HomeMy WebLinkAboutAmbulance Operator Personnel - 2008-07-21CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
INTER -DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Duane Olson, Fire Chief Se VbV_ 6pso
Date: July 21, 2008
SUBJECT: Late Communication
July 21, 2008 Agenda Item E-8
Please replace Agenda Item E-8 with the following documents:
1. Request for Council Action
2. Attachment 1, Exhibit B
The salary range in the RCA was inadvertently stated at $9.05 and needed to be corrected
to start at $9.03. Also added under Recommended Action, is that the Agreement would
become effective with the pay period following City Council adoption.
Exhibit B has been revised to include clarifying benefits language from the Human
Resources Department.
DSO/Ine
Attachment
C: Joan Flynn, City Clerk
Paul Emery, Interim City Administrator
Lcat NmMuo (a ti-O r)
S:\PMT\2008 RCA\Late Communication FD08-005.doc
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Council/Agency Meeting Held:
Deferred/Continued to:
'�[A proved ❑ Co i ion II A rove ❑ De ied
/43
�re—rkASig re
Council eeting Da e: 7/21/2008
Department ID Number: FD 08-005
SUBMITTED TO:
SUBMITTED BY:
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Paul Emery, Interim City Administrator
Duane Olson, Fire Chief Ef_ fom o-50
Approval of Revised Employment Agreement for Ambulance Operator
Personnel
Statement of Issue, Funding Source, Recommended Action, Alternative Action(s), Analysis, Environmental Status, Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue: Request for the City Council to adopt the attached revised employment
agreement for Ambulance Operator personnel, which includes language revisions related to
benefits, work scheduling, and a five step salary range of $9.03 to $11.18 per hour.
Funding Source: Adequate operating account savings in the Ambulance Program business
unit (50265403) exist to fund this change.
Recommended Action: Motion to: Approve the revised Employment Agreement for
Ambulance Operator personnel in the Huntington Beach Fire Department to become
effective with the pay period following City Council adoption.
Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the revised employment agreement and direct staff
accordingly.
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 7/21/2008 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: FD 08-005
Analysis: At its August 21, 2006 meeting, the City Council approved an hourly wage of
$8.00 per hour for the position of Ambulance Operator for the City of Huntington Beach.
Since that time, the California minimum wage has increased to match the $8.00 per hour.
The wage for ambulance operators in Southern California currently ranges between $8 and
$14 per hour based on a survey of twelve (12) agencies conducted in May 2008. Orange
County Fire Authority employees are paid up to $13.02 per hour. The success of the
Huntington Beach Ambulance Program has encouraged cities such as Long Beach, Brea
and La Habra to develop and implement similar emergency transport programs. The City of
Orange has used the Huntington Beach model to implement their own ambulance program.
This has led to an increase in competition for quality employees.
The Ambulance Operator position is considered an introductory position in the fire service,
limited to a total of thirty-six (36) months of employment, resulting in a high turnover rate.
The proposed revision to the Ambulance Operator agreement would start all Ambulance
Operators at $9.03 per hour, supporting our recruitment efforts and encouraging longevity
until contract termination. The new salary structure would allow Ambulance Operators to be
granted a merit step increase of approximately $0.50 every 6 months, for a total hourly wage
of $11.18 over twenty four (24) months. Each step raise requires a performance review
documenting that the employee is meeting competencies in training, emergency call
performance, attendance, and equipment usage.
Ambulance Operators in Huntington Beach are required to maintain certification as an
Emergency Medical Technician, conduct automatic external defibrillation, respond with lights
and sirens, support and assist paramedics on critical calls (e.g. cardiac/respiratory arrest),
and maintain both advanced and basic life support equipment. In order to keep Paramedic
units available, Ambulance Operators are frequently responsible for transporting patients with
minor injuries, unsupervised by fire fighter/paramedics, to the hospital. A competitive wage
and benefits structure is necessary to continue attracting and retaining responsible and
qualified ambulance personnel.
Implementing this change will result in an increased expenditure of $17,500 for the remainder
of FY 2007/08. Adequate funds exist in the Ambulance Program business unit to cover the
remaining months of FY 2007/08. For FY 2008/09 the total annual cost is estimated to be
$105,000, which will be requested through the budget process.
The employment agreement has also been revised throughout to more clearly define the
terms and conditions of employment.
City Council approval of the revised employment agreement is requested.
Strategic Plan Goal: C-2 City Services: Provide quality public service with the highest
professional standards to meet community expectations and needs, assuring that the city is
sufficiently staffed and equipped overall.
