Adopt Resolution #19-251 Establishing Notice of Intent To Terminate the Current Joint Powers Fire Protection Agreement Between the City of Ramsey and the City of Nowthen, and to authorize the City Administrator, in Conjunction with Ramsey Members of the Joint Powers Board, to Enter into Negotiations to Develop a New Agreement for Shared Fire Services

The city of Ramsey and the city of Nowthen have participated in a Joint Powers Agreement for shared fire services since 2007. During that time, the agreement has remained intact and had not been updated. The agreement is outdated and does not reflect the current activity in each city, changes in administrative duties, additional services being provided, and updated fees for those services. 

It is the recommendation of staff to terminate the existing agreement with the intent of entering into negotiations to develop a new agreement for shared fire services that would benefit each community.  It is the purpose of this case to authorize a written notice of the termination of the current contract.  This will terminate the contract in two years or until replaced by a new agreement mutually agreed upon by both cities. 
 

The current Joint Powers Fire Protection Agreement (JPA) is outdated and has several shortcomings that are best resolved by creating a new agreement between the two cities.  These concerns include the fact that the current JPA does not cover Ramsey’s cost to provide service to Nowthen, that operation benefits envisioned by the original contract are no longer evident, that the cities need to consider revised operational and governance provisions, taking into account the continued growth of the City of Ramsey relative to Nowthen.

Alternatively, revisions could be made while working under the existing JPA  document.  Based upon the scope of changes contemplated, it is recommended that a new document be prepared.  Since there is a two-year notice requirement under the current JPA, it is recommended that notice be given now in order to begin negotiations on a new contract while limiting the life of the current JPA.  It is not in Ramsey's interest to continue the current JPA any longer than necessary.  The two-year time period allows ample time for reaching an alternative agreement.  The termination notice period is based upon calendar years so it is recommended that Ramsey provide such notice by the end of the year.

Currently, the joint Fire Board has the authority, and is addressing, the administrative fee paid by Nowthen under the contract.

No additional funding is needed.  

Staff recommends adoption of Resolution #19-251, Establishing Notice of Intent To Terminate the Current Joint Powers Fire Protection Agreement Between the City of Ramsey and the City of Nowthen, and to authorize the City Administrator, in Conjunction with Ramsey Members of the Joint Powers Board, to Enter into Negotiations to Develop a New Agreement for Shared Fire Services

Adopt Resolution #19-251 Establishing Notice of Intent To Terminate the Current Joint Powers Fire Protection Agreement Between the City of Ramsey and the City of Nowthen, and to authorize the City Administrator, in Conjunction with Ramsey Members of the Joint Powers Board, to Enter into Negotiations to Develop a New Agreement for Shared Fire Services