March 13, 2006

TO:    Mayor Potter

   Commissioner Adams

   Commissioner Leonard

Commissioner Sten

   Commissioner Saltzman

   City Auditor Blackmer

FROM:  Yvonne L. Deckard

Director, Bureau of Human Resources

SUBJECT:  Bureau of Emergency Communications Resolution

The Bureau of Emergency Communications has had long-standing difficulties with the recruitment and retention of a fully staffed, trained workforce to provide the critical services to the citizens of the City of Portland and surrounding communities.

To this end, the City and the Union have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (attached) committing the Bureau of Emergency Communications AFSCME Local 189-2, and the City to a pilot project to determine the causes of this problem, including compensation, work schedules, overtime, quality of work life, quality time away from work, and training. The pilot project will study the best practices of other agencies, as well as other sources, to develop a comprehensive strategy to address staffing needs. Findings and recommendations of the study will be presented to the Commissioner in Charge.

I recommend that the City Council adopt this resolution of support for these efforts.

Attachment

Cc:  T. Grewe

 S. Skites

 L. Turley

 P. Ward