Report Prepared by: Thomas England, Fire Deputy Chief, Fire Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Renew an Instructional Services Agreement Between Merced Community College District and City of Merced Fire Department for Provision of In-Service Training Hours Performed by Staff Amounting to Approximately $66,667 Annually, not to Exceed $200,000 in Revenue Over a Three-Year Term
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers renewing an Instructional Services Agreement between Merced Community College District and the City of Merced Fire Department for the provision of in-service training hours performed by staff amounting to approximately $66,667 annually, not to exceed $200,000 in revenue over a three-year term.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving to renew an Instructional Services Agreement between Merced Community College District and the City of Merced for the provision of in-service training hours performed by staff amounting to approximately $66,667 annually, not to exceed $200,000 in revenue over a three-year term; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Refer back to staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Take no action.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code, Chapter 3.04.020.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public safety as provided for in the FY 25/26 adopted budget.
DISCUSSION
Merced Fire Department (MFD) currently participates in an agreement with the Merced Community College District (District) to provide in-service training. This training program meets the training requirements of the State of California and other applicable requirements and regulations. It also enables the District to furnish unit credits to students completing the in-service fire training classes. The District is able to claim full-time equivalent students and receive State apportionment for the courses provided through this agreement. MFD provides much of the training and program coordination and as such, the City is entitled to a portion of the State funding received by the District for firefighting students enrolled in the District courses, contained in the agreement, provided and contingent upon both the District and the MFD meeting all regulations and requirements pertaining to, and maintaining eligibility for, and the District having received, State funding for the courses. Therefore, the MFD desires to enter into a three-year Instructional Service Agreement (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028) with the District.
The District will provide a Fire Technology Program (FTP) with a cadre of adjunct faculty instructors who are subject matter experts, and all have years of experience serving in the fire service in various leadership roles and ranks, whereby the cadre of instructors will deliver the approved curriculum from the District’s approved courses. Firefighting is a safety profession that requires special knowledge of safety, rescue, emergency medical operations, and hazardous materials. The FTP focuses on preparing students for a career in the fire service and offering educational opportunities for those already working in the fire service to enhance their education for advancement, pay incentive or personal growth. Courses include those required for transfer to four-year colleges, those required to meet minimum qualification standards for employment, and certification courses developed by the California State Fire Marshal State Fire Training Division. Students are encouraged to obtain a two-year degree and then transfer to obtain a baccalaureate degree. The FTP is delivering the curriculum through the ISA. The MFD requests the District to offer courses that meet state or federal mandates, and the curriculum is authored by the MFD. Maintaining a course catalog of this size is challenging as the curriculum is frequently revised, therefore implementation of this ISA is still in an early developmental phase and evolving towards full implementation.
The MFD will provide instruction for students at the Merced Fire Department’s facilities and the District will pay the MFD $4.75 per student contact hour, where revenue is not to exceed $200,000 during the contract period. Through an amendment acceptable to the District and MFD, the agreement may be increased beyond $200,000 during the contract period. MFD will invoice the District monthly, at the conclusion of each class, and no later than three weeks after the receipt of the grade sheet for the class provided by MFD. The District will review submitted records and process the payment within 90 days of receipt of MFD’s invoice.
Funds received from the District gives the MFD the ability to pay for outside instructors when the MFD does not have a subject matter expert for required training. These funds also provide the ability for the MFD to purchase improved training aids, books, materials, and equipment. District funds also assist the MFD with meeting other operational needs which go beyond the MFD’s available fiscal year budget.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Payments from the District are expected to be approximately $66,667 annually and not to exceed $200,000 over the three years. The annual revenue amount of $66,667 is included in the FY 2025-26 adopted budget. Future fiscal year revenue will be included in the annual budgetary process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Merced Community College District Instructional Services Agreement
2. Merced Community College District Exhibit A-Z