2012 2:00:00 PM

Monday, April 9, 2012 2:00 PM
745 4th Street, Sparks, NV 89431

General Business: 6.4

Title: Review and discussion of City of Sparks’ participation in upcoming Joint Meetings being held about the formation of a Regional Fire District under a Joint Powers Agreement and provide direction to the City Manager on this and other properly related matter thereto (Possible Action).”

Petitioner/Presenter: Geno Martini, Mayor/Shaun Carey, City Manager

Recommendation: Not to particpate in Regional Fire Department Services under a Joint Powers Agreement

Financial Impact: N/A

Business Impact (Per NRS 237):
A Business Impact Statement is not required because this is not a rule.

Agenda Item Brief: Washoe County's Fire Districts and the City of Reno are exploring the formation of Regional Fire District using a Joint Powers Agreement. The City Council is asked to establish a direction to the City Manager in this matter.

Background: After eleven years the contract for the City of Reno to provide fire services in the Truckee Meadows Fire District is coming to an end on July 1, 2012. The Board of County Commissioners is pursuing the merger of the Truckee Meadows Fire District and the Sierra Fire District in a Combined County Fire District servicing the unincorporated areas of Washoe County. On April 2, 2012, the City of Reno and Washoe County agreed to begin meeting to explore a Regional District serving a large region. The City Manager is seeking policy direction to engage in determining if Sparks Fire Services should be added.

Analysis: The City Council has adopted Resolution No. 3158 (attached) which resolved that the Sparks City Council will join regional efforts to improve the quality and fiscal efficiencies of city services for the citizens of the City of Sparks and fiscal equity for the region, without particpating in or supporting any regional government consolidation which would change the form of the government of Sparks. The proposed Regional Fire District would change the form of Sparks Government and create a new sole purpose Board to determine service levels within the City of Sparks. It also would expose the City to past and future decisions of others. The cost of fire service is NOT created equal, nor are the financial burdens equally shared.

Alternatives: The City Council could choose to particpate in the efforts to form a Regional Fire District and provide direction to the City Manager on matters related to that choice.

Recommended Motion: "I move that the City of Sparks not participate in talks and efforts to form a Regional Fire District, but direct the City Manager and Fire Chief to monitor the efforts for impacts to Sparks both in service and fiscal equity."

Attached Files:

R-3158.pdf

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