Report Prepared by: Janet German, Secretary III, Fire Dept.
Title
SUBJECT: County of Merced - Agreement for Temporary Transfer of Rescue Boat and Equipment
REPORT IN BRIEF
Enter into an Agreement for Temporary Transfer of Rescue Boat and Equipment between the County of Merced and the City of Merced (Fire Department).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing the signing of the “Agreement for Temporary Transfer of Rescue Boat and Equipment” between the County of Merced (County) and the City of Merced Fire Department (Transferee).
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Provide direction on specific revision to Agreement; or,
3. Request additional information; or,
4. Continue the matter to a certain date; or,
5. Decline to take action.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section - Powers.
Charter of the City of Merced Section 501. - City Manager - Powers and Duties.
Charter of the City of Merced Title 8 - Health and Safety.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety, as provided for in the 2017-18 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced Fire Department and the Merced County Sheriff’s Department have collaborated to improve the City of Merced and Merced County Sheriff’s Office water rescue capabilities. Both Departments have agreed on how to improve water rescue response and will capture the agreement in a temporary transfer for the assignment of a Merced County Sheriff’s 2001 Zodiac boat with a 25hp outboard engine and trailer to the City of Merced Fire Department to be used on water rescue in the City of Merced and County of Merced. The County (Sheriff’s Office) will provide the boat and trailer to the Merced Fire Department through a temporary transfer of equipment agreement. The agreement specifies that the City put the boat and trailer in service for the following: all-risk events, emergency incidents, civil defense and disaster purposes. Specifically, the boat and trailer may be used for Mutual aid, and emergency incidents, parades and displays, training of regular, volunteer and auxiliary firefighters and Law Enforcement and temporary standby for the city’s regular apparatus and the regular apparatus of other departments while out of service for repairs. There is no expiration date for the Agreement for the transfer. In lieu of an expiration, either party may terminate the agreement with 7 days written notice to the other party. The Fire Department is responsible for repairs and maintenance under $500 and maintenance/repairs in excess of $500 will be the responsibility of the County if the request is authorized.
This partnership will establish and strengthen community and regional partnerships in addition to being fiscally responsible. The boat will be utilized as a front line piece of equipment for response to water emergencies and in the event of a catastrophic or natural disaster or act of terrorism; the City of Merced Fire Department will be the first responders to a water rescue emergency.
In addition to possessing the proper personal protective equipment and specialized equipment, City of Merced Fire Department employees assigned to the boat meet or exceed the minimum standards required by the California Incident Command Certification System and the California State Fire Marshal Training standards for Swift Water Technician and Boat Operations or have completed an equivalent course meeting or exceeding the courses listed in the aforementioned curriculum.
After the agreement is executed by the City, a Certificate of Insurance will be obtained and forwarded to the County.
History:
In June 2000, the Fire Department purchased a 1999 Zodiak boat ($3,700.13), trailer ($589.00), outboard motor ($2,583.65), and incurred miscellaneous costs ($210.34) for providing skilled technical rescue services to the residents and visitors of Merced. Due to a wide array of maintenance issues, the boat, trailer, and accessories ($7,083.12) have been frequently out of service beginning in 2010. This past June, the boat and trailer were sold for $426.00 at the surplus auction and the funds were credited to the fire department’s revenue account 001-0901.360.01-01. The required training of all Fire Department personnel has been maintained, but response capabilities limited due to the loss of our boat.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed. Minimal maintenance/repair expenses will be absorbed through the FY 17/18 Adopted Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement for Temporary Transfer of Rescue Boat and Equipment