Extension of Agrement for Interim Fire Chief Services for the City of St Francis

In May of 2011 the City of St Francis asked the City of Ramsey to enter into a contract naming Fire Chief Dean Kapler as the Interim Fire Chief for the City of St Francis to provide leadership and stabilize the department. The original term of the contract was through October 31, 2011. There has since been 2 additional extensions through April 30, 2013.

With the Shared Fire Services project moving in a positive direction, both City Adminstrators are in agreement to extend the contract for a period of 12 months or until April 30, 2014. Some positives have already been achieved such as shared training opportunities, sharing annual firefighter physicals appointments, and future joint purchases. All of those mentioned should have a positive impact on operational costs. It should be noted that the contract includes a 30 day termination/extension clause.

The City of Ramsey is paid a monthly amount of $666 as reimbursement of vehicle use, fuel, cell phone use, and time during normal Ramsey work week devoted to St Francis matters. The vast majority of Chief Kapler's time in St Francis is after hours and weekends. Chief Kapler is also paid a monthly sum of $1334 with funds from St. Francis.
 
A copy of the contract is attached to the case.

Staff recommends council authorize an extension to the current contract to the date of April 30, 2014.

The contract could be terminated and/or renegotiated at this time.  Neither action is recommended because the contract covers Ramsey's expenditures and provides mutual benefit to Ramsey and St. Francis.

Within the Compensation section of the contract the City of Ramsey recieves a monthly reimbursement for expenses, resulting in no cost to the City of Ramsey. 

Approve the extension to the current contract until April 30, 2014.