FRANKLIN FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION LOCAL 3758 2023 CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONAIRE

By answering these campaign questions, you will provide necessary information for our organization to properly endorse candidates who we feel will best serve the City of Franklin’s citizens, employees, and visitors. Please feel free to attach a separate sheet with your answers or email an electronic copy. Please provide all necessary information so we may contact you through US mail, website, email and/or telephone and if you have a campaign manager, please provide their information as well. Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

GENERAL

1. Please tell us about yourself and about any groups or organizations you are involved within Franklin. Please explain to us your platform of your campaign and your goals of becoming an Alderman.

    

   BK Muvvala is a dedicated family man with a vision for a brighter Franklin future based on Franklin City Citizens. As a happily married man, I cherish the unwavering support of my beautiful wife, Raji Muvvala, who excels as an IT QA Engineer at BMI. Together, we take pride in nurturing our two sons, each pursuing their dreams.
   
   The elder son, Dr. Mohan Muvvala, stands as a testament to BK's commitment to education and entrepreneurship. As a doctor and entrepreneur, Dr. Mohan exemplifies the values instilled in him by his father.
   
   The younger son, Madhav BK, currently in the tenth grade, aspires to become a doctor, inspired by the compassion and determination shown by his family.

   Member of Christ United Methodist Church, at Franklin

   BK Muvvala is a passionate and dedicated leader who has a vision for the future of Franklin City. He wants to make Franklin City a more inclusive, clean, and prosperous community for everyone. He has experience in public service, business, and education, and He knows how to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives

   BK Muvvala is a successful entrepreneur, a compassionate leader, a dedicated servant, a candidate who has experience in running businesses, nonprofits, and volunteer organizations. BK Muvvala is the most eligible candidate that Franklin City deserve as a leader and a visionary who listens to the people, works for people’s best interests and is capable of bringing a positive difference in Franklin City community

   BK Muvvala has a dream, a belief, and a big picture for Franklin inspired by Franklinites. He wants to serve, embrace, and uplift the Franklin community .BK wants to address the challenges of sewage, flooding, clean drinking water, preservation, sustainability growth, transportation, city staff benefits & remunerations and traffic congestion. BK will work with BOMA and state to offer incentives, tax breaks, relax zoning rules, engage big tech, clean and big businesses, and revitalize neighborhoods

    

   Do you feel an endorsement from the Franklin Firefighters Association Local 3758 is important? If you would like an endorsement from this organization, what would you expect from us?

2. BK Muvvala: Yes, I believe an endorsement from the Franklin Firefighters Association Local 3758 is important. The firefighters of Franklin are highly respected members of the community, and their endorsement would carry a lot of weight with voters. It would show that I have the support of a vital public safety organization, and it would also demonstrate my commitment to the safety of our community.

   I would request to seek an endorsement from the Franklin Firefighters Association Local 3758, I would be interested to meet with your leadership and discuss my vision for the future of Franklin. I would also be prepared to answer any questions you have about my experience, qualifications, and commitment to public service.

   I believe that I would be a strong advocate for the firefighters of Franklin, and I would work tirelessly to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I would also be committed to working with the firefighters to address the challenges facing our community, such as increasing crime and traffic congestion.

   I believe that an endorsement from the Franklin Firefighters Association Local 3758 would be a valuable asset to my campaign, and I would be honored to have support of your esteemed organization

   Here are some specific things I would expect from the Franklin Firefighters Association Local 3758 in exchange for their endorsement:

   • I would meet with their leadership on a regular basis to discuss the needs of the fire department and the community.
   • I would work towards supporting legislation that is beneficial to firefighters, such as increased funding for training and equipment.
   • I would work to improve the working conditions for firefighters, such as reducing the number of hours they work per shift.
   • I would be a strong advocate for firefighters in the media and in public forums.

   I believe that these are just a few of the ways that I can show my commitment to the firefighters of Franklin and earn their endorsement.

   BUDGET

3. In years past the Board of Mayor and Aldermen were given a redacted budget that was presented by the City Administrator and his team in lieu of the complete budget that was provided by the Fire Chief. In our most recent budget process, current Board of Mayor and Aldermen recognized this issue and demanded the entire fire department budget be presented so that full and accurate decisions could be made. Would you support this trend in upcoming budgets, and would you support reviewing the needs of the fire department from our subject matter expert, the Fire Chief?

