HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 2019-08-12 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKETCity of Tukwila
Finance Committee
• Thomas McLeod, Chair
0 Verna Seal
• De'Sean Quinn
AGENDA
MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2019 — 5:30 PM
HAZELNUT CONFERENCE Room
(At east entrance of City Hall)
Distribution:
T. McLeod
V. Seal
D. Quinn
K. Hougardy
D. Robertson
K. Kruller
Z. Idan
Mayor Ekberg
D. Cline
R. Bianchi
C. O'Flaherty
A. Youn
L. Humphrey
Item
Recommended Action
Page
1. PRESENTATION(S)
2. BUSINESS AGENDA
a. A resolution updating the Fire Department fee schedule.
a. Forward to 8/26 C.O.W. and
Pg.1
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
9/3 Regular Mtg.
b. Discussion on Fire Marshal's office. [Continued from
b. Discussion only.
Pg.17
7/22/19 Finance Committee meeting"
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
c. Sources of revenue for fire departments.
c. Discussion only.
Pg.27
Vicky Car/sen, Finance Director
d. Discussion on Fire Department service levels.
d. Discussion only.
Pg.33
[Continued from 7/22/19 Finance Committee meeting]
Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
3. MISCELLANEOUS
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Scheduled Meeting: Monday, August 26, 2019
15. The City of Tukwila strives to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 206-433-1800 (TukwilaCityClerk(aTukwilaVVA.gov) for assistance.
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
TO:
INFOR ATIONAL E ORANDU
Finance Committee
FROM: Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
Ben Hayman, Fire Marshal
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: August 7, 2019
SUBJECT: Update Fire Department Fee Schedule
ISSUE
Recommendation for Council to update the current Fire Department fee schedule by adjusting
current fees to market rates and adding new fees to more closely align with other fire jurisdictions.
BACKGROUND
The Fire Department charges fees for a variety of services performed. The fees are intended to
recover a portion of the City' costs for processing permit applications, plan reviews, and re -
inspections as well as a fee in conjunction with recovery of hazardous incident response costs.
With the exception of fees for fire permits required by the International Fire Code and plan reviews,
fees have not been increased since at least 2010.
Because the structure of fire fee schedules can vary significantly from entity to entity, comparison
data has been provided at the end of this memo.
DISCUSSION
As noted above, the Fire Department charges fees for a variety of services performed. Fees
charged can be categorized in several sections including fire permit, plan review and inspection
fees, re -inspection, and new fees. Each fee type is discussed below. In order to review and
streamline current processes, the City is recommending that the changes to the fee schedule take
effect January 1, 2020.This date will allow the build -out of the new fees in TRAKIT and the
outreach to key stakeholders.
Fire Permit Fees
The first table represents fire permit fees. The current fee is $150.00 for all fire permit fees. The
recommended update to the fee breaks the permits into several categories with fees reflective of
the type of permit and complexity. Also reflected in this section are short-term/temporary permits,
which reflect a fee increase plus the addition of one inspection included in the fee, and special
event permits with no recommended change to the fee.
1
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
Fire Permit Fees
Current Fee
Revised Fee
Fire permits required by the International
Fire Code
TMC 16.16.080
$150.00 for each
permit
Construction Permits:
$500.00 for high pile
storage, flammable and
combustable liquids,
hazardous materials.
$300.00 all other
contruction fire permits
Operational Permits:
$300.00 for high pile
storage, flammable and
combustable liquids,
hazardous materials.
$175.00 for all other
operational fire permits
Short term permits (i.e. for food
vendors); for events not to exceed
3 consecutive days in duration:
- Liquid propane permit
- Open flame permit
TMC 16.16.080
$25.00 for each
permit
$250.00. Fee includes one
inspection
Temporary / Special Events Permit:
TMC 16.16.030
- Commercial
- Residential
$400.00
$100.00
$400.00
$100.00
Plan Review and Inspection Fees
The recommendation for plan review fees is to revamp the structure to more accurately reflect
the types of systems installed in the City and the effort required as the number of sprinkler heads
in a sprinkler system and number of devices in an alarm system increase. The current fee
structure breaks the number of sprinkler heads/alarm devices between 1 and 5 then 6 and more.
The revised schedule provides for more categories and adds in inspection fee to the schedule.
The first chart reflects the current structure, while the second chart displays the recommended
new fee structure for plan review fees.
2
Z:\Council Agenda ItemsTinance108.12.191Info Memo - Fire Department Fee Schedule.docx
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
Plan Review Fees (Current Fee Schedule)
Fee
For alternative fire protection systems
77kC1(lY6.080
Commercial:
For 1'5de\tineo/headeBase fee =$2O0.OU
For or more de\Aces/heado 8eoe fee = $300.00 + $2.00 per
de\Aoe/hoadinexcess cf10
Single-family- Base fee = $50.00 + $1.50 per
sprinkler head inexcess of1O
ResVb[nitta|fee
$300.00
For fire alarm plans
7lmCf640.04D
Commercial:
For 1'5dmAoao Base fee = $200.00
For or more de\Aoeo Base fee = s300.00 + $2.00 perde\Ane in excess
of1Q
Single-family: Base fee = $50.00 + $1.50 perde\Aoe
inexcess of1Ocle\tiueo
F{eaubnnitta|fee
$300.00
For sprinkler system plans
77NC1G.42040
Commercial:
For 1-5heads Base fee =$2O0.0O
For or more heads Base fee = $300.00 + $2.00 per sprinkler head in
excess ofY0
Single-family: Base fee = $50.00+ $1.50 per
sprinkler head inexcess of1n
Resubmitta|fea
$300.00
Z:�Coumcil Ag,nda1tems\FinanceW812.1Rmfo Memo . Fire Department Fee Schedule.dox
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
Proposed Fee Schedule
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Fees
Numberof heads
Plan Re\�ew Fee
Per Head Re\Aew
Inspection Fee
Per Head
Inspection
1 to10
$300.00
$2.50
$175.00
$1�50
11to25
$350.00
$2.50
$200.08
$1.50
26to50
$350.00
$2.30
$225.00
$1.50
51to100
$350.00
$2.25
$300.00
$1.50
101to1000
$358�00
$1.90
$500.00
$1.30
1001 or More
$400.00
$2.25
S750.00
$1.00
13O Sprinkler System Fees
Number nfheads
Plan Re�AewFee
Per Head Ra\tiew
Inspection Fee
Per Head
Inspection
1 to1O
$150
N64
$%OO.UO
N/A
11 to25
$175
N64
$250.00
N/4
2GorMore
$200
N/A
$300.00
N/4
Additional Systems
Plan Re\hevvFee
Inspection Fee
Per Riser
$100
$100.00
Per Fire Pump
$150
$300.00
Fire Alarm System Fees
Number ofDe\Acee
Plan Re�iew Fee
Per Oe\Acn Ra\iiew
Inspection Fee
Per Device
Inspection
1 tp1O
$300
$2.25
$150
$1.00
11 to25
$300
$0.75
$250
$1.00
26tV100
$350
$1.00
$275
$1.00
101to500
G400
$1.10
$500
$1.50
5OOorMore
$500
$0.85
G1.100
$1.00
CoDlDnG[cia| Clean Agent SVst8'nlS and
Commercial Kitchen Fire Protection Systems
Plan Re\AewFee
PerDo\hce Re\�avv
Inspection Fee
$350
$1.00
$150.00
ReinopectionFeeo
The current fee schedule for re -inspections reflects a stair step approach. Aoeach additional re -
inspection occurs the fee increases. The first neineoecUOnat $0O.00then stepping uptoefeeof
$135 for the fourth re -inspection and any subsequent re -inspection. The recommended
nainSp8cUon fee schedule sets all re -inspection fees to$175.00 [8ganj|esG of how many re -
inspections occur. This will streamline the invoicing process for re -inspections by eliminating the
Deed totrack the number ofre-inspections for each project. Re -inspections also include an appeal
fee currently set to$25O.00. The recommendation iStoincrease the appeal fee to$5OO.00. The
chart below displays the current 'fee structure aawell aothe recommended fee structure.