-2- 7/18/2008 1:50 PM
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING ®ATE: 7/21/2008 DEPARTMENT 9® NUMBER: F® 08-005
Environmental Status: None.
Attachment(s):
-3- 7/18/2008 1:50 PM
i
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AND
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between the City of Huntington Beach, a
California municipal corporation, (hereinafter "City") and
(hereinafter "Ambulance Operator or Employee").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, in the past, the City contracted with an employment agency to furnish
ambulance operators to the City; and
WHEREAS, in order to better provide for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of
Huntington Beach, the City needed more detailed control over the daily operations of the City's
ambulance operations, including "in-house" deployment of ambulances, ownership and control
over equipment and supplies; supervision and control over employee selection and assignments,
and operations; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to employ a well qualified and motivated
Ambulance Operator for a limited time. As such, the City created an "at -will" Ambulance
Operator position; and
WHEREAS, the City is willing to assume various costs associated with the examination,
interviewing, and investigation of prospective Ambulance Operators and the provision of
uniforms and equipment, training, and salary during training for newly -hired Ambulance
Operators; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to provide certain specific benefits, establish
certain conditions of employment, and to set working conditions of the Ambulance Operator; and
WHEREAS, the City, desires to employ FmL iN NAME
as an at -will Ambulance Operator for the City of Huntington Beach; and
WHEREAS, FILL IN NAME
employment as an at -will Ambulance Operator of the City,
22924 1
desires to accept
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the
parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DITTIES.
A. FILL IN NAME ("Ambulance
Operator") agrees that he or she possesses the minimum qualifications and will perform the
functions, and duties set forth in Exhibit A (attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference), and perform other legally permissible duties and functions as the Fire Chief shall
from time to time assign such as to operate pool and/or other utility vehicles.
Ambulance Operator acknowledges and agrees that the work schedule may
involve twenty four (24) hour shifts or other shifts as determined by the Fire Chief pursuant to
Section 4 herein.
Ambulance Operator shall not be considered a firefighter or public safety
employee. Ambulance Operator shall not perform public safety duties including but not limited
to fire prevention or the staffing of fire apparatus.
The Ambulance Operator shall devote his/her full attention and effort to the tasks
and duties set forth herein and perform the mentioned duties and tasks in a professional manner.
B. City agrees:
(1) to administer various examinations, background checks, and/or any other
pre -employment screening at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief, in order to determine whether
Ambulance Operator is an appropriate candidate for employment as an Ambulance Operator for
the City;
(2) to provide Ambulance Operator with any uniforms, tools and equipment as
the Fire Chief, in his sole discretion deems appropriate;
(3) to provide Ambulance Operator such training and instruction as the Fire
Chief, in his sole discretion, deems appropriate;
(4) to pay Ambulance Operator full wages during the period the Ambulance
Operator is employed by the City;
(5) to staff Ambulances with at least one other Ambulance Operator as
directed by the Fire Chief;
22924 2
(6) to provide adequate dormitory and kitchen facilities for Ambulance
Operator.
SECTION 2. TERM.
A. The Ambulance Operator shall be employed for a term not to exceed thirty-six
(36) months from the date of execution of this Agreement. Ambulance Operator is an at -will
employee of the City and as such, said position may be terminated at any time prior to the
expiration of thirty-six (36) months at the sole and absolute discretion of the Fire Chief. Nothing
in this Agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the sole and absolute discretion
of the Fire Chief to terminate the employment of the Ambulance Operator at any time.
B. The term of this Agreement may be extended for a time period not to exceed six
(6) months upon a writing executed by the Fire Chief and the City Attorney.
C. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the
right of the Ambulance Operator to resign from his/her position with the City by providing
written notice 30 days prior to resignation.
D. Ambulance Operator agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of City during the
term of this Agreement unless he or she receives written approval of the Fire Chief.
The term "employed" (and derivations of that term as used in the preceding paragraph)
shall include employment by another legal entity or self employment; however, it shall not be
construed to include occasional teaching, writing, consulting, or military reserve service
performed on Ambulance Operator's time off, and with the advance approval of the Fire Chief.
SECTION 3. SALARY.
City agrees to pay Ambulance Operator for his/her services rendered pursuant to this
Agreement, an hourly salary based on the following step ranges:
Step A
$9.03
Step B
$9.53
Step C
$10.05
Step D
$10.60
Step E
$11.18
Ambulance Operator's wage will start at Step A. Merit increases may be awarded in one
Step increments every 6 months of full time employment. Merit increases are dependent upon a
22924 3
performance evaluation that is at a competent level or above to be completed by Ambulance
Operator's direct supervisor and reviewed by the Fire Chief.