   BK Muvvala: Yes, I would support this trend in upcoming budgets. I believe that the Board of Mayor and Aldermen should have all of the information they need to make informed decisions about the fire department budget. The fire chief is the subject matter expert on the fire department, and his budget should be the one that is presented to the board.

   I am concerned that in the past, the city administrator and his team have redacted the fire department budget in order to make it look smaller than it actually is. This has made it difficult for the board to make the necessary investments in the fire department to ensure that it is properly funded and staffed.

   I believe that the fire department is a vital public safety organization, and it is important that it has the resources it needs to do its job effectively. I would support reviewing the needs of the fire department from the fire chief, and I would work to ensure that the fire department budget is fully funded in upcoming years.

   • Here are some specific things I would do to support the fire department:
   • I would meet with the fire chief on a regular basis to discuss the needs of the fire department and the community.
   • I would support legislation that is beneficial to the fire department, such as increased funding for training and equipment.
   • I would work to improve the working conditions for firefighters, such as reducing the number of hours they work per shift.
   • I would be a strong advocate for the fire department in the media and in public forums.

   I believe that these are just a few of the ways that I can show my support for the fire department and earn the endorsement of the Franklin Firefighters Association Local 3758.

   FIREFIGHTER SALARY/PAY ISSUES

4. Within the Franklin Fire Department, all shift firefighters (all ranks) work accordingly within the FLSA 7k ruling of a 28-day, 212-hour cycle (13 cycles per calendar year), 2,808 hours a year and are required to clock in and out as hourly employees are expected to. All other jobs within the City of Franklin work a 40-hour week which breaks down to 2,080 hours a year. The issue we are seeking resolution to regards the length of a work week for firefighters versus the length of all other city employees prior to receiving overtime compensation. A firefighter’s work week will span 28 days and overtime payments will not be received until a firefighter has “physically” worked 212 hours in that 28-day work week. The reason “physically” was highlighted is especially important and where this issue is. If a firefighter is to take off from work for vacation or sick, they are punished that time as “physically” worked and when they work time above their regular schedule, they do not receive overtime payments until the time off has been fulfilled. Example: A firefighter typically works nine twenty-four-hour shifts in a cycle (13 cycles in a calendar year. The firefighter takes vacation for two twenty-four hour shifts and returns to work. Before the end of the cycle the firefighter is required to work overtime to fulfill the staffing needs of the department and it requires them to work an additional shift beyond their normal schedule. The firefighter will receive only regular pay and not an overtime payment for their work performed. Would you be in support of discussion to research and develop a system that is fair to the city and to the firefighters?

   BK Muvvala: Yes, I would absolutely allow the Franklin Firefighters Association to present a plan to me that would address the issue of fair compensation of specialty skills for firefighters. I believe that it is important to compensate firefighters fairly for the additional training and skills that they obtain.

   I am aware of the 2012 pay study that recommended a plan to compensate firefighters for additional and specialized training. I am also aware that the Franklin Firefighters Association has been bringing this issue up to the Fire Administration and City Administration for over 11 years without any advancement toward resolving it.

   I believe that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Firefighters who obtain specialized training are essential to the safety of our community. They are the ones who are called upon to respond to hazardous materials incidents, rope rescues, and swift water rescues. They need to be compensated fairly for the additional skills and training that they have.

   I would be happy to meet with the Franklin Firefighters Association to discuss their plan to address this issue. I am committed to working with them to find a solution that is fair to the firefighters and to the taxpayers of Franklin.

   Here are some specific things I would do to support the firefighters who obtain specialized training:

   • I would support a plan to compensate firefighters for additional and specialized training that is similar to how police officers with the City of Franklin are compensated.
   • I would work to ensure that firefighters who obtain specialized training are given the opportunity to use those skills on the job.
   • I would work to improve the working conditions for firefighters who obtain specialized training, such as reducing the number of hours they work per shift.
   • I would be a strong advocate for firefighters who obtain specialized training in the media and in public forums.

   I believe that these are just a few of the ways that I can show my support for the firefighters of Franklin and earn their endorsement.

