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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem A - Airport Fire ServiceEUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Service Delivery Meeting Date: June 23, 2004 Agenda Item Number: A Department: Public Works/Airport Staff Contact: Kurt Corey www. ci. eugette, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5241 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY This is a work session for the City Council to discuss Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) service delivery at the Eugene Airport and to further discuss whether the City Manager has the authority to select a service delivery model that is different from the current arrangement with Eugene Fire and EMS. BACKGROUND Council Action History There has been no prior City Council action on this item. Policy Issues The policy questions before the City Council are: 1. Does the City Manager have the discretionary authority to select an ARFF service delivery model that is different from the current arrangement with Eugene Fire and EMS? 2. Does the City Council wish to provide direction to the City Manager on the provision of ARFF service at the Eugene Airport? Council Goals This issue relates to the City Council goals of"fair, stable and adequate financial resources" and "a safe community where people feel secure and respected." Financial and/or Resource Considerations The City Manager and his staff are charged with delivering services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Limiting the manager's options to meet this charge may result in higher costs and/or other economic consequences. Other Background Information The mission of the Eugene Airport is to support quality airport facilities and services that meet the community's needs and expectations for air service in a safe, secure and cost-efficient manner. The Airport's ability to control its operating expenses directly affects airline rates and charges, which are significant factors in the Airport's ability to provide air service in a highly competitive environment. Air service is vital to the region's economic vitality. The current cost of ARFF service is a significant financial consideration. Staff is in the process of evaluating options for managing ARFF costs as part of a larger budget strategy to reduce the Airport's Landed Weight Rate (LWR) to remain competitive and consistent with other commercial airports in the L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040623\S040623A. doc Northwest. In line with this budget strategy, costs have been reduced in almost all areas of Airport operations, with a specific focus on those expenses affecting the Airport's LWR while remaining in compliance with the FAA's mandated requirements. City management and local representatives of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) are engaged in collective bargaining on various ARFF cost-management options. Although privatization is one option being evaluated, another option is to have IAFF firefighters continue to provide ARFF service while increasing their productivity by reclassifying positions, restructuring some duties, or other potential efficiency improvements. If the ARFF service were privatized, seven full-time firefighting positions would be eliminated from Eugene Fire and EMS. This would not result in the layoff of any existing firefighters because staffing levels would be adjusted through attrition. The standards and requirements for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting services at the Eugene Airport are contained in Federal Administrative Rule Part 139, promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There is no FAA requirement to have a structural fire protection service or special emergency medical services housed at the Airport. If an option were pursued in which Eugene firefighters were not stationed at the Eugene Airport, emergency medical first response would continue to be delivered by the ARFF provider. Employees would be required to hold a Basic State of Oregon Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification as a job requirement. Advanced life support transport will continue to be provided by the Lane Rural Fire/Rescue District, which has been designated as the Ambulance Service Area (ASA) provider for the area that includes the Airport. The Airport has an excellent record in terminal and flight safety and has performed very well in FAA certification and security audits. In the evaluation and/or implementation of cost-saving procedures, the Airport and City management are committed to preserving a high level of safety in all areas, including airfield operations, fire services, police services, and other important services to airport customers. The Airport contracts for a number of services, including security services provided by private firms. Other City departments contract public safety services, including the Library, the Hult Center, and Municipal Court. Ail of these contract arrangements have been directed by the City Manager. On May 22, 2004, the Eugene Budget Committee voted 8-6 to restore funding to the Fire/EMS Department for ARFF service, effectively increasing the FY05 budget allocation for ARFF service by approximately $225,000. The budget recommendation does not preclude the implementation of ARFF service alternatives that are within the budgeted appropriation. Timing The timing of the resolution of this question may have an effect on negotiations with the IAFF and with commercial airlines on LWR. OPTIONS The council has at least two options, including: 1. Affirm that the city manager has the authority to determine the best service delivery system for ARFF service at the Eugene Airport. 