8.c)1) Staff Report-Hiring of Six New Firefighters C'._ � , �
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SCANDIA
Staff Renort
Date of Meeting: February 19, 2013
To: City Council Members
From: Fire Chief
Re: Hiring of 6 new Firefighters
Agenda Item#: 8.c)1)
Background: We currently have a staff of 25 firefighters(5 of these are on probation until June). 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.
Issue: We are currently under staffed &know of at least one member that will be retiring next
year. There are an additional9 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.
Proposal Details:
We would like to open the application taking process Feb. 25th thru March 29th
Review the applications Apri13� &4th. (Jim Finnegan, Mike Hinz, Bill Havener)
First interviews April 17�' & 18th. (Jim, Mike, Bill &Kristina)
Physical testing Apri127th(our make-up meeting)
Second interview May 8th &9`h(Jim,Mike, Bill &Kristina)
May 14th City Council approval of names. Make offer as soon as possible.
Week of May 20th Doctor Physicals & drug testing(Osceola Hospital)
May 25 have a meeting with the recruits &their families. (Lets the family know what is involved
&the time commitment).
Start Saturday June 1 St
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. As for hourly wage they are replacing
retiring members.
Options: Take applications or wait
Recommendation: Recommend we precede with the hiring process; final decision can be made
May 14`h. Waiting could cause a under staffing problem.