Agenda - Council Work Session - 06/24/2014

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CC Work Session 2. 5. Meeting Date: 06/24/2014 Timeframe: 15 -30 minutes Responsible Party(ies): Fire Department and Administration. Information Title: Continue discussion from June 10 CCWS on Shared Fire Service Consultant Proposal Purpose /Background: 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. TheRum 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. Funding Source: 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. Outcome: 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