PURPOSE
This item is being presented in order to discuss a proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Brighton and the Greater Brighton Fire Protection District (DBA as the Brighton Fire Rescue District). In addition to providing background information, staff will outline what the former agreement contained, the process staff has gone through over the last few months to prepare the draft agreement, and what changes are being recommended in regards to revisions from the former agreement to the new agreement.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
● Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In April of 2009, the City and the District entered into an IGA setting forth cooperation on, among other things, facilitation of the obtainment of future fire station land, emergency preparedness planning, fire code enforcement, standards of coverage, plan review, permits, inspections, annexation, development review, and expanding coverage. This IGA had a ten (10) year term and expired in April of 2019. At the request of the dismissed former City Manager, the renewal term outlined in the IGA was not triggered and the IGA was allowed to expire. In the time since the previous City Manager’s departure, City and District staff have been cooperatively working on creating a new draft IGA.
The draft IGA generally maintains the items in the former IGA with minor edits where necessary such as with definitions. The draft IGA expands upon the former IGA by clarifying code interpretation resolution, setting a time period for the providing of a standard of coverage report, and adding language to further outline cost sharing for emergency preparedness items. Also, the draft IGA outlines that neither entity will assess fees against the other entity for any inspection-related services, plan review or building permit fees in connection with buildings, structures or real property owned or operated by either entity and used for governmental purposes. It is proposed that the IGA have a ten (10) year term with a ten (10) year renewal option if both parties are agreeable.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The intent of this IGA is for both entities to work together on items of mutual concern with certain guidelines outlined. The City and District have a history of working together on matters such as a development impact fee for the District to support new growth, City Hall office space, in-home day care education, and emergency management. An IGA provides each side with reasonable expectations on matters that deal with the other. Specifically, the additional language regarding the Emergency Manager will allow both entities to operate with a set understanding for the future and ensuring that the District will adhere to the City’s established development schedules is beneficial. This will allow permits and inspections to be turned around with set expectations for those living and conducting business within Brighton.
Staff recommends proceeding with approval of the IGA between the City and District, as drafted, as the IGA will outline collaboration on necessary items and shall continue the already established working relationship. Ultimately, the proposed IGA meets the Strategic Focus Area of having a “strong regional relationship and partnership” between the two entities.
NEXT STEPS
City staff would like policy direction from City Council as to whether or not it is agreeable to the provisions of the draft IGA. If Council finds the draft agreeable, staff will schedule the item for formal consideration at a future meeting of City Council. The District Board has reviewed the draft IGA and approves of its current form.
ATTACHMENTS
● Draft Fire District IGA
● Expired Fire District IGA
● City Staff’s PowerPoint Presentation