8.f) Staff Report-Authorize Advertising for FirefightersSCANDIA
Staff RepoVt
Date of Meeting: February 18, 2014
To: City Council Members
From: Mike Hinz, Fire Chief
Re: Hiring of 6 new Firefighters
Background:
We currently have a staff of 25 firefighters (2 of these are on probation until June). We anticipate
loosing at least two more before year end to retirement and moving out of the area. We feel that a
reasonable staffing level is 30; this is the number we have used for many years. Over the last few
years we have had a large turn over. There are an additional 7 members that have 20 years or more
on the department & could possibly retire in the next few years. It will take about five years of
training to establish a qualified replacement firefighter.
Issue:
Should the City advertise for volunteer firefighters?
Proposal Details:
Tentative Proposed Schedule:
Open the application taking process Feb. 24th thru March 28th with announcements on
website and local papers.
Review the applications first week in April. (Mike Hinz, Bill Havener, Ernie Yoch)
First interviews April 16th & 17th. (Mike, Bill, Ernie & Kristina)
Physical testing April 26th
Second interview May 8th (Mike, Bill, Ernie & Kristina)
May 20th City Council approval of names. Make offer as soon as possible.
Week of May 26th Doctor Physicals & drug testing (Osceola Hospital)
May 31 have a meeting with the recruits & their families. (Lets the family know what is
involved & the time commitment).
Start first week in June.
Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact will be about $1,500 per person in the first year with a total of $6,000 in the
first 5 years to achieve full credentials.
Options:
1) Authorize staff to advertise for volunteer firefighters
2) Do not authorize advertising for applications at this time
Recommendation:
Option 1.