Report Prepared by: Janet German, Secretary III, Fire Dept.
Title
SUBJECT: Accept the Standards of Coverage Assessment Report, Volumes 1 (Technical Report) and 2 (Map Atlas) for the Fire Department
REPORT IN BRIEF
On April 17, 2017 the City Council approved the funding and contract with CityGate Associates, LLC to complete a Fire Department Standards of Coverage Assessment. The Standards of Coverage Assessment has been completed and is presented in two volumes.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting the comprehensive Standards of Cover (SOC) report, Volumes 1 (Technical Report) and 2 (Map Atlas) pending future policy direction.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by Staff; or
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for further evaluation.
AUTHORITY
Pursuant to a City Council directive in the 2016-17 adopted budget.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety, as provided for in the 2017-18 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to the City Council directive in the 2016-17 adopted Budget, the Merced Fire Department's (MFD) consultant, Citygate, has completed the Standards of Coverage (SOC) Assessment. Delays in the implementation of the SOC were due to lack of funding and unanticipated changes in the Fire Department's Executive Management.
The goal of the SOC is to provide a foundation for future fire service planning, by identifying current service levels to desired service levels and then assessing the City's ability to provide them. Put simply, this performance analysis forms the basis from which to make recommendations for future changes, if any, to fire station locations, staffing and equipment.
There are no mandatory federal or state regulations directing the level of fire service staffing, response times, or outcomes. Therefore, local policy decision and the City of Merced and its budget are the determining factors of the level of fire protection services provided ...
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