Adopt Resolution #19-017 to Hire Paid-on-call Firefighters

The purpose of this case is to request authorization to hire three Paid-on-call Firefighters in order to bring each of the three Fire Department stations to within acceptable staffing levels.  

Station Staffing Capacity
Station #1 / 20 Firefighters
Station #2 / 20 Firefighters
Station #3 / 15 Firefighters

A firefighter recruitment was conducted, followed by interviews, background checks, reference checks, physical agility tests, work-style assessments, pre-employment physicals, and drug screens. At this time, three candidates have successfully passed the requirements to become city of Ramsey Paid-on-call Firefighters. All eligible candidates will be subject to a 1-year probationary period.

Option #1:   To hire Mr. Cody House, Mr. Andrew Nelson and Mr. Luke Niemela as Paid-on-call Firefighters, in order to continue to provide the necessary public safety responses to the City of Ramsey and the City of Nowthen.

Option #2:  Not moving ahead with hiring replacement Paid-on-call Firefighters at this time.  Staff does not recommend this option due to the risk of reduced public safety services and the risk of losing a qualified applicant pool and resources spent thus far.

The funding to hire the above mentioned firefighters is included in the 2019 budget and per the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Nowthen, the City will be reimbursed for a portion of the salaries to station #3, if applicable. 

Staff recommends hiring Mr. Cody House, Mr. Andrew Nelson and Mr. Luke Niemela as Paid-on-call Firefighters at $14.50 per hour effective January 9, 2019.

Motion to approve resolution #19-017 hiring Mr. Cody House, Mr. Andrew Nelson and Mr. Luke Niemela as Paid-on-call Firefighters at $14.50 per hour effective on or near January 9, 2019.