5.g Appointment of Fire Department OfficersSCA►NDIA.
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: December 20, 2016
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Re: Appointment of Fire Department Officers
Background:
Chief Hinz has reported that Ernie Yoch is stepping down from the Assistant Chief position (he is
planning to retire early next year). He would like to appoint Ian Skarja to the assistant chief position (he
is currently a fire captain). Skarja, who joined the department in 2010, has served as Fire Captain since
August 2013. Additionally he would like to appoint Travis Loeffler to replace Ian in the captain position.
Loeffler has been on the department since June 2013.
Additionally, the Ordinance that established the Fire Department places a 4 -year term for the Fire Chief
with that term expiring on December 31, 2016.
Issue:
Should the resignation of Ernie Yoch as Assistant Chief be accepted?
Should Ian Skarja be appointed as Assistant Chief to replace Yoch?
Should Travis Loeffler be appointed as Captain to replace Skjara?
Should Mike Hinz be reappointed to a 4 -year term as Fire Chief.
Proposal Details: Ordinance 117 which established the Scandia Fire and Rescue Department
provides the following provisions for the selection of officers.
Subdivision 3. Selection of Officers.
(A) The chief shall be appointed by the City Council for a term of four years ending on
December 31, 2012 and every fourth year thereafter. The City Council may solicit
the recommendation(s) of the members of the Fire Department prior to appointment
of the chief.
(B) The assistant chiefs shall be appointed by the City Council for a term of two years
ending on March 1, 2011 and every second year thereafter. The City Council shall
solicit the recommendation(s) of the chief prior to the appointment of the assistant
chiefs.
(C) The chief may appoint other officers within the department for terms not to exceed
two years as may be deemed necessary for the management of the Fire Department,
subject to approval by the City Council.
Fiscal Impact:
There would be no net impact on the Fire Department budget. Individually the following changes
would occur if approved:
• Skarja would receive a $200/month stipend as Assistant Fire Chief, with no change to his
current hourly rate of $14.00/hour he receives as an officer.
• Loeffler would receive a $100/month stipend as well as a $1/hour pay increase, bringing his
hourly rate to $14.00/hour.
• The hourly rate for Firefighter Yoch would be lowered to $13.00/hour.
Options:
1. Accept Yoch's resignation as Assistant Chief effective December 31, 2016.
2. Appoint Skarja to the remainder of the 2 -year term expiring on March 1, 2017 as Assistant
Fire Chief as recommended by Chief Hinz.
3. Request additional candidates for the Assistant Chief position be presented.
4. Approve the appointment of Loeffler to a 2 -year term expiring on December 31, 2018 as
recommended by Chief Hinz.
5. Request that additional candidates be presented.
6. Reappoint Chief Hinz to a 4 -year term as Fire Chief.
7. Take no action pending a recommendation from the members of the Fire Department.
Recommendation: Options 1, 2, 4, and 6