Agenda - Council Work Session - 06/10/2014

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Issues such as capital purchases, debt service, reserves for capital expenses were items that the group agreed to pull out of the budget numbers to allow "Apples to Apples" analysis of the models. After review, the group decided that a more detailed analysis of the cost - sharing variables was necessary to provide the level of detail required to make a final decision by policy boards. Community Administrators met to draft an outline of the final report to each community. III. Benefits of Shared Services: 1. ISO Impact (Service Improvement to Communities) A community ISO rating is important as in one form or another has a direct impact on the amount of property insurance premiums that are paid both by residential and commercial /industrial. Below is a summary of the ratings of all 5 communities: • Hydranted communities (Ramsey and St Francis) Class 5 for structures within 1000 ft of hydrant • Non - Hydranted communities (Except Bethel) Class 7 for structures within 5 miles of fire station, structures outside the 5 mile distance are at a class 10 • Bethel is currently a class 9, as the water shuttle has not been performed. Staff is contacting ISO for a verbal opinion on the water shuttle outcome It is important to mention that if communities join as one structure, all must meet the requirements of the water shuttle evaluation to maintain the class 7 rating in the non - hydranted area. The goal of the Study Group is to assure the ISO rating in all communities at least stays the same, with the opportunity to achieve a better rating through this effort. Initial review has indicated that the geographic locations of existing stations within the proposed Joint Fire Service Area may positively impact the ISO ratings (and insurance ratings) of properties in adjacent communities. Citizens save money! 2. Standardized Training Currently each of the departments has their own training officer, training coordinator or training group. Each department sets their own schedule of drills — some taught by members of the department and others taught by schools, business's (Medics Training, FIRE Inc., etc.) and individuals brought in from outside the department. In the past years there has been an effort to train more with neighboring departments. There are a number of benefits in doing this. Sharing of ideas and sometimes training budget monies are just a couple. Getting to know the surrounding area department's equipment and personnel helps things go smoother when working together on mutual aid calls. All of these would be realized in a "shared fire service ". 3