City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  September 18, 2007
Item No.:  16      

Recommendation:  That the Common Council consider the presentation and approve the proposal made by the Fire Department for Restructuring.

Background:  During the 2006 budget sessions, the Fire Department submitted a request to restructure the management and operations of the Department.  The goals of the restructuring were to improve safety, gain efficiency in operations, address the growing training needs, and establish a functional management framework.  With limited time in the budget process to review the needs, merits, and fiscal impact of the restructuring request, the Council directed the request to a study committee.

The study committee included Alderman Tom Michalski, City Administrator Pat DeGrave, Fire Chief Brian Satula, and Assistant Fire Chief Tom Rosandich.  After a full review of proposal, the structure and operational changes, and fiscal impact, the committee members agreed to support and move the restructuring forward for review and recommendation by the Personnel Committee.  The Fire Chief was directed to draft a plan outlining the Restructuring with a proposed implementation date.  The Personnel Committee made motion to move the restructuring to the full Common Council for a decision.

The Department will make a presentation outlining the Restructuring Proposal that calls for a three phase-in approach over 15 months.  The first phase would bring changes in the command structure and staffing levels of paramedic units; the second phase would bring a position dedicated to training after the retirement of Assistant Chief George Krudop; and the third phase would add a new position to meet the inspection and prevention vacancy from the previous phase.

Fiscal Impact: The total cost of the Restructuring Proposal is $286,741 over 27 months.

Phase 1 (tentative start on 10/01/2007) – cost is $38,015

Phase 2 (tentative start on 04/01/2008) – cost is $45,620

Phase 3 (tentative start on 01/01/2009) – cost is $203,106

The funding is coming from three sources: EMS Fund #37, Mitigation Fund #19, and the Fire Department Operating Budget.

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