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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alex G. Alexandrou, Chief Administrative Services Officer
Chief John Lehman, Aurora Fire Department
Alisia Lewis, Director of Human Resources
DATE: March 5, 2014
SUBJECT:
Approval of an Organizational Study and Operations Review of the Aurora Fire Department
PURPOSE:
To retain an outside consultant to conduct an evaluation of the organizational structure and operations review of the Aurora Fire Department.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Fire Department has retained outside consultants in the past to conduct a Fire Station Location and Impact Fee study. This would be the first time that a comprehensive and independent third-party evaluation of the department's organizational structure and operations will be conducted. Such a study is recommended to identify and evaluate organizational change options focused on best practices currently available in the fire service. The study will also emphasize short and long term operational and economic impacts for the Fire Department and the City going forward..
DISCUSSION:
The City researched and reviewed five consultants and received proposals from Tri Data, Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI) and McGrath. All three firms are qualified and experienced public safety consultants. All provided their qualifications, references, sample reports and recommendations. Tri Data quoted $55,000, ESCI $29,383 and McGrath $28,785. After further discussion with McGrath, it was determined that they did not have the necessary number of personnel nor sufficient data processing abilities given our current data base to recommend them. After careful review and consideration of all elements required in this study, checking of references and reviewing reports done for other departments , the proposal submitted by ESCI best meets all of the requirements of the study within the required time frame of ninety days and at an acceptable cost of $29,383. There is a possibility that the project cost could be reduced further depending on the use of video conferencing in lieu of some in-person meetings and required travel. Funds for this study will be paid out of Fire Department SHAPE funds, Account#255-3033-422.32-80 (Consulting Fees). This vendor has no outstanding obligations to the City.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact to other departments or general public
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The City Council approves entering into a consulting agreement with ESCI for an Organizational Study and Operations Review of the Aurora Fire Department.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the City to Enter Into a Consulting Agreement with Emergency Services Consulting International ("ESCI") for an Organizational Study and Operations Review of the Aurora Fire Department.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable to conduct an evaluation of the organizational structure and operations review of the Aurora Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the consulting services of Emergency Services Consulting International ("ESCI") best meets all of the requirements of the evaluation and study of the Aurora Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for a personal services agreement with ESCI in the amount of $29,383.00, a copy of said agreement is attached as reference hereto; and
WHEREAS, funds for this evaluation and review shall be paid out of Fire Department SHAPE fund Account #255-3033-422.32-80 (Consulting Fees); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: .The City is hereby authorized to enter into a consulting agreement with ESCI for an Organizational Structure and Operations Review of the Aurora Fire Department.
PASSED AND APPROVED on ______________.
AYES ____ NAYS ____ NOT VOTING ____ ABSENT ____
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Bohman, Ward 1 Alderman Garza, Ward 2
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Mesiacos, Ward 3 Alderman Donnell, Ward 4
____________________________ __________________________
Alderman Peters, Ward 5 Alderman Saville, Ward 6
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Alderman Hart-Burns, Ward 7 Alderman Mervine, Ward 8
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Alderman Bugg, Ward 9 Alderman Johnson, Ward 10
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Alderman Irvin, At Large Alderman O'Connor, At Large
ATTEST:
____________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
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