AgdaPkt 2010-09-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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� 6.1 G To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager September 27, 2010 Subject Response to Civil Grand Jury Report on City Fire Department Consolidations/Mergers Recommendation Approve, by Motion,the attached letter responding to the May 26, 2010 Grand Jury Report on City Fire Department Consolidations/Mergers in San Mateo County and authorize the Mayor to sign and send the letter in response to that report. Background The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury fiied a report regarding fire department consolidations and mergers within San Mateo County. As part of their investigation, the Grand Jury studied fourteen (14} fire service agencies protecting 27 cities, towns, communities and unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. The Redwood City Fire Department was listed as having opportunities to significantly reduce the cost of services to taxpayers by aggressively pursuing conso(idations and mergers. As a resuft, a copy of the Grand Jury Report was sent to the Redwood City City Council for response. Based on its findings, the Grand Jury recommended that local cities: 1. Complete a study of possible consolidation with neighboring fire departments or contracting with Cal Fire to provide the same level of service at a reduced cost by July 1, 2011. 2. Include effective dispute resolution processes in all consolidation agreements. Staff has considered the findings and recommendations and has prepared a letter for the Mayor's signature that responds to the Grand Jury's directives. In general, the response indicated that the City agrees with most findings and recommendations and that the Redwood City Fire Department has a long history of exploring consolidation opportunities and shared service models. A[ternative Do not approve the letter responding to the Grand Jury findings. This will place the City in violation with the Grand Jury's order. Fiscal lmpact There is no anticipated fiscal impact.