10.G.
City Council Meeting - DRAFT
- Meeting Date:
- 11/01/2016
- From:
- Paul Summerfelt, Wildland Fire Manager
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Contract: Intergovernmental Agreement - Wildfire Crew Operability.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement, Wildfire Crew Operability - with:
1) Summit Fire And Medical District, and
2) Ponderosa Fire District
1) Summit Fire And Medical District, and
2) Ponderosa Fire District
Executive Summary:
This Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) facilitates joint Wildland Fire Crew operations between Flagstaff Fire Dept and, respectfully, Summit Fire & Medical District and Ponderosa Fire District. Specifically, it enhances the ability for crews/personnel from each Dept to work cooperatively together in the areas of wildfire suppression, hazard mitigation, and public outreach.
Financial Impact:
The IGA is meant to be cost-neutral. Either one party is provided full-cost reimbursement for services rendered to the other (should funding be available and identified prior to service delivery) or the two parties exchange services on an hour-for-hour or project-by-project basis. These determinations are to be made, and agreed to, by the two parties before any work/service occurs.
Connection to Council Goal and/or Regional Plan:
COUNCIL GOALS:
2) Ensure Flagstaff has a long-term water supply for current and future needs
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events.
REGIONAL PLAN:
Environmental Planning & Conservation – Vision for the Future: In 2013, the long-term health and viability of our natural resource environment is maintained through strategic planning for resource conservation and protection.
Policy E&C.3.3 – Invest in forest health and watershed protection measures.
Policy E&C.6.1 – Encourage public awareness that the region’s ponderosa pine forest is a fie-dependent ecosystem and strive to restore more natural and sustainable forest composition, structure, and processes.
Policy E&C.6.3 – Promote protection, conservation, and ecological restoration of the region’s diverse ecosystem type and associated animals.
Policy E&C.6.6 – Support collaborative efforts for forest health initiatives or practices, such as the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), to support healthy forests and protect our water system.
Policy E&C.10.2 – Protect, conserve, and when possible, enhance and restore wildlife habitat on public land.
2) Ensure Flagstaff has a long-term water supply for current and future needs
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events.
REGIONAL PLAN:
Environmental Planning & Conservation – Vision for the Future: In 2013, the long-term health and viability of our natural resource environment is maintained through strategic planning for resource conservation and protection.
Policy E&C.3.3 – Invest in forest health and watershed protection measures.
Policy E&C.6.1 – Encourage public awareness that the region’s ponderosa pine forest is a fie-dependent ecosystem and strive to restore more natural and sustainable forest composition, structure, and processes.
Policy E&C.6.3 – Promote protection, conservation, and ecological restoration of the region’s diverse ecosystem type and associated animals.
Policy E&C.6.6 – Support collaborative efforts for forest health initiatives or practices, such as the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), to support healthy forests and protect our water system.
Policy E&C.10.2 – Protect, conserve, and when possible, enhance and restore wildlife habitat on public land.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
Not on this specific issue. Council did, however, in 2015 approve a Mutual Aid IGA with Fire Departments in our area.
Options and Alternatives:
.Three exist:
- Approve the IGA, thereby permitting exchange of wildland fire related services among the entities for the mutual benefit of all involved.
- Pass on the IGA, and seek different terms/conditions for later consideration.
- Reject the IGA thereby continuing the current practice of each entity undertaking their respective activities unto themselves.
Background/History:
Each entity has trained and available wildland crew personnel. Each, at times, is faced with staffing issues, operational deadlines, or emerging opportunities which can be a challenge to address. This IGA allows us to merge work forces with our partners when necessary in order to meet needs and achieve success. The effort, and the accomplishments, will allow us in a collaborative way to educate our publics, manage our forests to prevent loss from destructive wildfire and insect infestations (thereby protecting our communities), and work together seamlessly to suppress wildfires.
Key Considerations:
This IGA facilitates a regional approach among area Fire Departments to address the issue of forest health and wildland fire. By combining forces for specific activities, we can improve our respective capabilities and the delivery of needed services in a timely manner.
Expanded Financial Considerations:
Unlike a true Mutual-Aid agreement,which is typically limited in terms of time and/or scope-of-services, this IGA allows us to undertake joint projects on a reimbursable basis, either via payment ($) for work requested/rendered, or by exchange of time/services.
Community Benefits and Considerations:
Completion of the joint public outreach/education efforts, forest treatment work, or suppression measures undertaken as a result of this IGA will protect homes and neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat, promote forest resiliency and sustainability, and ensure safe, effective, suppression actions.
Community Involvement:
Consult & Involve – The joint operations undertaken as a result of this IGA are part of a larger effort underway in our area and throughout northern AZ. We and our many partners have been engaged for nearly two decades in this work.
Empower - The work that occurs will adhere to guidelines established in the Greater Flagstaff Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan (City & County - 2005: updated in 2012), is consistent with forest treatments designed and implemented by the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (1999-present) and the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management program (1998-present), meets the goals of the State of AZ 20-Year Strategy (2007), is consistent with both the Four Forests Restoration Initiative's and the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project's Final Records of Decision (USFS - 2015), and meets the goals of the National Cohesive Strategy (Restored/resilient forests, protected communities, and safe/effective wildfire response).
Empower - The work that occurs will adhere to guidelines established in the Greater Flagstaff Area Community Wildfire Protection Plan (City & County - 2005: updated in 2012), is consistent with forest treatments designed and implemented by the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (1999-present) and the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management program (1998-present), meets the goals of the State of AZ 20-Year Strategy (2007), is consistent with both the Four Forests Restoration Initiative's and the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project's Final Records of Decision (USFS - 2015), and meets the goals of the National Cohesive Strategy (Restored/resilient forests, protected communities, and safe/effective wildfire response).
Expanded Options and Alternatives:
None