SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize an increase to purchase order with St. Petersburg College for paramedic classes and as needed citywide training in the amount of $90,493.31, bringing the total amount of the purchase order to $184,504.05, pursuant to Clearwater Cide of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(f) Professional Services not subject to CCNA (Academics) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Clearwater Fire and Rescue (CFR) will be sponsoring a group of 14 Clearwater Fire Department EMTs to attend paramedic school at the St. Petersburg College. This decision is in response to the critical need for qualified paramedics in our community. The paramedic school program spans three semesters, including Paramedic I, Paramedic II, and Paramedic III. Each student will be required to attend lecture and lab classes, creating a comprehensive curriculum. Classes are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Notably, Tuesday classes mirror Monday, and Thursday classes mirror Wednesday, ensuring that no overtime is incurred by attending paramedic school as personnel can attend on their days off.
Throughout this comprehensive training, students will undergo essential hands-on clinical experiences both in the hospital and in the field. This hands-on approach ensures a well-rounded education, preparing our personnel to meet the dynamic challenges of emergency medical services.
St. Petersburg College has generously offered to host an additional cohort, beginning on January 16, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sending 14 personnel for the upcoming Paramedic School Semester One/Semester Two. This collaboration underscores the shared dedication to enhancing emergency medical services within Clearwater. We extend our sincere gratitude to St. Petersburg College for their support, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact the 14 newly trained paramedics will have on the safety and well-being of our community.
CFR has already allocated funds for Phase I. Additional funding in the amount of $40,493.31 is needed to cover Phase II ($28,984.54) and Phase III ($11,508.77) of the training requirements.
Note: One of the 14 personnel attending paramedic school will be paid for by the military, excluding books. The student is working with the Veterans Affair Counselor on the tuition expense.
In addition, CFR is required to purchase the books through the SPC bookstore with Barnes & Noble Educations, Inc. which is expected to cost $12,192.70.
The city has allocated $94,010.74 this FY for training. With the additional tuition expenses for CFR ($40,493.31) and additional funding needed for Clearwater Police ($25K) and citywide ($25K) training, the total amount needed in FY24 is $184,504.05.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this purchase order is available in the general fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Through training and engagement, we are committed to superior public service. We encourage professional development through employee educational opportunities, skills-based training, and leadership succession planning.