SECTION 4. WORK SCHEDULE/OVERTIME.
A. It is understood that the Fire Chief may establish a work period for each
Ambulance Operator. Such schedule will comply with requirements of the Fair Labor Standards
Act (FLSA) and any other federal or state employment laws and/or regulations. To the extent
practicable, hours worked will not result in overtime compensation as part of a normal work
schedule. To the extent required by federal and state labor laws and/or regulations, the City
agrees to provide Ambulance Operator overtime based upon a 40 hour work week.
B. Ambulance Operator understands and agrees that in the course of his or her
employment with the City he or she may be scheduled for 24 hour shifts of duty. Ambulance
Operator further understands and agrees that mealtime (3 meal periods not to exceed one hour
each) and a scheduled sleep period (not to exceed 8 hours) need not be considered as hours
worked. However, Ambulance Operator understands and agrees that he or she will be paid for 24
hours out of each 24 hour shift even though not all of those hours are always considered as hours
worked. Ambulance Operator understands and agrees that an amount not less than time and one
half of his/her regular hourly rate of pay shall be paid for all work in excess of 40 hours in any
one calendar week (unless otherwise required by law).
Ambulance Operator understands and agrees that provisions of federal and state laws
provide that an Ambulance Operator working a 24 hour shift may have not more than 8 hours of
each shift deducted for sleep time and that employers electing to pay an employee by these rules
need not consider those periods as hours worked. Ambulance Operator understands that
interruptions of the sleep or meal periods will be considered hours worked. Ambulance
Operator understands and agrees that the City has elected not to deduct any time for sleep or meal
periods and will pay for all sleeping and meal times while he or she is on duty regardless of
interruption.
C. In the event an Ambulance Operator is ordered into work, he or she will receive a
minimum of one (1) hour and a maximum of two (2) hours of pay at the discretion of the Fire
Chief. Employees workday shall not begin until the employee arrives at the Fire station.
22924 4
D. The Fire Chief, at his sole discretion, may establish reasonable regulations
regarding hours worked, daylight savings time, lost time, shift exchanges, etc. These regulations
may be modified and/or updated from time to time at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief in
accordance with federal, state, and or local laws governing employment.
SECTION 5. OTHER BENEFITS/SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS.
Ambulance Operator agrees and understands that pursuant to Huntington Beach
Municipal Code section 2.76.010(k), he or she is not part of the competitive service system and
not part of any recognized bargaining unit in Huntington Beach. Ambulance Operator may not
administratively appeal, grieve or protest any discipline or any other condition of employment
pursuant to Huntington Beach Municipal Code and/or Personnel Rules. Therefore, the benefits
described below and in Exhibit B, attached hereto, shall be the sole and exclusive benefits for
service.
A. General Benefits
The benefits Ambulance Operator receive are pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and
shall be governed by department policies established by the Fire Chief. A copy of policies
regarding this Agreement is available in the Office of the Fire Chief.
B. General Leave
(1) Accrual
Ambulance Operator accrues leave at the accrual rates of 7.15 hours per pay
period or 186 hours per year depending upon hours worked. During the first year of employment
Ambulance Operator may be provided a one time front loaded number of general leave hours not
to exceed 130 hours at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief. Maximum accrual is 200 hours per
year. Ambulance Operator may not cash out general leave except at separation from
employment.
(2) Eligibility and Approval
The accumulation, use, and cash out of general leave shall be governed by policies
established by the Fire Chief in writing. The use of general leave must be pre -approved by the
Fire Chief or designee except for illness, injury or family sickness, which may require a
physician's statement for approval. Ambulance Operator begins to accrue general leave upon
22924 5
execution of this Agreement. General leave may be used for any purpose, including vacation,
sick leave, and personal leave.
C. Bereavement Leave
In the event of the death of an immediate family member, Ambulance Operator
may take up to two (2) work shifts without pay (unless general leave is used). Immediate family
members are father, mother, sister, brother, spouse, child, grandfather, grandmother, stepfather,
stepmother, stepgrandfather, stepgrandmother, grandchild, stepsister, stepbrother, mother-in-law,
father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepchild, or wards of which the employee is the legal
guardian.
D. Court Time
Ambulance Operator who is required to be on standby for a court appearance
related to his or her job duties shall receive two (2) hours of pay for each morning and afternoon
court session. If court attendance is required for more than 2 two hours, Ambulance Operator
shall be compensated as hours worked.
