Title
Agenda Item:
Approval of Emergency Services Interlocal Operating Agreement between the City of Olympia and Thurston County Fire District 9
Body
Issue:
A first response agreement between the City and Thurston County Fire District No. 9
Committee Recommendation:
N/A
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve the Interlocal Agreement that continues Fire District 9 response into certain areas of the City and begins response by the City into certain areas of District 9, and authorize the Mayor to sign the Agreement.
Staff Contact:
Greg Wright, Deputy Fire Chief, 360.753.8466
Presenter(s):
Greg Wright
Background and Analysis:
In 2007, the City annexed an area of District 9 on the western border of the City. Per contract, the Fire District continued to first respond to fire and emergency medical calls in this area as their station was closer than the Olympia station. City crews also responded but due to geography it was expected that the District would initiate the fire suppression or care until Olympia arrived. In return for this first response, the District received compensation from the City.
The term of the agreement was for 5 years. That agreement has expired and the City is no longer making payments to the District. Because all parties feel this arrangement is beneficial to the citizens and because the District has an island in the northwest portion of the City that would be benefitted by the City first response, the expired agreement has been modified. The District will continue to respond to the area in the City as defined in the document and the City will begin responding to the District area defined in the document. It is felt by both parties that the call demand will be similar. No funds will change hands under this agreement.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
In 2007 when the City annexed the area, the annexed citizens were quite vocal that they wanted the fastest possible response and this would be from the District's station. There is no reason to believe that their feelings have changed. It is assumed that the citizens in the District island would also be in favor of a faster response from a City station that is closer than the District's station.
Options:
Approve the Interlocal Agreement for signature and direct the Fire Department to adjust response to include the District's island area as defined by the agreement. The District will continue to respond into the City area. Although the old agreement has expired, the District has continued to respond into the City area while this new agreement was constructed. They do not expect any payment for that response. Once the agreement is signed, the City will respond into the District island balancing the mutual aid.
Financial Impact:
None