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SD. 5

To:	Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors
From:	Daryl L. Louder, Contra Costa Fire Protection Dist.
Date:	February 12, 2013

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Discuss Partnership with Moraga-Orinda Fire District to Jointly Build/Operate a Fire Station in West Lafayette/East Orinda

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 02/12/2013

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

Contact:

Chief Daryl Louder, 925-941-3500

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: February 12, 2013
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to conduct formal discussions with the Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District to enter into a partnership to jointly build and operate a single fire station to replace Fire Station-16 (West Lafayette) and Fire Station-43 (East Orinda). (Daryl Louder, Fire Chief)

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact for discussion phase. Potential for near term costs (capital outlay fund) but longer term savings if a joint project is approved.

BACKGROUND:

Both FS-16 (West Lafayette) and FS-43 (East Orinda) are located in suburban/rural areas that have low population density and low service demands. However, a fire station is still necessary in the area to maintain adequate response time coverage and due to the high wildland fire risk potential. FS-16 and FS-43 are currently located approximately 1.5 miles apart but are operated by two separate agencies.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

In light of the current fiscal climate, there is an increasing demand for greater efficiency and utilization of public funds. To this end, the District is working closely with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District to develop solutions that will continue to provide excellent service to the communities but more closely match resources with service demands.

The District proposes to enter into a joint venture with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District to build a new fire station on the Lafayette–Orinda border and operate a single response unit that will serve both communities. Land acquisition and construction costs would be equally shared between both entities. The annual personnel and operating cost of the response unit would be shared equally by both entities.

Shared capital costs (land acquisition and construction of new fire station) are approximately five million dollars ($5M). However, these costs would be offset by the sale of both existing properties. More importantly, significant savings would be realized annually from reduced personnel and operating costs. It is anticipated that the District would save over $1M annually and thus recoup capital cost in less than three years.

Currently, both companies are underutilized and respond to approximately 1.5 emergency incidents per day. Service could be adequately provided to both areas with a single unit and the new unit would respond to approximately 1,100 calls per year or three incidents per day.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

The District would not explore a partnership to build and operate a single fire station to replace Fire Station 16 and Fire Station 43.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

Not applicable.

CLERK'S ADDENDUM

Speakers: , Lafayette City Councilman; Burris, George Burt, Acalanes Homeowners Association;

APPROVED and AUTHORIZED the Fire Chief, or designee, to conduct discussions with the Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District to explore a potential partnership to jointly build and operate a single fire station to replace Fire Station-16 (West Lafayette) and Fire Station-43 (East Orinda).

Request report back in 30 days.

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