Z:\Council Agenda ItemaTinanne0K1x1V mnMomo Fire Department FemGchedulo,docx
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 5
Re -inspection fees
For new construction, tenant improvements orspot inspections
rxC*z/6.n00
7nxC?s*813o
7MC/6.42110
nwC/6.46,1sO
7MC 16.48.150
$100.00 (current fee)
For company level inspections:
TnmC/6,Y6,O80
On the follow-up inspection 3Vdays after the initial company |ee|\An|aUnn.
when the inspector finds that the wu|mdonohavenot been corrected =$nn.on
Oothe second follow-up inapem1on.wmanthe inspector finds that the
�Ao|oUwno havenot been corrected = $85.00
Onthe third follow-up inspection, when the inspector finds that the �io|atiuns
have not been corrected ~ $110.00
Fee for the fourth and any subsequent follow-up inspections when the inspector
finds that the \fin|ationobmmnot been corrected =$l35.Un
APPEALFEE
TxmC 16.16.090
rMC/6.4u1r0
TMC/6.41Y50
TnmC 16.46./70
TMC/a48.1ro
Re\Ased Fee
$175.QOper re -
inspection
Proposed New Fees
In addition to the current fees charged for services provided by the Fire Departnlent, other
oen/ioea provided by Fins are not currently supported by fees. The City is recommending that
new fees be added to the schedule to recover m portion of the City's cost of providing these
services.
The table below reflects two new categories offees. The first category are fees bzrecoup costs
associated with development, public works, mechanical, and land use permits that are reviewed
bvFire personnel. The second category are special fees and include fees for expedited and after-
hours plan review and expedited and aftaFh8Oro inepections, both resulting in poeo|b|g overtime
costs Unthe City. Other recommended fees in the category inc|ude, but are not limited to, ofae
forstarting work before the issuance of a permit and a 5% technology fee for Fire fees only (there
will not be a double technology fee charged if there already is a technology fee charged), similar
tDthe fee charged by Department of Community Development.
DCnunnAgenda kmns\Finnce0G12.19VmnMemo Fire Department FeeSnhedole.docx
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 6
Development, Public Works, Mechanical and
Land Use permits reviewed by Fire
Wireless Communications Facility
$ 150.00
Boundary Line Adjustment: Residential
$ 100.00
Boundary Line Adjustment: Commercial
$ 200.00
Lot Consolidation: Residential
$ 100.00
Lot Consolidation- Commercial
$ 400.00
Short Plat Fire Review
$ 200�00
Sub Fire Division
$ 500.00
SEPxFire Review
$ 400.00
Development Fire Review: Residential
$15O.Q0
Development Fire Review: Commercial
$ 400.00
Public Works Fire Review: Residential
$15O.00
Public Works Fire Review: Commercial
$ 300.00
Mechanical Fire Review: RogUonUu|
s 150.00
Mechanical Fire Review: Commercial
$ 300.00
Special Fees
Expedited and After -Hours Fire Plan Review
S400.00
Expedited and After -Hours Inspection
$500.00
New Business Life Safety Inspection
$5o.oOp|us
Applicable
Operational Permit
Fees
Annual Life Safety Inspection
$5V+Applicable
Operational Permit
Fees
Smoke Control System Plan Review
S750o0
siuhseSmoke Control System Inspection
$500,00
HiqhriseSmoke Control System Inspection
$900.00
Reoubmitta|Plan Review Fee
S300.00
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System Te
s300.00
Fire Variance Request: Residential
s250.00
Fire Variance Request: Commercial
S500.00
Fire Appeal Fee
$onuoo
Fire Suppression and Detection Confidence Test
Administrative Fee
S1s.00per system
Starting work before apermit issuance shall besub ectman
investigation fee equal me1OV96ofapplicable permit fees
x5v&Technology Fee will ueadded mall Fire Fees
Outreach Plan
In order to communicate the changes to the Fire Department fee schedule, the City has identified
the following steps to notify those affected by the changes in the fee schedule.
- Work with Chamber tOhelp notify businesses ofthe pending changes.
- Notifications posted VO Cityw8bSite.
- Meetings held with hey stakeholders.
- Signs of upcoming fees at P8n0i[ Center and Fire Marshal's Office.
Fee Schedule Comparison tVOther Jurisdictions
Fee schedules for fire services vary significantly from entity to entity. For exGnnp|e, some fee
schedules for permit fees are listed as broad categories with a flat fee for each category. Others
list detailed categories with flat fees for each or the fee is a percentage based on the value of the
permit. Because ofthe complexity and variances between fee schedules, comparison data is
provided bytype nfbusiness rather than type of fee. Fees are examples and would vary based
onsize and complexity ofthe project.
Small Restaurant - Fire Protection Fees
$2,833 $2'886 $lOuU
$2,074 IDZZ
+ ' $1'511 $1'295 $1'136
Kent Kirkland Bellevue Tukwila Lynnwood SeaTac Covington Renton VRFA Tukwila
Proposed
Current
ZACouncil AgondokmnoWinance081219hfo Memo ' Fire Department FemSohedulndocx
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 7
$19,241
$12,594
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Fire Protection Fees- 5 story hotel
$6,509 $6,490 $6,202 $5,356 $4,913 $3,860 $3,192 $2,961
Kent Lynnwood Kirkland Proposed SeaTac Bellevue Renton VRFA Current Covington
Tukwila
Fees
$338
$321
$ 3 2 1
$ 3 0 0
d'e6
.zz`
O
$268 $258
High PlIefRack Storage- OPERATIONAL
$268
$258
$ 2 0 0 $ 2 0 0
$ 1 7 5 $ 1 7 5
6 6
go-
ac• `• '
4
"t
44\\
s‘i -
Tukwila
$155 $150
ALL OTHER OPERATIONAL PERMITS
$125
$ 100
4) ,cocN
ecs
cbz
$200 $200 $175 $175 $175 $155 $150 $125 $100
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RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is being asked to approve the resolution and consider this item at the August
26, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting and at the subsequent September 3, 2019 Regular
Meeting.
Z:\Council Agenda Items IFinance108.12.191Info Memo - Fire Department Fee Schedule.docx
7
8
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, REPEALING
RESOLUTION NO. 1935 AND ADOPTING A
REVISED FIRE DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE.
WHEREAS, the City has analyzed current Fire Department fees for various services
provided including, but not limited to, permits, plan review and re -inspections; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to recover a portion of the City's costs for
processing of permit applications, plan reviews, re -inspections, and other services
provided by the Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, the City has not reviewed and updated fees charged by the Fire
Department for several years;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Repealer. Resolution No. 1935 is hereby repealed.
Section 2. Fire Department Fee Schedule. Fire Department fees will be charged
according to the following schedule, which shall supersede any previously adopted fire
permit fee, plan review fee or re -inspection fee.
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
VC:bjs Review and analysis by Barbara Saxton Page 1 of 8
9
FIRE DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE
FIRE PERMIT FEES
Fire permits required by the International Fire Code
TMC 16.16.080
$150.00 for each
permit
Construction Permits:
$500.00 for high pile
storage, flammable and
combustible liquids,
hazardous materials.
$300.00 all other
construction fire permits
Operational Permits:
$300.00 for high pile
storage, flammable and
combustible liquids,
hazardous materials.
$175.00 for all other
operational fire permits
Short term permits (i.e. for food vendors); for events not
to exceed 3 consecutive days in duration:
- Liquid propane permit
- Open flame permit
TMC 16.16.080
$25.00 for each
permit
$250.00. Fee includes
one inspection.
Temporary / Special Events Permit:
TMC 16.16.030
- Commercial
- Residential
$400.00
$100.00
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
VC:bjs Review and analysis by Barbara Saxton
10
Page 2 of 8
PLAN REVIEW FEES
For alternative fire protoctionsystems
TMC16.fGO80
Cnmrnoro1a|:
For 15doviceohcsds Bo-.ofee -$28UM
devicc/hoodimnexcess of1O
sprinkler head in excess of 1G
Rcsubmitt3l fee
For fire alarm plans
TMC 15.10.040
Commercial-.