2. Direct the city manager not to change the ARFF service delivery system at the Airport. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040623\S040623A. doc STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Option 1. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to affirm that the City Manager has the authority to determine the best service delivery system for providing ARFF service at the Eugene Airport. ATTACHMENTS A. Letter from Steven F. Dwiggins, Manager Airport Affairs for SkyWest Airlines, dated February 13, 2003 FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Kurt Corey Telephone: 682-5241 Staff E-Mail: kurt. a. corey~ci, eugene, or.us L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040623\S040623A. doc 06/14/04 M0N 13:57 FAX 541 682 6838 EUGENE AIRPORT ..~ ATTACHMENT A est ' February ]3, 2003 'F£8 1 8 2003 Mr. Jim Carlson City Manager Pro Tem : City of Eugene 777 Pearl Street · ' Eugene, OK 974o~ Dear Mr. Carlsom My name is Steve Dwiggln.~ and I am the Ma.n. ager Airport Affairs for SkyWest Airlines, wMch operates as United Express at the. Eugene Airport. In this capacity I work with airport administrations-and other airlines, to" ensure airports are operated at the Mghest standard for the most reasonable cos~ poss~le~ Like I~n Stevens at Horizon Air, I have worked with the Eugene airport administration for many' years and have become 'increasingly concerned as the rates and charges have escalated year ove~ year. United Airlines departure from Eugene has exacerbated the problem with the airport proposing' rates and charges at levels seen at much larger airports. The proposed $3.oo+ landing feeis on a magnitude 'with that charged at Seattle/Tacoma and is even Mgher than Portland's. The airline industry continues to ask airports to control and where possible decrease costs, as we are being forced to do to stay in business. However, SkyWest wants to emphasize that safety and security issues are not negotiable and must never be compromised in the name of control!~ng costs. At Eugene, four areas continue to 'dominate our negotiations for possible cost reductions. They are l) Admini._e~a. tion; 2) Securi~, 3) ARFF; and 4) C~ntral · Service Allocation. As we have reviewed: the airport', s financial budgets, these categories have seen extraordinary increases. I am convinced that the Airport Manager has made .the tough decisions necessary to reduce expenses in the Administration and Security categorie~ while mainlining viability in each area. I understand that ARFF and Central Service 'AllOCation charges are areas under y0ur juri:s~.-efi.-on.. ' What is of particular' concern to the airlines year'after year is the ever-inereaMng costs of ARFF, It is my understanding that the proposed ARFF in~, as reflected in the landing fee, will make Eugene one 'of the most expensive compared to airports of similar si~. In the industry's current financial crisis I would Suggest that it is time to look at ways to lower thi.~ cost component without compromising r~rviee or safety. The airlines encourage you ~o work with the Airport Manager to find ways to deliver ARFF services at a cost and effi¢ienc~ which wil. 1 return the landing fee to industry standards while maintaining the required servie~ levels. ~4~/~outh R/wr Road St. G~orb~ Utah 8,179O 06/14/04 M0N 13:58 FAX 541 682 6838 EUGENE AIRPORT ~ PW ADMIN ~003 February ~3, 2003 Mr. Jim Carlson Page Two The airlines continue to debate W~th the airport Manager the amount charged to the airlines for CS~ We understand the Manager's position that the rates are a legal and fair allocation based on services rendered. However, I respectfully .. request the City to closely review all charges allocated to the airport with the objective of helping return Eugene's rates and charges back in line with airports of similar'size. With the City about to start, the'budgeting process for FYo4, I strongly urge you to take this Opportunity to findways to lower rates and charges at the airport. Thanks for your understanding in thi.~ critical matter and sho .uld you have any .. further questions or concerns Please. do not hesitate in calling me at 435-634- 3426~ ~even F. Dwiggins Bob lqoble, AirpOrt Manager Ken ~evens, Horizon Air Hal Fahrenbruch, Mesa Air Group'