Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Side Letter Agreement with Merced Fire Fighters, Local #1479 (Fire) with a Term of January 18, 2022 Through April 1, 2022 Adopting General Order 22-002, COVID-19 Staffing Reduction Guidelines
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Side Letter Agreement with Merced Fire Fighters, Local #1479 (Fire) with a term of January 18, 2022 through April 1, 2022, adopting General Order 22-002, COVID-19 Staffing Reduction Guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving a Side Letter Agreement with International Fire Fighters Association Local #1479; and affirming the City Manager’s approval of General Order 22-002, COVID-19 Staffing Reduction Guidelines.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny; or
3. Refer back to staff with instructions.
AUTHORITY
Resolution No. 80-106 - Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced establishing an Employer-Employee Organizations Relations Policy.
Meyers Milias Brown Act.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2022-23 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, the City’s negotiations team and the Merced Fire Fighters, Local 1479, International Fire Fighters Association (Fire) met and conferred on the attached Side Letter Agreement as an alternative staffing solution through April 1, 2022 should the City need to adjust staffing patterns past on positive COVID-19 cases within the Fire Department. The agreed upon alternative is memorialized in the attached General Order 22-002, COVID-19 Staffing Reduction Guidelines.
Staff is recommending the approval of this agreement to allow for the continuity of services to the Community due to COVID-19.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Side Letter Agreement
2. General Order 22-002, COVID-19 Staffing Reduction Guidelines