Title
Report regarding a resolution to approve a side letter agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of South San Francisco and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1507 to provide for additional compensation for canine search handlers. (Leah Lockhart, Human Resources Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving a side letter agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of South San Francisco and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1507 to provide for additional compensation to canine search handlers, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Since its inception in 1991, Fire Department personnel have participated in the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team, California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3). In 2004, Fire Department members of CA-TF3 initiated the creation of a canine search team program. In support of this effort, the Fire Chief developed a letter of agreement with IAFF Local 1507 outlining the terms of participation in the canine search program as a voluntary assignment, with all compensation provided by CA-TF3.
Prior to 2016, CA-TF3 provided canine handlers with a stipend equal to three (3) hours of overtime per week, at one and half times the handler's hourly rate of pay. In addition, CA-TF3 provided reimbursement for costs related to qualifying and recertifying a search dog. However, in September of 2016, facing budgetary constraints, CA-TF-3 reduced the canine handler compensation to a flat stipend of $300 a month. Recognizing the dramatic decrease in monthly compensation, the City agreed to provide further assistance to the Fire Department's current canine handler, including expense reimbursement, vehicle use, and time for training and recertification. Currently, the compensation and terms provided to the canine search handler are as follows:
FEMA...
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