R-2029 - 07/12/2022 - FIRE DEPARTMENT - Resolutions Supporting Documents ITEM 8.13.1
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
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E. DEAN BOARD ROOM
OAK B R , K BUTLER GOVERNMENT CENTER
• wzf iZ" 1200 OAK BROOK ROAD
OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS
630-368-5000
AGENDA ITEM
Rezular Board of Trustees Meeting
of
July 12, 2022
SUBJECT: Shared Fire Prevention Bureau Services Agreement
FROM: James E. Arie, Interim Fire Chief
Kevin Fleege, Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal
BUDGET SOURCEBUDGET IMPACT: FY 2022 budgeted funds cover 100•Ja of this
Shared Services Agreement
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Approve the proposed Shared Fire Prevention Bureau
Services Agreement between the Village of Oak Brook and the York Center Fire
Protection District
Back,round/History:
For many years, annual fire inspections were conducted of all commercial, retail, and
multi-occupancy residential settings within the Village of Oak Brook. Those same fire
inspectors also assisted with other fire inspection services (i.e. plan reviews, permit based
inspections for new construction and remodel projects). Those fire inspection services
were conducted by off-duty Oak Brook FD personnel, working under a 7G (different
hourly rate)agreement. At one time, there were as many as ten Oak Brook FD personnel
who would conduct fire inspection services on their days off from shift. Primarily due to
overtime demands, fewer shift personnel are now working on their days off in the fire
inspection program. Now only two to three shift personnel assist with fire inspection
services. As a result,the highest priority focus has been plan reviews and permit based
inspections. As a result, fire inspections have unfortunately become the tower priority.
Consequently, we are far behind on fire inspections. Since 2019, there have been more
than 1.655 fire inspections that were not conducted. This has caused not only a backlog
of fire inspections, it has also generated an urgent demand to find a creative solution to a
problem that is growing exponentially every day.
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We have an excellent working relationship with all of our neighboring fire departments.
Oak Brook Terrace(OBT) Fire Protection District,York Center(YC) FPD, and Oak
Brook (OB)FD comprise the YBT working group. YBT works closely together on
emergency responses, training, policies and procedures, equipment evaluation, etc.
OBFD provides the on-duty Battalion Chief to structure fires, fire alarms, and motor
vehicle accidents within the York Center jurisdiction. We have a solid working
relationship with every level of the York Center Fire Protection District. This provides
the foundation for expanding the working relationship to a higher level.
Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal Fleege was the architect of a creative solution to Oak
Brook's fire inspection services problem. The concept of shared fire inspection services
has been discussed with York Center's Fire Chief(Richard Sanborn). As it turns out, fire
inspection services in York Center's jurisdiction are currently handled by one of their
shift personnel. That individual is retiring later in July. The concept has evolved to the
point that the individual retiring will remain a full-time civilian employee of York Center
FPD. That individual will lead the Fire Inspection Services program for York Center FPD
in conjunction with BC Fleege providing the same coordination for Oak Brook FD. He
will be available to assist with all aspects of fire inspection services for both jurisdictions.
His position will be covered by cost sharing between York Center and the Village of Oak
Brook. Funding to cover this shared services program exists in the FY 2022 budget based
on budgeted funds for fire inspections services that have not been utilized for the current
fiscal year. In an effort to maximize fire inspection services for both jurisdictions, the
Oak Brook FD personnel who assist with fire inspection services will be able to continue
to do so. They will have the opportunity to provide these services as an employee of York
Center FPD, which will enable them to provide fire inspection services to both Oak
Brook and York Center. This expanded capability will place us on a path of catching up
with annual fire inspections in Oak Brook by way of a shared services agreement that
cost-effectively enhances efficiencies while at the same time eliminating a duplication of
services. This shared service model will provide the framework for expanding the joint
fire inspection program should additional jurisdictions and/or additional fire inspectors
wish to be part of this innovative program.
For FY 2022, we were budgeted $172,270 for Fire Prevention Services. To date,
$42,983.05 has been used,leaving$129,296.95 remaining.The remaining amount more
than covers 100%of the cost of this shared agreement, both for the shared full-time
employee at York Center and for salaries for part-time fire inspectors conducting fire
inspections in Oak Brook.
We will closely monitor this program to ensure that the desired results are achieved.
The proposed Shared Fire Prevention Bureau Services Agreement was unanimously
approved by the York Center FPD Board of Trustees on June 9, 2022.
Recommendation: Approve the proposed Shared Fire Prevention Bureau Services
Agreement between the Village of Oak Brook and the York Center Fire Protection
District,
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