SECTION 6. TERMINATION/RESIGNATION.
In the event Ambulance Operator voluntarily resigns his/her position, the Ambulance
Operator shall give City written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the last workday, unless
the Fire Chief and Ambulance Operator otherwise agree. It is understood that after notice of
termination in any form, Ambulance Operator and City will cooperate to provide for an orderly
transition. Specific responsibilities during such transition may be specified in a written
separation agreement.
SECTION 7. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The Fire Chief, at his sole discretion, may grant two leaves of absences to the Ambulance
Operator to attend a basic firefighter academy and/or paramedic training. In order for a leave of
absence to be considered by the Fire Chief, the Ambulance Operator must provide written
notification to the Fire Chief 30 days in advance of the start date of the requested leave. The
notification must provide the length of the leave, the date the leave will begin and end, and the
reason for the requested leave. The time during which the Ambulance Operator is on leave will
22924 6
not be counted toward the term of this Agreement. Any additional time spent on leave of
absence will be counted toward the term of the Agreement.
SECTION 8. INDEMNIFICATION.
City shall defend and indemnify the Ambulance Operator against any action occurring
within the course and scope of the Ambulance Operator's duties or other noncriminal legal,
equitable or administrative action, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act
or omission occurring in the performance of the Ambulance Operator's duties as an employee or
officer of the City, other than an action brought by the City against the Ambulance Operator or an
action filed against the City by the Ambulance Operator. hi addition, the City shall pay the
reasonable expenses for the travel, lodging, meals, and lost worktime of the Ambulance Operator
should the Ambulance Operator be subject to such, should an action be pending after termination
of the Ambulance Operator. City shall be responsible for and have authority to compromise and
settle any action, with prior consultation with Ambulance Operator, and pay the amount of any
settlement or judgment rendered on that action. Ambulance Operator shall cooperate fully with
the City in the settlement, compromise, preparation of the defense, or trial of any such action.
SECTION 9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
FII,L IN NAME
acknowledges that he/she has
examined this Agreement, that he/she has read and understands this Agreement, and he/she has
the right to consult an attorney prior to entering this Agreement.
SECTION 10. NOTICE
Any notice that may be required by this Agreement shall be sent to the parties at the
addresses below:
City of Huntington Beach
Attn: Fire Chief
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
22924 7
Ambulance Operator
Name
Address
SECTION 12 SEVERABILITY
The invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not and shall not affect the validity of
any other provision. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, the
parties agree that the remaining provisions shall be deemed in full force and effect as if they had
been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement of the invalid provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Huntington Beach has caused this Agreement to
be signed and executed on its behalf by its Fire Chief, and the Ambulance Operator has signed
and executed this Agreement on
200 ,
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMBULANCE OPERATOR
L-on
Fire Chief
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney Ml f
� V til t 1oft
22924
L:AnIBIT
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH CLASS SPECIFICATION
TITLE: AMBULANCE OPERATOR
PERSONNEL COMMISSION APPROVAL: Not Applicable
COUNCIL APPROVAL: December 18, 2006
JOB CODE:
0522
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Part -Time
UNIT REPRESENTATION: None
FLSA STATUS: Non -Exempt
DUTIES SUMMARY
To provide emergency ambulance transport services to the City of Huntington Beach.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The non-safety/non-firefighter position of Ambulance Operator works under the supervision of a
fire captain and the overall direction of an ambulance program coordinator to perform
Ambulance Operator duties as directed.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
In part, the Ambulance Operator will be required to perform the following job tasks: operate city
owned ambulances and other department vehicles as directed, including driving to and from
medical emergencies as part of the ambulance transportation team; perform appropriate field
procedures utilizing EMT-1 level skills such as attaining and documenting vital signs,
bandaging, splinting, lifting patients into ambulance and assisting paramedics as directed;
maintain and inventory emergency ambulance supplies, equipment and routine vehicle parts;
support patient billing operations; operate within federal, state, county and city laws and
regulations and guidelines including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act;
attend and successfully complete department and hospital training sessions and drills; participate
in station and equipment clean-up, and perform other assignments as directed.
1ZIi',71:� �IIII.7i�1�'17
In general, Ambulance Operator will work a 24-hour, rotating shift, for an average 56-hour work
week. To the extent required by federal and state labor laws and/or regulations, the City agrees to
provide the Ambulance Operator with overtime pay based upon a 40-hour work week. As FLSA
23520 1
Exhibit A, page 1 of 3
1ANIFIRall
"non-exempt" employees, Ambulance Operators shall receive overtime pay for hours worked
over forty (40) hours in a work week at time and one half of the time Ambulance Operators
FLSA regular rate of pay.