   Recently the Franklin Fire Department has realigned the fire stations with additional duties and training beyond our normal training and response capabilities. This change has designated Station 3 and Station 6 as Hazardous Materials Response, Station 2 and Station 5 as Rope Rescue, and Station 1 and Station 8 as Swift Water Rescue. The firefighters that work at each of these stations are required to obtain certifications beyond their job descriptions to become specialized in these respective fields. In a 2012 pay study conducted by the City of Franklin, it recommended for a plan to be designed to compensate firefighters for these additional and specialized training that would be like how police officers with the City of Franklin are compensated for additional and specialized duties, such as SWAT. Over the last 11 years the Franklin Firefighters Association has continued to bring up this issue to the Fire Administration and City Administration with no advancement toward resolving this issue. Would you allow the Franklin Firefighters Association to present a plan to you that would address this issue for fair compensation of specialty skills for the firefighters who obtain and maintain the competent skill level?

5. BK Muvvala: Dear Franklin Firefighters Association, I am writing to you today to express my support for fair compensation for specialty skills for firefighters. I believe that firefighters who are certified in hazardous materials response, rope rescue, or swift water rescue should be compensated at a higher rate than firefighters who are not certified in these areas.

   I am aware that the Franklin Fire Department has realigned the fire stations with additional duties and training beyond our normal training and response capabilities. This change has designated Station 3 and Station 6 as Hazardous Materials Response, Station 2 and Station 5 as Rope Rescue, and Station 1 and Station 8 as Swift Water Rescue. The firefighters that work at each of these stations are required to obtain certifications beyond their job descriptions to become specialized in these respective fields.

   I also understand that the Franklin Firefighters Association has been working with the Fire Administration and City Administration for over 11 years to address the issue of fair compensation for specialty skills. I am disappointed that this issue has not yet been resolved.

   I am committed to working with the Franklin Firefighters Association to find a solution to this issue. I believe that we can find a way to compensate firefighters for their additional training and responsibilities in a way that is fair to both firefighters and taxpayers.

   I would be happy to meet with the Franklin Firefighters Association to discuss their plan for fair compensation for specialty skills. I would also be willing to work with the city council to develop a plan that is fair to both firefighters and taxpayers.

   I believe that fair compensation for specialty skills is important for several reasons. First, it helps to attract and retain qualified firefighters. Second, it shows that we value the additional training and responsibilities that firefighters undertake. Third, it helps to ensure that firefighters are properly compensated for the risks that they take.

   I am confident that we can find a solution to this issue that is mutually beneficial to firefighters and taxpayers. I look forward to working with you to make this happen.

   HEALTH CARE

   The City of Franklin currently pays 50% a year for health care premiums for those retirees below the age of 62 (While active duty, the City of Franklin pays 80% a year for health care premiums). After age 62, the City of Franklin allows those retired to stay on the same health care plan as when they were active. Additionally, retirees who are below the age of sixty-two are paying extremely high monthly premiums with deductibles set at $3,000 or higher. The retirement/pension program within the City of Franklin allows those eligible to retire after 25 years of service. Retirees would draw 50% of an average salary of their three consecutive highest paid years of service.

6.  

   Currently, the average life expectancy of firefighters nationwide is 57.6 years of age and cancer is the leading cause of death. Firefighters have a 66% greater chance of developing cancer than other occupations due to the carcinogenic products they are consistently exposed to during their careers. The City of Franklin’s current healthcare plan is unfair to the dedicated firefighters who spend their career devoted to protecting and providing safety to the citizens and City of Franklin.

   Would you support and allow any firefighter that reaches 25 years of service and retired, regardless of age, the option to stay on the current health care plan as when they were an active employee?

   BK Muvvala: Dear Franklin Firefighters Association, I am writing to you today to express my support for allowing firefighters who reach 25 years of service and retire, regardless of age, the option to stay on the current health care plan as when they were an active employee.

   I am aware that the City of Franklin currently pays 50% a year for health care premiums for those retirees below the age of 62. After age 62, the City of Franklin allows those retired to stay on the same health care plan as when they were active. However, retirees who are below the age of sixty-two are paying extremely high monthly premiums with deductibles set at $3,000 or higher.

   I believe that this is unfair to firefighters who have dedicated their careers to protecting and providing safety to the citizens of Franklin. Firefighters have a higher risk of developing cancer and other health problems due to the carcinogenic products they are exposed to during their careers. They deserve to have access to quality health care, regardless of their age.

