Title
Agenda Item:
Authorization of a Facility Use Agreement for the Mark Noble Regional Fire Training Center
Body
Issue:
Neighboring fire agencies wish to train at the Mark Noble Regional Fire Training Center (MNRFTC).
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to authorize staff to use the proposed, or substantially same, Facility Use Agreement with outside agencies who wish to train fire personnel at the Mark Noble Regional Fire Training Center.
Staff Contact:
Greg Wright, Deputy Fire Chief, 360.753.8466
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The MNRFTC is the only fire training facility of its kind in the region. Requests from other agencies to use the facility for their training needs have been coming to the Fire Department since the project was first considered. A Facility Use Agreement is a tool that will allow other entities to rent the training center for single use training events, while providing the Olympia Fire Department with the necessary information to prepare for each use and to properly protect the City from liability. The Facility Use Agreement outlines types of use, areas of use, rules of use, scheduling requirements, and a rate structure. In addition, each agency will be required to provide evidence of liability insurance. Over time, the Facility Use Agreement will be a useful tool in tracking local, as well as regional training needs, and may assist in identifying the most efficient operation of the facility.
Some jurisdictions may determine that it's beneficial to train together and share resources on a long term basis, rather than simply reserving space for a single training event. In that case, an interlocal agreement is a more appropriate tool. On November 5, 2012, Council approved an interlocal agreement between the City and Lacey Fire District 3, that allows the City and District 3 to train together at the facility, as well as to present training to other entities. The City expects that additional agencies will consider a longer term training relationship once they become familiar with the training center.
Although this Facility Use Agreement doesn't require Council approval, Olympia Fire Department personnel wanted to bring the Agreement to Council in an effort to continue to keep the public and City Council involved in the development of this unique facility funded by the citizens of Olympia. The Agreement may evolve over time if staff determines that changes are beneficial to the efficient use of the facility, however, the Agreement will not likely come back before Council as it will contain the same essential elements as the one attached.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhoods around the facility have been supportive throughout the construction of the facility and are aware of its expected use. The citizens approved the funding of the facility in a 2008 bond with a description of a regional training facility. The most immediate neighbors, Home Depot and Georgia Pacific, have supported the Fire Department throughout the building process and, to the extent possible, features in the facility design have addressed the issues that have been raised.
Options:
Move to authorize staff to use the proposed, or substantially same, Facility Use Agreement with outside agencies who wish to train fire personnel at the Mark Noble Regional Fire Training Center.
Financial Impact:
Fees to use this facility range from as little as a few hundred dollars to over $1,500 per day. Depending on the areas used, the complexity of the training and the number of instructors required, fees will vary with each use. At this point, it is unknown how many outside entities will use this facility. Any use of the facility will pay for all expendables, instructors, and routine use costs with the goal of cost recovery that will enable the City to sustain the Fire Department's training program and Fire Training Facility.