For 1 5 devices
Base fee -G2OO.00
device inexcess of1U
device
F7ecubn7itta|fea
$3OO.0Q
Forsprinkler systern plan --
,Commercial:
For 5he3do
For Sormore h'ads
EJng10 family:
Base fee -S2OO.OQ
MI-egislaUve DevelopmentTire Department Fee Schedule a-5-10
Page 3 of 8
11
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Fees
Number of
Plan Review
(Per Head)
Inspection
(Per Head)
Heads
Fee
Review
Fee
Inspection
1 to 10
$300.00
$2.50
$175.00
$1.50
11 to 25
$350.00
$2.50
S200.00
$1.50
26 to 50
S350.00
$2.30
S2250O
$1.50
51 to 100
S35ft0O
$2.25
$300.00
$1.50
101 to 1,000
$ 50.00
$1.90
$500.00
$1.30
1,001 or More
$400.00
$2.25
$750.00
$1 00
Additional
Plan Review
Inspection
Systems
Fee
Fee
Per Riser
$100.00
$100.00
Per Fire Pump
$150.00
$300.00
13D Sprinkler System Fees
Number of
Plan Review
(Per Head)
Inspection
(Per Head)
Heads
Fee
Review
Fee
Inspection
1 to 10
$150.00
N/A
$200.00
N/A
11 to 25
$175.00
N/A
$250.00
N/A
26 or More
S200.O0
N/A
$300.00
N/A
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
VC:bjs Review and analysis by Barbara Saxton
12
Page 4 of 8
Fire Alarm System Fees
Number of
Plan Review
(Per
Inspection
(Per Device)
Devices
Fee
Device)
Fee
inspection
Review
1 to 10
$300.00
$2.25
$150.00
$1.00
11 to 25
S300.O0
$0.75
$250.00
$1.00
26 to 100
$350.00
$1.00
$275.00
$1.00_
101 o 500
$400.00
$1.10
$500.00
$1.50
501 or More
$500.00
$0.85
$1, 00.00
$1.00
Commercial Clean Agent Systems and
Commercial Kitchen Fire Protection Systems
Plan Review
(Per
Inspection
Fee
Device)
Fee
Review
$350.00
$1.00
$150.00
RE -INSPECTION FEES
For new construction,
inspections or spot
tenant improvements,
inspections
life safety
$100.00 $175.00
per re -inspection
TMC 16.16.080
TMC 16.40.130
TMC 16.42.110
TMC 16.46.150
TMC 16.48.150
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
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Page 5 of 8
13
For level inspections:
company
TMC 16.16.080
the inspector finds that the viobtionc have
been - $60.00
not corrected
the inspector finds that tho violations have
been - $85.00
not corrected
On thc third follow inspection, wiaen the
up
inspector finds that the violations have not
been - $110.00
corrected
Fee for the fourth subsequent
and any
follow inspections when the inspector
up
- $135.00
corrected
APPEAL FEE
TMC 16.16.090
TMC 16.40.170
TMC 16.42.150
TMC 16.46.170
TMC 16.48.170
$-2-51-0- $500.00
Development, Public orks, rechanicaI and Land Use Permits reviewed by Fire
Wireless Communications Facility
$150.00
Boundary Line Adjustment: Residential
$100.00
Boundary Line Adjustment: Commercial
$200.00
Lot Consolidation: Residential
$100.00
Lot Consolidation: Commercial
$400.00
Short Plat Fire Review
$200.00
Sub Fire Division
$500.00
SEPA Fire Review
$400.00
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
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14
Page 6 of 8
Development Fire Review: Residential
$150.00
Development Fire Review: Commercial
S400.00
Public Works Fire Review: Residential
$150.00
Public Works Fire Review: Commercial
$300.00
Mechanical Fire Review: Residential
$150.00
Mechanical Fire Review: Commercial
$300.00
Special Fees
Expedited and After -Hours Fire Plan Review
$400.00
Expedited and After -Hours Inspection
$500.00
New Business Life Safety Inspection
$50.00 plus
Applicable
Operational Permit
Fees
Annual Life Safety Inspection
$50.00 + Applicable
Operational Permit
Fees
Smoke Control System Plan Review
$750.00
Mid -rise Smoke Control System Inspection
$500.00
High-rise Smoke Control System Inspection
$900.00
Resubmittal Plan Review Fee
$300.00
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System Test
$300.00
Fire Variance Request: Residential
$250.00
Fire Variance Request: Commercial
$500.00
Fire Suppression and Detection Confidence Test
$15.00 per system
Administrative Fee
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
VC:bjs Review and analysis by Barbara Saxton
Page 7 of 8
15
Starting work before a permit issuance shall be subject to
an investigation fee equal to 100°/0 of applicable permit fees.
A 5`)/0 Technology Fee will be added to all Fire fees unless
the Technology Fee is already being charged by another
City department.
Recovery of Hazardous Incident Response Costs
TMC Chapter 6.14
Minimum fee for
incident response
costs = $250.00, plus
any "extraordinary
costs" as defined per
TMC Chapter 6.14.
Section 3. Effective Date. The fee schedule contained in this resolution shall be
effective immediately.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2019.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Rachel B. Turpin, City Attorney
Kathy Hougardy, Council President
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Resolution Number:
W:\Legislative Development\Fire Department Fee Schedule 8-5-19
VC:bjs Review and analysis by Barbara Saxton Page 8 of 8
16
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
TO:
INFOR ATIONAL EMORANDU
Finance Council Committee
FROM: Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief
Ben Hayman, Fire Marshal
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: July 17, 2019
Updated after July 22, 2019 Finance Committee meeting
SUBJECT: Fire Marshal Office Discussion
ISSUE
Review responsibilities of the Fire Marshal Office (FMO) including current services provided,
options for providing services, required minimum levels of service, and liability associated with
providing and/or not providing services.
BACKGROUND
The Fire Marshal Office currently provides several public safety services including:
a. Plan review and associated inspections (inspections for new and existing businesses are
not currently being done)
b. Limited code enforcement
c.Fire investigation
The office is staffed as follows:
Position
FTEs
Notes
Captain
2
Inspectors
Battalion Chief
1
Fire Marshal
Senior Fire Project Coordinator
1
Plan Reviewer
Ad in Support Technician
1
Staffing levels for this office have remained at five since 2011. Prior to 2011, the staffing level was
six FTEs.
Budget
The Fire Marshal's Office is a division within the fire department and the process to develop the
budget is the same as for the fire department. Finance staff drafts the budget for personnel costs
and fire staff provide budget requests for supplies and services.
In addition to the expenditure budget, revenues generated by departments are also budgeted and
revenue backed expenditures are trued up at a department level. For example, if a department
expects to receive a grant for $10 thousand, the revenue is budgeted and expenditures of $10
thousand are also budgeted so that the net effect on the total general fund budget is zero.
17
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
The chart below shows revenue received specific to the Fire Marshal's Office. The chart also
gives the total overtime budget and demonstrates that total revenue generated by this division
exceeds the total overtime budget. It should be noted that not all overtime is considered to be
reimbursable and not all revenue generated is a result of overtime costs.
' Revenue Generated byFire Marshal's /Office
Actua|s Budget
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Operational Permit Fees $ 78.836 $ 44.175 $ 24.825 $ 12.400 $ 10.507 $ 21.400
Plan Re\�evwFees 52,363 46.973 66.895 74.103 78.628 75.000
ReinopectionFeee 1.000 300 300 100 2.000
$130.198 $ 80.448 $ 92.020 $ 86.503 $ 87.235 $ 98.400
Overtime Expenditures $ 78.861 $ 61.330 $ 82.838 $ 89.875 $ 08,356 $ 61.143
Actual and Proiected Budaet for Fire Marshal's Office — Prevention and Investiqlation
' Actuale
Budget
2014
2015
2018
2017
2018
2019
Prevention &
Investigation
$824.802
$815.137
$828'408
$864,092
$907.865
$834.853
Revenues and Fees for Services
As can be seen above, the actual revenues and fees for services from the Fire Marshal's Office
donot balance with the expenses. Recently, the fees associated with the fire department have
been reviewed and research shows that Tukwila's fees have not kept pace with the market. The
charts below show o few fees and how they compare with our neighboring cities. There is m
recommendation toupdate these fees tVbe competitive with our neighboring cities. Some ofthe
fees listed below are increases to existing fees and others are new fees that other cities charge
that Tukwila currently does not charge. It should be noted that the fees listed below are
approximate and would vary depending onsize and scope ofeach project.
Small Remtaurart—Fine Protection Fees
$6,]7O
SnmaURestauran%-FineProtectionFees
$2,833 $2,836 $2,840
�7o74 ~. .,.
-_'
$1,511 $1,295 $I'I]§
Kent Kirkland Bellevue Tukwila Lynnwood 3eaTac Covington Renton VRFA Tukwila
Proposed
Current
18
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
The current Small Restaurant fee for Tukwila $1,136, whereas the neighboring cities range from
$1,295 up to $6,370 for this similar service. A proposed increase to $2,886 would still be within
the average range for these fees.
