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Recommendation to adopt resolution identifying the Terms and Conditions for Fire Department Response to incidents outside of the jurisdiction when the Long Beach Fire Department is compensated or reimbursed for such response. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Under the Statewide Disaster and Civil Defense Master Mutual Aid Agreement, the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) responds to requests from the State of California Office of Emergency Services (OES) to provide assistance to fire and emergency rescue incidents outside of the City of Long Beach. Responses are typically for wildfires within the State of California. Additionally, in past years, the OES has called upon LBFD’s Urban Search and Rescue and Swiftwater Rescue Teams to assist in rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes in Texas and Louisiana.
In such responses, the LBFD compensates all personnel from the time they leave the City until the time that they return to the City. This is referred to as “portal to portal” compensation, including travel time, time spent working on the incident, and rest periods. Historically, the OES has reimbursed the LBFD for all personnel and equipment costs incurred during this “portal to portal” period. The LBFD participates in an annual salary survey from OES to ensure that the OES reimbursement is based on the most current rates.
Recently, the OES advised all local fire agencies that they will begin to reimburse only for actual hours worked on a mutual aid incident unless the local agency has a Resolution in place that memorializes its practice of compensating its employees on a “portal to portal” basis. Without the resolution, the OES will no longer reimburse for travel time and rest periods, even though the LBFD would continue to incur these costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Kendra Carney on February 25, 2015 and by Budget Officer Victoria Bell on March 2, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
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