The City, at the Council’s direction, met and conferred with the Union and agreed to a one year MOU that will expire on June 30, 2018.  The prior MOU expired on June 30, 2017.

The MOU provides for an increase to the City’s cafeteria benefits in January 2018.  In addition, the City and the Union agreed to the following: (a) to create a new Firefighter/Paramedic classification and reclassify all Firefighters currently assigned to Paramedic duties; and (b) add a new 4% I step at the top of the salary range for Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Engineer and Fire Captain classifications.

Also, as requested by the union, the City agreed to obtain a proposal from Orange County Fire Authority for the provision of fire protection and EMS services for the City of Garden Grove and to fund the related cost. 

The final language of this MOU is still being worked out by the legal representatives of both parties and the document may not be finalized until after the September 12th, 2017, City Council meeting.  In order to not delay any changes that this MOU provides, it is requested that the City Council give the City Manager the authorization to agree to any final language revisions agreed to by the parties.  There would not be any financial changes, only language changes.

The estimated cost for the increase in the City’s cafeteria contributions is approximately $80,040.  The new four percent (4%) I step is estimated to cost $183,119 for Fiscal Year 2017/18. These costs along with the cost of obtaining a proposal were contemplated and would be absorbed in the Fiscal Year 2017/18 adopted budget.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Adopt the attached Resolution that approves the Memorandum of Understanding between the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2005 and the City as amended;

• Authorize the City Manager to finalize any last minute language changes that may occur between the parties; and

• Approve the attached Salary Schedule.

By:  Jany Lee, Human Resources Manager