Fire Protection Fees — 5-Story Hotel
$19,241
$12,594
Fire Protection Fees- 5 story hotel
$6,509 $6,490 $6,202 $5,356 $4,913 $3,860 $3,192 $2,961
Kent Lynnwood Kirkland Proposed SeaTat Bellevue Renton VRFA Current Covington
Tukwila
Fees
Tukwila
The current 5-Story Hotel fee for Tukwila is $3,192, whereas the neighboring cities range from
$2,961 up to $19,241 for this similar service. A proposed increase to $6,490 would still be within
the average range for these fees
High Pile/Rack Storage — Operational
$338
$321
$300
o4?"
cog
High Pile/Rack Storage- OPERATIONAL
$268 $258
$200 $200
• • ••• ••••"••••'• ••••'• •
„ .........,
$175 $175
$155 $150
oc,6 a
c,°
44\\
•&-
•SN)
$125
$ID)
The current High Pile/Rack Storage fee for Tukwila is $150, whereas the neighboring cities range
from $100 up to $338 for this similar service. A proposed increase to $300 would still be within
the average range for these fees.
Recommendation: Update current fees and permit schedule to current market standards
and averages.
To act on this recommendation, staff will need to produce a list of current and proposed fees and
an ordinance to implement the new fee schedule. Staff would continue the review of our fees and
comparison with our surrounding neighbors.
19
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
Current Workload
The following table outlines the main responsibilities of the Fire Marshal's Office, this includes
Construction Permit Review, Plan Reviews and Construction Permit Inspections.
The Fire Marshal is required by statute and TMC 2.24.020 to report all fires of criminal, suspected
criminal, or undetermined origin to the State Fire Marshal.
Current Workload
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Construction Permit Plan Reviews:
Land Use, Public Works, and Mechanical Permits
566
531
542
555
633
Plan Reviews:
Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, Kitchen Hood, and UL 300
Construction permits
264
216
259
250
238
Construction permit inspections
703
624
789
744
737
Fire Investigations Conducted
111
66
83
87
68
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Reviews and Investigations
2014-2018
MEAMEMMUM.
.VAIMIMMOMMUMMOVML
2014 2015 2016
Construction Permit Plan Reviews: -Plan Reviews:
'Construction permit inspections Fire Investigations Conducted
2017 2018
Current Services Provided
As mentioned earlier, the Fire Marshal's office has several duties that need to be reviewed and
evaluated as to which services should remain within the Fire Marshal's office, which services and
programs need to be streamlined, which areas can be provided in a different fashion (e.g.
contracted or as part of a regional service), and which areas need to be reprioritized. These will
be addressed more fully at a later date.
Services which could be done outside the Fire Marshal's Office
Some of the current services provided by the Fire Marshal's office could be done by other parts
of the organization or are already being done by other departments. Specifically, these include:
1) City Addressing — This is currently being coordinated through Technology Services/GIS and
could be more streamlined to not have the Fire Marshal's office as the lead agency.
20
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 5
2) New Business License Reviews - The Finance Director is responsible for reviewing our current
review process for new business licenses and with the change to State Licensing it maybe an
opportunity to reevaluate the need and priority for the Fire Marshal's Office review.
3)Special Event Permit Coordination - Historically, the Fire Marshal's Office has been the project
manager for all special event pmrnn|te. e.g. Boeing Celebration and major events. This involves
working across several City departments. The City will be reviewing where beat to have this
function reside with the Fire Marshal's office providing input, but not being the lead agency.
The result of these three changes would be to provide more capacity to our Fire Marshal's Office
to meet other higher priority services.
Other Services -HiOh Services
Inspections ofNew and ExistinqBusinesses and Plan Review
Inspections for businesses include annual business inspections, inspections for new businesses,
and follow-up on confidence teat reports. Confidence teat reports are reports received by this
Office that show deficiencies or malfunctions within o business's fire sprinkler or fire alarm
systems.
Previously, inspections were provided bv suppression crews but this began tochange in
2014. The change was mainly due to new training requirements and standards set bvthe South
County Fine Training ConaonUUOn and was also a policy change because these inspections may
not have been the most efficient use of Suppression personnel. This change has left many
inspections not being done at this time. /\ key policy question is how best to balance the
requirements for inspections, the need and then the cost recovery options for these inspections.
According t0the Fine Marshal, there are over 1.700 existing businesses in need of inspections
and approximately 700 expired operational permits for activities, orthe sto[aQe of, -such as
explosives, hazardous materials storage and production, carnivals and expositions, underground
tank removal, compressed gases, .crVoqenic fluids, LP,gases,hot work, propane tank installation,
and other activities that are deemed hazardous by the Fire Marshal International Fire Code that
should be inspected for compliance. Enforcing critical life safety fire codes in achoo|s, apartment
bui|dingo, shopping nna/|e. hotels, .and large industrial or nnaMufacturinq businesses are
considered .bythe Fire Marshal to be a high priority. .but due tothe .current staffing nnndei the
office is unable toPerform=
The following chart shows historical fire preventiondata including inspections performed the last
few years and who performed the services. Asnoted hlthe chart, suppression crews performed
many inspections 2014 through 2016, but have not been involved inspections since 2017.
Life Safety and Operational Permits
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
LifeSafetv|nepectiono-
Completed bvFire Suppression Crews
1.388
859
458
Life Safety inapaotions-
[|o[np|ehad by Fire Marshal's Office
3
2
Operational Permit Inspections -
Completed by Fire Suppression Cravvo
770
461
228
21
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 6
There are ways in which we can prioritize which buildings are necessary to inspect, and how often
the inspections The^—'orit« of the occupancies need to beinspected bv certified
inspectors, due to the complexitV of manv business operations and the proper application of the
fire code. There are also staffing considerations that can be considered to balance the workload.
For instance, suppression crews could be assigned to do certain inspections, which did occur in
past years. This would raise situational awareness of the structures when crews respond to
emergencies.
Staff will provide anupdated list of types of businesses and options on how best to provide this
service and recover costs for these services.
New Business and Confidence Test Reports
Per this Office, annually there are approximately 150 new businesses that should be inspected to
ensure that new operations are operating safely and complyinq with applicable life safetv codes.
Per the Fire Marshal, due to the current staffinq model, the office is unable to inspect these
businesses. Additionally, the Office receives approximately 500 confidence test reports each year
that show deficiencies or malfunctions with fire sprinkler or alarm systems. —The Fire Marshal
believes it is important to follow up on these reports to ensure that the needed repairs are
oOmp|ated7
Code Enforcement
Fire Code enforcement issues are forwarded to the Fire Marshal from suppression crews or other
city staff. Per the Fire Marshal, due to the current staffing model, the office is unable to follow up
on the majority offire code issues. Additional data on what types of code enforcement issues
and volume of work will be presented ate later date.
Genera|Requirements—FlroCodeOfficio|
The International Fire Code ) is a modelcod that regulates minimum fire safety requirements
for new and existing buUd|ngo, faoiiiUeo, etorage, and processes. The |FC addresses fire
prevention, fire protection, life safety and safe storage and use of hazardous materials in new and
existing buildings, facilities, and processes.
In addition to the|FC, Revised Code of Washington the Tukwila Municipal Code, 16.1O
adopted and amended the 2Q15|FC.
Public Duty Doctrine
As stated abuve, some services currently provided by the Fire Marshal's Office are authorized
while other services are required tobeprovided. |ndiscussing services provided bvthis office, it
is important to keep in mind what potential liability the City could face in changing oen/iva levels
or processes.
Under the public duty doctrine, when oobx'sduty iaowed bzthe public adlarge
fire suppression and inspection duties), an individual who is injured by an alleged breach of that
duty has novalid claim against the City orits officer oremployees. There are certain exceptions
to the public duty doctrine, such as in cases where a special relationship is created (such aawhen
eOofficer oremployee makes direct assurances toamember ofthe public under circumstances
where the person justifiably relies on those assurances); or when an officer or employee, such as
mbuilding official, knows about aM'inherently dangerous condition, has aduty tUcorrect it(i.e.law
ooy8 that the City "shall" correct the condiUon), and fails to perform that duty.Tay|orv. Stevens
22
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 7
County, 111 Wn.2d 159, 171-72,759 P.2d 447 (1988). In general, however, governmental entity
will not be liable to a private party for failure to perform duties that that are owed solely to the
general public (a duty to all is a duty to no one).
