Resolution No. 2019-042RESOLUTION NO. 2019-42
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A
SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF
VERNON AND THE VERNON FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the Vernon Fire Management Association ("VFMA"), has
been recognized as an employee organization pursuant to the City of
Vernon Employer -Employee Relations Resolution (Resolution No. 4027); and
WHEREAS, on July 12, 2016, the City Council of the City of
Vernon adopted Resolution No. 2016-37 approving a Memorandum of
Understanding ("MOU"), as amended on October 24, 2017, by Resolution No.
2017-55, setting forth certain terms and conditions for employment of
City of Vernon employees in classifications represented by the VFMA,
for the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019; and
WHEREAS, following the August 6, 2019, decision by the City
Council of the City of Vernon to contract with the Fire Protection
District of Los Angeles County (the "District") for firefighting
services, the City and the VFMA began negotiating the impacts and
effects of the City's decision to contract firefighting services and
transition thereto; and
WHEREAS, representative members of the VFMA and the City have
agreed to execute a Side Letter of Agreement with the following key
provisions: (i) extending the terms of the MOD until the commencement
of services by the District, or through August 1, 2020, or until such
time as a determination is made that the transition of service to the
District will not proceed; (ii) amending Article Five, Section 1(C)
regarding vacancies to be filled providing for the backfill of
Battalion Chief vacancies at the discretion of the Fire Chief; (iii)
providing retiree medical benefits to those VFMA represented employees
who transfer to the District and who have a minimum of twenty (20)
years of service with the City of Vernon as of the date of transition,
offset by the amount of any retiree medical benefits earned through
District service; and (iv) stipulating as to the employees, ranks,
salaries, and City service dates of transferring employees; the amount
of vacation and sick leave to be transferred for each employee to the
District, and provisions in the event an employee is determined to be
ineligible for transfer.
WHEREAS, all other terms of the previous MOD would remain in
effect; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon desires to
approve the Side Letter of Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
finds and determines that the above recitals are true and correct.
SECTION 2: The City Council of the City of Vernon finds
that this action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) review, because it is an administrative activity that will not
result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and
therefore does not constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA
Guidelines Section 15378.
SECTION 3: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
approves and authorizes the execution of the Side Letter of Agreement
(the -Agreement") between the City of Vernon and the Vernon Fire
Management Association, in substantially the same form as attached
hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 4: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
instructs the City Administrator, or his designee, to take whatever
action is deemed necessary or desirable for the purpose of implementing
and carrying out the purposes of this Resolution and the transactions
herein approved or authorized, including but not limited to, any
nonsubstantive changes to the Agreement attached herein.
SECTION 5: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
directs the Interim City Clerk, or the Interim City Clerk's designee,
to send a fully executed Agreement to Todd Painton, President of the
Vernon Fire Management Association.
SECTION 6: The Interim City Clerk of the City of Vernon
shall certify to the passage, approval and adoption of this resolution,
and the Interim City Clerk, of the City of Vernon shall cause this
resolution and the Interim City Clerk's certification to be entered in
the File of Resolutions of the Council of this City.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of October, 2019.
ATTEST:
De orah Harringt
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
4Za Moussa,
Son' r Deputy City Attorney
It
VN P6elis 'A. Ybarra
Title: Mayor
- 3 -
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk of the City of Vernon,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution No.
2019-42, was duly passed, approved and adopted by the City Council of
the City of Vernon at a regular meeting of the City Council duly held
on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, and thereafter was duly signed by the
Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Vernon.
Executed this 'P day of October, 2019, at Vernon, California.
(SEAL)
4 -
D orah Harringt 06,
Interim City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT
City of Vernon and
Vernon Fire Management Association
This Side Letter of Agreement ("Agreement") is entered by and between the City of Vernon
("City') and the Vernon Fire Management Association ("VFMA") with respect to the following:
WHEREAS, VFMA is the recognized employee organization for employees employed by the City's
Fire Department in the classifications of Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Battalion Chief, Administrative Fire
Battalion Chief, and Fire Marshal; and
WHEREAS, VFMA and the City have been actively engaged in negotiation for a successor
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to the one that expired June 30, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the City's elected Council voted to contract for firefighting and related services with
the Consolidated Fire District of the County of Los Angeles ("the District"); and
WHEREAS, following the vote of the City's Council to contract for firefighting services, the City
and VFMA ceased negotiating a successor MOU and have been negotiating the impacts and effect of the
City's decision to contract for firefighting services; and
WHEREAS, the City and VFMA have reached an understanding with respect to the rights and
entitlements of its members should the City enter into a contract for firefighting and related services
with the District and wish to memorialize that agreement herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the City and VFMA agree to amend their MOU as follows:
1. Term of Agreement and MOU: The term of the MOU shall be extended until the earlier of either
(1) the commencement date of service by the District, in which case no further MOU will be
necessary; or (2) until such time as it is reasonably determined that contracting for firefighting
service with LA County will not proceed, in which case the provisions of this side letter shall be
null and void and the parties shall reconvene negotiations for a successor MOU; or (3) August 1,
2020, in which case the parties shall either mutually agree to further extend this side letter
agreement and the MOU or, if no such agreement is reached to extend the side letter agreement
and the MOU, the provisions of this side letter shall be null and void and the parties shall
reconvene negotiations for a successor MOU.
Any VFMA represented employee who chooses to retire prior to the commencement date of service
by the District shall be entitled to the payoffs and other benefits to which they are entitled under
the July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019 MOU, except as specifically amended by this side letter.
2. Retiree Medical and Dental: For those VFMA represented employees who transfer to the District
with twenty (20) or more years of continuous service with the City of Vernon Fire Department as of
the date of transfer (a list of qualifying employees is attached hereto as Exhibit "A"), the following
shall apply:
a. If the employee separates from the District after age 50 without becoming entitled to a
retiree medical contribution in the County's retiree medical health plan, the City shall
pay that former employee a retiree medical/dental benefit reimbursement allowance in
an amount equal to the actual cost of medical and dental insurance for the employee
and his/her spouse, not to exceed $1,100 per month. The reimbursements shall occur
quarterly and the employee shall present, quarterly, proof of medical and/or dental
insurance coverage and premiums. For purposes of this transitional benefit, qualifying
employees (as listed on Exhibit "A") shall have a vested right to the City retiree medical
benefit as set forth herein upon transition to employment with the District.
b. If the employee separates from the District and qualifies for a District/County retiree
medical contribution, the City's payment of a medical/dental insurance benefit for the
employee and his/her spouse of up to $1,100 per month will be offset by the amount of
benefit the employee is eligible to receive from the District/County. For example, if the
cost of the medical and dental insurance premiums for the employee and spouse cost
$1050/month, and the employee qualifies for a County/District contribution of
$400/month, the City's reimbursement shall be $650/month ($400+$650-$1050).
c. Upon reaching the age of sixty-five (65), the employee and/or eligible spouse shall apply
for Medicare coverage. The City shall pay up to 100% of the cost of a Medicare
supplemental medical and dental insurance plan not to exceed $1,100 per month.
Reimbursement does not include the cost of Medicare premiums and/or copays, but
rather a Medicare supplement medical and dental insurance plan. Any amount provided
to the employee shall be offset by the amount the employee is eligible to receive from
the District/County.
3. Overtime: Article Five, Section 1 (C) of the MOU is amended to read as follows:
C. Vacancies To Be Filled
Any vacancy, whether permanent or as a result of any type of leave, in the Battalion
Chief rank may be backfiRed at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
4. Personnel. Ranks. and Salaries: By no later than October 31, 2019, the parties shall reach
agreement on the names, City Rank, Transfer Rank, City Seniority Date, and City Salary information
contained in Schedule 7 of the agreement between the City and the District, which may be amended
by the parties due only to the separation of an employee(s) prior to transition. The determination
of which ranks of VFMA members transfer to the District is determined using time in rank (or a higher
rank). For example, the last promoted Captain will be the first bumped down to a classification
previously held by that Captain.
5. Transfer of Vacation And Sick Leave Hours: By November 30, 2019, VFMA members who desire to
transfer to the District shall designate the number of available, accrued vacation and sick leave hours
to be transferred, up to 240 hours of vacation leave and 240 hours of sick leave. Any employee failing
to make a designation, will be deemed to have designated the maximum number of available vacation
and sick leave hours to be transferred.
6. Payout of Remaining Sick Leave and Vacation Leave Hours: Any accrued vacation leave not being
transferred to the District shall be paid to employees at their regular hourly rate at the time of
separation. Any remaining sick leave hours not being transferred to the District shall be forfeited;
provided, however, that those employees with 20 years or more of continuous service on the date
that firefighting and related services are transferred to the District shall be compensated for all
unused sick leave at the time of separation at 50% of the employee's then current regular hourly rate
of pay, pursuant to Article Ten, Section 11(B) of the MOU.
7. Employees Deemed Ineligible for Transfer: Any VFMA represented employee deemed ineligible to
transfer by the District will be separated from City effective the date of commencement of service
by the District, and the employee would be entitled to any payoffs or other benefits to which they
are entitled under the MOU or pursuant to law. The City agrees that it will certify as qualified for
industrial disability retirement any member of VFMA who is rejected from employment by the District
due to a legitimate industrial injury or other industrial medical condition, and who meets applicable
CaIPERS criteria for Industrial Disability Retirement, upon submission of the required paperwork
(DWC-1, etc.). The parties agree that if a disability retirement is not granted, the City is under no
obligation to reinstate the employee to employment with the City as the employee's position has
ceased to exist. Any VFMA member who is on leave pursuant to Labor Code section 4850 on the date
of transition and who is not being immediately offered a position by the District will continue to
receive their Section 4850 payments for the duration of their statutory entitlement (up to one year)
under the law. However, such individuals will not be considered employees of the City beyond the
date of transition. VFMA employees who are off on a non -industrial injury or illness leave or who
have exhausted their Labor Code 4850 benefits on the date of transition will be laid off from the City
as of the date of transition, and shall be paid for their accrued leaves and other benefits per the
terms of the MOU.
8. Terms of Agreement For Services Between The District and City Incorporated Herein: The parties
acknowledge that the Agreement for Services between the City and the District (attached hereto as
Exhibit "C") contains terms and provisions that directly impact the determination of who and under
what terms employees shall transition to the District and the wages, hours and other terms and
conditions of employment of those transitioning employees. To that end, the terms of the Agreement
for Services between the City and The District are hereby incorporated by reference as though set
forth in full and shall not change in any manner that materially alters the determination of who and
under what conditions an employee transitions to the District and the wages, hours and other terms
and conditions of employment of VFMA members that transition.
[Signatures next page]
FOR THE CITY OF VERNON
Carlos R. Fandino, Jr., City Administrator
ATTEST:
Deborah arrington,
Interim City Clerk
VERNON FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Todd Painton, President
Todd Schoenig, Vice President
Craig Peltier, Secretary
Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Zaynah Moussa,
Senior Deputy City Attorney
Date
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL ON PER RESOLUTION
Exhibit A
Employee Full Name
PELTIER, CRAIG D
SCHOENIG, TODD R
PAINTON, TODD S
Position Title
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
Orig hire Years of
d.6e �e
10/24/1988 30.8 ry
11711991 28.6
1112/1992 26.8
Employee Signature
VFMA As of9-24-2019
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF VERNON
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this _ day of , _, by
and between the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County, hereinafter
referred to as the "FIRE DISTRICT," and the City of Vernon, hereinafter referred to as the
"CITY."
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the CITY has decided to contract with FIRE DISTRICT for fire protection,
hazardous materials, emergency medical, and all related services as authorized by California
Government Code Section 54981, and the FIRE DISTRICT is authorized to provide such
services pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 13800, at. seq;
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the CITY to receive regional fire protection services from
the FIRE DISTRICT due to the benefits afforded by regional service delivery; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the parties hereto to address, by this Agreement, all
matters which are related to a contract for services to be provided to the CITY by the FIRE
DISTRICT.
SECTION I. AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
(A) The effective date of this Agreement shall be the date of approval by the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles as the governing body of the FIRE DISTRICT, which
is , and this Agreement shall continue in effect until such time
as this Agreement is terminated or otherwise renegotiated.
(B) The provision of services by the FIRE DISTRICT to the CITY shall commence on
the date stated in Schedule 1 established by the FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT,
hereinafter referred to as "commencement date of services".
(C) The date of annexation of the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT shall be the date of
recordation of annexation documents which shall be on or near the commencement date of
services.
-1-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
IU,
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(D) This Agreement shall remain in effect for a minimum often (10) years from the
commencement date of services ("Initial Ten -Year Tenn"). Subsequent to this Initial Ten -Year
Tenn, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for one year periods. Either party may
terminate this Agreement any time after the expiration of the Initial Ten -Year Term upon one
years written notice as provided in Subsection (E) of this Section I, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
(E) Subsequent to the ninth (9) year of the Initial Ten -Year Term, the FIRE DISTRICT
or the CITY may terminate this Agreement by giving at least one year's written notice to the
other for termination of this Agreement and the CITY's detachment from the FIRE DISTRICT in
accordance with this Section I. Notice shall be sent to the addresses listed in Section III,
Subsection (1), herein, or as subsequently changed by either party in writing.
(F) Should either party give written notice of its intent to terminate this Agreement, that
party shall initiate detachment proceedings through the Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO). The party who terminates this Agreement, including any subsequent amendments,
shall bear the cost of all fees associated with detachment of the CITY from the FIRE
DISTRICT, unless CITY becomes delinquent or defaults in its Annual Fee payment to the FIRE
DISTRICT for FIRE DISTRICT services pursuant to Section III, Subsection (0), in which
instance CITY shall bear the costs. Such fees shall be defined as LAFCO fees, the State
Board of Equalization fees, and any similar fees of this nature but shall not include any Board
of Supervisors' or any CITY administrative fees or attorneys' fees.
(G) A review of the Agreement terms maybe initiated at anytime by either party, upon
five (5) days written notice to the other. Any modifications made to this Agreement shall be
upon written consent of both parties. The parties agree to negotiate in good faith and deal
fairly with respect to performance under this Agreement and with respect to any proposed
I modifications to this Agreement.
(SECTION It. SERVICES
(A) Services to be provided by the FIRE DISTRICT to the CITY shall include fire
protection, hazardous materials services, emergency medical services which include
-2-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
paramedic services, fire code and related code enforcement, fire cause and arson
investigation, plus all FIRE DISTRICT support services including, but not limited to,
supervision, dispatching, training, equipment maintenance, supplies, and procurement,
collectively referred to as "Services" The CITY will not be charged for on -duty personnel
reassigned from fire stations outside of the CITY to staff events in the CITY. The FIRE
DISTRICT's cost for Fire Safety Officers (FSOs) or augmented staffing assigned to special
events held in the CITY will be charged to the CITY for CITY -sponsored events or to non -CITY
entities, whichever is the appropriate organization, as the cost for such augmented services is
not included in the CITY's Annual Fee.
(B) The power and authority relating to the provision of Services, the standards of
performance, the discipline of personnel, and other matters related to the performance of such
Services and control of personnel so employed by the FIRE DISTRICT shall be within the sole
discretion of the FIRE DISTRICT.
(C) The engine companies assigned to the CITY Fire Stations as listed on Schedule 3
attached hereto shall carry automatic external defibrillators, and all firefighting personnel shall
be certified as Emergency Medical Technician-1. The minimum daily staffing level in the CITY
as indicated on Schedule 3 herein is as follows: one engine company staffed with three
personnel (one fire captain, one fire fighter specialist and one fire fighter); one engine company
and one truck company each staffed with four personnel, (one fire captain, one fire fighter
specialist and two fire fighters); and one paramedic squad staffed with two fire fighter
paramedics, for a total operations staffing of thirteen uniformed personnel on duty daily in the
CITY. This staffing level may be modified by mutual agreement of the CITY COUNCIL and
FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT pursuant to Section XI.
(D) All code enforcement, plan check approval, and other fire prevention activities shall
be in accordance with the County of Los Angeles Fire Code and FIRE DISTRICT ordinances,
regulations, standards, policies and procedures, except as may be amended pursuant to
Section X herein.
(E) Transportation of a patient to a hospital in a medical emergency is not provided by
-3-
I the FIRE DISTRICT. Emergency medical transportation is provided under a County of
2 Los Angeles contractual arrangement with a private ambulance company licensed to operate
3 within Los Angeles County. If the CITY opts to continue to provide medical transportation in
4 the CITY during the term of this Agreement, the CITY and FIRE DISTRICT will enter into a
5 Memorandum of Understanding which will outline the CITY's responsibilities in the
6 administration of its ambulance program, including the location of the housing of ambulance
7 program's personnel and equipment.
8 (F) The FIRE DISTRICT will participate in and support community emergency
9 preparedness, education, training, and exercises at the reasonable request of and at no
10 additional cost to the CITY. The CITY shall retain responsibility for the CITY's internal
I I emergency management and related programs.
12 (G) Without cost to the FIRE DISTRICT, the CITY shall, within the legal boundaries of
13 the CITY, retain responsibility for providing a water system including fire hydrants capable of
14 supplying adequate water fire flow to the FIRE DISTRICT. The CITY shall ensure that the
15 CITY's water purveyors provide adequate water and hydrants for fire protection purposes
16 within the CITY without cost to the FIRE DISTRICT.
17 (H) The FIRE DISTRICT shall annually inspect all fire hydrants within the CITY to
18 ensure that fire hydrants are mechanically operable and capable of delivering water. The FIRE
19 DISTRICT shall notify the CITY's water purveyors, in writing, of any maintenance requirements
20 as soon as possible after such inspections and at any other times the FIRE DISTRICT
21 becomes aware of maintenance or repair requirements. The FIRE DISTRICT shall not be
22 liable to pay any CITY water purveyor for hydrant installation, use, repair, maintenance, or
23 rental fees or any other related costs or expenses except if damage results from the FIRE
24 DISTRICT'S negligent use of said fire hydrants.
25 (1) The transference of applicable 9-1-1 calls to the FIRE DISTRICT shall be done
26 immediately upon receipt by the CITY's Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and shall be
27 performed without cost to the FIRE DISTRICT. The CITY shall be responsible for all costs
28 1 associated with connecting ring -down circuits from its PSAP to the FIRE DISTRICT's circuit.
4-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(J) The FIRE DISTRICT shall provide to the CITY quarterly and annual statistical
response information reports. The criteria utilized in the preparation of such reports shall be
determined by the CITY ADMINISTRATOR and the FIRE DISTRICT's jurisdictional Assistant
Fire Chief.
(K) Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the future expansion or relocation of the
CITY'S Fire Stations referenced on Schedule 3 herein if such action is mutually agreed upon in
writing by both the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT's Fire Chief.
(L) Any agreed -upon adjustments in staffing pursuant to Section XI, Subsection (B)
herein may cause adjustments in the determination of the Annual Fee, as specified in
Schedule 2 attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION III. ANNUAL FEE FOR SERVICES
(A) The CITY shall pay an Annual Fee for FIRE DISTRICT Services, hereinafter
referred to as "Annual Fee." As provided for in the California Health and Safety Code Section
13878, the FIRE DISTRICT shall be paid monthly, in advance, from funds of the CITY for the
performance of the services referred to in Section II, hereof. The Annual Fee shall be
determined by the method specified in Schedule 2, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
The CITY shall pay the FIRE DISTRICT one -twelfth (1/12) of the estimated or actual Annual
Fee monthly, in advance, on or before the first day of each month. The one-year period for
payment of the Annual Fee is defined as July 1 through June 30, herein referred to as "Fiscal
Year."
