Authorization to make application for Shared Fire Service Grant opportunity

The cities of Ramsey, Nowthen, St Francis, Oak Grove and Bethel have been meeting since October 2011 to research the feasibility of a shared fire service. Recently the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division has announced funding to support studies for this type of research. Funding will be from $25,000-$40,000. Successful applicants will be required to produce a 10% match of the total grant amount.

The Shared Fire Services group last met on October 11, 2012 and discussed this grant opportunity. All within the group agreed to move ahead with the application, provided each of the five communities contribute to the 10% match. Using a population weighted formula, Ramsey's portion of the match would be from $1350-$2160. It should be noted that administrative costs incurred to manage the consultant contract can be included in the match.   

Ramsey's portion of the match would be charged to cost center 0220-6315 (Misc Professional Services) $15,000 was budgeted for 2013 for this activity.

Authorize by resolution for staff to participate in a grant application through the State Fire Marshal's office for the purposes of hiring a consultant to perform a feasibility study.