23
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 8
Revised Fee Schedule
At the July 22. 2018 Finance Committee nneetinq, a discussion was held on the current fee
schedule for the fire department. |twas noted that there isanimbalance between actual revenues
and fees for services for the fire nnmreha|'o offioe, and that m review ofthe fees phovvn that the
current fees have not kept pace with the market and noiqhborinqcities. Staff indicated that they
would return to Committee with GM updated fee schedule. An updated fee schedule has been
prepared and included onthe oqendafor Auqust12.2O19.
Policy Decision hoRemove Life 8afetyInspections from Suppression Crews
At the July 22nd Committee meetinq, it was stated that suppression crews previously provided life -
safety inspections. Staff was requested to provide additional information as to why suppression
crews stopped perforn1inqthese inspections.
Per fire department ataff, mupAnsoakJn orevva were doinq inspections duhnq the day but were
suspended due to the increased amount of time needed to meet the Firefqhter tr@inimq
requirements of the VVashinqton Administrative Code (UV/\C), and the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA). Additional troininq by the TraininO 'Consortium is raquirad, some of the
c|oaaee are considered best prmoticeS, vvhi|o othartuaininq is recommended to heepfirefightera
safe while porfornninq the duties oftheir iob. Prior toioiningthe TcaininQ CUnoortiunn, suppression
crews were not nnaetinQ the tnainiOq r8qUirmonants, but were doinq conduotinq life safety
inspections.
CaUvo|unlea|eoincneaoedeiqnUfioantlybmtween2O14and2O17VxithrnoetoftheinoreaoeincoU
volume attributed to EK8G oa/ka. Total number of oaUo in �-13 vvon4.7Q9 but by 2017. total call
volume was 5.851. o qrovth of22Y6 in three years.
With the increase in traininq requirements coupled with the increase in call volume, the workload
presented by the inspections was not sustainable.
Options h2Address Current Workload
A phased approach toaddresoinO the current workload situation in the Fire K8areha|.o Office is
proposed.
Near -Term
1. /\ddreaanO: To effectively streamline and automate the add[eoojnq pnooeas. TlS and [)C[}
will be vvorkinQ jointly with the FK8{]hotransition this work from FW1{]tmT|G. Key elements of
the transition include thefo||ovvinq:
a. DCD will be responsible for initiatinq additions and chanqes to all addresses.
b. T|G\wi||. based on the type ofaddrees'ng requent, make the chenqea tothe sinq|esource
addreaoinq laver, and will work with an external supplier to verity emergency access
points. T||Swill also send out automated communications to KinO County, E911. Valley
ConnnnunioaUona, applicable utility services and US Postal Service.
c. Fire Marshal's Office will approve ennerAenoy access points and confirm that the new
address makes sense for emenlenoyresponders.
2. New Business License Application Reviews: The current process for ravhexvhlq business
24
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page
VVithatremnnUninQ the add prooeno. the business license application process can also
be streamlined. The Fire Marshal's Office will classify the business occupancy type..
3. Special Event Permits: Staff iecommitted torevevvnq this process and daVe|o[inOaprocess
that meets the needs ofall departments involved with this process. Staff will beconveninQa
meetinq to improve this process.
Mid -Term
In early 2019. the Fire K8arohm|G from both the City of Tukwila and PuQst Sound ReOiona| Fine
Authority (PGRFA)started discussion onthe Possibility ofashared services model. Discussions
on a shared service model occurred in the pasd, as early as 2016. but did not qaintngction until
early this year. Both the City and P8RF8 perform s|nn||or services to oonln]un|t|oa /n this region
and both aqenoiaa deal with similar |eoumo. Both the Qty's fire department and P8RFA believe
that oonnbin1nq efforts could meet the needs in both communities. The Fire Chiefs from Tukwila
and PSRFA are discussing details reqardinq a shared services model and both are in full support
of this concept.
Staff recommends this approach and will be returninqwith anirtedoca|aqneementoutlininq the
details of service levels to be providod, total costs, and benefits of o shared services model.
RECOMMENDATION
25
26
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFOR ATIONAL ME ORANDU
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Vicky Carlsen, Finance Director
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: August 7, 2019
SUBJECT: Sources of Revenue — Fire Departments, Fire Districts, and Regional Fire
Authorities
ISSUE
Provide information on how fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire authorities are funded.
BACKGROUND
Fire services in Washington State can be provided several ways including maintaining a fire
department run by City personnel, contract with another city or fire protection district for fire
protection services, annex directly to a fire protection district with voter approval, form a fire
protection district coextensive with voter approval, or establish a regional fire authority (RFA) with
voter approval.
Regardless of what method is in place to provide these services, funding can come from a variety
of sources. Outlined below are the sources of funding available to cities, fire districts, and RFAs.
Also included is a discussion on how Tukwila's fire department is funded, along with historical
data.
DISCUSSION
Fire departments, fire districts, and RFA can be funded from a variety of sources but the main
source of funding is from property taxes and the Fire Benefit Charge (FBC). Some sources are
only available to cities, while others are only available for fire districts and RFAs. Below is a chart
showing available funding options for each method of providing fire services.
27
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
| City Fire | Fire
� Revenue Source
Primary Revenues
�Property Taxes _ Regular Levy
Property Taxes - Excess Le\/y
Property Taxes - Levy Lid Lift
Property Taxes - EMS Levy
Fire Benefit Charge
Other Revenues
Grants X
'—
--
�ContraotfbrSemioeo Fines and Penalties-----
--7---- ---
X_-
*Fire Impact Fees
Local Impro\/ement District
Revenue Generated by Fire Marshal
*Fire Permit, Inspection Fees | X
(*Plan Re\AewFees X j X
*Only available todistricts and RFAsUcontracted by City to[ro\Adeservice
Regional
/ FireDepartments Districts Authorities
|
X
�
X
_
X
X
Sources of Revenue
1. Property Taxes
X
X
Regular Lev(
Cities, districts, and RFAe can levy m regular tax levy but cities have a different maximum levy
rate than districts and RFAS. The City ofTukwi|o's maximum levy rate io$3.O25per thousand of
assessed value |eoa the regular levy for the library district. However, districts and RFAs are
limited t0$1.5Oper thousand ofassessed value. |fthey impose ofire benefit charge, the limit is
lowered to $1.00. Regular tax levies are limited to o maximum increase of 196 unless voters
approve 8levy lid lift (discussed be|omh.
Excess Levy:
Excess levies are voter approved and are typically used for capital purposes. Excess levies for
capital are used to repay debt proceeds and are levied each year until the debt is paid in full.
Excess levies for capital require a super majority and are subject to validation.
Levy Lid Lift:
Because property tax law restricts the growth of property tax revenue to a maximum of 1 % each
year, when assessed value increases, the levy rate for taxing districts decreases. Voters can
approve o levy [id lift to increase the regular levy rate limit back tothe nnaXinnunn levy rote
anywhere iObebween\. As an example, the City of Tukwila's current regular levy rate is $2,39148.
The City could ask voters to approve a levy lid lift to reset the current levy rate to anywhere
between our current rate of $2.39148 up to $3.825 |oso the library rate. Levy lid lifts require a
majority approval and are not subject to validation.
EMS Levy:
EMS levies are another voter -approved property tax levy that is restricted to EMS type functions.
28
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
their own EMS levy. Rather, King County collects this levy tofund the Medic One program. The
City, along with other participants in this program receive a distribution from this levy. Distribution
iabased oncall volume.
2. Fire Benefit {}harge(FBC)
The FBCieefee that iobased oOthe benefit ofhaving fire -based services. |tconsiders that those
who benefit more from fire protection services should pay more for that service. The charge is
applied toimprovements tDreal property but does not apply holand. |tjsofee based Onsize of
the atructupe, use, and risk. This revenue source is only available to districts and RFAa. Cities do
not have authority toimpose an FB[:.
3. Grants
State and Federal grants are available to ciUes, districts, and RFAa to fund o variety of
expenditures including capital,equipment, and staffing. Grant funds received are restricted tOthe
expenditures specific to the purpose of the grant and cannot be used to supplant other funding
sources for expenditures approved bythe grant.
4. Other Taxes and Fees (not specific to fire)
Unlike districts and RF/\o, cities have the ability to levy other taxes and fees to fund fire services.