(B) At least ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of each Fiscal Year, the FIRE
DISTRICT shall submit a preliminary estimate of the Annual Fee ("Preliminary Annual Fee") for
providing Services to the CITY for the ensuing fiscal year. The Preliminary Annual Fee shall
include estimated costs of FIRE DISTRICT salary and employee benefits and overhead, and
shall be used for billing purposes until actual cost information is available.
(C) As soon as actual cost information is available, the FIRE DISTRICT shall provide
the CITY a statement of the actual Annual Fee for providing Services during the current fiscal
year. If the Annual Fee is less than the Preliminary Annual Fee, the FIRE DISTRICT shall
-5-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
credit the CITY for the difference, which amount shall be deducted from the first monthly
invoice and, if applicable, the following monthly invoices subsequent to the statement of the
Annual Fee. If the Annual Fee is greater than the Preliminary Annual Fee, the additional
amount due the FIRE DISTRICT will be paid by the CITY during the subsequent fiscal year as
follows: One -twelfth (1/12) of such additional Annual Fee amount due to the FIRE DISTRICT
shall be added and paid in each of the CITY's subsequent twelve (12) monthly payments.
(D) A limitation shall be placed on increases in the amount of Annual Fee to be paid by
the CITY each year, hereinafter referred to as "Annual Fee Limitation" For purposes of
calculation of the Annual Fee Limitation, the Annual Fee shall not include any conversion
costs, credits, or rebates of any kind. The Annual Fee Limitation shall be subject to annual
changes after the initial five-year period of this Agreement commencing with the
date of services ("Initial Five -Year Period") as described below. During the
Initial Five -Year Period, the Annual Fee Limitation shall not exceed four percent (4%) per
Fiscal Year. At the conclusion of the Initial Five -Year Period, the FIRE DISTRICT will meet
with the CITY to discuss cost trends and increases that will impact the CITY's Annual Fee.
During the sixth year of this Agreement, the Annual Fee Limitation shall be the average of the
immediately preceding four years' percentage increases in the Annual Fee plus one percent
(1%). During the seventh year of this Agreement and each subsequent Fiscal Year, the
Annual Fee Limitation shall be the average of the immediately preceding five years'
percentage increases in the Annual Fee plus one percent (1%).
(E) In any year where the CITY's Annual Fee, as specified in Section III, Subsection (C)
hereinabove, exceeds the preceding Fiscal Year's Annual Fee plus the applicable Annual Fee
Limitation, hereinafter referred to as "Annual Fee Limitation Excess," payment of the Annual
Fee Limitation Excess shall be deferred to a subsequent future Fiscal Year(s) where the
increase in the Annual Fee for that Fiscal Year over the preceding Fiscal Year is less than the
Annual Fee Limitation. The Annual Fee Limitation Excess will be paid by the CITY in any
subsequent Fiscal Year(s) to the extent the Annual Fee increase in that Fiscal Year is less
than the Annual Fee Limitation for that Fiscal Year. One -twelfth (1/12) of such Annual Fee
Q
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Limitation Excess shall be added and paid in each of the CITY's twelve (12) monthly payments
for the subsequent Fiscal Year(s).
In the event the CITY detaches from the FIRE DISTRICT, any unpaid Annual Fee
Limitation Excess together with any outstanding Annual Fee payments due by the CITY as of
the effective date of detachment shall be due and payable to the FIRE DISTRICT no later than
the effective date of detachment. Should a credit be due the CITY from the FIRE DISTRICT, a
refund shall be paid to the CITY no later than the effective date of detachment.
(F) In addition to the Annual Fee, conversion costs as specified in Schedule 4 attached
hereto and made a part hereof shall be charged to the CITY and shall be paid to the FIRE
DISTRICT by the CITY in thirty-six (36) equal monthly payments. This amount shall be added
to each monthly invoice for the Annual Fee commencing with the first month's Annual Fee
invoice. Upon the final determination of the actual conversion costs as approved by the CITY
ADMINISTRATOR and the FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT, the CITY's conversion cost
balance will be adjusted as will all subsequent monthly invoices for the Annual Fee to reflect
the actual conversion costs.
(G) The CITY shall pay all annexation processing fees by check directly to and upon
request by the FIRE DISTRICT. Such fees are anticipated to be:
State of California Board of Equalization $ 300.00
County of Los Angeles Local Agency
Formation Commission $ 8,500.00
(H) Fire protection, hazardous materials, emergency medical, and all related services
as set forth in Section II, herein, shall not be performed by the FIRE DISTRICT hereunder
unless the CITY shall:
1. Have available funds previously appropriated to cover the Annual Fee; and
2. Have paid in advance, when due to the FIRE DISTRICT, the monthly
payments or the Annual Fee from the previously appropriated funds.
(1) The FIRE DISTRICT shall invoice the CITY at least thirty (30) days in advance of any
scheduled monthly payment. Payment of all invoices under this Agreement shall be due and
-7-
I payable thirty (30) days from the date of invoice (hereinafter referred to as "due date").
2 Invoices and general notices shall be sent to the CITY at:
3 City of Vernon
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
4 Vernon, CA 90058
5 Attention : Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
6 Payments shall be sent to the FIRE DISTRICT at:
7 Los Angeles County Fire Department
P. O. Box 54740 $
Los Angeles, CA 90054-0740
9
General notices shall be sent to the FIRE DISTRICT at:
10
Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby
11 Los Angeles County Fire Department
12 1320 North Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90063-3294
13
Either party shall notify the other, in writing, of an address change.
14
(J) If the commencement date of services is in the middle of any month, the pro rats
15
share for that month and full payment for the following month shall be paid in advance. The
16
pro rats monthly share shall be calculated as follows:
17
Divide the Annual Fee by 365 days (daily rate) and multiply
18
the daily rate by the number of days remaining in the month
19
as of the commencement date of services.
20
(K) Interest shall be added to any payment invoiced by the FIRE DISTRICT and that is
21
received by the FIRE DISTRICT more than fifteen (15) calendar days after the due date (late
22
payment). The interest rate on any late payment shall be established as the prevailing prime
23
lending rate for Bank of America, or any successor financial institution, as of the first day
24
payment is late. The period for computing this interest shall commence the day following the
25
payment due date and end the date of receipt of payment by the FIRE DISTRICT.
26
The interest payment shall be computed as follows:
27
28 No of Days Late X Prime Lending Rate X $ Amount of = Late Payment Interest Charge
365 Days Payment
-8-
2
3
4
5
Mj
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(L) The Annual Fee in this Agreement is based upon current CITY boundaries and service
requirements. During the term of this Agreement, should the CITY annex any area from which
the FIRE DISTRICT does not receive property taxes (such as from a non -FIRE DISTRICT -
served city), staffing levels shall be adjusted to adequately serve the annexed area and the
CITY's Annual Fee shall be adjusted accordingly as determined by the FIRE DISTRICT and
reviewed by the CITY.
(M) All revenues generated from fees established or implemented by the FIRE
DISTRICT, such as fire prevention fees, shall be FIRE DISTRICT revenues with the exception
of any applicable paramedic on-board/advanced life support (ALS) fees which will be passed
through to the CITY by the FIRE DISTRICT via credits on the CITY's monthly invoices. Any
revenue generated by fees that the CITY charges as the administering agency for the CITY's
Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory program and through a CITY -
operated emergency medical transportation program in arrangement with a private ambulance
firm would remain CITY revenues. Fees of any nature collected by CITY on behalf of the FIRE
DISTRICT shall be passed -through to the FIRE DISTRICT by the CITY as FIRE DISTRICT
revenues. The CITY shall be authorized to retain a five percent (5%) administrative charge for
any fees collected by the CITY on behalf of the FIRE DISTRICT. Any fees charged and
collected by the CITY subsequent to the commencement date of services shall remain as
revenues of the CITY provided that such fees are not identified as fees for FIRE DISTRICT
services. The FIRE DISTRICT shall be authorized to retain a five percent (5%) administrative
charge for any fees collected by the FIRE DISTRICT on behalf of the CITY. Excluding any
State, Federal, or judicially mandated programs or fees, any fees established by the FIRE
DISTRICT to be imposed in the CITY after the commencement date of services shall require
the prior approval of the City Council. Neither the FIRE DISTRICT nor the CITY shall be
legally obligated to collect fees on behalf of the other party.
In the event that an incident occurs within the CITY while this Agreement is in effect
during which the FIRE DISTRICT may be required to deploy a substantial number of FIRE
DISTRICT apparatus and personnel to such incident as determined by the FIRE DISTRICT, to
-9-
3
11
5
6
7
8
9
10
Il
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
the extent authorized by law, the FIRE DISTRICT reserves the right to pursue cost recovery
within its sole discretion against the party that caused the incident but not against the CITY.
Costs recovered by the FIRE DISTRICT for CITY -paid resources (as detailed in Schedule 2
herein) deployed on such an incident within the CITY, less the cost of the FIRE DISTRICT's
recovery efforts, shall be credited to the CITY.
In the event the CITY were to pursue cost recovery for FIRE DISTRICT resources
deployed to an incident within the CITY to which the FIRE DISTRICT deploys a substantial
number of apparatus and personnel, to the extent authorized by law, the CITY shall promptly
pay to the FIRE DISTRICT all such FIRE DISTRICT costs recovered by the CITY less the cost
of the CITY's recovery efforts. Costs for FIRE DISTRICT resources paid for by the CITY
through this Agreement as detailed on Schedule 2 herein and deployed to such an incident
shall not be recoverable by the FIRE DISTRICT from the CITY. Neither the FIRE DISTRICT
nor the CITY shall be legally obligated to seek cost recovery on behalf of the other party.
(N) In the event that a billing/payment dispute arises between the FIRE DISTRICT and
the CITY, the parties will negotiate in good faith to resolve the dispute and the following
procedures will be taken to resolve the dispute:
(1) The dispute will be specified, in writing, and presented to the FIRE DISTRICT's
Chief Deputy of Business Operations if a CITY dispute, or to the CITY ADMINISTRATOR if a
FIRE DISTRICT dispute, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a disputed invoice or disputed
payment. The CITY shall pay in full any disputed invoice "under protest."
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY shall meet and confer in good faith to
expeditiously resolve the dispute. If the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY cannot fully resolve the
dispute within ninety (90) days of receipt of written notification of this dispute (impasse), the
impasse will be sent to an independent arbitrator for resolution. Said arbitrator shall be
selected jointly by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT within forty-five (45) days of impasse and
shall be paid for equally by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT. If the FIRE DISTRICT and the
CITY cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall, at its own expense, retain an arbitrator
within thirty (30) days after the jointly selected arbitrator should have been selected. These
I two arbitrators will, within thirty (30) days of their retention, mutually select a third arbitrator.
2 The mutually agreed -upon arbitrator will resolve the matter within thirty (30) days after his/her
3 selection. The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY shall share equally the cost of the third
4 arbitrator. The arbitrator's resolution of the impasse shall be final and binding.
5 (3) If the FIRE DISTRICT prevails in arbitration, all money owed and not paid to
6 the FIRE DISTRICT will be forwarded to the mailing address identified in Section III,
7 Subsection (1), herein, within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the issuance of the
8 arbitrator's decision. In addition, the CITY will be assessed and pay the interest payment
9 amount for a late payment as calculated in Section III, Subsection (K) of this Agreement.
10 (4) If the CITY prevails in arbitration and has paid the FIRE DISTRICT the
11 disputed amount, a refund to the CITY will be forwarded to the mailing address identified in
12 Section 111, Subsection (1), herein, within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the issuance
13 of the arbitrator's decision. In addition, the FIRE DISTRICT will pay to the CITY an interest
14 payment, as calculated for late payments in Section III, Subsection (K) of this Agreement.
15 (5) Each party is required to pay its own legal fees associated with such arbitration
16 and is not entitled to recovery of those fees from the other party.
17 (0) CITY understands and agrees that in the event the CITY becomes delinquent or
18 defaults in its Annual Fee payment to the FIRE DISTRICT for FIRE DISTRICT service, the
19 County Auditor -Controller is authorized, at the direction of FIRE DISTRICT, to withhold CITY's
20 unencumbered annual property tax revenue in an amount equal to the outstanding payment for
21 FIRE DISTRICT Service and credit the withheld amounts to the FIRE DISTRICTS revenue
22 account. FIRE DISTRICT shall comply with the procedures in County Fiscal Manual section
23 10.2.12, "Procedures for Collection of Accounts Receivable for Services Performed for Cities
24 and Special Districts" for collecting CITY's delinquent or defaulted Annual Fee payments.
25 Such withholding by the Auditor -Controller shall continue until such time as CITY resumes
26 payment to the FIRE DISTRICT directly and all delinquent or defaulted Annual Fee payments
27 11 have been recovered.
28 (P) The FIRE DISTRICT shall credit to the CITY's Annual Fee billing the cost expended
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
)y the CITY to fulfill the requirements of Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (12), Health
nsurance, herein, in the invoice subsequent to the FIRE DISTRICT's receipt of cost
iocumentation. The CITY shall present documentation satisfactory to the FIRE DISTRICT of
he amount expended prior to credit being made.
(Q) Vacation, and sick benefit days, as provided for in Section VII, Subsection (C),
3aragraphs (6) and (7) herein and as detailed on Schedules 8, 9, 11, and 12 attached hereto
and made a part hereof, shall be charged to the CITY and shall be paid in thirty-six (36) equal
monthly payments which shall be a separate and distinct charge added to the monthly invoice
for the Annual Fee commencing with the first month's Annual Fee invoice or as soon as
practicable after the finalization of these Schedules. Such charges will be excluded from the
Fee Limitation calculation.
SECTION IV. EQUIPMENT FURNITURE FURNISHINGS, AND EXPENDABLE
EQUIPMENT/FIRE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
(A) On the commencement date of services, the CITY shall transfer to the FIRE
DISTRICT all fire apparatus, vehicles, fire equipment, and fire station furnishings, furniture,
equipment and expendable tools incidental to fire station operations, as inventoried and
identified by the FIRE DISTRICT in writing, and listed in Schedules 5 and 6 attached hereto.
Items not listed in Schedules 5 and 6, shall not be transferred to the FIRE DISTRICT and will
remain with the CITY.
(B) All right, title, and interest in said CITY apparatus and vehicles shall be conveyed to
FIRE DISTRICT free and clear of any encumbrances. The CITY shall be responsible for any
and all outstanding loans or liens against said apparatus and vehicles existing as of the date of
conveyance. All right, title and interest of any apparatus for which the CITY is currently leasing
shall be conveyed to the District FIRE DISTRICT free and clear of any encumbrances upon the
termination of the lease(s). If the CITY does not avail itself of the ability to purchase, and thus
does not retain ownership of, the vehicle(s) at the termination of the lease(s), the CITY shall be
responsible for the cost of new replacement apparatus to be placed in service in the CITY.
The replacement cost of the apparatus shall be added to the CITY's Annual Fee invoices to be
-12-
I paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments.
2 (C) All fire apparatus, vehicles, and related apparatus/vehicular equipment transferred
3 to the FIRE DISTRICT by the CITY shall be in good working order. The CITY shall pay for any
4 fire apparatus and vehicle repairs necessary due to deferred or deficient maintenance. Prior to
5 the commencement date of services, the FIRE DISTRICT shall inspect all such fire apparatus
6 and vehicles and identify any repairs required due to deferred or deficient maintenance. The
7 FIRE DISTRICT shall add the cost for such repairs to the conversion costs and modify
8 Schedule 4 accordingly.
9 SECTION V. FIRE STATIONS
10 (A) Upon the commencement date of services, CITY Fire Stations identified on
I I Schedule 3 attached hereto and made a part hereof shall be used and occupied by the FIRE
12 DISTRICT. In the event that during the term of this Agreement the CITY and FIRE DISTRICT
13 mutually agree to staff a new fire station facility, the staffing levels in Schedule 2 of this
14 Agreement will be updated as necessary and Schedule 3 will be updated accordingly. All
15 terms and conditions contained in this Agreement applicable to the lease and maintenance of
16 CITY fire stations shall apply to the new fire station.
17 (B) This Agreement constitutes a lease whereby the CITY shall lease to the FIRE
18 DISTRICT the CITY Fire Stations as identified on Schedule 3 herein for one dollar ($1)
19 annually per station. Fire Stations 76 and 77 shall be used for the purpose of providing fire
20 protection and emergency medical and related services as described herein.
21 (C) The CITY represents and warrants that it has performed all environmental cleanup
22 of hazardous materials at all CITY Fire Station sites identified on Schedule 3 as required by all
23 applicable Federal, State, and local laws as detailed in Section Vill, Subsection (C) herein.
24 The CITY represents and warrants that the CITY has, as federally mandated, at its own
25 expense, properly removed and replaced, if applicable, all underground fuel tanks and all other
26 environmental hazards from all CITY Fire Station sites identified on Schedule 3 in accordance
27 with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements and standards. The FIRE DISTRICT
28 1 assumes no responsibility for any and all contamination or environmental damage, including
-13-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
personal injury or property damage, or liability of any nature whatsoever arising from said fuel
tanks or their removal. The CITY shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE
DISTRICT from any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses of any nature whatsoever
related to any fuel tanks, and related ancillary equipment, located at the CITY Fire Station sites
prior to the commencement date of services under this Agreement.
(D) The CITY shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE DISTRICT for any
liability, cost, expense, claims, or damages arising from any contamination or environmental
damage, including personal injury or property damage of any kind whatsoever at or adjacent to
the CITY Fire Station sites in any way related to asbestos, if any, at any of the CITY Fire
Station sites, or in any way related to hazardous materials or dangerous conditions caused or
created or contributed to by the CITY prior to the commencement date of services at any of the
CITY Fire Station sites.
(E) The FIRE DISTRICT shall be responsible for utility payments related solely to the
FIRE DISTRICTs use of the CITY Fire Stations. In the event any of the CITY Fire Stations'
utility connections are shared jointly by others, an equitable formula to determine sharing of
utility costs shall be set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding, included herein as Schedule
13, attached hereto and made a part hereof entered into by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT
and executed by the CITY ADMINISTRATOR and FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT,
respectively, prior to the commencement date of services or as soon as practicable thereafter.
(F) The FIRE DISTRICT shall inspect the CITY Fire Stations prior to acceptance and
occupancy. After the FIRE DISTRICT's acceptance of the CITY Fire Stations, the FIRE
DISTRICT shall be responsible for minor and routine station repairs as described in this
Section.
