For City Council Meeting [January 23, 2018]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Robb R. Steel, Interim City Administrator
FROM: Sean Grayson, Fire Chief
Title
Request City Council to Approve an increase of $15,000 to Ballard & Ballard Investigations Purchase Order No. 2018-0145 for a total of $30,000 for background investigations associated with the recruitment and retention of Paramedics and Emergency Management Technicians (EMT) for the newly implemented Ambulance Operator Program.
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BACKGROUND:
The Fire Department's Ambulance Operator Program employs paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to provide emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured. As part of the recruitment process, the City is required to conduct pre-employment background investigations on potential employees. Due to the complexity of these investigations and the time commitment associated with them, the City hires professional contractors to complete the investigations and provide a comprehensive report used to determine each candidate's suitability for the position.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Prior to hiring any public servant, the City conducts a pre-employment background investigation on applicants to ensure that the candidate is prepared to uphold the level of honesty and character required of the position. The standard for public safety background investigations is high and requires significant time and effort.
Staff selected Ballard & Ballard Investigations to conduct the pre-employment backgrounds. Staff made this selection in accordance with Rialto Municipal Code Section 2.48.440 which allows for a selection based on experience with a firm in executing similar contracts, and the experience and training of key personnel in the firm. The Fire Department has used Ballard & Ballard Investigations for the last 7 years, which included 10 recruitments for 31 positions. The Fire Department has been pleased with Ballard & Ballard Investigations...
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