For the City of Tukwila, nsNes. admissions, and UU||ty taxao, as well as bus|Oaoo license fees and
n1|gCeUaDeouS revenue can be used for any service provided bye oity, including fire services.
These taxes and fees are not available todistricts andF{FAs.
5. Contract for Services
[]U8o districts, and F<FAs, can enter into contracts with other entities to provide fin* and EK88
services. Contracts for services can be used to regionalize services, resulting in economies of
ooe|e while still providing a high level of service.
O. Fines and Penalties
Fines and penalties for fire are typically associated with false alarms. Many fire entities will levy
a fine or penalty for false a|amno in an effort to reduce the number of false alarms. False a|a[rO
fees are generally not a major source of revenue.
7. Fire |nnpoot Fees
Impact fees one used to offset the increased costs of providing services due to development.
Impact fees are ofunding option for cities. Districts and RFAScannot levy impact fees, they can
only receive impact fees if they provide services within city boundaries.
Ei Local Improvement District
Local Improvement Districts can be used to fund capital needs within a specific area,
typically onarea smaller than the entity's borders. /\nexample where L/Ogcould provide funding
would be to construct a fire station. The area that benefits from the fire station would form the
LID and provide the funding for the project.
9. Other Revenue Sources
There are other revenue sources available to fund fire services but are immaterial in nature. Some
ofthese sources include interest earnings, proceeds from sale ofassets, fire insurance premium
tax, and rental revenue.
29
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
10. Fire Permit, Inspection, and Plan Review Fees
Fire permit, inspection, and plan review fees are charged for a variety of services provided by the
fine department and are typically associated with services provided by a Fire Marshal's Office.
This iotypically afunction ofacity ercounty but can bmcontracted out toadistrict orRFA- These
fees are intended to recover portion, or all, of the costs associated with providing these services.
Districts and RFAs do not provide these services on their own but can provide them if contracted
with m city Or county to provide the services.
Cih/ofTukwila Fire Department Fundinq
Funding for the Citv'o fire department cn[nae from property taxes as well as other general fund
revenue not assigned or restricted for specific uses. In addition to general revenues, the fire
department generates some revenue from services provided. The chart b8|ODv lists revenue
generated hythe fire department over the last several years oswell aethe budget for 2O1S.
It should be noted that the hazardous materials response is a new revenue source beginning in
2019. The budget for this revenue ie$1QOthousand each year. Todate, norevenue has been
received. It should also be noted that, while a fee schedule for fire false alarms has been in place
for many years, the fire department has not billed for false alarms since 2014. The fire department
is working on o plan to begin billing for false a|mrnlo.
Actum|o
Revenue Source
Budget
2019
EMS Levy (Medic One La\,y)
Grants
Contract forSenAceo
Operational Permit Fees
Plan Re\AewFees
ReinapechonFeeo
*Hazardous Materials Response
Reimbursement for Deployments
KY|oc Fnea/CnstRecnvery
Totals
*New charge beginning in2O19
398440 405792 454148 427.501 445880
401.453 74.495 90'894 10,809 12.318
45.415 51.189 45.958 10\775 2.889
76.838 44.175 24.825 12.400 10.507
52.363 45.973 66`805 74.103 78.628
1^000 300 500 100
- ' -
212.561 84.020 80.201
' 20.624 38.094 98.810 133.076
470,00
2U/511
1,500
21/4DO
75'0UD
2.0}0
100,000
'
150,000
1,188,068
642.548 719\115
The chart be|Vvv ohovve actual mxpendituree2O14 — 2018 and 2019 budget and how the fire
department in funded. For purposes of this diaouaaioO, it has been assumed that the fire
30
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 5
Fire Department Expenditures by Division
Actuals Budget
Division 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Administration 848,261 784,462 807,292 896,733 963,811 1,175,610
Suppression 8,489,610 8,892,891 8,793,233 9,151,233 9,311,411 9,173,895
Prev. & Inspect. 824,862 815,137 826,468 864,692 907,865 834,653
Training 447,198 376,402 379,240 443,663 443,176 439,782
Facilities 89,704 98,442 92,391 100,349 99,779 110,860
Special Operations 63,357 30,774 29,038 28,653 20,836 42,291
Rescue & Emerg. Aid 198,453 193,418 246,274 240,478 240,781 265,149
Emergency Mgmt 399,931 532,935 380,405 341,178 368,541 431,147
Total 11,361,376 11,724,461 11,554,341 12,066,979 12,356,200 12,473,387
Fire Department Funding
Dept. Generated Revenue 1,188,068 642,548 719,115 718,518 761,399 840,411
Property Taxes 10,173,308 11,081,913 10,835,226 11,348,461 11,594,801 11,632,976
Total Funding 11,361,376 11,724,461 11,554,341 12,066,979 12,356,200 12,473,387
Revenues generated by the fire department are budgeted based on information provided by the
department during the budget development process. If data is not received from the department,
Finance staff will budget revenue items based on historical trends. If expenditures are revenue
backed, e.g., grants, both revenue and expenditures are budgeted so that there is no net impact
on the general fund.
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
31
32
City f Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
KNFOR ATUONAU ME ORANDU
Finance Council Committee
FROM: Vicky Car|sem.Finance Director
Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief
CC: Mayor Ekberg
[ATE: July 17, 2019
SUBJECT: FineBudgetCimcumoion—SemiceLeve|s
Updated aftmrJu|v 23.2019Finance Cornrmittee88emtinq
ISSUE
Review current and historical Fire Department budget, staffing,and service levels todetermine a
sustainable model which meets the City's financial and policy goals.
BACKGROUND
As mentioned above, the {}dv is reviewing current and historical information on the fine
department. This information is being presented to determine policy direction regarding
appropriate budget and eon/ioe levels.
This nlenlo will focus on fire department nlininnunn and current service ksva|o, excluding the Flna
Marshal's Office. Service levels for the Fire Marshal's
— will be discussed in a separate
DISCUSSION
A policy decision on the table for discussion is related to service levels and will help guide the
discussion onappropriate budget for the fire department.
Minimum Service Levels
While Article X3, Section 11 of the Washington State Constitution provides for general police
powers for coundea, cities, and toVyns, but there is not a specific statue that provides that cities
must provide fire protection services. However, as a practical rnotter, a city should provide some
measure of fire protection. There are several ways in which m city could provide fire protection
services:
- Maintain afire department run bythe cib/a own personnel
- Contract with another city, fire protection district, or regional fire authority for fire protection
services
- Annex directly toa fire protection district or regional fire authority with voter approval
- Form a fire district coextensive with the city ortown with voter approval
- Establish o regional fire authority with voter approval
While nospecific state law requiresacity toprovide fire protectionaervioeo RC\8/does specify
that the legislature does intend for cities to set standards for addressing the reporting and
accountability of career fire departments and to specify performance measures applicable to
response time objectives.
33
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
8ettinq Service Levels and Performance Objectives
Washington State law (Revised Code ufWashington) explicitly states that cities any to set their
own services levels and that state law does not limit each city's authority to do so. The Revised
Code ofWashington (RC\&)acknowledges three entities for the "organization and deployment of
resources for fire departmeOts"
1. International City/County Management Association (|CMA)
2. International Association of Fire Chiefs (|/\FC)
3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
By formally recognizing these organizations within RCW35A.92, the State acknowledges their
research and findings as resource for cities to set policy regarding the or8anizetion, number,
and expectedresponse times for acareer fire department. However, adopting the service levels
recommended by those organizations is vo|untary, eiDoa RCVV35A.S2.O1Oexplicitly states that
"this chapter N/ 35A.A3/does not, and /s not intended to, /nanyway modify 0rlimit the authority
of Cities and towns to set hnve/o of service." Therm is no relevant case law addressing RCVV
35A.92, but the City could na|y on the language therein to defend itself should it be faced with
claims targeting the City's chosen level of service.
State law also requires mcity and/or fire department topublish onannual re rtvvhichindUdeo
the department's standards, their performance against those standards, and several other metrics
(outlined below).
