Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alameda Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA) and the City of Alameda for the period of November 1, 2015 through December 18, 2021. (Human Resources 2510)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John A. Russo, City Manager
Re: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alameda Fire Chiefs Association and the City of Alameda for the period of November 1, 2015 through December 18, 2021
BACKGROUND
Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), also known as lifetime medical benefits for public safety employees are one of the two most critical financial issues facing the City. In 2012, in an effort to address this looming and growing financial liability, the City Manager appointed a Task Force to study the issue and develop recommendations for consideration by the City Council. The Task Force included individuals with a wide range of publicly held positions including the City Treasurer and Auditor, several community members, both the Police and Fire Chiefs, the Presidents of the Police and Fire Unions, the Human Resources Director and the Assistant City Manager. After many meetings, the Task Force submitted its recommendations to the City Council, though no formal direction was given to staff at the time. A copy of the Task Force report is attached as Exhibit 1.
In July 2013, staff again provided the City Council with an update to the OPEB situation and recommended that at a minimum, a financial Trust be set up to begin pre-funding the benefit. A copy of this staff report is attached as Exhibit 2. The Trust was created in early 2014 with an initial deposit of $300,000. The City Council also provided direction to the City Manager to begin informal discussions with the Public Safety Associations to develop shared solutions to the problem. Those discussions began in earnest shortly thereafter.
On September 2, 2014, staff...
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