Agenda

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Finance Committee

Meeting Date:	02/11/2020
FROM:	Bill Gallardo

Subject:

Agreement for Fire Investigator Services with the City of Anaheim

RECOMMENDATION

Authorize an agreement with the City of Anaheim for fire investigator services by the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department on an as-needed basis.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

Fire scene investigation is typically handled at the lowest levels, and escalated as necessary. Engine company Captains will make an attempt to determine cause without requesting an investigator, if possible. Only when the cause is uneasily determined, will an investigator be relied upon.

Brea Fire Department has established a fire investigation program with much success. However, with only one qualified investigator in our department, we anticipate potential for more than one fire needing to be being investigated at a time. An agreement for outside fire investigator services through Anaheim Fire & Rescue would provide additional resources on an "as-needed" basis. In addition, our investigator is a non-sworn "cause & origin" only investigator, whereas Anaheim Fire & Rescue Investigators have both "cause & origin" capability, as well as full peace officer training, status and enforcement powers for criminal follow through, if necessary.

SUMMARY/FISCAL IMPACT

Staff recommends an agreement with the City of Anaheim for outside fire investigator services to provide additional resources on an as-needed basis. While there is potential for the use of these services, we do not anticipate a great need for an outside investigator based on current fire response data analysis. Therefore, we anticipate the General Fund impact being no greater than $3,500 for the remaining FY 2019-20. Future costs are estimated not to exceed $5,000 each fiscal year. There are funds available in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 General Fund Adopted Budget.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED

William Gallardo, City Manager
Prepared by: Chris Nigg, Fire Division Chief
Concurrence: Adam Loeser, Fire Chief

Attachments
Agreement