Cities are to Set Their Own Performance and Service Level Objectives
RCW Section35A.92 states that every city shall maintain a written statement or policy that
establishes the following:
1. The existence cfofire department
2. The services that the fire department isrequired toprovide
3. The basic organization structure ofthe fire department
4. The expected number Qffire department employees
5. The functions that the fire department employees are expected toperform
This written statement must also include service delivery and response time objectives for each
ofthe following —'or service components, if appropriate:
1. Fire suppression
2. Emergency medical services
3. Special operations
4. .Aircraft rescue and firefighting
5. Marine rescue and firefighting
O. VVi|d|2Ddfirefighting
In 2005. legislation was enacted that requires each city establish their own response time
objectives for the following measurements and states that the city shall establish m performance
objective for the achievement ofeach of these measurements:
1. Turnout time
2. Response time for the first arriving engine company and for the deployment of a full first
e|8nn assignment at afira suppression incident
3. Response time for the arrival of a unit with first responder or higher -level capability at an
emergency nnadioa| incident
34
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
The graphic below displays the different segments of the total response time; from the factors that
lead to calling 911 to when initial assigned apparatus arrive at the scene.
Cascade of Events
Factors iliat
lead to
911
Event
Initiation
Point
Divpatelt
Time
NEPA 1221
PSAP
notifies
etnerTeney
responilv-rs
IIrt>etastting
Interval
NETA, 1710 IFAA 'firm
1FA
Tini
Initial Arriving
Company
arrives
Rponse Tittle
Initial cull
alarm
asiiignment
arrive:.
State law also states that each city shall issue an annual written report that evaluates the level of
service and deployment delivery and response time objectives. The evaluations shall be on data
relating to:
1. Level of service
2. Deployment
3. Achievement of each response time objective for each geographic area within the City.
The annual report shall also define the geographic area and circumstances whenever the
standards were not met and explain the predictable consequences of any deficiencies and
address steps necessary for compliance.
Full copies of the applicable RCWs have been included in an attachment to this memo.
Current Service Levels Provided by Tukwila Fire Department
When service levels provide by the fire department are discussed, the discussion is normally
centered around fire and EMS calls. However, there are other types of calls the fire department
provides services for. The chart below summaries the number of calls, by type over the last few
years.
City of Tukwila Service Area
Severe
Rescue & Hazardous Weather/
Emergency Condition Public Natural
Medical Svc Fire Good Intent False Alarm (no fire) Assistance Other Disaster Total
2014 3491 380 398 609 101 137 29 1 5146
2015 3747 379 539 605 97 148 37 3 5555
2016 4057 317 475 631 118 123 28 3 5752
2017 4083 299 469 713 106 145 32 4 5851
2018 4045 313 487 606 86 145 35 0 5717
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
In late 2017. the reporting system was changed for EMS calls from Fine RM8 to EGO for EMS
calls. In Fire RN18, response time stopped when the unit arrived on scene. On scene means
arriving atthe site, not the patient. With ES{].response time stops when the crew arrives atthe
side ofthe patient. Because Ufthe change insystems and the change inwhen the response time
is oonlp|eted. EMS oo|| response Urneo are only provided through 3017. A new dotauetfor
comparison purposes will start with 2O18.
Because EMS and fire calls account for 75% of the call volume, the discussion on response times
will be focused on these two calls types.
From 2014 through 2018 average response times for fire calls has been 5 minutes and 57
seconds. Average response times for EMS calls, 204-207has been slightly less at5minutes
and 40seconds. The following tables show average response times by type of incident, by year.
Aenoted inthe table, average response time for fire calls declined in2017and again in2O18.
However, response times for EMS calls increased slightly in 2017.
Fire EMS
2014 0l05:54 0:05:36
2015 8:05:57 0:05j56
2016 0IK6:06 0:05:29
2017 0:05:55 0:05:40
2018 0:05:51 -
Avg. for all years 0:05:57 0:05:40
While the average raaponseUnneforbothfineandEK8SoaUsio|eoathan0rninutesforthe5-vaar
period analyzed, not all calls have o response time of less than O minutes. Another way tV look
at the data is to look at what percentage of call response time is less than a specific standard.
The following charts provide summary information on percentage of response times that are less
than orequal toOminutes. Charts are provided for both fire responses and emergency medical
responses from 2014 through 2018. As the chart for fire oa||o indicates, the number of fire
responses within O minutes has been increasing. HUvveVer, the number of EMS oa||o with
response times within the Gminutes has declined ebit.
36
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 5
64.00%
62.00%
60.00%
58.00%
56.00%
54.00%
52.00%
50.00%
70.00%
68.00%
66.00%
64.00%
62.00%
60.00%
58.00%
56.00%
54.00%
52.00%
50.00%
55.97%
Fire
2014
65.49%
EMS
2014
%<=6 min on Fires
55.41%
Fire
2015
55.66%
Fire
2016
%<=6 min on EMS
67.01%
EMS
2015
59.87%
68.08%
EMS
2016
Fire
2017
61.64%
Fire
2018
66.14%
EMS
2017
37
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 6
By measuring response times within an 8-minute window, significantly more fire and EMS calls
are within an 8-minute time frame. The following charts demonstrate that more than 80% of all
fire and EMS calls have response times of 8 or less minutes.
90.00%
88.00%
86.00%
84.00%
82.00%
80.00%
78.00%
76.00%
74.00%
72.00%
70.00%
90.00%
88.00%
86.00%
84.00%
82.00%
80.00%
78.00%
76.00%
74.00%
72.00%
70.00%
86.74%
Fire
2014
88.20%
EMS
2014
%<=8 min on Fires
85.22%
Fire
2015
87.11%
Fire
2016
88.63%
%<=8 min on EMS
89.04%
EMS
2015
88.76%
EMS
2016
Fire
2017
88.36%
Fire
2018
87.88%
EMS
2017
At a future meeting, comparison data on response times to other fire jurisdictions will be
presented.
Public Duty Doctrine
38
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 7
Under the public duty doctrine, when a city'sd ksowed tothe public adlarge (such as general
fire suppression and inspection . an individual who is injured by on alleged breach of that
duty has novalid claim against the City Vrits 'officer or employees. There are certain exceptions
tothe public duty doctrine, such mnincases where a special relationship iacreated (such aawhen
enofficer oremployee makes direct assurances toemember ofthe public under circumstances
where the person justifiably relies on those assurances); or when an officer or employee, such as
a building official, knows about an inherently dangerous condition, has a duty to correct it (i.e. law
says that the City "shall" correct the condition), and fails to perform that duty. Taylor v. Stevens
County, |ngeneral, however, governmental entity
will not be |iah|8 to a private party for failure to perform duties that that are owed solely to the
general public (a duty toall is a duty to no one).
New and Updated Information for Auqust12,2O19
At the July 22, 2019 Finance Committee meeting, staff was asked to provide service level
information qo\nqback aofar ae2OD5. The foUovvngchart show number ofcalls, broken out bY
type, from 2OO5throuQh2O1O. The chart iofollowed byqnophica representation cfthe different
types ofcalls over the same time period.
City of Tukwila Service Area
Severe
Rescue & Hazardous Weather/
Condition Public � � atural
Medical Svc Fire Good Intent False Alarm (no fire) Assistance Other Disaster Tots I
169 767 um 11 4932
2006 3097 wm pm om
2007 301um oso m^
uuou a000 oru ma rno
2009 3111 289 aoo sya
2010 oo*o xou 284 sso
2011 32*5 zos ezo sca
2012 3386 znV cwo 551
2013 3267 270 aos 610
2014 3*91 000 mm *oo
2015 3747 379 53e 000
2016 ^Onr 317 oro e31
2017 4083 299 *ne 713
2018 4045 313 487 Vcm
140 142 te
145 im 79
104 144 113
ma 129 81
oo 1m ss
106 118 56
76 132 m
1m 137 29
97 148 37
118 123 28
106 145 32
86 145 oo
The first graph demonstrates that calls for emerqencymedical services has been inc over
time. From 2005throUQh 2015. the increase was fairly Ormdu8|. However, 2014thnouqh2016
shows aoiqnifiomntincrease each year, then |evdinq off after 2O10.
39
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 8
4,300
4,100
3,900
3,700
3,500
3,300
3,100
2,900
2,700
2,500
Rescue & Emergency Medical Svc
Rescue & Emergency Medical Svc
Calls for fire do show o slight trend upwards while oeUo for hazardous conditions are trending
o|iqhUy lower over time.
Fire and Hazardous Conditions
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
GO
O
Fire ~---o--- Hazardous Condition ---^Uneor(Fire) ---, (Hazardous Condition
The final chart qnaphioa||ydiopdaymthe ch8nqmover time for non-anlmrgenoiea While the number
offalse alarms iotrending down oUqht|y,the total number offalse alarm responses still averages
around 1396oftotal call volume. Calls classified aegood intent are trending u,pvvardoover time.