   I am committed to working with the Franklin Firefighters Association to make this happen. I believe that we can find a way to ensure that all firefighters who have served 25 years have access to quality health care, regardless of their age.

   I would be happy to meet with the Franklin Firefighters Association to discuss this issue further. I would also be willing to work with the city council to develop a plan that is fair to both firefighters and taxpayers.

   I believe that this is an important issue, and I am committed to finding a solution that works for everyone. I look forward to working with you to make this happen.

   RETIREMENT

   In 2017, the City of Franklin changed the pension plan to the state run TCRS program. Prior to this change employees enjoyed a pension plan that had an accrual rate of 2% a year and was a direct benefit plan; however, employees hired prior to 2017 had several different plans from a 25 years of service retirement plan to a plan that required a combination of the employees age and years of service, regardless of the plan all received a 2% accrual rate. With the switch to TCRS in 2017, employees only have an accrual rate of 1.5% and the plan changed to a direct contribution plan. In previous conversations with City Administrator Eric Stuckey, a change of this plan has been discussed and a TCRS+ plan was recommended by Eric. This change of plan would give city employees 70% of their 3-year averaged salary after 30 years of service. This change would be an extremely attractive offer to future employees, and retention of existing employees. We realize that this information we are providing is probably new information to you, and that you cannot make an educated decision on the matter by hearing all sides of the issue and the future impact of the budget. We are only asking, Will you hear out all sides, research, and consider changes like these to improve our ability to recruit, and retain firefighters?

7.  

   BK Muvvala: Dear Franklin Firefighters Association, Thank you for bringing this important issue to my attention. I am aware that the City of Franklin changed its pension plan to the state run TCRS program in 2017. I understand that this change has resulted in a lower accrual rate for employees and a different type of plan.

   I am also aware that you have discussed changing the pension plan to a TCRS+ plan. This plan would give city employees 70% of their 3-year averaged salary after 30 years of service. I believe that this change would be an extremely attractive offer to future employees and would help to retain existing employees.

   I am committed to hearing out all sides of this issue and researching the potential impact on the budget. I will also consider changes like these to improve our ability to recruit and retain firefighters.

   I believe that it is important to have a strong and healthy fire department. Firefighters play a vital role in our community, and they deserve to have a good pension plan. I am committed to working with you to find a solution that is fair to both firefighters and taxpayers.

   Thank you again for bringing this issue to my attention. I look forward to working with you to make Franklin a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

   STAFFING/SAFETY

   The National Fire Protection Association standard 1710 specifies requirements for effectively and efficiently deploying personnel and equipment of career fire departments to protect citizens and the occupational safety and health of fire department employees. This standard highlights the need to properly staff fire apparatus (Engine, Quints, Towers, etc.) with a minimum of four firefighters daily and urges fire departments to make this a top priority. Currently, the Franklin Fire Department staffs their apparatus with a skeleton crew of three firefighters over 95% of the time. Would you support an increase in staffing and hiring additional firefighters to fill these needs in to comply with national industry standards and practices?

BK Muvvala: Dear Franklin Firefighters Association, I am writing to you today to express my support for increasing staffing and hiring additional firefighters to fill the needs of the Franklin Fire Department.

I am aware that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1710 specifies requirements for effectively and efficiently deploying personnel and equipment of career fire departments to protect citizens and the occupational safety and health of fire department employees. This standard highlights the need to properly staff fire apparatus (Engine, Quints, Towers, etc.) with a minimum of four firefighters daily and urges fire departments to make this a top priority.

I am also aware that the Franklin Fire Department currently staffs their apparatus with a skeleton crew of three firefighters over 95% of the time. This is not in compliance with NFPA standard 1710, and it is a safety hazard for both firefighters and citizens.

I believe that it is important to have a properly staffed fire department. Firefighters play a vital role in our community, and they deserve to have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I am committed to working with you to increase staffing and hire additional firefighters to fill the needs of the Franklin Fire Department.

I believe that increasing staffing will have several benefits for the Franklin Fire Department, including:

• Improved safety for firefighters and citizens
• Increased efficiency in responding to emergencies
• Enhanced ability to perform complex tasks
• Improved morale among firefighters

I am committed to working with you to make this happen. I believe that we can find a way to increase staffing and hire additional firefighters in a way that is fair to both firefighters and taxpayers.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to working with you to make Franklin a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.