(1) The FIRE DISTRICT shall perform all routine, day-to-day maintenance, and
minor repairs (collectively referred to as "routine repairs") on the CITY Fire Stations leased
from the CITY identified on Schedule 3. The FIRE DISTRICT shall be responsible for routine
repairs not to exceed $60,000 for each of the CITY Fire Stations during the first year after the
commencement date of services of this Agreement (the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share);
-14-
I for the second through fifth years of this Agreement after the commencement date of services,
2 the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share for routine repairs for each of the CITY Fire Stations
3 shall be as follows:
4 Year 2 $65,000
5 Year $70,000
6 Year 4 $75,000
7 Year 5 $80,000
8 (2) The FIRE DISTRICT shall notify the CITY in writing if the total cost for routine
9 repairs for CITY Fire Stations in any one year is anticipated to exceed the FIRE DISTRICT's
10 maximum share for that year in accordance with Subsection (F) herein. If the FIRE DISTRICT
11 expends less than the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share on the CITY Fire Stations in any
12 year, any amount less than the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share for the CITY Fire Stations
13 shall not be carried forward from year to year. Routine repairs and minor remodeling shall
14 include but not be limited to the following: repair or replacement of apparatus room doors;
15 floor replacement; ceiling replacement; incidental plumbing and electrical repairs; heating and
16 air conditioning repairs; exhaust fan replacement; and minor remodeling such as shower
17 refurbishment, installation of stainless steel countertops, and additional cabinets for offices
18 and/or lockers that do not exceed $100,000 per project. All routine repairs or portions thereof
19 in excess of the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum annual share for CITY Fire Stations shall be the
20 responsibility of the CITY. The FIRE DISTRICT may elect to replace or upgrade appliances or
21 furnishings at any of the CITY Fire Stations at its own expense. The CITY shall not be
22 responsible for any such upgrades or replacements, and such upgrades and replacements
23 shall not reduce the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share provided above, unless the items being
24 replaced are no longer functioning or repairable at a reasonable cost as determined by the
25 FIRE DISTRICT, in which event such costs incurred by the FIRE DISTRICT shall reduce the
26 FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share. Any proposed modifications to the exterior of any of the
27 CITY's fire stations shall require advance written approval of the CITY ADMINISTRATOR.
28 (3) Any non -routine repairs, defined as repairs in excess of $100,000, hereinafter
-r 5-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
shall be referred to as "major repairs" and shall be identified, in writing, by the FIRE DISTRICT
and presented to the CITY. Major repairs shall be undertaken by the CITY within twelve (12)
months of the FIRE DISTRICT's notification to the CITY, or other time period as mutually
agreed upon by the FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY ADMINISTRATOR,
unless said major repair is deemed an emergency, hereinafter referred to as "emergency
major repair." In the event of a dispute regarding the existence of major repairs, the general
arbitration procedures stated in Section III, Subsection (N) shall be utilized. Emergency major
repairs shall be defined as conditions that if left unrepaired would compromise the health,
welfare, or security of the fire station inhabitants or the public, as reasonably determined by the
FIRE DISTRICT. The FIRE DISTRICT shall commence emergency major repairs immediately
and make reasonable effort to notify the CITY's designated emergency contact person. The
CITY shall provide the FIRE DISTRICT with the name and telephone number of a designated
contact person for such emergency major repairs, which may occur after-hours. The FIRE
DISTRICT will undertake the emergency major repairs and invoice the CITY for the costs of
such repairs. The CITY shall be invoiced for one -twelfth (1/12) of the cost of such repairs
monthly for a period of twelve (12) months. All invoices for emergency major repairs
undertaken by the FIRE DISTRICT shall be due and payable thirty (30) days from the date of
invoice and shall be subject to the terms contained in Section III, Subsections (K) and (N)
herein.
(4) The FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT may authorize, with the written
approval of the CITY, improvements to any of the CITY Fire Stations for the FIRE DISTRICT's
benefit at no cost to the CITY. Such improvements shall not be subject to the FIRE
DISTRICT's maximum share provisions as contained herein, and FIRE DISTRICT's maximum
share shall not be reduced by the costs of any such improvements.
(G) Without limiting each party's indemnification of the other and during the term of this
Agreement, each party agrees to maintain the programs of insurance as set forth below. Each
party shall retain the option of satisfying its insurance obligations herein through use of a
program of commercial or self-insurance coverages, or any combination thereof. Each party's
-16-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
insurance shall be primary to and not contributing with any insurance or self-insurance
programs maintained by the other, and shall be maintained at each party's own expense.
(1) The CITY shall maintain: General Liability insurance (written on ISO policy
form CG 00 01 or its equivalent) with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2
million aggregate; Workers Compensation insurance to meet statutory requirements, and
including Employers' Liability coverage with limits of not less than $1 million each; Professional
Liability covering liability arising from any error, omission, negligent or wrongful act of the CITY
with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate; and Property
Coverage providing Special form ("all-risk") coverage in an amount equivalent to the full
replacement value of the CITY Fire Stations and applying to CITY- owned and leased real
property. The CITY agrees to name the FIRE DISTRICT as an additional insured on its
insurance policies.
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT shall maintain: General Liability insurance (written on ISO
policy form CG 00 01 or its equivalent) with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence
and $2 million aggregate; Automobile Liability insurance (written on ISO policy form CA 00 01
or its equivalent) with a limit of liability of not less than $1 million for each accident; Workers
Compensation insurance to meet statutory requirements, and including Employers' Liability
coverage with limits of not less than $1 million each incident; and Professional Liability
covering liability arising from any error, omission, negligent or wrongful act of the FIRE
DISTRICT with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. The
FIRE DISTRICT agrees to name the CITY as an additional insured on its insurance policies.
(H) The FIRE DISTRICT shall not be liable for any damages to any of the CITY Fire
Stations which results from any seismic events, natural disasters, civil disturbances, or acts of
God. Should any such event occur that makes any of the CITY fire stations uninhabitable
and/or non -operational, the CITY shall immediately find temporary quarters for the FIRE
DISTRICT to operate out of until the CITY can repair the affected CITY fire station(s).
(1) The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY, respectively, shall be fully responsible for any
repairs or any damages arising from the intentional or negligent acts of their respective
-17-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Dersonnel. Disputes regarding implementation of this provision shall be resolved pursuant to
Section III, Subsection (N).
SECTION VI. INDEMNIFICATION
Except as specifically otherwise provided in this Agreement, neither party shall be liable
for the negligent or wrongful acts of the other in the performance of this Agreement.
(A) The CITY agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE DISTRICT and
the County of Los Angeles, hereinafter referred to as "COUNTY", their elected and appointed
officials, officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability and expenses, including
defense costs and legal fees, arising from or connected with claims and lawsuits arising from
the negligent or wrongful acts of the CITY in the performance of this Agreement including any
matters relating to the separation from CITY service by the CITY employees transferring to the
FIRE DISTRICT as specified on Schedules 7 and 10 herein.
(B) The FIRE DISTRICT agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the CITY,
its elected and appointed officials, agents, officers, and employees from any and all liability
and expenses, including defense costs and legal fees, arising from or connected with claims
and lawsuits arising from the negligent or wrongful acts of the FIRE DISTRICT in the
performance of this Agreement.
SECTION VII. PERSONNEL
(A) SWORN EMPLOYEES
(1) Appointment - Subject to the provisions of the California Government Code,
Section 1031 and the Los Angeles County Code Section 6.02.040, the FIRE DISTRICT agrees
to appoint, without further civil service examination, those CITY firefighter series employees,
hereinafter referred to as "sworn employees," specked on Schedule 7, attached hereto and
made a part hereof, who have successfully completed six (6) months service with the CITY,
exclusive of temporary or reserve fire fighters. Sworn employees' service with the CITY must
include actual firefighting experience in a permanent fire fighter position. The date of hire that
establishes the sworn CITY employees' continuous service date in a safety capacity with the
CITY shall be utilized for purposes of the mandatory retirement age for transferring safety
-is-
I employees.
2 (2) Probation - All CITY sworn employees on probation will remain on probation until
3 completing the FIRE DISTRICT probationary period and requirements.
4 (3) Positions - CITY sworn employees qualified pursuant to this Section Vil are
5 fully identified on Schedule 7 attached hereto and are subject to the terms and conditions of
6 this Agreement. CITY sworn employees shall be employed by the FIRE DISTRICT in the
7 number and status as follows:
8 Number Fire District Status
9 9 Captain
10 11 Fire Fighter Specialist
11 Remaining Fire Fighter
12 The actual number of transferring CITY employees employed by the FIRE DISTRICT
13 as a Fire Fighter will be based on the number of transferring employees at the time of
14 transition to FIRE DISTRICT service.
15 The CITY shall designate sworn employees to be assigned to the Captain, Fire
16 Fighter Specialist, and Fire Fighter positions indicated above. Any CITY designated employee
17 shall be eligible for the assigned position if the employee has held the position being
18 designated to or a higher position in the service of the CITY. A duly authorized representative
19 from the Vernon Firefighter's Association, Local 2312 (VFA) and the Vernon Fire Management
20 Association (VFMA) shall approve, in writing, the appointment of the personnel designated to
21 the ranks of Captain and Fire Fighter Specialist as listed on Schedule 7 attached. Once
22 approved by the VFA and VFMA, these designations shall become final and not subject to
23 change unless a CITY sworn employee designated on the list does not transfer to the FIRE
24 DISTRICT. The CITY shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE DISTRICT from
25 any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses of any nature whatsoever related to the
26 designation of transferring employees' ranks by the CITY.
27 (4) Firefiahfing Experience - CITY sworn employees to be assigned to the position of
28 Fire Captain shall have a minimum of five (5) years' firefighting experience. The CITY
-19-
21
3
4
represents and warrants that those employees assigned Fire Captain positions have a
minimum of five (5) years' firefighting experience.
(5) Driving Skills - All CITY sworn employees who are to be assigned fire apparatus
operation responsibilities as Fire Fighter Specialists will be tested and trained, as may be
5 required by the FIRE DISTRICT. Any CITY sworn employee who does not initially qualify in
6 fire apparatus operations prior to the commencement date of services will be assigned other
7 duties. After being provided training by the FIRE DISTRICT, transferring Fire Fighter
8 Specialists will be required to pass a fire apparatus operations test. Fire Fighter Specialists
9 who do not pass the fire apparatus operations test may be demoted at the sole discretion of
10 the FIRE DISTRICT.
11 (6) Driver License - As a condition of employment, all CITY sworn employees will be
12 required to have a Class C Driver License with fire fighter endorsements as the minimum
13 standard driver license obtained from their state of residence. If the employees' state of
14 residence does not issue a firefighter endorsement, the employee shall acquire a commercial
15 license appropriate to the vehicle being driven. No employee shall have license restrictions
16 which would prevent him/her from performing his/her employment duties.
17 (7) EMT-1 Training - Sworn members of the FIRE DISTRICT are required to be
18 certified as Emergency Medical Technician I (EMT-1). The CITY certifies that all CITY sworn
19 employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT shall have current EMT-1 certification, current
20 continuing education (CE), and certified skills (CS) testing. Current CE shall be defined as the
21 equivalent of one (1) hour of CE for each month that has elapsed since the last recertification
22 date. Current CS shall be defined as twelve (12) skills tests during a 24-month skills cycle.
23 The CITY shall reimburse the FIRE DISTRICT for any costs incurred by the FIRE DISTRICT
24 as a result of non-compliance by any CITY employee of the requirements herein. In addition,
25 all transferring CITY paramedics who desire to transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT as a paramedic
26 must complete 24 hours a year, or 48 hours during their 2-year cycle of paramedic CE,
27 including skills testing, and the FIRE DISTRICT's re -activation class which consists of up to
28 three (3) days of classroom and five (5) or more shifts of internship (i.e. ride-alongs) on a FIRE
-20-
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
DISTRICT paramedic squad. Any transferring paramedic who does not successfully pass this
re -activation class and/or who has any pending action against them by the County's
Emergency Medical Services Authority, or the State's Local Emergency Medical Services
Agency would be ineligible to function as a paramedic with the FIRE DISTRICT. At the time of
transition to the FIRE DISTRICT, all transferring employees shall provide documentation
certifying that all CE and CS are up-to-date and completed.
(8) Seniority - This Agreement will result in the creation of forty-one (41) additional
FIRE DISTRICT sworn positions. More than forty-one (41) sworn employees may be
transferring from the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT. Pursuant to Section 53292 of the California
Government Code and except as specified in Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (10)
herein, so as not to impair the seniority rights of FIRE DISTRICT sworn employees, as a result
of the forty-one (41) newly created sworn positions, only forty-one (41) CITY sworn employees
with the most CITY Fire Department continuous service time will receive FIRE DISTRICT
seniority rights and COUNTY seniority. In the event any two or more transferring CITY
employees have the same continuous service date with the CITY Fire Department, the CITY
shall use whatever method currently utilized by the CITY to determine the manner in which the
seniority for those affected employees shall be established.
FIRE DISTRICT seniority is principally used for transfer bidding rights and, for these
forty-one (41) positions, will be based on continuous service time in the firefighter series with
the CITY's Fire Department. COUNTY seniority, which as defined in Los Angeles County Civil
Service Rule 2.15 as "continuous service," is principally used for purposes of determining the
order of layoff or reduction. Also as defined in Section 6.04.040 of the Los Angeles County
Code, "continuous service" is principally used for purposes of determining rights to some types
of paid leave. For these forty-one (41) positions, continuous service will include all continuous
service time with the CITY, including any continuous non -permanent time.
The assigned FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority dates for any remaining
sworn employees will be the commencement date of services with the FIRE DISTRICT. They
will be placed on the FIRE DISTRICT seniority list and also assigned a COUNTY continuous
-21-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
service date in order of their relative service time with the CITY.
All CITY and FIRE DISTRICT seniority will be considered for all purposes, except
for those individuals beyond the forty-one (41) additional sworn positions forwhich CITY
seniority shall not count for purposes of bidding rights, vacation schedules, and to determine
the order of layoff or reduction.
As those CITY sworn employees with full FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority
rights leave FIRE DISTRICT service, any remaining sworn employees will be assimilated into
full FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority status based on their time in service as sworn
CITY/FIRE DISTRICT employees, with the exception of those employees who fall under the
provision of Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (10) herein.
(9) Promotional Exams - All non -probationary transferring sworn employees shall be
immediately eligible for promotional examination within the FIRE DISTRICT. All time in rank
as a sworn CITY and/or FIRE DISTRICT employee shall be considered for purposes of
determining eligibility for promotional examination.
(10) Longevity Bonus -For purposes of determining eligibility for the FIRE
DISTRICT's Fire Fighter longevity bonus for those CITY employees blanketed -in to FIRE
DISTRICT in the Fire Fighter classification, all continuous CITY service time in the Fire Fighter
or successive promotional classifications shall be deemed as fulling the required aggregate
service time for longevity bonus entitlement, except as provided in Section VII, Subsection (C),
paragraph (10) herein.
(11) Training Records —The CITY will provide the FIRE DISTRICT with complete
training records of all CITY sworn employees to be transferred to the FIRE DISTRICT pursuant
to this Agreement.
(B) NON -SWORN EMPLOYEES
(1) Appointment— The FIRE DISTRICT may agree to appoint without further civil
service examination non -Fire Fighter series employees, hereinafter referred to as "non -sworn
employees", who have successfully completed six (6) months continuous service with the CITY
and who shall be listed on Schedule 10, attached hereto and made a part hereof. All non-
-22-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
sworn employees shall successfully complete a probationary period consistent with Los
Angeles County Civil Service Rules.
(2) Seniority - Since non -sworn positions are not being created as a result of this
annexation, the FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority date for all transferring non -sworn
CITY employees, which is primarily used for the purpose of determining the order of layoff or
reduction, shall be the commencement date of services.
(C) ALL EMPLOYEES
(1) Medical Exam & Background Investigation.- Prior to the commencement date
of services, as a condition of the FIRE DISTRICT employment, each CITY employee must be
medically qualified by a FIRE DISTRICT -administered physical examination, which includes a
drug screening component, and must pass the FIRE DISTRICT's background investigation.
Any CITY employee who is on medical leave of absence on the commencement date of
services shall be blanketed into FIRE DISTRICT if he/she passes the required medical
examination and background investigation upon termination of medical leave. The FIRE
DISTRICT retains the right to not accept any CITY employee in its sole discretion upon
completion of the employee's medical exam and background investigation. In such case, the
CITY employee's rights, obligations and status as a CITY employee shall be dictated by CITY
rules and regulations.
(2) Salary Step Placement - For the purpose of determining an employee's FIRE
DISTRICT salary step placement, "CITY salary" shall be defined as all monthly earnings that
are eligible towards CITY retirement credit, excluding any compensation for unused benefit
days or holidays, uniform allowances, and all overtime earnings. The employee's initial salary
step placement shall not be less than his/her CITY salary as defined in this Section VII,
Subsection (C), paragraph 2.
Paramedic bonuses shall be excluded from "CITY salary" for those employees who
transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT into a "Fire Fighter" position. Any transferring employees who
are assigned to "Fire Fighter Paramedic" positions will be entitled to receive the applicable
FIRE DISTRICT paramedic bonus.
-23-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Paramedic bonuses will be included in the "CITY salary' for those employees who
transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT into a "Fire Fighter Specialist" or "Captain" position pursuant to
this Section VII, Subsection (A), paragraph (3) and who are receiving a paramedic bonus in the
CITY at the time of transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT. In the event any employee transferring to
the FIRE DISTRICT into a "Fire Fighter Specialist" or"Captain" position is subsequently
assigned to a paramedic position in the FIRE DISTRICT, the employee's salary will be
recalculated to eliminate the amount of his CITY paramedic bonus and to include the
applicable FIRE DISTRICT paramedic bonus. All other bonuses, other than paramedic
bonuses, will be considered by the FIRE DISTRICT in its discretion for inclusion in the
determination of an employee's FIRE DISTRICT salary placement but is not guaranteed. The
ultimate decision regarding the inclusion of bonuses rests with the FIRE DISTRICT in its
discretion.
(a) Sworn Employees - Except as provided in Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraphs
(9) and (10), all continuous service time accrued as a sworn employee in the service of the
CITY shall be considered for the purpose of determining COUNTY employee benefits including
sick leave, vacation, step placement on the applicable COUNTY salary schedule, and the
pensionability of their Flexible Benefits income. Salary step placement of sworn employees
shall be within the salary range of the FIRE DISTRICT position assigned, but no less than the
salary step that provides for the same salary or next higher salary as the sworn employee's
CITY salary as defined in this Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph 2. Subsequent salary
step advances, if applicable, shall be one (1) year from the last step advance with the CITY or
in accordance with COUNTY policy, whichever is sooner. In the event that the sworn
employee's CITY salary is higher than the top step of the COUNTY salary range, the sworn
employee will be placed on the top step of that range, but shall be Y-Rated in order to maintain
the same level of base salary as the employee had with the CITY.
A sworn CITY employee's Y- Rate shall remain in effect until the regular salary
including any bonuses exceeds the Y-Rate amount. Y-Rated employees shall not be eligible
for bonuses in addition to their Y-Rated salary. Sworn employees who have accrued CITY
-24-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
t0
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
service time in a non-swom position shall have such non-swom service time considered for
purposes of determining COUNTY seniority date and benefits, but not salary step placement.
(b) Non -Sworn Employees - Except as provided in Section VII, Subsection (C),
paragraphs (9) and (10), all continuous service time accrued as a non -sworn employee in the
service of the CITY shall be considered for all purposes except for bidding rights for work and
vacation schedules, and to determine the order of layoff or reduction. Salary placement of
non -sworn employees shall be within the salary range of the FIRE DISTRICT position
assigned, and at the salary step that provides for the same salary or next higher salary as the
employee's CITY salary as of the commencement date of services through this Agreement. In
the event that the employee's CITY salary is higher than the top step of the COUNTY salary
range, the employee will be placed on the top step of that range, but shall be Y-Rated so that
no loss in pay occurs.
(3) Taxes - This Agreement does not exempt transferring CITY employees from
applicable payroll taxes required of new employees, such as Health Insurance Tax (HIT).