The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed
by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or
rescind work assignments as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and experience that will provide the knowledge, skills,
and abilities to successfully perform in the position as determined by the Fire Chief. A typical
combination includes but is not limited to:
Knowledge of:
(1) Applicable federal, state, county and Huntington Beach regulations, practices and
procedures;
(2) principles of emergency ambulance and transportation procedures including first
aid, resuscitator, automatic external defibrillator and gurney operations; safe
emergency work practices;
(3) infectious control procedures;
(4) emergency radio communication procedures;
(5) medical terminology and documentation; and,
(6) emergency vehicle maintenance and operation, including all applicable federal
and state driving licenses.
Ability to:
(1) Read electronic and incident maps and follow map directions;
(2) work effectively in difficult and hazardous emergency situations and
environments and carry out work assignments as instructed;
(3) safely and properly transport patients during ambulance transportation;
(4) follow oral and written instructions;
(5) communicate effectively with the public and fellow employees.
Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Preferred graduate of a 240-hour California Fire Academy or equivalent; or Fire
Technology course work at the college level; education and experience directed toward a career
in the Fire Service.
Certifications/License: Possession of a valid California driver's license -Class C;
possession of a current California EMT-1 certificate with a current CPR card; and a valid
Department of Motor Vehicles Ambulance Driver certificate.
23520 l
Exhibit A, page 2 of 3
PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Physical strength to and agility to lift and carry heavy objects, such as a gurney while
transporting patients; lift, pull and operate gurney; climb ladders and stairs; bend, stoop, kneel,
crawl in tight places; withstand a variety of environmental factors including working in the heat
or cold, confined spaces, slippery/uneven surfaces, work irregular hours; exposure to toxic
chemicals, fumes, smoke, gases and solvents; work long periods of time without relief.
Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on
a case -by -case basis.
23520 J
Exhibit A, page 3 of 3
-- i, � � � �l � ��� �
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� —�
i
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
Term Disabilitv (LTD
FICA
Life and Accidental Death and
Dismemberment (AD&D) CoN
The City Medical Contribution will continually match
100% of the cost of the least expensive HMO plan for
medical and dental for Employee. Employee pays any
additional costs for selected coverage. Vision coverage
is available at Employee's expense.
1.45%
and 1.45% paid by Ci
$50,000 City paid coverage. Additional life and
AD&D coverage is available at Employee's expense.
California Public Employees' Retirement Enrollment as a Miscellaneous employee in the 2.5%
System (CalPERS enrollment) Coverage 55 formula. Employee pays 8% required Employee
contribution. Employee pays $2 per month ($0.93 bi-
weekly) for 1959 Survivor Benefit.
Certification Maintenance The City will reimburse Employee for the fees required
to renew EMT certification after obtaining full time
status. The City will pay for DMV required medical
exams associated with maintaining Ambulance Driver's
certification after obtaining full time status.
INITIATING DEPARTMENT:
Fire
SUBJECT:
Approval of Revised Employment Agreement for
Ambulance Operator Personnel
COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
July 21, 2008
�A AMT
$ATU�
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable)
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable)
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
Attached
(Signed in full by the City Attorney)
Not Applicable
❑
Subleases, Third Party Agreements; etc.
Attached
❑
(Approved as to form by City Attorney)
Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attorney)
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Fiscal Impact Statement (Unbudgeted, over $5,000)
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable)
Attached
El
Applicable
El
Staff Report (If applicable)
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report (If applicable)
Attached
❑
Not Applicable
Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial
Attached '
❑
Not Applicable
`EXPLANATION E®Ft RETURN OF ITEM: _
RCA Author: Olson/Culhane/Justen
Council/Agency Meeting Held:
Deferred/Continued to:
❑ Approved ® Conditionally Approved ® Denied
City Clerk's Signa® rfe
Council Meeting Date: 7/21/2008
Department ID Number/ FD 08-005
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Mem
SUBMITTED BY: Paul Emery, Interim City Administrator
PREPARED BY: Duane Olson, Fire Chi
SUBJECT: Approval of Revised Employment AgrE
Personnel 1�
ent for Ambulance Operator
Statement of Issue, Funding Source, Recommended Action, Alternative Aetion(s), Analysis, Environmental Status, Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue: Request for the City Coun�l'to adopt the attached revised employment
agreement for Ambulance Operator personnel, which includes language revisions related to
benefits, work scheduling, and a five step salary range of $9.05 to $11.18 per hour.
