CITY COUNCIL: Report & Policy Direction on Extending Shared Fire Services Agreement for 30 Days

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Receive report and provide policy direction on extending the shared fire services agreement for 30 days.

Description: In December 2008, Council directed staff to review alternatives of providing fire services. Over the past several months, separate meetings were held with both CAL FIRE and Monterey/Pacific Grove fire departments to review all possible alternatives. There also was a period of time when all agencies were evaluation the creation of a Joint Powers Authority to provide Peninsula-wide shared fire services, however, this effort has encountered some difficulties, mostly related to risk management. Thus, staff’s efforts have refocused on developing a contractual relationship with an outside fire agency.

Staff has now formally requested a mutually agreeable, 30-day extension of the Monterey/Pacific Grove shared fire services agreement. It is recommended that the extension not go beyond January 31, 2011.

Overall Cost: The monthly payment for the current services provided by Monterey/Pacific Grove is $13,500 per month. This amount will remain the same during the 30-day contract extension period.

Staff Recommendation: Review the report and provide direction.

Important Considerations: Before the January 31, 2011 extension with Monterey/Pacific Grove ends, a comprehensive draft report will be presented at a Council workshop, the focus of which will be a review of various shared fire services alternatives. Staff will ack the Council some time before the end of January to decide which fire services alternative will best serve the City and to direct staff to prepare the appropriate agreements to implement that decision.

RECOMMENDATION
The agreement allows for an extension of the agreement by mutual consent of both parties. No City Council action is necessary at this time.

BACKGROUND
The City Council in December 2008 directed staff to review three alternatives of providing fire services. Over the past several months, separate meetings have been held with both CAL FIRE and Monterey/Pacific Grove fire departments to review all possible alternatives. There was a period of time that all agencies were evaluating whether to create a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to provide Peninsula-wide shared fire services. This effort has become complicated at several levels, however, mostly from a risk management standpoint. Thus, staff’s efforts have refocused on developing a contractual relationship with an outside fire agendy.

STAFF REVIEW
Staff has formally requested a 30-day extension on the Monterey/Pacific Grove shared fire services agreement. Staff is completing the draft report and accompanying PowerPoint presentation. It is recommended that the extension not go beyond January 31, 2011.

Prior to the end of this extension, a Council workshop will be held to review the various shared fire services alternatives. At some point before January 31st, staff will ask the Council to make a decision on which fire services alternative will best serve the City and thus, direct staff to prepare the appropriate agreements to implement that decision.

FISCAL IMPACT
The monthly payment for the current services provided by Monterey/Pacific Grove is $13,500 per month. This amount will remain unchanged for the 30-day contract extension.

SUMMARY
A draft comprehensive report is being completed and will be presented at an upcoming Council workshop.