(4) Uniforms - CITY issued uniforms and safety equipment that meet FIRE
DISTRICT standards shall be transferred to the FIRE DISTRICT with the transferring
employees. CITY uniforms will be supplemented by FIRE DISTRICT issued uniforms and/or
safety equipment necessary to meet FIRE DISTRICT requirements. The CITY shall assume
all costs for supplementing uniforms and safety equipment that do not meet FIRE DISTRICT
standards. Such costs shall be included on Schedule 4, as soon as available. Subsequent
uniform issues will be as provided for in the current Memorandum of Understanding for the
respective employee representation units entered into between the County of Los Angeles and
the certified employee organizations, if applicable.
(5) Personnel/Medical/rime Records - As a condition of FIRE DISTRICT
employment, CITY employees must consent to the transfer of complete original personnel and
employment medical records to the FIRE DISTRICT. The CITY will provide the FIRE
DISTRICT with complete and original personnel and employment medical records of all CITY
personnel to be transferred pursuant to this Agreement, including any employee's complete
-25-
Workers' Compensation files, all claims for disability compensation, and all additional
2 documentation related to open claims which remain ongoing after the date of transfer of the
3 CITY employees to the FIRE DISTRICT, which shall be the commencement date of services.
4 In addition, the CITY will provide the FIRE DISTRICT with a minimum of one (1) year's time
5 records of "hours worked" prior to the commencement date of services for all CITY personnel
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
be transferred pursuant to this Agreement. Each transferring employee shall certify to the
FIRE DISTRICT the completeness of his/her personnel file.
(6) Vacation Shifts/Days — The CITY shall pay to the FIRE DISTRICT in the
manner set forth in Section III, Subsection (P) herein for transferred vacation benefit
shifts/days for transferring employees at the CITY's salary rates in effect on the
commencement date of services. The CITY shall transfer in whole hours all vacation benefit
shifts/days an employee is entitled to in CITY employment to a maximum of twenty (20)
vacation days, Le one hundred sixty (160) hours for employees assigned to a 40-hour work
schedule, or ten (10) shifts, Le, two hundred forty (240) hours for employees assigned to a 24-
hour shift schedule, whichever is applicable. Vacation shifts/days are outlined in Schedule 8
for sworn personnel and Schedule 11 for non -sworn personnel, which are attached hereto and
made a part hereof. CITY salary rates for reimbursement to the FIRE DISTRICT are defined in
this Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (2).
Transferring CITY employees shall accrue vacation benefits each pay period.
Pay periods are the 1st day of each month to the 15u' day of that month, and the 16' day of
each month to the last day of that month. The amount of vacation benefits accrued by each
transferring CITY employee shall be based on the transferring employees' continuous service
time as a sworn employee of the CITY. Transferring CITY employees may use their accrued
vacation benefits during the pay period immediately following the pay period in which the
benefits are accrued, notwithstanding the employees' assigned COUNTY seniority.
(7) Sick Shifts/Days — The CITY shall pay to the FIRE DISTRICT in the manner set
forth in Section 111, Subsection (P) herein for transferred sick benefit shifts/days for transferring
employees at the CITY's salary rates in effect on the commencement date of services. The
'0
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
CITY shall transfer in whole hours all sick benefit shifts/days an employee is entitled to in CITY
employment to a maximum of twenty (20) sick days, Le, one -hundred sixty (160) hours for
employees assigned to a 40-hour work schedule, or ten (10) shifts, Le, two hundred forty
(240) hours for employees assigned to a 24-hour shift schedule, whichever is applicable. Sick
benefit shifts/days are outlined in Schedule 9 for sworn personnel and Schedule 12 for non -
sworn personnel, which are attached hereto and made a part hereof. The CITY salary rates
for reimbursement to the FIRE DISTRICT are defined in this Section VII, Subsection (C),
paragraph (2).
(8) Waiver of Accumulated Benefits — The FIRE DISTRICT shall not assume any
responsibility for personnel benefits or CITY obligations accrued by CITY employees prior to
the commencement date of services, except as expressly provided for in this Agreement. The
CITY shall provide a waiver for said accumulated benefits executed in favor of the FIRE
DISTRICT by each CITY employee as a condition of employment by the FIRE DISTRICT. It is
further understood that employees subject to this Agreement shall become eligible for
vacation, sick, and holiday time while in FIRE DISTRICT service only as provided in the FIRE
DISTRICT Salary Resolution, Los Angeles County Salary Ordinance, or as designated in
Section VII herein.
(9) Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association
a) All sworn employees subject to this Agreement will, on the first day of the
month following the date they are appointed to a position in the FIRE DISTRICT, become
members of the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) Plan C for
Safety Members or any other Safety Plan as permitted by the County Employees' Retirement
Law of 1937 (CERL) and the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA).
b) All non -sworn employees subject to this Agreement will, on the first day of the
month following the date they are appointed to a position in the FIRE DISTRICT, become
members of Plan G for General Members or one (1) of the other non -safety LACERA plans
available at the time of the commencement date of services pursuant to the provisions of
CERL and PEPRA.
.27-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
c) Service performed by such sworn and non -sworn personnel while employees
of the CITY shall not be credited as retirement service with LACERA, and except as provided
in California Government Code Sections 31836.1 and 31836.2, shall not be counted for the
purpose of discontinuing contributions after thirty (30) years of continuous service pursuant to
Govemment Code Sections 31625.2 and 31664, to the extent applicable, and shall not be
counted for the purpose of determining health insurance premiums charged to LACERA
I retirees.
(10) Retirement from Public Employees Retirement System — Transferring CITY
employees would be required to leave retirement contributions on deposit with the California
Public Employees Retirement System (CaIPERS) and establish reciprocity with LACERA,
limiting the FIRE DISTRICT's retirement benefit costs. The transferring employees' LACERA
contribution rates would be based on their age upon entering the CaIPERS system. The FIRE
DISTRICT's rate structure for salary and employee benefits includes a component for
retirement costs for positions staffing CITY stations; therefore, the FIRE DISTRICT cost would
be offset. At the time of retirement, a reciprocal member would receive retirement benefits
from both agencies based on the benefits of reciprocity, such as adding service credit under
each system to determine eligibility to retire. Any CITY employee who retires from CaIPERS
prior to the commencement date of services will not be accepted for FIRE DISTRICT
In the event a transferring employee opts to retire from CaIPERS at any time
while in the employment of the FIRE DISTRICT, such employee shall forfeit all of his/her
continuous service time with the CITY, including all service time with the CITY Fire
Department, for purposes of determining FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority and
COUNTY employee benefits and step placement pursuant to Section VII, Subsection (A),
paragraphs (8) and (10), and Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (2). The FIRE DISTRICT
and COUNTY seniority date for any employee retiring from CaIPERS pursuant to this
paragraph (10) of Subsection (C) of Section VII shall immediately become the commencement
date of services, any longevity bonus received by the employee which is based on continuous
-28-
1
2
3'
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
time with the CITY will be eliminated from the employee's salary, any Y-Rated salary will be
eliminated, and the employee's salary will be adjusted and based solely on the employee's
FIRE DISTRICT rank and total time as an employee with the FIRE DISTRICT. Such
employees must also be medically qualified by a FIRE DISTRICT -administered physical
examination as required of newly hired fire fighters.
(11) Workers' Compensation - California Labor Code Sections shall govern
Workers' Compensation benefits for all transferring CITY employees who sustain industrial
injuries. Notwithstanding Section 5500.5 et seq. of the California Labor Code, the CITY agrees
to reimburse the FIRE DISTRICT for the FIRE DISTRICT's proportionate share of all medical,
legal, administrative, and any other indemnity costs for which the FIRE DISTRICT shall be
liable for those industrial injuries apportionable in whole or in part to employees' employment
with the CITY. The CITY's responsibility as provided for herein shall not be affected by any
change in Federal or State law.
The CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT shall cooperate in the ongoing management of
any Workers' Compensation claims pending, filed, during the time CITY personnel are
employed by the FIRE DISTRICT by providing such information as is necessary for the CITY
and/or the FIRE DISTRICT to appropriately manage a Workers' Compensation claim filed by a
FIRE DISTRICT employee previously employed by the CITY. The CITY shall notify the FIRE
DISTRICT of any claims pending, filed, or denied; and any temporary or permanent work
restrictions imposed with respect to an employee who transfers from CITY employment to
FIRE DISTRICT employment. The FIRE DISTRICT shall notify the CITY of any claims
pending, filed, or denied; and any temporary or permanent work restrictions imposed with
respect to an employee who has a pending Workers' Compensation claim involving the CITY
or who asserts a Workers' Compensation claim during employment with the FIRE DISTRICT
upon which the CITY is potentially liable in whole or in part. The CITY shall be responsible for
adjusting and paying all costs related to those claims which have been filed or are pending as
of the effective date of this Agreement. This responsibility of the CITY is subject to contribution
from the FIRE DISTRICT for any post -transfer injury or exacerbation of an existing injury
-29-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
already at issue in a pending Workers' Compensation claim involving the CITY at the time of
transfer. Pursuant to Subsection C, Paragraph S, the CITY shall provide Workers'
Compensation related files on all employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT.
(12) Health Insurance — The CITY shall continue to provide the existing coverage of
paid medical and dental insurance for all employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT for one
(1) full calendar month after the commencement date of services or, for those employees on
medical leave with the CITY on the commencement date of services, for at least one (1) full
calendar month after the effective date of their blanketing into the FIRE DISTRICT. The FIRE
DISTRICT shall reimburse the CITY as specified in Section III, Subsection (0).
(13) Deferred Compensation Plans - Pursuant to Section 6.02.040 of the Los
Angeles County Code, CITY employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT shall be eligible for
immediate participation in the COUNTY employees' deferred compensation plans for which
they may be eligible depending upon their transferred rank, unless such immediate eligibility is
otherwise prohibited by Federal or California statute or regulation.
(14) Marriage and Birth Certificates — For purposes of completing the background
investigations pursuant to Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (1) herein and for verification
of eligibility of health insurance coverage, prior to the commencement date of services as
determined by the FIRE DISTRICT, all transferring CITY employees will be required to provide
copies of their marriage certificates and the birth certificates for themselves and all dependents
who will be covered under their health insurance benefits.
(15) FIRE DISTRICT Employees' Rights - The employment rights of existing FIRE
DISTRICT employees shall not be impaired by this Agreement.
//
SECTION Vill. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL
(A) The FIRE DISTRICT shall be responsible to comply with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), insofar as the same may apply to
annexation proceedings required in annexing the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT. The FIRE
DISTRICT agrees to hold the CITY free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, or
-3a
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
judgments arising out of the FIRE DISTRICT's failure to comply with the provisions of CEQA,
relative to annexation procedures.
(B) Prior to the commencement date of services, the CITY shall have a Cal -OSHA
Registered Environmental Assessor perform a Phase I Site Assessment and Building
Asbestos Survey and, if subsequently required, a Phase II Site Assessment on all CITY Fire
Station facilities to be occupied by the FIRE DISTRICT pursuant to Schedule 3 attached
hereto. All Site Assessments and related reports shall be reviewed, approved, and accepted
by the FIRE DISTRICT.
(C) The CITY shall, at its sole expense, mitigate and abate all environmental hazards (if
any) at the CITY Fire Station sites prior to the commencement date of services and provide
evidence to the satisfaction of the FIRE DISTRICT that all recommended measures have been
completed and that all applicable laws and requirements have been complied with. Any
residual contamination or environmental damage from conditions on or adjacent to CITY Fire
Stations which existed before the commencement date of services but which are discovered
after the commencement date of services, shall be the responsibility of the CITY.
(D) The FIRE DISTRICT shall, at its sole expense, mitigate and abate all environmental
damage (if any) caused by the FIRE DISTRICT or its agents at any of the CITY Fire Stations
after the commencement date of services.
(E) Prior to occupancy of the CITY Fire Stations by the FIRE DISTRICT, the FIRE
DISTRICT shall inspect the facilities and identify all hazardous materials stored at the facilities
for which the CITY shall be responsible for removal. The CITY shall remove all identified
hazardous materials prior to FIRE DISTRICT occupancy of the CITY Fire Stations. If, after
FIRE DISTRICT occupancy of the CITY Fire Stations, stored hazardous materials are
discovered by the FIRE DISTRICT which were not previously identified during the above
inspection, the CITY shall remove said materials within thirty (30) days after written notice by
the FIRE DISTRICT to the CITY, or the FIRE DISTRICT may remove the materials and invoice
the CITY for the costs of such removal. In the event such hazardous materials pose an
immediate danger to human health or the environment as determined by the FIRE DISTRICT,
-31-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
I such materials shall be removed immediately by the CITY upon notification by the FIRE
DISTRICT to the CITY.
SECTION IX. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE RESPONSE PLAN AND
INVENTORY
(A) CITY will continue to act as the administering agency for the CITY's Hazardous
Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory, California Health and Safety Code Chapter
5.95, Sections 25500 — 25545, hereinafter referred to as the "Program" during the term of this
Agreement.
(B) The CITY shall retain all fees collected in the administration of the Program as
provided by State law.
(C) When the FIRE DISTRICT's Health/Hazardous Materials Emergency Response
Teams respond to a hazardous materials incident in the CITY, the FIRE DISTRICT will
subsequently invoice the CITY on an as -call basis for the costs associated with the response
team unit(s) responded. Payments by the CITY of invoices for all such hazardous materials
emergency incident response team responses shall be made pursuant to the provisions of
Section III herein.
SECTION X. ADOPTION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
Pursuant to Los Angeles County Fire Code - Title 32, Sections 10000.1 and 10000.2,
and California Health and Safety Code Section 13869, as may be subsequently amended,
upon annexation of the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT, the County of Los Angeles Fire Code -
Title 32, including any subsequent amendments to such code, shall be enforced in the CITY by
the FIRE DISTRICT. By ordinance, the CITY shall adopt the County of Los Angeles Fire Code
— Title 32 as of the commencement date of services. This ordinance will adopt all existing
CITY amendments to the County of Los Angeles Fire Code — Title 32 as a separate
attachment. The FIRE DISTRICT will enforce applicable amendments specific to the CITY.
Where differences occur between the Los Angeles County Fire Code — Title 32 and the
amendments adopted by the CITY, the CITY amendments will take precedence unless an
impracticality of enforcement is determined by the FIRE DISTRICT in its sole discretion, in
-32-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15'
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
which case the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY shall work towards establishing a mutually
agreeable resolution.
SECTION XI. MODIFICATION OF SCHEDULES
(A) With the exception of Schedule 2, all schedules attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference will be subject to modification by mutual agreement of the CITY
ADMINISTRATOR and FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT as needed after the date of
approval of this Agreement by both parties.
(B) The staffing levels as indicated on Schedule 2 may be subject to modification by
mutual written agreement of the CITY COUNCIL and FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT. Any
such modification of staffing levels may cause an adjustment in the determination of the
Annual Fee as specified in Section 11, Subsection (L) herein.
SECTION XII. WITHDRAWAL
(A) In the event the CITY terminates this Agreement and withdraws from the FIRE
DISTRICT at any time subsequent to the Initial Ten -Year Term, per the provisions of Section I,
herein, the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY agree that:
(1) The lease on the fire stations shall terminate and the FIRE DISTRICT shall
vacate the CITY Fire Stations on the effective date of withdrawal except as provided for in a
subsequent written agreement as may be entered into by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT.
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT shall return to the CITY, fire apparatus, vehicles and
related fire apparatus equipment of a comparable type, condition, and age, in the quantity and
type as described on Schedule 5 as of the commencement date of services.
(3) The FIRE DISTRICT shall return to the CITY Fire Station equipment, furniture,
tools, and furnishings of a comparable type and condition as of the commencement date of
services, which are essential to the operation of the fire station facilities and are detailed in
Schedule 6.
(4) As to any apparatus, vehicles, equipment, tools, furniture, furnishings, or other
personal property for which a monetary or in -kind credit was given to the CITY upon the
-33-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
effective date of this Agreement, the FIRE DISTRICT will not be obligated in any manner to
return comparable items to the CITY at the date of withdrawal of this Agreement.
(B) In the event of the termination of the Agreement by either party as provided herein,
the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY agree to enter into separate and further agreements to
address the specific details of termination not addressed in this Agreement.
SECTION XIII . GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING
The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY covenant and warrant to act in good faith and fair
dealing regarding the performance, administration, and interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION XIV. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(A) Severability — In the event that any provision herein contained is held to be invalid,
void, or illegal by any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall be deemed severable
from the remainder of this Agreement and shall in no way affect, impair or invalidate any other
provision contained herein. If any such provision shall be deemed invalid due to its scope or
breadth, such provision shall be deemed valid to the extent of the scope or breadth permitted
by law.
(B) Waiver — No breach of any provision hereof can be waived unless in writing.
Waiver of any one breach of any provision shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any breach of
the same or any other provision hereof.
(C) Entire Agreement — This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes any prior
understanding whether oral or written and may be modified only by further written agreement
between the parties hereto. The non -enforceability, invalidity or illegality of any provision of
this Agreement shall not render the other provisions thereof unenforceable, invalid or illegal.
MrA
I IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the CITY, by majority vote of its City Council, has caused this
2 Agreement to be executed by its Mayor and which execution has been attested to by its Clerk;
3 pursuant to action by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors, as governing body of the
4 FIRE DISTRICT, the Chair has executed this Agreement on behalf of the FIRE DISTRICT and
5 which execution has been attested to by its Clerk.
6 CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION CITY OF VERNON
DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
7
8
By By
9 Chair, Board of Supervisors Melissa Ybarra, Mayor
10
11 DATE DATE
12
13 ATTEST: ATTEST:
14
CELIA ZAVALA
15 Executive Officer -Clerk of
16 The Board of Supervisors
17
By By
18 Deputy Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk
19
20
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
21
22 MARY C. WICKHAM
County Counsel
23
24 By By
25 Christina Angeles, Principal Deputy Hema Patel, City Attorney
26
27
28
-35-
FULLY EXECUTED
AGREEMENT
CONTRACTOR: Vernon Fire Manaaement Association(VFMA)
CONTRACT PURPOSE: Side Letter of Agreement
CONTRACT IS: ❑ FEDERAL ❑ PREVAILING WAGE ❑ COMPETITIVE SELECTION & NOTICED RIFT,
❑ COMPETITIVE BID & NOTICED INVITATION TO BID
❑ EXEMPT FROM COMPETITIVE PROCESS (APPROVAL ATTACHED)
❑ SERVICES ❑ MATERIALS ❑ BUDGETED O NOT BUDGETED
TOTAL CONTRACT VALUE: Charge Acct. No(s)
Amendment Value $ ❑ Contract is an Amendment to Eden Contract No. (if applicable)
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT PERSON: Michael Earl PHONE: ext. 239
AUTHORIZATION: M"Approved by Council on 10/01/2019
(Check one and attach Resolution No. 201942 (if applicable)
supporting documentation)
❑ Approved by City Administrator on
❑ Approved by Finance Director on
(Please Follow In Order)
(1) Responsible Department Person
Certifies compliance with Competitive Bidding and Purchasing Ordinance,
obtains approval from City Council/City Administrator/Finance Director, and obtains
approval as to form from the City Attorney's Office, assembles two (2) originals of contract,
obtains proper signatures from contractor/consultant pursuant to the signature requirements,
obtains insurance & bond documents, notifies IT to remove related RFP/bid notice from the
City's website (if applicable), enters contract into Eden once routing process is complete.
Initials Date
(2) Liability and Claims 1
Approves insurance and sureties, if bonds required. Oln i'�"' ` (del (%
(3) Finance (Purchasing)
Checks compliance with Competitive Bidding & Living Wage Ordinances
and reflected in current budget.
(4) City Attorney
Approves contract as to form.
(5)City Signatory
Signs document on behalf of City.
(6) City Clerk
Attests signatures, numbers and files contract, enters contract documents
(executed contract, supporting documentation, insurance and bonds, etc.) into L. ertiche,
transmits duplicate original to contractor/consultant, notifies Responsible Department Person,
and notifies any `consultant" of duties to file Form 700, if applicable.
N /.04
ems �. Ytr I'�2tfl�i
►o Ik��
Rar. W017
TRANSMITTAL COMMUNICATION
of e�
zlt, riari
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California 9005s
Telephone (323) 583-8811
October 24, 2019
Vernon Fire Management Association
Attn: Todd Painton, President
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
Re: Vernon Fire Management Association — Side Letter Agreement
Dear Mr. Painton:
Please find enclosed a copy of the fully executed original Memorandum of Understanding
approved by City Council on October 1, 2019, through Resolution No. 201942.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call Michael Earl, at (323) 583-8811 ext.
239.
Very[ yours,
Deborah R. Juarez
Records Management Assistant
Enclosure
c: Michael Earl
Jim Enriquez
Carlos Fandino
Joaquin Leon
Resolution No. 2019-42
Agreement No. 19-116
Excfusivel Industrid
SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT
City of Vernon and
Vernon Fire Management Association
This Side Letter of Agreement ("Agreement") is entered by and between the City of Vernon
("City") and the Vernon Fire Management Association ("VFMA") with respect to the following:
WHEREAS, VFMA is the recognized employee organization for employees employed by the City's
Fire Department in the classifications of Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Battalion Chief, Administrative Fire
Battalion Chief, and Fire Marshal; and
WHEREAS, VFMA and the City have been actively engaged in negotiation for a successor
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to the one that expired June 30, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the City's elected Council voted to contract for firefighting and related services with
the Consolidated Fire District of the County of Los Angeles ("the District"); and
WHEREAS, following the vote of the City's Council to contract for firefighting services, the City
and VFMA ceased negotiating a successor MOU and have been negotiating the impacts and effect of the
City's decision to contract for firefighting services; and
WHEREAS, the City and VFMA have reached an understanding with respect to the rights and
entitlements of its members should the City enter into a contract for firefighting and related services
with the District and wish to memorialize that agreement herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the City and VFMA agree to amend their MOU as follows:
Term of Agreement and MOU: The term of the MOU shall be extended until the earlier of either
(1) the commencement date of service by the District, in which case no further MOU will be
necessary; or (2) until such time as it is reasonably determined that contracting for firefighting
service with LA County will not proceed, in which case the provisions of this side letter shall be
null and void and the parties shall reconvene negotiations for a successor MOLL; or (3) August 1,
2020, in which use the parties shall either mutually agree to further extend this side letter
agreement and the MOU or, if no such agreement is reached to extend the side letter agreement
and the MOU, the provisions of this side letter shall be null and void and the parties shall
reconvene negotiations for a successor MOU.
Any VFMA represented employee who chooses to retire prior to the commencement date of service
by the District shall be entitled to the payoffs and other benefits to which they are entitled under
the July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019 MOU, except as specifically amended by this side letter.
2. Retiree Medical and Dental: For those VFMA represented employees who transfer to the District
with twenty (20) or more years of continuous service with the City of Vernon Fire Department as of
the date of transfer (a list of qualifying employees is attached hereto as Exhibit "A"), the following
shall apply:
a. If the employee separates from the District after age 50 without becoming entitled to a
retiree medical contribution in the County's retiree medical health plan, the City shall
pay that former employee a retiree medical/dental benefit reimbursement allowance in
an amount equal to the actual cost of medical and dental insurance for the employee
and his/her spouse, not to exceed $1,100 per month. The reimbursements shall occur
quarterly and the employee shall present, quarterty, proof of medical and/or dental
insurance coverage and premiums. For purposes of this transitional benefit, qualifying
employees (as listed on Exhibit "A") shall have a vested right to the City retiree medical
benefit as set forth herein upon transition to employment with the District.
b. If the employee separates from the District and qualifies for a District/County retiree
medical contribution, the City's payment of a medical/dental insurance benefit for the
employee and his/her spouse of up to $1,100 per month will be offset by the amount of
benefit the employee is eligible to receive from the District/County. For example, if the
cost of the medical and dental insurance premiums for the employee and spouse cost
$1050/month, and the employee qualifies for a County/District contribution of
$400/month, the City's reimbursement shall be $650/month ($400+$650=$1050).
c. Upon reaching the age of sixty-five (65), the employee and/or eligible spouse shall apply
for Medicare coverage. The City shall pay up to 100% of the cost of a Medicare
supplemental medical and dental insurance plan not to exceed $1,100 per month.
Reimbursement does not include the cost of Medicare premiums and/or copays, but
rather a Medicare supplement medical and dental insurance plan. Any amount provided
to the employee shall be offset by the amount the employee is eligible to receive from
the District/County.
3. Overtime: Article Five, Section 1 (C) of the MOU is amended to read as follows:
C. Vacancies To Be Filled
Any vacancy, whether permanent or as a result of any type of leave, in the Battalion
Chief rank may be backfilled at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
4. Personnel. Ranks. and Salaries: By no later than October 31, 2019, the parties shall reach
agreement on the names, City Rank, Transfer Rank, City Seniority Date, and City Salary information
contained in Schedule 7 of the agreement between the City and the District, which may be amended
by the parties due only to the separation of an employees) prior to transition. The determination
of which ranks of VFMA members transfer to the District is determined using time in rank (or a higher
rank). For example, the last promoted Captain will be the first bumped down to a classification
previously held by that Captain.
5. Transfer of Vacation And Sick Leave Hours: By November 30, 2019, VFMA members who desire to
transfer to the District shall designate the number of available, accrued vacation and sick leave hours
to be transferred, up to 240 hours of vacation leave and 240 hours of sick leave. Any employee failing
to make a designation, will be deemed to have designated the maximum number of available vacation
and sick leave hours to be transferred.
6. Payout of Remaining Sick Leave and Vacation Leave Hours: Any accrued vacation leave not being
transferred to the District shall be paid to employees at their regular hourty rate at the time of
separation. Any remaining sick leave hours not being transferred to the District shall be forfeited;
provided, however, that those employees with 20 years or more of continuous service on the date
that firefighting and related services are transferred to the District shall be compensated for all
unused sick leave at the time of separation at 50% of the employee's then current regular hourly rate
of pay, pursuant to Article Ten, Section 11(B) of the MOU.
7. Employees Deemed Ineligible for Transfer: Any VFMA represented employee deemed ineligible to
transfer by the District will be separated from City effective the date of commencement of service
by the District, and the employee would be entitled to any payoffs or other benefits to which they
are entitled under the MOU or pursuant to law. The City agrees that it will certify as qualified for
industrial disability retirement any member of VFMA who is rejected from employment by the District
due to a legitimate industrial injury or other industrial medical condition, and who meets applicable
CalPERS criteria for Industrial Disability Retirement, upon submission of the required paperwork
(DWC-1, etc.). The parties agree that if a disability retirement is not granted, the City is under no
obligation to reinstate the employee to employment with the City as the employee's position has
ceased to exist. Any VFMA member who is on leave pursuant to Labor Code section 4850 on the date
of transition and who is not being immediately offered a position by the District will continue to
receive their Section 4850 payments for the duration of their statutory entitlement (up to one year)
under the law. However, such individuals will not be considered employees of the City beyond the
date of transition. VFMA employees who are off on a non -industrial injury or illness leave or who
have exhausted their Labor Code 4850 benefits on the date of transition will be laid off from the City
as of the date of transition, and shall be paid for their accrued leaves and other benefits per the
terms of the MOLL.
8. Terms of Agreement For Services Between The District and City Incorporated Herein: The parties
acknowledge that the Agreement for Services between the City and the District (attached hereto as
Exhibit "C") contains terms and provisions that directly impact the determination of who and under
what terms employees shall transition to the District and the wages, hours and other terns and
conditions of employment of those transitioning employees. To that end, the terms of the Agreement
for Services between the City and The District are hereby incorporated by reference as though set
forth in full and shall not change in any manner that materially alters the determination of who and
under what conditions an employee transitions to the District and the wages, hours and other terms
and conditions of employment of VFMA members that transition.
[Signatures next page]
FOR THE C�F VERNON
/t %o/ Zy��
Carlos R. Fandino, Jr., City inistrator Date
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
2a na usm,
IdAIM i41 K"Mid Senior. eputy City Attomey
Lisa Pope, City Clerk
VERNON FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
T d P nton, Presidmt Date
Todd Schomig, Vice President
(411 v _ t o hq.'z' `�
Craig Pel r, Secretary Date
APPROVED AND ADOPTED RY CITY COUNCIL ON 0GrOM 1, 2019 PER RESOLUTION
NO. 201�4_2
Exhibit A
Employee Full Name
Position Title
Orig hire
Yeare of
Employee Signature
PELTIER, CRAIG D
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
10/24/1988
30.8
SCHOENIG, TODD R
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
V//1991
28.6
PAIMON, TODD S
FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
M211992
28.8
01
VFMA As of 9-24-2019
EXHIBIT A
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
AND THE CITY OF VERNON
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this _ day of by
and between the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County, hereinafter
referred to as the "FIRE DISTRICT," and the City of Vernon, hereinafter referred to as the
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the CITY has decided to contract with FIRE DISTRICT for fire protection,
hazardous materials, emergency medical, and all related services as authorized by California
Government Code Section 54981, and the FIRE DISTRICT is authorized to provide such
services pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 13800, at. seq;
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the CITY to receive regional fire protection services from
the FIRE DISTRICT due to the benefits afforded by regional service delivery; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the parties hereto to address, by this Agreement, all
matters which are related to a contract for services to be provided to the CITY by the FIRE
DISTRICT.
SECTION I. AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
(A) The effective date of this Agreement shall be the date of approval by the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles as the governing body of the FIRE DISTRICT, which
is , and this Agreement shall continue in effect until such time
as this Agreement is terminated or otherwise renegotiated.
(B) The provision of services by the FIRE DISTRICT to the CITY shall commence on
the date stated in Schedule 1 established by the FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT,
hereinafter referred to as "commencement date of services".
(C) The date of annexation of the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT shall be the date of
recordation of annexation documents which shall be on or near the commencement date of
-1-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(D) This Agreement shall remain in effect for a minimum often (10) years from the
commencement date of services ("Initial Ten -Year Tenn"). Subsequent to this Initial Ten -Year
Term, this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for one year periods. Either party may
terminate this Agreement any time after the expiration of the Initial Ten -Year Term upon one
year's written notice as provided in Subsection (E) of this Section I, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement-
(E) Subsequent to the ninth (9) year of the Initial Ten -Year Term, the FIRE DISTRICT
or the CITY may terminate this Agreement by giving at least one year's written notice to the
other for termination of this Agreement and the CITY's detachment from the FIRE DISTRICT in
accordance with this Section I. Notice shall be sent to the addresses listed in Section III,
Subsection (1), herein, or as subsequently changed by either party in writing.
(F) Should either party give written notice of its intent to terminate this Agreement, that
party shall initiate detachment proceedings through the Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO). The party who terminates this Agreement, including any subsequent amendments,
shall bear the cost of all fees associated with detachment of the CITY from the FIRE
DISTRICT, unless CITY becomes delinquent or defaults in its Annual Fee payment to the FIRE
DISTRICT for FIRE DISTRICT services pursuant to Section III, Subsection (0), in which
instance CITY shall bear the costs. Such fees shall be defined as LAFCO fees, the State
Board of Equalization fees, and any similar fees of this nature but shall not include any Board
of Supervisors' or any CITY administrative fees or attomeys' fees.
(G) A review of the Agreement terms may be initiated at any time by either party, upon
five (5) days written notice to the other. Any modifications made to this Agreement shall be
upon written consent of both parties. The parties agree to negotiate in good faith and deal
fairly with respect to performance under this Agreement and with respect to any proposed
modifications to this Agreement.
SECTION If. SERVICES
(A) Services to be provided by the FIRE DISTRICT to the CITY shall include fire
protection, hazardous materials services, emergency medical services which include
-2-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
paramedic services, fire code and related code enforcement, fire cause and arson
investigation, plus all FIRE DISTRICT support services including, but not limited to,
supervision, dispatching, training, equipment maintenance, supplies, and procurement,
collectively referred to as "Services." The CITY will not be charged for on -duty personnel
reassigned from fire stations outside of the CITY to staff events in the CITY. The FIRE
DISTRICT's cost for Fire Safety Officers (FSOs) or augmented staffing assigned to special
events held in the CITY will be charged to the CITY for CITY -sponsored events or to non -CITY
entities, whichever is the appropriate organization, as the cost for such augmented services is
not included in the CITY's Annual Fee.
(B) The power and authority relating to the provision of Services, the standards of
performance, the discipline of personnel, and other matters related to the performance of such
Services and control of personnel so employed by the FIRE DISTRICT shall be within the sole
discretion of the FIRE DISTRICT.
(C) The engine companies assigned to the CITY Fire Stations as listed on Schedule 3
attached hereto shall carry automatic external defibrillators, and all firefighting personnel shall
be certified as Emergency Medical Technician-1. The minimum dairy staffing level in the CITY
as indicated on Schedule 3 herein is as follows: one engine company staffed with three
personnel (one fire captain, one fire fighter specialist and one fire fighter); one engine company
and one truck company each staffed with four personnel, (one fire captain, one fire fighter
specialist and two fire fighters); and one paramedic squad staffed with two fire fighter
paramedics, for a total operations staffing of thirteen uniformed personnel on duty daily in the
CITY. This staffing level may be modified by mutual agreement of the CITY COUNCIL and
FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT pursuant to Section XI.
(D) All code enforcement, plan check approval, and other fire prevention activities shall
be in accordance with the County of Los Angeles Fire Code and FIRE DISTRICT ordinances,
regulations, standards, policies and procedures, except as may be amended pursuant to
Section X herein.
(E) Transportation of a patient to a hospital in a medical emergency is not provided by
-3-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
the FIRE DISTRICT. Emergency medical transportation is provided under a County of
Los Angeles contractual arrangement with a private ambulance company licensed to operate
within Los Angeles County. If the CITY opts to continue to provide medical transportation in
the CITY during the term of this Agreement, the CITY and FIRE DISTRICT will enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding which will outline the CITY's responsibilities in the
administration of its ambulance program, including the location of the housing of ambulance
program's personnel and equipment.
(F) The FIRE DISTRICT will participate in and support community emergency
preparedness, education, training, and exercises at the reasonable request of and at no
additional cost to the CITY. The CITY shall retain responsibility for the CITY's internal
emergency management and related programs.
(G) Without cost to the FIRE DISTRICT, the CITY shall, within the legal boundaries of
the CITY, retain responsibility for providing a water system including fire hydrants capable of
supplying adequate water fire Flow to the FIRE DISTRICT. The CITY shall ensure that the
CITY's water purveyors provide adequate water and hydrants for fire protection purposes
within the CITY without cost to the FIRE DISTRICT.
(H) The FIRE DISTRICT shall annually inspect all fire hydrants within the CITY to
ensure that fire hydrants are mechanically operable and capable of delivering water. The FIRE
DISTRICT shall notify the CITY's water purveyors, in writing, of any maintenance requirements
as soon as possible after such inspections and at any other times the FIRE DISTRICT
becomes aware of maintenance or repair requirements. The FIRE DISTRICT shall not be
liable to pay any CITY water purveyor for hydrant installation, use, repair, maintenance, or
rental fees or any other related costs or expenses except if damage results from the FIRE
DISTRICT'S negligent use of said fire hydrants.
(1) The transference of applicable 9-1-1 calls to the FIRE DISTRICT shall be done
immediately upon receipt by the CITY's Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and shall be
performed without cost to the FIRE DISTRICT. The CITY shall be responsible for all costs
associated with connecting ring -down circuits from its PSAP to the FIRE DISTRICT's circuit.
K
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
t0
II
12
I3
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(J) The FIRE DISTRICT shall provide to the CITY quarterly and annual statistical
response information reports. The criteria utilized in the preparation of such reports shall be
determined by the CITY ADMINISTRATOR and the FIRE DISTRICTs jurisdictional Assistant
Fire Chief.
(K) Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the future expansion or relocation of the
CITY'S Fire Stations referenced on Schedule 3 herein if such action is mutually agreed upon in
writing by both the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT's Fire Chief.
(L) Any agreed -upon adjustments in staffing pursuant to Section XI, Subsection (B)
herein may cause adjustments in the determination of the Annual Fee, as specified in
Schedule 2 attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION III. ANNUAL FEE FOR SERVICES
(A) The CITY shall pay an Annual Fee for FIRE DISTRICT Services, hereinafter
referred to as "Annual Fee." As provided for in the California Heafth and Safety Code Section
13878, the FIRE DISTRICT shall be paid monthly, in advance, from funds of the CITY for the
performance of the services referred to in Section 11, hereof. The Annual Fee shall be
determined by the method specified in Schedule 2, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
The CITY shall pay the FIRE DISTRICT one -twelfth (1112) of the estimated or actual Annual
Fee monthly, in advance, on or before the first day of each month. The one-year period for
payment of the Annual Fee is defined as July 1 through June 30, herein referred to as "Fiscal
Year."
(B) At least ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of each Fiscal Year, the FIRE
DISTRICT shall submit a preliminary estimate of the Annual Fee ("Preliminary Annual Fee) for
providing Services to the CITY for the ensuing fiscal year. The Preliminary Annual Fee shall
include estimated costs of FIRE DISTRICT salary and employee benefits and overhead, and
shall be used for billing purposes until actual cost information is available.
(C) As soon as actual cost information is available, the FIRE DISTRICT shall provide
the CITY a statement of the actual Annual Fee for providing Services during the current fiscal
year. If the Annual Fee is less than the Preliminary Annual Fee, the FIRE DISTRICT shall
-5-
I credit the CITY for the difference, which amount shall be deducted from the first monthly
2 invoice and, if applicable, the following monthly invoices subsequent to the statement of the
3 Annual Fee. If the Annual Fee is greater than the Preliminary Annual Fee, the additional
4 amount due the FIRE DISTRICT will be paid by the CITY during the subsequent fiscal year as
5 follows: One -twelfth (1/12) of such additional Annual Fee amount due to the FIRE DISTRICT
6 shall be added and paid in each of the CITY's subsequent twelve (12) monthly payments.
7 (D) A limitation shall be placed on increases in the amount of Annual Fee to be paid by
8 the CITY each year, hereinafter referred to as "Annual Fee Limitation" For purposes of
9 calculation of the Annual Fee Limitation, the Annual Fee shall not include any conversion
10 costs, credits, or rebates of any kind. The Annual Fee Limitation shall be subject to annual
11 changes after the initial five-year period of this Agreement commencing with the
12 commencement date of services ("Initial Five -Year Period") as described below. During the
13 Initial Five -Year Period, the Annual Fee Limitation shall not exceed four percent (4%) per
14 Fiscal Year. At the conclusion of the Initial Five -Year Period, the FIRE DISTRICT will meet
15 with the CITY to discuss cost trends and increases that will impact the CITY's Annual Fee.
16 During the sixth year of this Agreement, the Annual Fee Limitation shall be the average of the
17 immediately preceding four years' percentage increases in the Annual Fee plus one percent
18 (1 %). During the seventh year of this Agreement and each subsequent Fiscal Year, the
19 Annual Fee Limitation shall be the average of the immediately preceding five years'
20 percentage increases in the Annual Fee plus one percent (1 %).
21 (E) In any year where the CITY's Annual Fee, as specified in Section III, Subsection (C)
22 hereinabove, exceeds the preceding Fiscal Year's Annual Fee plus the applicable Annual Fee
23 Limitation, hereinafter referred to as "Annual Fee Limitation Excess," payment of the Annual
24 Fee Limitation Excess shall be deferred to a subsequent future Fiscal Year(s) where the
25 increase in the Annual Fee for that Fiscal Year over the preceding Fiscal Year is less than the
26 Annual Fee Limitation. The Annual Fee Limitation Excess will be paid by the CITY in any
27 subsequent Fiscal Year(s) to the extent the Annual Fee increase in that Fiscal Year is less
28 than the Annual Fee Limitation for that Fiscal Year. One -twelfth (1/12) of such Annual Fee
-6-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Limitation Excess shall be added and paid in each of the CITY's twelve (12) monthly payments
for the subsequent Fiscal Year(s).
In the event the CITY detaches from the FIRE DISTRICT, any unpaid Annual Fee
Limitation Excess together with any outstanding Annual Fee payments due by the CITY as of
the effective date of detachment shall be due and payable to the FIRE DISTRICT no later than
the effective date of detachment. Should a credit be due the CITY from the FIRE DISTRICT, a
refund shall be paid to the CITY no later than the effective date of detachment.
(F) In addition to the Annual Fee, conversion costs as specified in Schedule 4 attached
hereto and made a part hereof shall be charged to the CITY and shall be paid to the FIRE
DISTRICT by the CITY in thirty-six (36) equal monthly payments. This amount shall be added
to each monthly invoice for the Annual Fee commencing with the first month's Annual Fee
invoice. Upon the final determination of the actual conversion costs as approved by the CITY
ADMINISTRATOR and the FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT, the CITY's conversion cost
balance will be adjusted as will all subsequent monthly invoices for the Annual Fee to reflect
the actual conversion costs. -
(G) The CITY shall pay all annexation processing fees by check directly to and upon
request by the FIRE DISTRICT. Such fees are anticipated to be:
State of California Board of Equalization $ 300.00
County of Los Angeles Local Agency
Formation Commission $ 8,500.00
(H) Fire protection, hazardous materials, emergency medical, and all related services
as set forth in Section 11, herein, shall not be performed by the FIRE DISTRICT hereunder
unless the CITY shall:
1. Have available funds previously appropriated to cover the Annual Fee; and
2. Have paid in advance, when due to the FIRE DISTRICT, the monthly
payments or the Annual Fee from the previously appropriated funds.
(I) The FIRE DISTRICT shall invoice the CITY at least thirty (30) days in advance of any
scheduled monthly payment. Payment of all invoices under this Agreement shall be due and
-7-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
payable thirty (30) days from the date of invoice (hereinafter referred to as "due date").
Invoices and general notices shall be sent to the CITY at:
City of Vernon
4305 Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
Attention: Carlos Fandino, City Administrator
Payments shall be sent to the FIRE DISTRICT at:
Los Angeles County Fire Department
P. O. Box 54740
Los Angeles, CA 90054-0740
General notices shall be sent to the FIRE DISTRICT at:
Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby
Los Angeles County Fire Department
1320 North Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90063-3294
Either party shall notify the other, in writing, of an address change.
(J) If the commencement date of services is in the middle of any month, the pro rata
share for that month and full payment for the following month shall be paid in advance. The
pro rata monthly share shall be calculated as follows:
Divide the Annual Fee by 365 days (daily rate) and multiply
the daily rate by the number of days remaining in the month
as of the commencement date of services.
(K) Interest shall be added to any payment invoiced by the FIRE DISTRICT and that is
received by the FIRE DISTRICT more than fifteen (15) calendar days after the due date (late
payment). The interest rate on any late payment shall be established as the prevailing prime
lending rate for Bank of America, or any successor financial institution, as of the first day
payment is late. The period for computing this interest shall commence the day following the
payment due date and end the date of receipt of payment by the FIRE DISTRICT.
The interest payment shall be computed as follows:
No. of Days Late X Prime Lending Rate X $ Amount of = Late Payment Interest Charge
365 Days Payment
-a-
1
2,
3
4
5i
6
7
8'
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(L) The Annual Fee in this Agreement is based upon current CITY boundaries and
service requirements. During the term of this Agreement, should the CITY annex any area
from which the FIRE DISTRICT does not receive property taxes (such as from a non -FIRE
DISTRICT -served city), staffing levels shall be adjusted to adequately serve the annexed area
and the CITY's Annual Fee shall be adjusted accordingly as determined by the FIRE
DISTRICT and reviewed by the CITY.
(M) All revenues generated from fees established or implemented by the FIRE
DISTRICT, such as fire prevention fees, shall be FIRE DISTRICT revenues with the exception
of any applicable paramedic on-board/advanced life support (ALS) fees which will be passed
through to the CITY by the FIRE DISTRICT via credits on the CITY's monthly invoices. Any
revenue generated by fees that the CITY charges as the administering agency for the CITY's
Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory program and through a CITY -
operated emergency medical transportation program in arrangement with a private ambulance
firm would remain CITY revenues. Fees of any nature collected by CITY on behalf of the FIRE
DISTRICT shall be passed -through to the FIRE DISTRICT by the CITY as FIRE DISTRICT
revenues. The CITY shall be authorized to retain a five percent (5%) administrative charge for
any fees collected by the CITY on behalf of the FIRE DISTRICT. Any fees charged and
collected by the CITY subsequent to the commencement date of services shall remain as
revenues of the CITY provided that such fees are not identified as fees for FIRE DISTRICT
services. The FIRE DISTRICT shall be authorized to retain a five percent (5%) administrative
charge for any fees collected by the FIRE DISTRICT on behalf of the CITY. Excluding any
State, Federal, or judicially mandated programs or fees, any fees established by the FIRE
DISTRICT to be imposed in the CITY after the commencement date of services shall require
the prior approval of the City Council. Neither the FIRE DISTRICT nor the CITY shall be
legally obligated to collect fees on behalf of the other party.
In the event that an incident occurs within the CITY while this Agreement is in effect
during which the FIRE DISTRICT may be required to deploy a substantial number of FIRE
DISTRICT apparatus and personnel to such incident as determined by the FIRE DISTRICT, to
-9-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
the extent authorized by law, the FIRE DISTRICT reserves the right to pursue cost recovery
within its sole discretion against the party that caused the incident but not against the CITY.
Costs recovered by the FIRE DISTRICT for CITY -paid resources (as detailed in Schedule 2
herein) deployed on such an incident within the CITY, less the cost of the FIRE DISTRICT's
recovery efforts, shall be credited to the CITY.
In the event the CITY were to pursue cost recovery for FIRE DISTRICT resources
deployed to an incident within the CITY to which the FIRE DISTRICT deploys a substantial
number of apparatus and personnel, to the extent authorized by law, the CITY shall promptly
pay to the FIRE DISTRICT all such FIRE DISTRICT costs recovered by the CITY less the cost
of the CITY's recovery efforts. Costs for FIRE DISTRICT resources paid for by the CITY
through this Agreement as detailed on Schedule 2 herein and deployed to such an incident
shall not be recoverable by the FIRE DISTRICT from the CITY. Neither the FIRE DISTRICT
nor the CITY shall be legally obligated to seek cost recovery on behalf of the other party.
(N) In the event that a billing/payment dispute arises between the FIRE DISTRICT and
the CITY, the parties will negotiate in good faith to resolve the dispute and the following
procedures will be taken to resolve the dispute:
(1) The dispute will be specified, in writing, and presented to the FIRE DISTRICT's
Chief Deputy of Business Operations if a CITY dispute, or to the CITY ADMINISTRATOR if a
FIRE DISTRICT dispute, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a disputed invoice or disputed
payment. The CITY shall pay in full any disputed invoice "under protest."
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY shall meet and confer in good faith to
expeditiously resolve the dispute. If the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY cannot fully resolve the
dispute within ninety (90) days of receipt of written notification of this dispute (impasse), the
impasse will be sent to an independent arbitrator for resolution. Said arbitrator shall be
selected jointly by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT within forty-five (45) days of impasse and
shall be paid for equally by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT. If the FIRE DISTRICT and the
CITY cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall, at its own expense, retain an arbitrator
within thirty (30) days after the jointly selected arbitrator should have been selected. These
-10-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
two arbitrators will, within thirty (30) days of their retention, mutually select a third arbitrator.
The mutually agreed -upon arbitrator will resolve the matter within thirty (30) days after his/her
selection. The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY shall share equally the cost of the third
arbitrator. The arbitrator's resolution of the impasse shall be final and binding.
(3) If the FIRE DISTRICT prevails in arbitration, all money owed and not paid to
the FIRE DISTRICT will be forwarded to the mailing address identified in Section III,
Subsection (1), herein, within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the issuance of the
arbitrator's decision. In addition, the CITY will be assessed and pay the interest payment
amount for a late payment as calculated in Section 111, Subsection (K) of this Agreement.
(4) If the CITY prevails in arbitration and has paid the FIRE DISTRICT the
disputed amount, a refund to the CITY will be forwarded to the mailing address identified in
Section III, Subsection (1), herein, within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the issuance
of the arbitrator's decision. In addition, the FIRE DISTRICT will pay to the CITY an interest
payment, as calculated for late payments in Section III, Subsection (K) of this Agreement.
(5) Each party is required to pay its own legal fees associated with such arbitration
and is not entitled to recovery of those fees from the other party.
(0) CITY understands and agrees that in the event the CITY becomes delinquent or
defaults in its Annual Fee payment to the FIRE DISTRICT for FIRE DISTRICT service, the
County Auditor -Controller is authorized, at the direction of FIRE DISTRICT, to withhold CITY's
unencumbered annual property tax revenue in an amount equal to the outstanding payment for
FIRE DISTRICT Service and credit the withheld amounts to the FIRE DISTRICT's revenue
account. FIRE DISTRICT shall comply with the procedures in County Fiscal Manual section
10.2.12, "Procedures for Collection of Accounts Receivable for Services Performed for Cities
and Special Districts" for collecting CITY's delinquent or defaulted Annual Fee payments.
Such withholding by the Auditor -Controller shall continue until such time as CITY resumes
payment to the FIRE DISTRICT directly and all delinquent or defaulted Annual Fee payments
have been recovered.
(P) The FIRE DISTRICT shall credit to the CITY's Annual Fee billing the cost expended
_1y
I by the CITY to full the requirements of Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (12), Health
2 Insurance, herein, in the invoice subsequent to the FIRE DISTRICTs receipt of cost
3 documentation. The CITY shall present documentation satisfactory to the FIRE DISTRICT of
4 the amount expended prior to credit being made.
5 (Q) Vacation and sick benefit days, as provided for in Section VII, Subsection (C),
6 paragraphs (6) and (7) herein and as detailed on Schedules 8, 9, 11, and 12 attached hereto
7 and made a part hereof, shall be charged to the CITY and shall be paid in thirty-six (36) equal
8 monthly payments which shall be a separate and distinct charge added to the monthly invoice
9 for the Annual Fee commencing with the first month's Annual Fee invoice or as soon as
10 practicable after the finalization of these Schedules. Such charges will be excluded from the
I I Annual Fee Limitation calculation.
12 SECTION IV. EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE, FURNISHINGS, AND EXPENDABLE
13 EQUIPMENTIFIRE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
14 (A) On the commencement date of services, the CITY shall transfer to the FIRE
15 DISTRICT all fire apparatus, vehicles, fire equipment, and fire station furnishings, furniture,
16 equipment and expendable tools incidental to fire station operations, as inventoried and
17 identified by the FIRE DISTRICT in writing, and listed in Schedules 5 and 6 attached hereto.
18 Items not listed in Schedules 5 and 6, shall not be transferred to the FIRE DISTRICT and will
19 remain with the CITY.
20 (B) All right, title, and interest in said CITY apparatus and vehicles shall be conveyed to
21 FIRE DISTRICT free and clear of any encumbrances. The CITY shall be responsible for any
22 and all outstanding loans or liens against said apparatus and vehicles existing as of the date of
23 conveyance. All right, title and interest of any apparatus for which the CITY is currently leasing
24 shall be conveyed to the District FIRE DISTRICT free and clear of any encumbrances upon the
25 termination of the lease(s). If the CITY does not avail itself of the ability to purchase, and thus
26 does not retain ownership of, the vehicle(s) at the termination of the lease(s), the CITY shall be
27 responsible for the cost of new replacement apparatus to be placed in service in the CITY.
28 The replacement cost of the apparatus shall be added to the CITY's Annual Fee invoices to be
-12-
I paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments.
2 (C) All fire apparatus, vehicles, and related apparatus/vehicular equipment transferred
3 to the FIRE DISTRICT by the CITY shall be in good working order. The CITY shall pay for any
4 fire apparatus and vehicle repairs necessary due to deferred or deficient maintenance. Prior to
5 the commencement date of services, the FIRE DISTRICT shall inspect all such fire apparatus
6 and vehicles and identify any repairs required due to deferred or deficient maintenance. The
7 FIRE DISTRICT shall add the cost for such repairs to the conversion costs and modify
8 Schedule 4 accordingly.
9 SECTION V. FIRE STATIONS
10 (A) Upon the commencement date of services, CITY Fire Stations identified on
11 Schedule 3 attached hereto and made a part hereof shall be used and occupied by the FIRE
12 DISTRICT. In the event that during the tens of this Agreement the CITY and FIRE DISTRICT
13 mutually agree to staff a new fire station facility, the staffing levels in Schedule 2 of this
14 Agreement will be updated as necessary and Schedule 3 will be updated accordingly. All
15 terms and conditions contained in this Agreement applicable to the lease and maintenance of
16 CITY fire stations shall apply to the new fire station.
17 (B) This Agreement constitutes a lease whereby the CITY shall lease to the FIRE
18 DISTRICT the CITY Fire Stations as identified on Schedule 3 herein for one dollar ($1)
19 annually per station. Fire Stations 76 and 77 shall be used for the purpose of providing fire
20 protection and emergency medical and related services as described herein. The FIRE
21 DISTRICT may utilize CITY Fire Station 78 to house FIRE DISTRICT administrative staff and
22 reserve fire apparatus. All costs incurred by the FIRE DISTRICT for any modifications and/or
23 repairs to Fire Station 78 necessary for the purpose of accommodating the above uses shall
24 be at the FIRE DISTRICT's expense. The lease of Fire Station 78 may be terminated at the
25 FIRE DISTRICT's sole discretion with thirty (30) days written notice.
26 1 (C) The CITY represents and warrants that it has performed all environmental cleanup
27 of hazardous materials at all CITY Fire Station sites identified on Schedule 3 as required by all
28 applicable Federal, State, and local laws as detailed in Section Vill, Subsection (C) herein.
-13-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
t0
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1s
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
The CITY represents and warrants that the CITY has, as federally mandated, at its own
expense, properly removed and replaced, if applicable, all underground fuel tanks and all other
environmental hazards from all CITY Fire Station sites identified on Schedule 3 in accordance
with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements and standards. The FIRE DISTRICT
assumes no responsibility for any and all contamination or environmental damage, including
personal injury or property damage, or liability of any nature whatsoever arising from said fuel
tanks or their removal. The CITY shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE
DISTRICT from any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses of any nature whatsoever
related to any fuel tanks, and related ancillary equipment, located at the CITY Fire Station sites
prior to the commencement date of services under this Agreement.
(D) The CITY shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE DISTRICT for any
liability, cost, expense, claims, or damages arising from any contamination or environmental
damage, including personal injury or property damage of any kind whatsoever at or adjacent to
the CITY Fire Station sites in any way related to asbestos, if any, at any of the CITY Fire
Station sites, or in any way related to hazardous materials or dangerous conditions caused or
created or contributed to by the CITY prior to the commencement date of services at any of the
CITY Fire Station sites.
(E) The FIRE DISTRICT shall be responsible for utility payments related solely to the
FIRE DISTRICT's use of the CITY Fire Stations. In the event any of the CITY Fire Stations'
utility connections are shared jointly by others, an equitable formula to determine sharing of
utility costs shall be set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding, included herein as Schedule
13, attached hereto and made a part hereof entered into by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT
and executed by the CITY ADMINISTRATOR and FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT,
respectively, prior to the commencement date of services or as soon as practicable thereafter.
(F) The FIRE DISTRICT shall inspect the CITY Fire Stations prior to acceptance and
occupancy. After the FIRE DISTRICT's acceptance of the CITY Fire Stations, the FIRE
DISTRICT shall be responsible for minor and routine station repairs as described in this
Section.
.14.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(1) The FIRE DISTRICT shall perform all routine, day -today maintenance, and
minor repairs (collectively referred to as "routine repairs") on the CITY Fire Stations leased
from the CITY identified on Schedule 3. The FIRE DISTRICT shall be responsible for routine
repairs not to exceed $60,000 for each of the CITY Fire Stations during the first year after the
commencement date of services of this Agreement (the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share);
for the second through fifth years of this Agreement after the commencement date of services,
the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share for routine repairs for each of the CITY Fire Stations
shall be as follows:
Year 2 $65,000
Year $70,000
Year $75,000
Years $80,000
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT shall notify the CITY in writing if the total cost for routine
repairs for CITY Fire Stations in any one year is anticipated to exceed the FIRE DISTRICT's
maximum share for that year in accordance with Subsection (F) herein. If the FIRE DISTRICT
expends less than the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share on the CITY Fire Stations in any
year, any amount less than the FIRE DISTRICTS maximum share for the CITY Fire Stations
shall not be carried forward from year to year. Routine repairs and minor remodeling shall
include but not be limited to the following: repair or replacement of apparatus room doors;
floor replacement; ceiling replacement; incidental plumbing and electrical repairs; heating and
air conditioning repairs; exhaust fan replacement; and minor remodeling such as shower
refurbishment, installation of stainless steel countertops, and additional cabinets for offices
and/or lockers that do not exceed $100,000 per project. All routine repairs or portions thereof
in excess of the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum annual share for CITY Fire Stations shall be the
responsibility of the CITY. The FIRE DISTRICT may elect to replace or upgrade appliances or
furnishings at any of the CITY Fire Stations at its own expense. The CITY shall not be
responsible for any such upgrades or replacements, and such upgrades and replacements
shall not reduce the FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share provided above, unless the items being
-15-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
replaced are no longer functioning or repairable at a reasonable cost as determined by the
FIRE DISTRICT, in which event such costs incurred by the FIRE DISTRICT shall reduce the
FIRE DISTRICT's maximum share. Any proposed modifications to the exterior of any of the
CITY's fire stations shall require advance written approval of the CITY ADMINISTRATOR.
(3) Any non -routine repairs, defined as repairs in excess of $100,000, hereinafter
shall be referred to as "major repairs" and shall be identified, in writing, by the FIRE DISTRICT
and presented to the CITY. Major repairs shall be undertaken by the CITY within twelve (12)
months of the FIRE DISTRICT's notification to the CITY, or other time period as mutually
agreed upon by the FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY ADMINISTRATOR,
unless said major repair is deemed an emergency, hereinafter referred to as "emergency
major repair." In the event of a dispute regarding the existence of major repairs, the general
arbitration procedures stated in Section III, Subsection (N) shall be utilized. Emergency major
repairs shall be defined as conditions that if left unrepaired would compromise the health,
welfare, or security of the fire station inhabitants or the public, as reasonably determined by the
FIRE DISTRICT. The FIRE DISTRICT shall commence emergency major repairs immediately
and make reasonable effort to notify the CITY's designated emergency contact person. The
CITY shall provide the FIRE DISTRICT with the name and telephone number of a designated
contact person for such emergency major repairs, which may occur after-hours. The FIRE
DISTRICT will undertake the emergency major repairs and invoice the CITY for the costs of
such repairs. The CITY shall be invoiced for one -twelfth (1112) of the cost of such repairs
monthly for a period of twelve (12) months. All invoices for emergency major repairs
undertaken by the FIRE DISTRICT shall be due and payable thirty (30) days from the date of
invoice and shall be subject to the terms contained in Section III, Subsections (K) and (N)
herein.
(4) The FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT may authorize, with the written
approval of the CITY, improvements to any of the CITY Fire Stations for the FIRE DISTRICT's
benefit at no cost to the CITY. Such improvements shall not be subject to the FIRE
DISTRICT's maximum share provisions as contained herein, and FIRE DISTRICT's maximum
-16-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
Is
16
17
18
19
20
share shall not be reduced by the costs of any such improvements.
(G) Without limiting each party's indemnification of the other and during the term of this
Agreement, each party agrees to maintain the programs of insurance as set forth below. Each
party shall retain the option of satisfying its insurance obligations herein through use of a
program of commercial or self-insurance coverages, or any combination thereof. Each party's
insurance shall be primary to and not contributing with any insurance or self-insurance
programs maintained by the other, and shall be maintained at each party's own expense.
(1) The CITY shall maintain: General Liability insurance (written on ISO policy
form CG 00 01 or its equivalent) with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2
million aggregate; Workers Compensation insurance to meet statutory requirements, and
including Employers' Liability coverage with limits of not less than $1 million each; Professional
Liability covering liability arising from any error, omission, negligent or wrongful act of the CITY
with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate; and Property
Coverage providing Special forth ("all-risk") coverage in an amount equivalent to the full
replacement value of the CITY Fire Stations and applying to CITY- owned and leased real
property. The CITY agrees to name the FIRE DISTRICT as an additional insured on its
insurance policies.
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT shall maintain: General Liability insurance (written on ISO
policy form CG 00 01 or its equivalent) with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence
and $2 million aggregate; Automobile Liability insurance (written on ISO policy form CA 00 01
21 I or its equivalent) with a limit of liability of not less than $1 million for each accident; Workers
22 Compensation insurance to meet statutory requirements, and including Employers' Liability
23 coverage with limits of not less than $1 million each incident; and Professional Liability
24 11 covering liability arising from any error, omission, negligent or wrongful act of the FIRE
25 DISTRICT with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. The
26
27
28
FIRE DISTRICT agrees to name the CITY as an additional insured on its insurance policies.
(H) The FIRE DISTRICT shall not be liable for any damages to any of the CITY Fire
Stations which results from any seismic events, natural disasters, civil disturbances, or acts of
-1 7-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
God. Should any such event occur that makes any of the CITY fire stations uninhabitable
and/or nonoperational, the CITY shall immediately find temporary quarters for the FIRE
DISTRICT to operate out of until the CITY can repair the affected CITY fire station(s).
(1) The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY, respectively, shall be fully responsible for any
repairs or any damages arising from the intentional or negligent acts of their respective
personnel. Disputes regarding implementation of this provision shall be resolved pursuant to
Section III, Subsection (N).
SECTION VI. INDEMNIFICATION
Except as specifically otherwise provided in this Agreement, neither party shall be liable
for the negligent or wrongful acts of the other in the performance of this Agreement.
(A) The CITY agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE DISTRICT and
the County of Los Angeles, hereinafter referred to as 'COUNTY", their elected and appointed
officials, officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability and expenses, including
defense costs and legal fees, arising from or connected with claims and lawsuits arising from
the negligent or wrongful acts of the CITY in the performance of this Agreement including any
matters relating to the separation from CITY service by the CITY employees transferring to the
FIRE DISTRICT as specified on Schedules 7 and 10 herein.
(B) The FIRE DISTRICT agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the CITY, its
elected and appointed officials, agents, officers, and employees from any and all liability and
expenses, including defense costs and legal fees, arising from or connected with claims and
lawsuits arising from the negligent or wrongful acts of the FIRE DISTRICT in the performance
of this Agreement.
SECTION VII. PERSONNEL
(A) SWORN EMPLOYEES
(1) Appointment - Subject to the provisions of the California Government Code,
Section 1031 and the Los Angeles County Code Section 6.02.040, the FIRE DISTRICT agrees
to appoint, without further civil service examination, those CITY firefighter series employees,
hereinafter referred to as "sworn employees," specked on Schedule 7, attached hereto and
-18-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
II
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
made a part hereof, who have successfully completed six (6) months service with the CITY,
exclusive of temporary or reserve fire fighters. Sworn employees' service with the CITY must
include actual firefighting experience in a permanent fire fighter position. The date of hire that
establishes the sworn CITY employees' continuous service date in a safety capacity with the
CITY shall be utilized for purposes of the mandatory retirement age for transferring safety
(2) Probation - All CITY sworn employees on probation will remain on probation until
completing the FIRE DISTRICT probationary period and requirements.
(3) Positions - CITY sworn employees qualified pursuant to this Section VII are
fully identified on Schedule 7 attached hereto and are subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement. CITY sworn employees shall be employed by the FIRE DISTRICT in the
number and status as follows:
Number Fire District Status
9 Captain
11 Fire Fighter Specialist
Remaining Fire Fighter
The actual number of transferring CITY employees employed by the FIRE DISTRICT
as a Fire Fighter will be based on the number of transferring employees at the time of
transition to FIRE DISTRICT service.
The CITY shall designate sworn employees to be assigned to the Captain, Fire
Fighter Specialist, and Fire Fighter positions indicated above. Any CITY designated employee
shall be eligible for the assigned position If the employee has held the position being
designated to or a higher position in the service of the CITY. A duly authorized representative
from the Vernon Firefighter's Association, Local 2312 (VFA) and the Vernon Fire Management
Association (VFMA) shall approve, in writing, the appointment of the personnel designated to
the ranks of Captain and Fire Fighter Specialist as listed on Schedule 7 attached. Once
approved by the VFA and VFMA, these designations shall become final and not subject to
change unless a CITY sworn employee designated on the list does not transfer to the FIRE
-19-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
DISTRICT. The CITY shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the FIRE DISTRICT from
any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses of any nature whatsoever related to the
of transferring employees' ranks by the CITY.
(4) Firefighting Experience - CITY swom employees to be assigned to the position of
Fire Captain shall have a minimum of five (5) years' firefighting experience. The CITY
represents and warrants that those employees assigned Fire Captain positions have a
minimum of five (5) years' firefighting experience.
(5) Driving Skills - All CITY swam employees who are to be assigned fire apparatus
operation responsibilities as Fire Fighter Specialists will be tested and trained, as may be
required by the FIRE DISTRICT. Any CITY swom employee who does not initially qualify in
fire apparatus operations prior to the commencement date of services will be assigned other
duties. After being provided training by the FIRE DISTRICT, transferring Fire Fighter
Specialists will be required to pass a fire apparatus operations test. Fire Fighter Specialists
who do not pass the fire apparatus operations test may be demoted at the sole discretion of
the FIRE DISTRICT.
(6) Driver License - As a condition of employment, all CITY swom employees will be
required to have a Class C Driver License with fire fighter endorsements as the minimum
standard driver license obtained from their state of residence. If the employees' state of
residence does not issue a firefighter endorsement, the employee shall acquire a commercial
license appropriate to the vehicle being driven. No employee shall have license restrictions
which would prevent him/her from performing his/her employment duties.
(7) EMT-1 Training - Sworn members of the FIRE DISTRICT are required to be
certified as Emergency Medical Technician I (EMT-1). The CITY certifies that all CITY swom
employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT shall have current EMT-1 certification, current
continuing education (CE), and certified skills (CS) testing. Current CE shall be defined as the
equivalent of one (1) hour of CE for each month that has elapsed since the last recertification
date. Current CS shall be defined as twelve (12) skills tests during a 24-month skills cycle.
The CITY shall reimburse the FIRE DISTRICT for any costs incurred by the FIRE DISTRICT
-20-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Il
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
as a result of non-compliance by any CITY employee of the requirements herein. In addition,
all transferring CITY paramedics who desire to transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT as a paramedic
must complete 24 hours a year, or 48 hours during their 2-year cycle of paramedic CE,
including skills testing, and the FIRE DISTRICT's re -activation class which consists of up to
three (3) days of classroom and five (5) or more shifts of internship (i.e. ride-alongs) on a FIRE
DISTRICT paramedic squad. Any transferring paramedic who does not successfully pass this
reactivation class and/or who has any pending action against them by the County's
Emergency Medical Services Authority, or the State's Local Emergency Medical Services
Agency would be ineligible to function as a paramedic with the FIRE DISTRICT. At the time of
transition to the FIRE DISTRICT, all transferring employees shall provide documentation
certifying that all CE and CS are up-to-date and completed.
(8) Senior! - This Agreement will result in the creation of forty-one (41) additional
FIRE DISTRICT sworn positions. More than forty-one (41) sworn employees may be
transferring from the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT. Pursuant to Section 53292 of the California
Government Code and except as specified in Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (10)
herein, so as not to impair the seniority rights of FIRE DISTRICT sworn employees, as a result
of the forty-one (41) newly created sworn positions, only forty-one (41) CITY sworn employees
with the most CITY Fire Department continuous service time will receive FIRE DISTRICT
seniority rights and COUNTY seniority. In the event any two or more transferring CITY
employees have the same continuous service date with the CITY Fire Department, the CITY
shall use whatever method currently utilized by the CITY to determine the manner in which the
seniority for those affected employees shall be established.
FIRE DISTRICT seniority is principally used for transfer bidding rights and, for these
forty-one (41) positions, will be based on continuous service time in the firefighter series with
the CITY's Fire Department. COUNTY seniority, which as defined in Los Angeles County Civil
Service Rule 2.15 as "continuous service," is principally used for purposes of determining the
order of layoff or reduction. Also as defined in Section 6.04.040 of the Los Angeles County
Code, "continuous service" is principally used for purposes of determining rights to some types
-21-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
of paid leave. For these forty-one (41) positions, continuous service will include all continuous
service time with the CITY, including any continuous non -permanent time.
The assigned FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority dates for any remaining
sworn employees will be the commencement date of services with the FIRE DISTRICT. They
will be placed on the FIRE DISTRICT seniority list and also assigned a COUNTY continuous
service date in order of their relative service time with the CITY.
All CITY and FIRE DISTRICT seniority will be considered for all purposes, except
for those individuals beyond the forty-one (41) additional sworn positions for which CITY
seniority shall not count for purposes of bidding rights, vacation schedules, and to determine
the order of layoff or reduction.
As those CITY sworn employees with full FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority
rights leave FIRE DISTRICT service, any remaining sworn employees will be assimilated into
full FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority status based on their time in service as sworn
CITYIFIRE DISTRICT employees, with the exception of those employees who fall under the
provision of Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (10) herein.
(9) Promotional Exams - All non -probationary transferring sworn employees shall be
immediately eligible for promotional examination within the FIRE DISTRICT. All time in rank
as a sworn CITY and/or FIRE DISTRICT employee shall be considered for purposes of
determining eligibility for promotional examination.
(10) Longevity Bonus - For purposes of determining eligibility for the FIRE
DISTRICT's Fire Fighter longevity bonus for those CITY employees blanketed -in to FIRE
DISTRICT in the Fire Fighter classification, all continuous CITY service time in the Fire Fighter
or successive promotional classifications shall be deemed as fulling the required aggregate
service time for longevity bonus entitlement, except as provided in Section VII, Subsection (C),
paragraph (10) herein.
(11) Training Records —The CITY will provide the FIRE DISTRICT with complete
training records of all CITY sworn employees to be transferred to the FIRE DISTRICT pursuant
to this Agreement.
-22-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
(B) NON -SWORN EMPLOYEES
(1) Appointment — The FIRE DISTRICT may agree to appoint without further civil
service examination non -Fire Fighter series employees, hereinafter referred to as "non -sworn
employees", who have successfully completed six (6) months continuous service with the CITY
and who shall be listed on Schedule 10, attached hereto and made a part hereof. All non -
sworn employees shall successfully complete a probationary period consistent with Los
Angeles County Civil Service Rules.
(2) Seniod - Since non-swom positions are not being created as a result of this
annexation, the FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority date for all transferring non -sworn
CITY employees, which is primarily used for the purpose of determining the order of layoff or
reduction, shall be the commencement date of services.
(C) ALL EMPLOYEES
(1) Medical Exam & Background Investigation - Prior to the commencement date
of services, as a condition of the FIRE DISTRICT employment, each CITY employee must be
medically qualified by a FIRE DISTRICT -administered physical examination, which includes a
drug screening component, and must pass the FIRE DISTRICT's background investigation.
Any CITY employee who is on medical leave of absence on the commencement date of
services shall be blanketed into FIRE DISTRICT if he/she passes the required medical
examination and background investigation upon termination of medical leave. The FIRE
DISTRICT retains the right to not accept any CITY employee in its sole discretion upon
completion of the employee's medical exam and background investigation. In such case, the
CITY employee's rights, obligations and status as a CITY employee shall be dictated by CITY
rules and regulations.
(2) Salary Step Placement - For the purpose of determining an employee's FIRE
DISTRICT salary step placement, "CITY salary" shall be defined as all monthly earnings that
are eligible towards CITY retirement credit, excluding any compensation for unused benefit
days or holidays, uniform allowances, and all overtime earnings. The employee's initial salary
step placement shall not be less than his/her CITY salary as defined in this Section VII,
-23-
i.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Subsection (C), paragraph 2.
Paramedic bonuses shall be excluded from "CITY salary for those employees who
transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT into a "Fire Fighter" position. Any transferring employees who
are assigned to "Fire Fighter Paramedic" positions will be entitled to receive the applicable
FIRE DISTRICT paramedic bonus.
Paramedic bonuses will be included in the "CITY salary" for those employees who
transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT into a "Fire Fighter Specialist" or "Captain" position pursuant to
this Section VII, Subsection (A), paragraph (3) and who are receiving a paramedic bonus in the
CITY at the time of transfer to the FIRE DISTRICT. In the event any employee transferring to
the FIRE DISTRICT into a "Fire Fighter Specialist" or "Captain" position is subsequently
assigned to a paramedic position in the FIRE DISTRICT, the employee's salary will be
recalculated to eliminate the amount of his CITY paramedic bonus and to include the
applicable FIRE DISTRICT paramedic bonus. All other bonuses, other than paramedic
bonuses, will be considered by the FIRE DISTRICT in its discretion for inclusion in the
determination of an employee's FIRE DISTRICT salary placement but is not guaranteed. The
ultimate decision regarding the inclusion of bonuses rests with the FIRE DISTRICT in its
discretion.
(a) Sworn Employees - Except as provided in Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraphs
(9) and (10), all continuous service time accrued as a sworn employee in the service of the
CITY shall be considered for the purpose of determining COUNTY employee benefits including
sick leave, vacation, step placement on the applicable COUNTY salary schedule, and the
pensionability of their Flexible Benefits income. Salary step placement of sworn employees
shall be within the salary range of the FIRE DISTRICT position assigned, but no less than the
salary step that provides for the same salary or next higher salary as the sworn employee's
CITY salary as defined in this Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph 2. Subsequent salary
step advances, if applicable, shall be one (1) year from the last step advance with the CITY or
in accordance with COUNTY policy, whichever is sooner. In the event that the sworn
employee's CITY salary is higher than the top step of the COUNTY salary range, the sworn
-24-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
employee will be placed on the top step of that range, but shall be Y-Rated in order to maintain
the same level of base salary as the employee had with the CITY.
A sworn CITY employee's Y- Rate shall remain in effect until the regular salary
including any bonuses exceeds the Y-Rate amount. Y-Rated employees shall not be eligible
for bonuses in addition to their Y-Rated salary. Sworn employees who have accrued CITY
service time in a non -sworn position shall have such non -sworn service time considered for
purposes of determining COUNTY seniority date and benefits, but not salary step placement.
(b) Non -Sworn Employees - Except as provided in Section VII, Subsection (C),
paragraphs (9) and (10), all continuous service time accrued as a non -sworn employee in the
service of the CITY shall be considered for all purposes except for bidding rights for work and
vacation schedules, and to determine the order of layoff or reduction. Salary placement of
non -sworn employees shall be within the salary range of the FIRE DISTRICT position
assigned, and at the salary step that provides for the same salary or next higher salary as the
employee's CITY salary as of the commencement date of services through this Agreement. In
the event that the employee's CITY salary is higher than the top step of the COUNTY salary
range, the employee will be placed on the top step of that range, but shall be Y-Rated so that
no loss in pay occurs.
(3) Taxes - This Agreement does not exempt transferring CITY employees from
applicable payroll taxes required of new employees, such as Health Insurance Tax (HIT).
(4) Uniforms - CITY issued uniforms and safety equipment that meet FIRE
DISTRICT standards shall be transferred to the FIRE DISTRICT with the transferring
employees. CITY uniforms will be supplemented by FIRE DISTRICT issued uniforms and/or
safety equipment necessary to meet FIRE DISTRICT requirements. The CITY shall assume
all costs for supplementing uniforms and safety equipment that do not meet FIRE DISTRICT
standards. Such costs shall be included on Schedule 4, as soon as available. Subsequent
uniform issues will be as provided for in the current Memorandum of Understanding for the
respective employee representation units entered into between the County of Los Angeles and
the certified employee organizations, if applicable.
-25-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
(5) Personnel/Medical/Time Records - As a condition of FIRE DISTRICT
employment, CITY employees must consent to the transfer of complete original personnel and
lemployment medical records to the FIRE DISTRICT. The CITY will provide the FIRE
DISTRICT with complete and original personnel and employment medical records of all CITY
( personnel to be transferred pursuant to this Agreement, including any employee's complete
(original Workers' Compensation files, all claims for disability compensation, and all additional
( documentation related to open claims which remain ongoing after the date of transfer of the
CITY employees to the FIRE DISTRICT, which shall be the commencement date of services.
I In addition, the CITY will provide the FIRE DISTRICT with a minimum of one (1) year's time
records of "hours worked" prior to the commencement date of services for all CITY personnel
to be transferred pursuant to this Agreement. Each transferring employee shall certify to the
FIRE DISTRICT the completeness of his/her personnel file.
(6) Vacation Shifts/Days — The CITY shall pay to the FIRE DISTRICT in the
manner set forth in Section III, Subsection (P) herein for transferred vacation benefit
shifts/days for transferring employees at the CITY's salary rates in effect on the
I commencement date of services. The CITY shall transfer in whole hours all vacation benefit
shifts/days an employee is entitled to in CITY employment to a maximum of twenty (20)
vacation days, Le one hundred sixty (160) hours for employees assigned to a 40-hour work
schedule, or ten (10) shifts, Le, two hundred forty (240) hours for employees assigned to a 24-
hour shift schedule, whichever is applicable. Vacation shifts/days are outlined in Schedule 8
for sworn personnel and Schedule 11 for non-swom personnel, which are attached hereto and
made a part hereof. CITY salary rates for reimbursement to the FIRE DISTRICT are defined in
this Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (2).
Transferring CITY employees shall accrue vacation benefits each pay period.
Pay periods are the 1a1 day of each month to the 15" day of that month, and the 16r" day of
each month to the last day of that month. The amount of vacation benefits accrued by each
27 11 transferring CITY employee shall be based on the transferring employees' continuous service
28 11 time as a sworn employee of the CITY. Transferring CITY employees may use their accrued
Bi:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
vacation benefits during the pay period immediately following the pay period in which the
benefits are accrued, notwithstanding the employees' assigned COUNTY seniority.
(7) Sick Shifts/Days — The CITY shall pay to the FIRE DISTRICT in the manner set
forth in Section III, Subsection (P) herein for transferred sick benefit shifts/days for transferring
employees at the CITY's salary rates in effect on the commencement date of services. The
CITY shall transfer in whole hours all sick benefit shiftWdays an employee is entitled to in CITY
employment to a maximum of twenty (20) sick days, Le, one -hundred sixty (160) hours for
employees assigned to a 40-hour work schedule, or ten (10) shifts, Le, two hundred forty (240)
hours for employees assigned to a 24-hour shift schedule, whichever is applicable. Sick
benefit shifts/days are outlined in Schedule 9 for sworn personnel and Schedule 12 for non -
sworn personnel, which are attached hereto and made a part hereof. The CITY salary rates
for reimbursement to the FIRE DISTRICT are defined in this Section VII, Subsection (C),
paragraph (2).
(8) Waiver of Accumulated Benefits — The FIRE DISTRICT shall not assume any
aonsibility for personnel benefits or CITY obligations accrued by CITY employees prior to
commencement date of services, except as expressly provided for in this Agreement. The
17 CITY shall provide a waiver for said accumulated benefits executed in favor of the FIRE
18 DISTRICT by each CITY employee as a condition of employment by the FIRE DISTRICT. It is
19 further understood that employees subject to this Agreement shall become eligible for
20 vacation, sick, and holiday time while in FIRE DISTRICT service only as provided in the FIRE
21 DISTRICT Salary Resolution, Los Angeles County Salary Ordinance, or as designated in
22 Section VII herein.
23 (9) Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association
24 a) All sworn employees subject to this Agreement will, on the first day of the
25 month following the date they are appointed to a position in the FIRE DISTRICT, become
26 members of the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) Plan C for
27 Safety Members or any other Safety Plan as permitted by the County Employees' Retirement
28 Law of 1937 (CERL) and the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA).
-27-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16'
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
b) All non-swom employees subject to this Agreement will, on the first day of the
month following the date they are appointed to a position in the FIRE DISTRICT, become
members of Plan G for General Members or one (1) of the other non -safety LACERA plans
available at the time of the commencement date of services pursuant to the provisions of
CERL and PEPRA.
c) Service performed by such sworn and non -sworn personnel while employees
of the CITY shall not be credited as retirement service with LACERA, and except as provided
in California Government Code Sections 31836.1 and 31836.2, shall not be counted for the
purpose of discontinuing contributions after thirty (30) years of continuous service pursuant to
Government Code Sections 31625.2 and 31664, to the extent applicable, and shall not be
counted for the purpose of determining heafth insurance premiums charged to LACERA
retirees.
(10) Retirement from Public Employees Retirement System — Transferring CITY
employees would be required to leave retirement contributions on deposit with the California
Public Employees Retirement System (CaIPERS) and establish reciprocity with LACERA,
limiting the FIRE DISTRICT's retirement benefit costs. The transferring employees' LACERA
contribution rates would be based on their age upon entering the CaIPERS system. The FIRE
DISTRICT'S rate structure for salary and employee benefits includes a component for
retirement costs for positions staffing CITY stations; therefore, the FIRE DISTRICT cost would
be offset. At the time of retirement, a reciprocal member would receive retirement benefits
from both agencies based on the benefits of reciprocity, such as adding service credit under
each system to determine eligibility to retire. Any CITY employee who retires from CaIPERS
prior to the commencement date of services will not be accepted for FIRE DISTRICT
employment.
In the event a transferring employee opts to retire from CaIPERS at any time
while in the employment of the FIRE DISTRICT, such employee shall forfeit all of his/her
continuous service time with the CITY, including all service time with the CITY Fire
Department, for purposes of determining FIRE DISTRICT and COUNTY seniority and
-28-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
COUNTY employee benefits and step placement pursuant to Section VII, Subsection (A),
paragraphs (8) and (10), and Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (2). The FIRE DISTRICT
and COUNTY seniority date for any employee retiring from CalPERS pursuant to this
paragraph (10) of Subsection (C) of Section VII shall immediately become the commencement
date of services, any longevity bonus received by the employee which is based on continuous
time with the CITY will be eliminated from the employee's salary, any Y-Rated salary will be
eliminated, and the employee's salary will be adjusted and based solely on the employee's
FIRE DISTRICT rank and total time as an employee with the FIRE DISTRICT. Such
employees must also be medically qualified by a FIRE DISTRICT -administered physical
examination as required of newly hired fire fighters.
(11) Workers' Compensation - California Labor Code Sections shall govern
Workers' Compensation benefits for all transferring CITY employees who sustain industrial
injuries. Notwithstanding Section 5500.5 at seq. of the California Labor Code, the CITY agrees
to reimburse the FIRE DISTRICT for the FIRE DISTRICT's proportionate share of all medical,
legal, administrative, and any other indemnity costs for which the FIRE DISTRICT shall be
liable for those industrial injuries apportionable in whole or in part to employees' employment
with the CITY. The CITY's responsibility as provided for herein shall not be affected by any
change in Federal or State law.
The CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT shall cooperate in the ongoing management of
any Workers' Compensation claims pending, filed, during the time CITY personnel are
employed by the FIRE DISTRICT by providing such information as is necessary for the CITY
and/or the FIRE DISTRICT to appropriately manage a Workers' Compensation claim filed by a
FIRE DISTRICT employee previously employed by the CITY. The CITY shall notify the FIRE
24 DISTRICT of any claims pending, filed, or denied; and any temporary or permanent work
25 restrictions imposed with respect to an employee who transfers from CITY employment to
26 FIRE DISTRICT employment. The FIRE DISTRICT shall notify the CITY of any claims
27 pending, filed, or denied; and any temporary or permanent work restrictions imposed with
28
respect to an employee who has a pending Workers' Compensation claim involving the CITY
-29-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
i
12
13
14
15
16
or who asserts a Workers' Compensation claim during employment with the FIRE DISTRICT
upon which the CITY is potentially liable in whole or in part. The CITY shall be responsible for
adjusting and paying all costs related to those claims which have been filed or are pending as
of the effective date of this Agreement. This responsibility of the CITY is subject to contribution
from the FIRE DISTRICT for any post -transfer injury or exacerbation of an existing injury
already at issue in a pending Workers' Compensation claim involving the CITY at the time of
transfer. Pursuant to Subsection C, Paragraph S, the CITY shall provide Workers'
Compensation related files on all employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT.
(12) Health Insurance — The CITY shall continue to provide the existing coverage of
paid medical and dental insurance for all employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT for one
(1) full calendar month after the commencement date of services or, for those employees on
medical leave with the CITY on the commencement date of services, for at least one (1) full
calendar month after the effective date of their blanketing into the FIRE DISTRICT. The FIRE
DISTRICT shall reimburse the CITY as specked in Section III, Subsection (0).
(13) Deferred Compensation Plans - Pursuant to Section 6.02.040 of the Los
County Code, CITY employees transferring to the FIRE DISTRICT shall be eligible for
17 immediate participation in the COUNTY employees' deferred compensation plans for which
18 they may be eligible depending upon their transferred rank, unless such immediate eligibility is
19 otherwise prohibited by Federal or California statute or regulation.
20 (14) Marriage and Birth Certificates — For purposes of completing the background
21 investigations pursuant to Section VII, Subsection (C), paragraph (1) herein and for verification
22 of eligibility of health insurance coverage, prior to the commencement date of services as
23 determined by the FIRE DISTRICT, all transferring CITY employees will be required to provide
24 copies of their marriage certificates and the birth certificates for themselves and all dependents
25
26
27
28
will be covered under their health insurance benefits.
(15) FIRE DISTRICT Employees' Rights -The employment rights of existing FIRE
DISTRICT employees shall not be impaired by this Agreement.
///
57
1'
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
SECTION Vill. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL
(A) The FIRE DISTRICT shall be responsible to comply with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), insofar as the same may apply to
annexation proceedings required in annexing the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT. The FIRE
DISTRICT agrees to hold the CITY free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, or
judgments arising out of the FIRE DISTRICTs failure to comply with the provisions of CEQA,
relative to annexation procedures.
(B) Prior to the commencement date of services, the CITY shall have a Cal -OSHA
Registered Environmental Assessor perform a Phase 1 Site Assessment and Building
Asbestos Survey and, if subsequently required, a Phase II Site Assessment on all CITY Fire
Station facilities to be occupied by the FIRE DISTRICT pursuant to Schedule 3 attached
hereto. All Site Assessments and related reports shall be reviewed, approved, and accepted
by the FIRE DISTRICT.
(C) The CITY shall, at its sole expense, mitigate and abate all environmental hazards (if
any) at the CITY Fire Station sites prior to the commencement date of services and provide
evidence to the satisfaction of the FIRE DISTRICT that all recommended measures have been
completed and that all applicable laws and requirements have been complied with. Any
residual contamination or environmental damage from conditions on or adjacent to CITY Fire
Stations which existed before the commencement date of services but which are discovered
after the commencement date of services, shall be the responsibility of the CITY.
(D) The FIRE DISTRICT shall, at its sole expense, mitigate and abate all environmental
damage (if any) caused by the FIRE DISTRICT or its agents at any of the CITY Fire Stations
after the commencement date of services.
(E) Prior to occupancy of the CITY Fire Stations by the FIRE DISTRICT, the FIRE
DISTRICT shall inspect the facilities and identify all hazardous materials stored at the facilities
for which the CITY shall be responsible for removal. The CITY shall remove all identified
hazardous materials prior to FIRE DISTRICT occupancy of the CITY Fire Stations. If, after
FIRE DISTRICT occupancy of the CITY Fire Stations, stored hazardous materials are
-31-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
discovered by the FIRE DISTRICT which were not previously identified during the above
inspection, the CITY shall remove said materials within thirty (30) days after written notice by
the FIRE DISTRICT to the CITY, or the FIRE DISTRICT may remove the materials and invoice
the CITY for the costs of such removal. In the event such hazardous materials pose an
immediate danger to human health or the environment as determined by the FIRE DISTRICT,
such materials shall be removed immediately by the CITY upon notification by the FIRE
DISTRICT to the CITY.
SECTION IX. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE RESPONSE PLAN AND
INVENTORY
(A) CITY will continue to act as the administering agency for the CITY's Hazardous
Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory, California Health and Safety Code Chapter
6.95, Sections 25500 — 25545, hereinafter referred to as the 'Program" during the tern of this
(B) The CITY shall retain all fees collected in the administration of the Program as
provided by State law.
(C) When the FIRE DISTRICT's Health/Hazardous Materials Emergency Response
Teams respond to a hazardous materials incident in the CITY, the FIRE DISTRICT will
subsequently invoice the CITY on an as -call basis for the costs associated with the response
team und(s) responded. Payments by the CITY of invoices for all such hazardous materials
emergency incident response team responses shall be made pursuant to the provisions of
Section III herein.
SECTION X. ADOPTION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
Pursuant to Los Angeles County Fire Code - Title 32, Sections 10000.1 and 10000.2,
and California Health and Safety Code Section 13869, as may be subsequently amended,
upon annexation of the CITY to the FIRE DISTRICT, the County of Los Angeles Fire Code -
Tltle 32, including any subsequent amendments to such code, shall be enforced in the CITY by
the FIRE DISTRICT. By ordinance, the CITY shall adopt the County of Los Angeles Fire Code
— Title 32 as of the commencement date of services. This ordinance will adopt all existing
-32.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
CITY amendments to the County of Los Angeles Fire Code — Title 32 as a separate
attachment. The FIRE DISTRICT will enforce applicable amendments specific to the CITY.
Where differences occur between the Los Angeles County Fire Code — Title 32 and the
amendments adopted by the CITY, the CITY amendments will take precedence unless an
impracticality of enforcement is determined by the FIRE DISTRICT in its sole discretion, in
which case the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY shall work towards establishing a mutually
agreeable resolution.
SECTION XI. MODIFICATION OF SCHEDULES
(A) With the exception of Schedule 2, all schedules attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference will be subject to modification by mutual agreement of the CITY
ADMINISTRATOR and FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT as needed after the date of
approval of this Agreement by both parties.
(B) The staffing levels as indicated on Schedule 2 may be subject to modification by
mutual written agreement of the CITY COUNCIL and FIRE CHIEF of the FIRE DISTRICT. Any
such modification of staffing levels may cause an adjustment in the determination of the
Annual Fee as specified in Section 11, Subsection (L) herein.
SECTION XII. WITHDRAWAL
(A) In the event the CITY terminates this Agreement and withdraws from the FIRE
DISTRICT at any time subsequent to the Initial Ten -Year Term, per the provisions of Section I,
herein, the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY agree that:
(1) The lease on the fire stations shall terminate and the FIRE DISTRICT shall
vacate the CITY Fire Stations on the effective date of withdrawal except as provided for in a
subsequent written agreement as may be entered into by the CITY and the FIRE DISTRICT.
(2) The FIRE DISTRICT shall return to the CITY, fire apparatus, vehicles and
related fire apparatus equipment of a comparable type, condition, and age, in the quantity and
type as described on Schedule 5 as of the commencement date of services.
(3) The FIRE DISTRICT shall return to the CITY Fire Station equipment, furniture,
tools, and furnishings of a comparable type and condition as of the commencement date of
-33-
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
I
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
services, which are essential to the operation of the fire station facilities and are detailed in
Schedule 6.
(4) As to any apparatus, vehicles, equipment, tools, furniture, furnishings, or other
personal property for which a monetary or in -kind credit was given to the CITY upon the
effective date of this Agreement, the FIRE DISTRICT will not be obligated in any manner to
return comparable items to the CITY at the date of withdrawal of this Agreement.
(B) In the event of the termination of the Agreement by either party as provided herein,
the FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY agree to enter into separate and further agreements to
address the speck details of termination not addressed in this Agreement.
SECTION XIII . GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING
The FIRE DISTRICT and the CITY covenant and warrant to act in good faith and fair
dealing regarding the performance, administration, and interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION XIV. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(A) Severabilitv — In the event that any provision herein contained is held to be invalid,
void, or illegal by any court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall be deemed severable
from the remainder of this Agreement and shall in no way affect, impair or invalidate any other
provision contained herein. If any such provision shall be deemed invalid due to its scope or
breadth, such provision shall be deemed valid to the extent of the scope or breadth permitted
by law.
(B) Waiver — No breach of any provision hereof can be waived unless in writing.
Waiver of any one breach of any provision shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any breach of
the same or any other provision hereof.
(C) Entire Agreement —This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes any prior
understanding whether oral or written and may be modified only by further written agreement
between the parties hereto. The non -enforceability, invalidity or illegality of any provision of
this Agreement shall not render the other provisions thereof unenforceable, invalid or illegal.
M
-34-
I IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the CITY, by majority vote of its City Council, has caused this
2 Agreement to be executed by its Mayor and which execution has been attested to by its Clerk;
3 pursuant to action by a majority vote of the Board of Supervisors, as governing body of the
4 FIRE DISTRICT, the Chair has executed this Agreement on behalf of the FIRE DISTRICT and
5 which execution has been attested to by its Clerk.
6
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION CITY OF VERNON
7 DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
8
9 By
10 Chair, Board of Supervisors
11
DATE
12
13
14 ATTEST:
15 CELIA ZAVALA
16 Executive Officer -Clerk of
The Board of Supervisors
17
18 By
19 Deputy
20
21
22 APPROVED AS TO FORM:
23
MARY C. WICKHAM
24 County Counsel
25
26 By
27 Christina Angeles, Principal Deputy
28
.35-
By
Melissa Ybarra,
DATE
ATTEST:
By
Deborah Harrington, Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By
Hema Patel, City Attorney
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Approved 10/01/19 DJ
City Cornea Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. CO V-446-2019
Submitted by: Michael Earl
Submitting Department: Human Resources
Meeting Date: October 1, 2019
SUBJECT
A Resolution of the City Counc0 of the City of Vernon Approving a Side Letter of Agreement by and between the City
of Vernon and the Vernon Fire Management Association
Recommendation:
A. Find that approval of the attached resolution in this staff report is exempt from Calilbmia Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) review, because it is an administrative activity that wid not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the
environment and therefore does not constitute a `project' as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and
B. Adopt the attached resolution approving the Side Letter of Agreement by and between the City of Vernon and the
Vemon Pure Management Association
Background:
The existing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the City of Vernon and the City's six bargaining groups
expired June 30, 2019. Pursuant to City Council direction and authority, negotiations with all sic bargaining groups
began on March 2019. Labor negotiations with the Vemon Professional Firefighters Association, representing sworn fire
employees in the current classifications of Five Battalion Chief initially began with the goal ofnegotiatmg a successor
MOU while also evaluating options for outsowciig fire protection services in the City to another agency. On August 6,
2019, the City Council adopted a resolution approving and authorbi g an agreement with the Pure Protection District of
Los Angeles County for the provision of fire protection, paramedic, and incidental services in the City of Vernon.
Following approval of the agreement with Los Angeles County, the focus ofnegotiations with VFMA tuned to the
impact and effects on represented employees upon transition to Los Angeles County. On September 24, 2019, the
parties reached a tentative agreement on the terms of the proposed Side Letter of Agreement.
Based on the direction and authority provided by the City Council, it is recommended that City Council approve a Side
Letter of Agreement with VFMA that reflects the following key provisions:
• Extending the tens of the previous MOU until the commencement of services by Los Angeles County, or
through August 1, 2020, or util such time as a determination's made that the transition of service to Los Angeles
County will not proceed;
• Amending Article Five, Section I (C) regarding vacancies to be filled providing for the backfill ofBattafion
Chief vacancies at the discretion ofthe Five Chief;
• Providing retiree medical benefits to those VFMA represented ernguloyees who transfer to Los Angeles County
and who have a mi nurnan of twenty (20) years of service with the City of Vernon as of the date oftmnskion. The
amount paid by the City for retiree medical benefits for transferring employees shalt be onset by the arrount ofan y
bereft the retiree qualifies for through Los Angeles County; and,
Agenda Approved 10/01/19 DJ
• Stipulations as to the employees, ranks, salaries, and city service dates of transferring employees; the amount of
vacation and sick leave to be transferred for each employee to Cos Angeles County, and provisions in the event an
employee is determined to be ineligible for transfer.
• All other terns of the prior MOU would remain in effect
Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact ofapproving the Side Letter of Agreement is savings achieved through not filling an anticipated
vacancy for the remainder ofthe fiscal year and throw a reduction in overtime by Imbuing the back -fill to staffthe
vacancy. A conservative estinate of the savings resulting ng from these changes is approxirmtely $372,123 for the
remainder of time 20192020 fiscal year. Staff will provide periodic updates regarding the resulting savings.
ATTACIIIv1QJTS
• L Resolution - VFMA Side Letter Agreement