HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-054 Related to Fire Services; Directing the City Manager to Negotiate a Pre-Annexation Memorandum of Agreement and Possible Amendments to Existing Interlocal AgreementsResolution 17-054
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RESOLUTION NO. 17-054
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, RELATED TO FIRE SERVICES; DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A PRE -ANNEXATION MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT AND POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENTS
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend has contracted with Jefferson County Fire
District No. 1 dba East Jefferson Fire Rescue ("District") since 2006 for joint fire services
operation, which agreement has been modified five times to address issues such as fire
prevention & plan review, cost recover, funding, and bond indebtedness; and
WHEREAS, the City and District originally considered asking the voters to approve
annexation of the City into the District in 2011, but because of challenges related to equalization
of property tax levies, decided to postpone the vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the desires expressed by the District to seek levy measures in the
near term, City staff believes that it is appropriate for Council to reconsider whether annexation is
in the best interests of the City at this time to avoid another joint levy process that could be a repeat
of the last joint attempt; and,
WHEREAS, because annexation automatically only provides fire protection and
emergency medical services, the City and the District would still need to agree on provisions for
Fire Marshall services such as plan review, building inspections, and arson investigation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council for the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
1. The City Manager is authorized and directed to negotiate a pre -annexation agreement
with the District that addresses at a minimum:
a. representation by City residents on the District Board,
b. interim financing for services,
c. potential amendments to the Interlocal Agreement (as amended) related to fire
protection of City -owned facilities, Fire prevention, Investigation, and Code
Enforcement Services; building plan review and other Fire Marshall/Fire
Code Official services,
d. any other related matters deemed necessary.
2. The City Manager is directed to prepare a public participation process, compliant
with RCW 42.17.555, to explore the options related to the use of City levy capacity
that would become available if the City were to be annexed into the District.
3. Final approval of the pre -annexation agreement or changes to the Interlocal
Agreement shall be subject to final approval by Council.
Resolution 17-054
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ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a special business
meeting thereof, held this 13th day of November, 2017.
Attest:
r W . m_.,,,,..._—
Joanna Sanders, MMC
City Clerk
Deborah S Stinson
Mayor
Approved as to Form:
Ste. ven L. r�sn
City Attorney