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Contractual City Participation <br />As you are aware, the City of Elk River provides contract fire protection for two neighboring communities. <br />Roughly 50% of the City of Otsego is served by the Elk River Fire Department. Consideration should be given <br />to include our neighbors, if not at the initial onset possibly in the future. This will provide a platform to discuss <br />broader issues concerning fire protection for all affected communities and explore opportunities for shared <br />services. <br />Term <br />The goal is to create a working document that can be used to provide guidance for the future. As such, periodic <br />review is important to evaluate how the document is living up to current realities. Whereas some components <br />and decisions may be completed in short order, the process will probably take most of the fiscal year to <br />complete. The task force will remain in place for two-years, with Council appointments being made annually. <br />Facilitator <br />The city administrator and fire chief will decide on how best to facilitate discussions and the process. The goal <br />is to make the process as transparent and unbiased as possible with the focus on doing what is in the best <br />interest of the community we serve. The task force will include a senior fire service representative from outside <br />of the department <br />At this time, the intent is to conduct this process using internal resources, as available. Grant opportunities may <br />become available in the future to solicit the assistance of an outside consultant to assist in the process, if the <br />task force deems that appropriate. <br />Priorities <br />While the purpose of the task force is to develop long-term strategic goals and objectives for the department, <br />the goals identified during the 2012 budget planning process are intended to serve as a starting point for <br />discussion and arc weighed with priority. For example, evaluating command and leadership positions and <br />responsibilities, including staffing levels, is a top priority for 2012. <br />Goal Implementation <br />The purpose of the task force is to ultimately bring forth new ideas and to identify opportunities for <br />improvement. The ultimate implementation of new goals and objectives will follow normal <br />procedures/practices, budgetary processes and/or whole Council approval, as required. <br />Meetings <br />At least one meeting per month is anticipated, most likely in the evening. Every attempt will be made to <br />schedule meetings at the most convenient time for members of the task force, realizing that many have work <br />and personal commitments. The first meeting will be 1n February. There is the possibility of at least one <br />daytime (6-8) hour strategy meeting depending on how things progress. <br />Financial Impact <br />There are no direct costs anticipated for this project. Volunteers from within the department will be sought to <br />participate. <br />Council Direction <br />If Council concurs with the creation of a Fire Service Task Force this item will be brought back on a future <br />agenda for formal adoption. <br />N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\O1-09-2012\Fire Task Force.docx <br />