AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2020-43, on the first of two readings, reclassifying and increasing the rank of the firefighter position assigned to the Fire Prevention Division, from the rank of firefighter to the rank of engineer in accordance with Section 143.021 of the Texas Local Government Code; amending the Fire Department staffing table maintained by the City Clerk in accordance with Section 2.373 of the San Marcos City Code to reflect such reclassification; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: June 2, 2020
Department: Fire Department
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Background Information:
In March of 2018, we began the process of reintegrating the Fire Prevention Division back into the Fire Department. At that time, in keeping with our para-military rank structure and moving from all civilian personnel to sworn personnel, we requested two captain’s positions, one engineer position, and one firefighter position. Since that time, we have come to realize that both the engineer and firefighter positions perform the same functions. There is no operational or job performance differences between the Fire Prevention positions of firefighter and engineer.
The purpose of this ordinance is to reclassify/increase the rank of the firefighter position, which is assigned to Fire Prevention, from the rank of firefighter to the rank of engineer. We have also decided that, moving forward, we will only request/assign positions of engineer or above to the Fire Prevention Division due to the job knowledge, skills, and abilities required to excel in this position.
The justification for this is as follows:
• Each position is required to drive safely to and from emergency calls, training, and routine assignments; which is a requirement of the Engineer position.
• Both positions are required to direct and coordinate activities related to Fire Prevention duties.
• Fire Inspector is a required certification for the position of Engineer; therefore, the Firefighter position in Fire Prevention requires certifications of the Engineer position.
• Both positions are required to: utilize department software; inspect buildings for hazards and compliance with adopted fire codes; engage in public education; and assist in the resolution of problems or questions from Fire Department staff, City administrators, and/or the public.
More specifically, Robert Dallimore is currently in the firefighter position and has achieved a passing score on the engineer’s Civil Service exam and is eligible to promote to engineer. If this position is reclassified/upgraded, Dallimore has agreed to a five-year commitment of being assigned to Fire Prevention unless he promotes to Captain within the provisions of Civil Service. The advantages of maintaining Mr. Dallimore in Fire Prevention, while reclassifying him to Engineer are:
• The financial investment in Dallimore, which would have to be re-invested in an additional employee would be in excess of $20,000 in just training courses and the wages associated with the training;
• The difference in pay as a result of the reclassification will be less than $7,700 annually;
• Dallimore is currently enrolled in a Peace Officer academy to further his effectiveness as a fire/arson investigator within the Fire Prevention division;
• Transferring Dallimore back to Operations and training a new person in the position would result in lost productivity while training the replacement;
• When classified as a firefighter, the position would be a “revolving door” and require constant replacement and training;
• Also, Dallimore has established excellent working relationships with Fire Department personnel, developers, contractors, and other City employees/departments. These relationships cannot have a value placed on them; and,
• Allowing the reclassification would also allow Fire Prevention to maintain an increased level of productivity by not having to train a new full-time person.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Approve the reclassification of this position.