September 30, 1999

 To:Policy and Finance Committee

From:Chief Administrative Officer

Subject:Feasibility of Phase II Review of Fire Service

 Purpose:

This report comments on the Feasibility of a Phase II review of Fire Service's business processes, operations and practices.

Financial Implications:

There are no financial implications for the current year with respect to this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) a Phase II review of Fire Service's business processes, operations and practices not be considered until after the Fire Service has resolved three key issues, including the implementation of the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study, the achievement of a single collective agreement for fire service staff and a remedial strategy for the current levels of absenteeism; and

(2)the necessary City officials be authorized to give effect thereto.

Council Reference:

On July 27, 1999, City Council adopted a joint report from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief entitled "Staffing Requirements - Toronto Fire Services", as amended. As part of this report, City Council approved the recommendation that:

the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer be requested to report to the Policy and Finance Committee on the feasibility of a Phase II review of Fire Service's business processes, operations, and practices in an effort to streamline services supporting front line firefighters and thereby permitting redeployment of resources.

Discussion:

During the amalgamation of Fire Services, the consulting firm of KPMG was retained by the City of Toronto to complete the Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study. This study was a stand alone review focused on the overall objective of identifying efficiencies and cost savings in facilities while ensuring continued excellence in Fire and Ambulance Services in the future. The study was intended to: determine the most appropriate plan for fire station locations and apparatus reallocation to provide appropriate emergency protection; to examine opportunities for co-locating Ambulance and Fire Services. The study was strictly a facilities study. An operational review of Fire and Ambulance Services or a review of adequate and appropriate human resources for the delivery of Fire and Ambulance Services was not part of the terms of reference for this study.

The results of the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Facilities were reviewed by the Emergency and Protective Services Committee on April 12, 1999. Among other recommendations, this Committee requested that the Fire Chief and the General Manager of Ambulance Services review the KPMG study and prepare an implementation plan. It was also recommended that a community consultation process on the findings of the report be undertaken. City Council received a status update on the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Study at its meeting on May 11, 1999.

A joint report by the Fire Chief and the General Manager of Ambulance Services will be presented for community consultation at the October 12/13, 1999 Community Council meetings; this report is subsequently scheduled for presentation to the Community Services Committee on November 4, 1999 and City Council on December 14, 15, and 16, 1999.

Apart from the KPMG study, there are a number of other crucial issues which the Fire Service has been asked to address. These include:

Lack of a single collective agreement for Fire Services Staff: in the absence of a single collective agreement, redeployment of staff between the various former municipalities is severely impeded.

Current levels of absenteeism: The Fire Chief, in conjunction with Human Resources, has been asked to report to the Policy and Finance Committee with a plan and monitoring system that would reduce the current levels of absenteeism within the Fire Service. A report on a corporate attendance management system is expected in December this year. This report may have a substantial impact on the strength and establishment of staffing in the Fire Service.

These three issues - implementation plan of the KPMG Fire and Ambulance Facilities Study, a single collective agreement and a remedial strategy for current level of absenteeism, will significantly influence the organizational structure, staffing levels and operational practices of the Fire Service. It is thus recommended that these issues be successfully resolved prior to conducting a review of the Fire Service's business practices, operations and practices. In this manner, the Fire Service will be in a better position to formulate key questions and issues as the primary focus of an operational review. This way, an operational review will contribute to the effective and efficient operation of the Fire Service in a more constructive manner and can add significant value to enhanced operational practices.

Conclusion:

This report recommends that a Phase II review of the Fire Service's business processes, operations and practices be deferred until such time as the Fire Service has successfully resolved the three identified crucial issues. This report has been prepared in consultation with the Finance Department, the Commissioner of Works & Emergency Services and the Fire Chief.

 Contact Name:

Judy Broughton392-8393

Hilda Briks392-9176

Michael R. Garrett

Chief Administrative Officer