Continue discussion from June 10 CCWS on Shared Fire Service Consultant Proposal

In the fall of 2011, the Cities of St. Francis, Nowthen, Bethel and Ramsey began discussing a potential 'Regional Fire Services' program and formed a study group known as: the Rum River Regional Fire Study Group.

In June of 2013, the Rum River Regional Fire Study Group presented a feasibility report to member Cities. Said feasibility report highlighted the importance of developing a draft Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). The purpose of a draft JPA is to establish a starting point for discussion regarding the potential governance/organizational structure of a 'Regional Fire Services' program (cost sharing, weighted voting, etc.). This draft governance structure will provide important baseline/input data for policymakers as they continue to consider moving forward with a potential 'Regional Fire Services' program. The Rum River Regional Fire Study Group is recommending to hire the firm of Barna, Guzy and Steffen to generate a JPA that will address governance concerns voiced by all member communities.

At the June 10, 2014 Council Work Session, the Council considered adopting a resolution to authorize a private consultant to develop a draft 'Regional Fire Services' JPA.  The result of this meeting was direction for Staff to complete an analysis of cost savings for a potential consolidation of fire services; which has the possibility of taking different forms. A completed analysis is attached to this case for discussion.

Concluding discussion, Staff would seek Council direction to join three other communities (Nowthen, St Francis and Bethel) in hiring a consultant to generate a draft JPA.  NOTE: all three other Rum River Regional Fire Study Group Cities have adopted the attached resolution.

15-30 minutes

Funding source for the $5,360 would come from the Fire Department's budget, professional services account (#6315). In 2014, $15,000 was budgeted for the Shared Service effort.

Fire Department and Administration.
 

At the end of discussion Staff is looking for direction to either:

1) receive authorization to enter into agreement with other three communities to hire consultant in the amount not to exceed $8000 of which Ramsey's share, per the cost share model, is 67% or $5,360.

2) direct staff as to continue/not continue in the Shared Fire Service process.

NOTE: included in tonight's regular session consent agenda is a resolution authorizing the referenced work to be completed.  If the City Council decides not to proceed, Staff would recommend removing this case from the agenda entirely.