2020-10-06 Fire Service Interlocal Agreement (Distributed at meeting)NasonYpger
GERSON. l IARRIS & FLIME.
Al IORNLYS AI LA4V Lst. 1960
JOHN J. FUMERO
MOBILE:
(561)315-4595
E-MAIL:
lfumero(a nasonveaser.com
MEMORANDUM
To: City Council
From: John Fumero, City Attorney
Date: October 2, 2020
Re: Status Update — Fire Services Interlocal Agreement
CARLYN H. KOWALSKY
MOBILE:
(561)248-3922
E-MAIL:
ckowalskyr_@nasonyeaeer. coin
The City Administrator and the City Attorney provided an update on negotiations and
outstanding issues concerning the proposed Fire Services Interlocal Agreement (FSIA) at the
September 21, 2020 City Council meeting. Since that time there have been numerous
interactions with the Okeechobee County Administrator and County Attorney. Based on those
interactions, we can report the following:
1. Paramedic positions. There are 7 City fire personnel who either already have or are in
school to obtain a paramedic certificate and who are, or may be, interested in applying for
positions at the Okeechobee County Fire Department. The County has requested that
those individuals file a completed County employment application on or before October
16, 2020, so that those individuals can be properly vetted through the existing County
employment process. The City Administrator has informed these individuals, in writing,
of the application deadline.
2. Proposed commencement date. After some discussion it is recommended that the
proposed commencement date set forth in the FSIA be changed from April 1, 2021 to
June 1, 2021. This change is intended to allow reasonable amount of time for the seven
City fire personnel to complete coursework and obtain paramedic certification. To assist
with timely completion of the paramedic coursework requirements, the county has
offered to allow City fire personnel to perform their "paramedic ride time" with the
County. The City personnel have been made aware of this option. The County has
750 Park of Commerce Boulevard I Suite 210 1 Boca Raton, Florida 33487
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Status Update — Fire Services Interlocal Agreement
Page 2 of 2
informed me that City •e personnel are the only ones authorized to do so based on
Covid-19 protections.
3. Timetable for execttiiott Our collective goal is to have a finalized FSIA, with exhibits,
�)Ik or before Tuesday, c ;'cAober 13, 2020. City staff intends to present the FSIA for
consideration and possilr!c final approval at the October 20 City Council meeting.
4. Potential temporary County positions. There are 3 City employees who are not
currently in paramedic training but who may enroll in the future and could be considered
by the County as Tenq-iorary employees. The County is working out the terms and
conditions under valid- the temporary positions what exist and be funded by the City.
The City Council can decsde if, and to what extent, these temporary positions are funded
by the City.
5. Proposed Fire Servicez ' aterlocal Agreement. Based on City Council direction and the
aforementioned City/Cc .:ity interactions, both the City and the County have made final
edits to the proposed f ., : ` . For example, a proposed new section and associated exhibit
has been added to th`:. 1'k to address the potential funding of temporary positions at the
County.
The City Administrator and Ci'-,; Attorney will provide an update at the October 6, 2020, City
Council meeting. Irt the meamilrre, should you have any questions or comments, please for free
to contact either Marcos or me.