| ITEM #: 9. DATE: 07/01/2024 AI #:2142 |
 |
CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | ARIZONA FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT FIRE RATE AGREEMENT |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Tim Wayne, Deputy Fire Chief |
SUMMARY
This AZ Forestry and Fire Management, Fire Rate Agreement, permits the Goodyear Fire Department’s Wildland Deployment team to enter into an agreement for equipment rates based on all operating supplies furnished by the Cooperator.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
.png) |
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and approve the execution of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Fire Rate Agreement, #AZ-GDY-2024-03. (Tim Wayne, Deputy Fire Chief)
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fire Rate Agreement has no financial impact. The agreement provides the operating supply rates for equipment that is utilized while on wildland deployments.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
The GFD has participated in wildland fire deployments beginning in 2004 to present. GFD provides personnel and equipment resources to manage wildland fire incidents that typically occur in the western region of the United States. The GFD Wildland team has deployed to Colorado, Oregon, California and Texas in recent years. The number of deployments varies greatly depending on the number of occurrences and severity of incidents.
Current and previous rate agreements are authorized for approval signatures by the Fire Departments Deputy Chief of Operations, however, there is no written directive documentation annotating this. Legal has requested to initiate the City Manager’s authorization for this renewal to be effective moving forward.
The current Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Cooperative Agreement does not cover equipment costs. The new agreement update requested by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management is to revise the agreement renewal timeframes from two to five years, effective April 1, 2024.
This renewal agreement was requested to fall in line with the web-based reimbursement billing system, Fire Business System, implemented by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management on April 3, 2023.
The fire rate agreement is generated within the web-based system, Fire Business System. Final department and state approval was completed on April 5, 2024.
Current and previous rate agreements are authorized for approval signatures by the Fire Departments Deputy Chief of Operations, however, there is no written directive documentation annotating this. Legal has requested to initiate the City Manager’s authorization for this renewal to be effective moving forward.
The current Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Cooperative Agreement does not cover equipment costs. The new agreement update requested by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management is to revise the agreement renewal timeframes from two to five years, effective April 1, 2024.
This renewal agreement was requested to fall in line with the web-based reimbursement billing system, Fire Business System, implemented by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management on April 3, 2023.
The fire rate agreement is generated within the web-based system, Fire Business System. Final department and state approval was completed on April 5, 2024.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s mission to foster, maintain and enhance collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and cooperators to proactively promote the health and safety of Arizona’s forests, woodlands, deserts and watersheds; encourage fire-adapted communities; provide leadership and oversight of resources in wildfire response; and ensure fire safety in public buildings through the enforcement of the state fire code.
This agreement between Arizona Forestry and the City allows for utilization of State resources, if necessary, for wildland fires within Goodyear city limits. The agreement also provides reimbursement associated with fire deployment for wildland activities outside of Goodyear to include costs associated with fire suppression activities including equipment and manpower. The annual reimbursement rates are established by the Annual Operating Plan for Cooperative Fire Rate Agreement. The agreement will continue for five (5) years from the effective date but may be terminated by either party within thirty (30) days.
The GFD Wildland Deployment Team is a critical part of the statewide network, consisting of local fire departments and fire districts, which provide emergency response services. The GFD Wildland Deployment Team supports the mission of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Staff recommends approval of this Agreement between the City and the Arizona State Forester.
This agreement between Arizona Forestry and the City allows for utilization of State resources, if necessary, for wildland fires within Goodyear city limits. The agreement also provides reimbursement associated with fire deployment for wildland activities outside of Goodyear to include costs associated with fire suppression activities including equipment and manpower. The annual reimbursement rates are established by the Annual Operating Plan for Cooperative Fire Rate Agreement. The agreement will continue for five (5) years from the effective date but may be terminated by either party within thirty (30) days.
The GFD Wildland Deployment Team is a critical part of the statewide network, consisting of local fire departments and fire districts, which provide emergency response services. The GFD Wildland Deployment Team supports the mission of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Staff recommends approval of this Agreement between the City and the Arizona State Forester.