Fundinq Source: Adequate operating account savings in the Ambulance Program business
unit (50265403) exist to fund this change/
Recommended Action: Motion to rove the revised Employment A reement for
ppg
Ambulance Operator personnel in tlae Huntington Beach Fire Department.
Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the revised employment agreement and direct staff
accordingly.
/ - �-F- - I -- ---,
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 7/21/2008 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: FD 08-005
Analysis: At its August 21, 2006 meeting, the City Council approved an hourly wage of
$8.00 per hour for the position of Ambulance Operator for the City of Huntington Beach.
Since that time, the California minimum wage has increased to match the $8.y00 per hour.
The wage for ambulance operators in Southern California currently ranges between $8 and
$14 per hour based on a survey of twelve (12) agencies conducted in/May 2008. Orange
County Fire Authority employees are paid up to $13.02 per hour The success of the
Huntington Beach Ambulance Program has encouraged cities such as Long Beach, Brea
and La Habra to develop and implement similar emergency transport programs. The City of
Orange has used the Huntington Beach model to implement their /own ambulance program.
This has led to an increase in competition for quality employees./
The Ambulance Operator position is considered an introductory position in the fire service,
limited to a total of thirty-six (36) months of employment, resulting in a high turnover rate.
The proposed revision to the Ambulance Operator agreement would start all Ambulance
Operators at $9.05 per hour, supporting our recruitment efforts and encouraging longevity
until contract termination. The new salary structure would allow Ambulance Operators to be
granted a merit step increase of approximately $0.507every 6 months, for a total hourly wage
of $11.18 over twenty four (24) months. Each step raise requires a performance review
documenting that the employee is meeting competencies in training, emergency call
performance, attendance, and equipment usage/
Ambulance Operators in Huntington Beachl are required to maintain certification as an
Emergency Medical Technician, conduct automatic external defibrillation, respond with lights
and sirens, support and assist paramedics on critical calls (e.g. cardiac/respiratory arrest),
and maintain both advanced and basic Life support equipment. In order to keep Paramedic
units available, Ambulance Operators are frequently responsible for transporting patients with
minor injuries, unsupervised by fire fighter/paramedics, to the hospital. A competitive wage
and benefits structure is necessary to continue attracting and retaining responsible and
qualified ambulance personnel. 7
Implementing this change will result in an increased expenditure of $17,500 for the remainder
of FY 2007/08. Adequate funds exist in the Ambulance Program business unit to cover the
remaining months of FY 200'�/08. For FY 2008/09 the total annual cost is estimated to be
$105,000, which will be requested through the budget process.
The employment agreer bnt has also been revised throughout to more clearly define the
terms and conditions of employment.
City Council approval of the revised employment agreement is requested.
Strategic Plan Goal: C-2 City Services: Provide quality public service with the highest
professional standards to meet community expectations and needs, assuring that the city is
sufficiently staffed and equipped overall.
-2- 7/15/2008 8:54 AM
-3- 7/15/2008 8:54 AM
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage The City Medical Contribution will continually match
100% of the cost of the least expensive HMO plan for
medical and dental for the employee. /Employee pays
any additional costs for selected coverage.
Long Term Disability (LTD) Coverage I City paid coverage.
FICA (Medicare) 1 1.45% paid by Employee and/1.45% paid by City.
Life and Accidental Death and I City paid coverage.
Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage
California Public Employees' Enrollment as a Miscellaneous employee in the 2.5% @
Retirement System (CalPERS 55 formula. Employee pays 7% required Employee
enrollment) Coverage contribution./Employee pays $2 per month ($0.93 bi-
weekly) for/1959 Survivor Benefit.
Employee Assistance Program ) City paid coverage.
Flexible Spending Account I Participation is voluntary and funding is based on
Employee contributions.
Deferred Compensation I Participation is voluntary and funding is based on
Employee contributions.
Call Back In the event an Ambulance Operator is ordered into
work, he or she will receive a minimum of one (1) hour
and maximum of two (2) hours of pay at the discretion
of the Fire Chief. Ambulance Operator workday shall
not begin until the employee arrives at the Fire station.
Certification Maintenance The City will reimburse the Employee for the fees
required to renew EMT certification after obtaining full
time status. The City will pay for DMV required
medical exams associated with maintaining Ambulance
Driver's certification after obtaining full time status.
22951 ( EXHIBIT B