HomeMy WebLinkAboutApprove additional appropriation for professional Fire PreveDept. ID FD17 012 Page 1 of 2
Meeting Date: 12/18/2017
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR. CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 12/18/2017
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: David A. Segura, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Approve additional appropriation for professional Fire Prevention inspection, plan
check and environmental enaineerina services on an as -needed basis
Statement of Issue:
The Fire Department requires professional fire prevention inspection, plan check, and
environmental engineering services on an as -needed basis. The Department requests an
additional appropriation of $300,000 for these as -needed professional services.
Financial Impact:
The recommended action is primarily cost -neutral since these expenditures are reimbursed by
developers and also offset by revenue generated from cost recovery fees.
Recommended Action:
Approve an appropriation of $300,000 to the Fire Prevention business unit (10065201.69365).
Funding will be allocated on an incremental basis as -needed, based on development project
demands. The recommended action will also increase the Fire Department's professional services
listing authority by a commensurate amount to ensure compliance with Administrative Regulation
No. 228.
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the additional appropriation and provide staff with alternative direction.
Analysis:
Applicants who submit development projects to the City pay fees for plan checks and inspections
and expect reasonable service levels. The Fire Department has the responsibility to conduct life
safety and fire permit inspections of over 8,000 businesses. Due to mandates imposed by the
State, the Fire Department also annually inspects over 3,000 multi -family residential complexes.
When City staff can no longer meet demands of development activity, including performing life
safety, business, and state mandated inspections (11,000 total), these services have historically
been supplemented with professional fire prevention inspection and plan review services. This
approach is a cost effective method of closing the gap between the demands for these services and
the ability of City staff to meet this demand.
Typical Fire Prevention inspection, plan check, and environmental engineering services include:
• Performing over the counter plan check services and consultations
• Performing plan checks for detailed technical projects, including oil well abandonments
HB -39- Item 5. - 1
Dept. ID FD17 012 Page 2 of 2
Meeting Date: 12/18/2017
• Performing field inspections of operational fire permits, fire protection systems, fire master
plans, and architectural plans
• Determining plan compliance with applicable codes, specifications, and City standards
• Submitting a list of items requiring correction to achieve conformance with City regulations
• Providing technical reports of findings and recommendations
• Supporting City Council approved permit software implementation with critical data cleanup
Development activity that the Fire Department processes has continued at a steady pace.
Examples of significant current and upcoming projects that require these inspection and plan review
services include, but are not limited to, the Hilton Hotel expansion, Pacific City, HB@ Edinger, and
Franklyn school site residential projects.
In addition, three residential projects are in the entitlement process, with multiple oil wells that will
be abandoned requiring professional environmental engineering services.
The Department is requesting an additional appropriation for professional environmental
engineering and plan check/fire inspection services. The current funding for FY 2017/18 is
$100,000 and is anticipated to be exhausted by the end of the calendar year. An additional
appropriation of $300,000 to the Fire Prevention business unit (10065201.69365) is requested.
These expenditures are primarily cost -neutral since the services are reimbursed by developers and
also offset by General Fund revenue generated from cost recovery fees.
The additional allocation is needed to continue providing development related and inspection
services in the community in a timely manner.
Environmental Status:
None.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Improve quality of life.
Enhance and maintain infrastructure.
Strengthen economic and financial sustainability.
Enhance and maintain public safety.
Enhance and maintain City service delivery.
Attachment(s):
None.
Item 5. - 2 H B -40-