousand dollars ($9,000) in fees paid in association with the preparation of the Survey
and Report will be credited to the conversion costs charged to the City by the Fire District. No
other fees or costs associated with the preparation of the Survey and Report that are incurred
by the City will be credited to the City.
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8. If negotiations proceed to the point that any City employee undergoes a medical
examination and/or background investigation related to the transfer of City personnel to Fire
District employment, and through City action or fault annexation of the City to the Fire District
does not occur, the City agrees that within thirty (30) days of invoice from the Fire District, it
shall also pay for all costs incurred by the Fire District in administering the medical
examinations and background investigations of any City personnel. These costs shall be in
addition to the costs discussed in paragraph 6 above. The cost of such medical examinations
and background investigations shall be established by the Auditor -Controller of the County of
Los Angeles.
9. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party thereto by the giving
of at least thirty (30) days' written notice of such termination to the other party; such
termination shall not affect the right of the Fire District to receive prorated compensation for
any work done pursuant to this Agreement up to the time of such termination date.
10. Unless otherwise agreed, all notices and communications related to this Agreement
shall be sent to:
Fire District
P. Michael Freeman, Fire Chief
1320 N. Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90032
City of El Segundo
Jack Wayt, City Manager
350 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers.
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
By P. Michael Freeman, Fire Chief
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ANDREA S. ORDIN
County Counsel
By
Deputy
Ouse AM Seg-d.\M.bms—t Agreement
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO
By Jack Wayt. City Manager
ATTEST:
By Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By City Attorney
Page 1 of 1
Domann, Cathy
From: Domann, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 12:55 PM
To: 'kristin.agostoni@dailybreeze.com'
Subject: PRA Requests Employee Compensation
Attachments: 2009-10 Terminated Employees.xls; 2009 - All City Total Comp.xls; 2009 2010 All City Total
Comp .xls; Part-time nonbenefited database.xls; Full-time and part-time benefited
database.xls
Here you go.. .
8/18/2010