Agenda Packets - 1994/02/28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 24, 1994 The negotiations began in 1991 to develop a new contract which would create a partnership between the cities and a Fire Department that would function not as an independent service provider, but as a municipal department per a three-city Joint Powers Agreement. Since the beginning of 1991 to the present, the relationship between the Fire Department and the three cities has become a true-pa-rtnership. The budget processhas -improved dramatically over the past three years. Expenditures, capital programs, staffing levels and revenues are discussed openly and information is shared. The Fire Department provides quarterly reports to the cities and meets with the Administrative Committee on a quarterly basis to discuss policies, procedures and the budget status. The Fire Department that exists today is not the organization which existed prior to the referendum -- it is a far superior department. It is a Department that now has quality equipment, operating facilities and a commitment from the cities that the Department is a valued and appreciated public safety service provider. The contract before the Council is the culmination of three years of negotiations, compromise, collaboration and, most importantly, partnership. It is a contract that is in the best interests of the people of Mounds View, their property and is a cost effective public expenditure. The Lease Agreement, a standard private sector lease adjusted to a public sector arrangement, essentially leases back to the Fire Department the assets which will, upon approval of the Contract, be transferred to the cities. The inventory of assets has yet to be finalized, but need not delay the approval of the contract as the inventory will include all buildings and equipment purchased with the proceeds from the 1991 Fire Bond.