City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:   December 4, 2007

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve the allocated funds from the Fire Department budget for Phase 1 of the Fire Department Restructuring Plan.

Background:  During the Special Common Council meeting for the 2008 budget, the costs of Fire Department Restructuring Plan for Phase 1 and 2 were included in the Fire Department budget.  The Council approved the budget and the funds were allocated for the position changes and associated costs in the Plan. 

At this point, the Fire Department is respectfully requesting consideration and approval for the implementation of Phase 1 of the Restructuring Plan.  Phase 1 was intended to address the gaps in the Department’s operational command structure and to make changes in response.  Specific changes in Phase 1 are as follows:

• Establish three (3) Battalion Chiefs of Operations positions – 56-hr. management position
• Vacate the three (3) Captain positions – 56-hr. bargaining unit position
• Establish three (3) Lieutenants – 56-hr. bargaining unit position
• Reduce the paramedic unit staffing level at Station #1 to two (2) personnel
• Establish a third paramedic unit at Station #3

At a Personnel Committee meeting on November 27, 2007, reviews of the job description and salary ordinance for the Battalion Chief of Operations were made.  The Personnel Committee made and approved motions to move the request forward to the full Council.  The Fire Department will make a short PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the changes in the organizational structure and new response plan. 

Fiscal Impact: The funds for Phase 1 of the Restructuring Plan will come from within the Fire Department operating budget.  No additional funds are requested for implementation.

Prepared by: Brian Satula Fire Chief	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk