HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - STAFFING STANDARDS NFPA (3)CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE:
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
April 10, 2001
Stacy Miller
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION
ASSOCIATION (NFPA) MINIMUM MANNING AND
STAFFING STANDARDS
DEPARTMENT: City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution of opposition to the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA)
Minimum Manning and Staffing Standards and direct City Manager to initiate effort to
defeat this proposal and communicate same to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
BACKGROUND
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international association of
firefighters, fire chiefs, vendors, and other trade and professional organizations that
develop codes and standards on a wide variety of fire -safety topics. NFPA 1710 (and
NFPA 1720, for volunteer fire departments) are proposed standards containing minimum
requirements relating to the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations,
emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by substantially all
career fire departments. NFPA 1710 sets forth response time objectives and staffing
levels for fire suppression, emergency medical services and special operations. In most
cases, the proposal requires that companies be staffed with a minimum of four on -duty
personnel at any given time.
These proposed standards would impose onerous, unfunded mandates upon local
governments to meet established response times and staffing levels at a time when fire
losses have dropped significantly due to new building codes. Although NFPA's codes
and standards are voluntary, cities and counties could face significant liability if they fail
to adopt NFPA 1710 (or 1720). In addition, the proposed standards could substantially
increase financial liability in labor contract, thus effecting a contract city's overall cost
factor.
Adopted: s o. - 3 �
Agenda Item:
Levels of service delivery for fire and emergency medical services have always been
determined by local jurisdictions and staff believes they need to stay that way. The
NFPA has clearly gone outside its authority in proposing these national minimum
manning, response and staffing standards.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Do not adopt resolution in opposition to the Minimum Staffing Standards. Instead,
send only letters of opposition to NFPA and other pertinent organizations.
2. Remain neutral.
3. Other action as determined by Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Potential significant costs to all local governments.
ATTACHMENT
Resolution in Opposition to Minimum Manning and Staffing Standards
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S:tiv1S\CCAGENDAW%nning-Staffing Standards.DOC