Adopt Resolution 14-06-123 Authorizing a Professional Services Contract with Barna, Guzy and Steffen to Draft a Joint Powers Agreement for Shared Fire Services.

This topic was discussed earlier at the Council worksession. It is contingent on Council direction to move forward with efforts on a shared fire service.

In the fall of 2011, the Cities of St. Francis, Nowthen, Bethel and Ramsey began discussing a potential 'Regional Fire Services' program 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 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.  An analysis was completed, discussed in worksession tonight and is attached to this case.

Staff is seeking 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.

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Funding source would be from the Fire Department Budget, Misc Professional Services. Cost Center #6315.

Enter into an agreement with Nowthen, St Francis and Bethel in an amount not to exceed $8000 of which Ramsey's portion would be $5360 or 67% per the Cost Share Model used by the Shared Fire Service Study Group (adopt attached resolution).

NOTE: This case was discussed in tonight's worksession. If the City Council decides not to proceed in worksession, Staff would recommend removing this case from tonights's regular session agenda entirely.  Additionally, it should be noted, by proceeding with authorizing a draft JPA to be developed, the City Council is in no way obligating the City of Ramsey to a joint fire services program.   This step is intended to provide policy makers with analytical information to be used as future discussions take place.

Motion to Adopt Resolution 14-06-XXX Authorizing a Professional Services Contract with Barna, Guzy and Steffen to Draft a Joint Powers Agreement for Shared Fire Services.