8onnmVMe thinks there* is an ennerqency and does the right thing by calling 911 but when unavvs
arriVe, there is no ennenJency. An example of this type of call would be a report of smoke but
turns out to not be o fire. Public assistance co||o differ from good intent in that a person does not
have on ennarqency but calls 911 fOr'meoietmnce. Crews have been dispatched to shut off water
and pump out excess water when 8resident experiences mplumbing problem.
40
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 9
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Good Intent, False Alarms, Public Assistance, Other
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Good Intent
Severe Weather/
Natural Disaster, Other
False Alarm
Public Assistance
Linear (Good Intent) Linear (False Alarm)
In addition to historical data on types of calls, the following table shows changes in average
response time over the same time period.
Year
Fire EMS
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Avg. for all years
0:06:17 0:05:33
0:05:45 0:05:44
0:05:50 0:05:32
0:05:54 0:05:43
0:06:03 0:05:46
0:06:10 0:06:04
0:06:16 0:05:46
0:06:15 0:05:44
0:06:22 0:05:45
0:05:54 0:05:36
0:05:57 0:05:56
0:06:06 0:05:29
0:05:55 0:05:40
0:05:51
0:06:03 0:05:43
While the average response time for both fire and EMS calls is less than 6 minutes for the period
analyzed, not all calls have a response time of less than 6 minutes. Another way to look at the
data is to look at what percentage of call response time is Tess than a specific standard.
The following charts provide summary information on percentage of response times that are Tess
than or equal to six minutes and less than or equal to eight minutes for the same time period.
Charts are provided for both fire responses and emergency medical responses. In all four charts,
41
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 10
the number of calls within the time period specified is trending up, demonstrating that response
times are improving over time.
90%
88%
86%
84%
82%
80%
78%
76%
74%
72%
70%
88.25%
82.38%
%<=8 min on Fires
85.71%
85.12%
. 8M? .. ......
87.29%
88.63%88.38%
86.74%85.22%
83.21%87.11
83.68% %
••••••••,....." ............ ..... .....
80.14%
Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
90%
88%
86%
84%
82%
80%
78%
76%
74%
72%
70%
87.81%
86.55%
89.00%
%<=8 min on EMS
89.04% 88.76%
88.20% 87.88%
86.58% 85'71% 85.73% 86.49% 86.47% 87.27%
EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
42
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 11
70%
65%
59.89%
60%
55%
50.00%
50%
45%
40%
62.86%
59.93%
%<=6 min on Fires
57.09% 56.27%
55.97% 55.41% 55.66%
61.64%
59.87%
43.90%
50.75%
Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
70%
69%
68%
67%
66%
65%
64%
63%
62%
61%
60%
63.63%
63.92%
66.61%
%<=6 min on EMS
64.00% .W•
61.76% 62.09%
61.23%
61.27%
60.49%
65.49%
68.08%
67.01% 1C
66.14%
EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS EMS
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
RECOMMENDATION
For information only
43
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 12
ATTACHMENTS
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.92 Fire Departments — Performance Measures:
Attachment A: RCW 35A.92.010: Intent
Attachment B: RCW 35A.92.020: Definitions
Attachment C: RCW 35A.92.030: Policy Statement — Service Delivery Objectives
Attachment D: RCW 35A.92.040: Annual Evaluations — Annual Report
44
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
PaOef3
Attachment A: RCVV35A.92.010:|nh*nt
R[VV 35A.9)2.010
The legislature intends for code cities toset standards for addressing the reporting and
accountability ofsubstantially career fire departments, and to specify performance measures
applicable 10response time objectives for certain major serxices.Tha|egislatureacknow|edgeS
the efforts of the international city/county management association, the international
association offire chiefs, and the national fire protection association for the organization and
deployment of resources for fire departments. The arrival of first responders with automatic
external defibrillator capability before the onset of brain death, and the arrival of adequate fire
suppression resources before flash -over is a critical event during the mitigation of an
emergency, and isinthe public's best interest` For these reasons, this chapter contains
performance measures, comparable to that research, relating to the organization and
deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and special
operations by substantially career fire departments. This chapter does not, and is not intended
to, in any way modify or limit the authority of code cities to set levels of service.
45
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 14
/\ttaohrMentB: RCVV35/\S2.O2O:Definitions
RCVV3SA.92.O2O
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly
requires otherwise.
(1) "Advanced life support" means functional provision of advanced airway
management, including intubation, advanced cardiac monitoring, manual clefibrillation,
establishment and maintenance of intravenous access, and drug therapy.
(3) ''Aircraft rescue and firefighting" means the firefighting actions taken to rescue
persons and to control or extinguish fire involving or adjacent to aircraft on the ground.
(3) "Brain death" as defined by the American heart association means the irreversible
death ofbrain cells that begins four tosix minutes after cardiac arrest.
(4) "Code city" means a code city that provides fire protection services, which may
include firefighting actions, emergency medical services, and other special operations, in a
specified geographic area.
(5) "Fire departnnent" means a code city fire department responsible for firefighting
actions, emergency medical services, and other special operations in a specified geographic
area. The department must beasubstantially career fire department, and not asubstantially
volunteer fire department.
(5) "Fire suppression" means the activities involved in controlling and extinguishing fires.
(7) ''First responder" means rnean5 provision of initial assessment and basic first -aid
intervention, including cardiac pulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator
capability.
(8) "Flash -over" as defined by national institute of standards and technology means
when all combustibles inaroom burst into flame and the fire spreads rapidly.
(9)"Marine rescue and firefighting" means the firefighting actions taken toprevent,
control, or extinguish fire involved in or adjacent to a marine vessel and the rescue actions for
occupants using |normal and emergency routes for egress.
(1O)"Response time" means the time immediately following the turnout time that
begins when units are enroute tothe emergency incident and ends when units arrive atthe
scene.
(11) "Special operations" means those emergency incidents to which the fire
department responds that require specific and advanced training and specialized tools and
equipment.
(12) "Turnout time" means the time beginning when units receive notification of the
emergency tothe beginning point ofresponse time.
46
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 15
/\ttachrnerdC: RCW35A.92.O3O: Policy Statement — Service Delivery Objectives
R[yV35A.92.D3O
Policy statennent--Service delivery objectives,
(1) Every code city shall maintain a written statement or policy that establishes the
following:
(a)The existence ofafire department;
(b) Services that the fire department is required to provide;
(c)The basic organizational structure ofthe fire department;
(d) The expected number offire department employees; and
(e)Functions that fire department employees are expected toperform.
(2) Every code city shall include service delivery objectives in the written statement or
policy required under subsection (1) of this section. These objectives shall include specific
response time objectives for the following major service components, if appropriate:
(a) Fire suppression;
(b) Emergency medical services;
(c)Special operations;
/d\Aircraft rescue and firefighting;
(e) Marine rescue and firefighting; and
/8VVj|d|and firefighting.
/3A Every code city, in order to measure the ability to arrive and begin mitigation
operations before the critical events of brain death orf|ash-over, shall establish time objectives
for the following measurements:
(a) Turnout time;
(b) Response time for the arrival of the first arriving engine company at a fire
suppression incident and response time for the deployment of a full first alarm assignment at a
fire suppression incident;
(c) Response time for the arrival of a unit with first responder or higher level capability
at an emergency medical incident; and
(d) Response time for the arrival of an advanced life support unit at an emergency
medical incident, where this service is provided by the fire department.
(4) Every code city shall also establish a performance objective of not less than ninety
percent for the achievement ofeach response time objective established under subsection (3)
of this section.
47
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 16
Attachment D: RCW 35A.92.040: Annual Evaluations — Annual Report
R[VV35A.92.O4O
Annual evaluations —Annual report.
(1) Every code city shall evaluate its level of service and deployment delivery and
response time objectives on an annual basis. The evaluations shall be based on data relating to
level of service, deployment, and the achievement of each response time objective in each
geographic area within the code city's'urisdiction.
(2) Beginning in3OO7,everycodecitysha||issueanannua|vvrittenreportvvh|chsha||be
based onthe annual evaluations required by subsection /1l of this section.
(a) The annual report shall define the geographic areas and circumstances in which the
requirements ofthis standard are not being met.
(b) The annual report shall explain the predictable consequences of any deficiencies and
address the steps that are necessary toachieve compliance.
48