Title
Authorizing the termination of the Saint Paul Fire Department's participation in the automatic dispatch of the closest emergency response unit joint powers agreement.
Body
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Fire Department is party to a “Mutual Aid Agreement to Provide for the Automatic Dispatch of the Closest Emergency Response Unit Regardless of Jurisdiction Boundaries” Joint Powers Agreement with the cities of Roseville, Little Canada, Maplewood, Falcon Heights, North Saint Paul, Vadnais Heights, North Oaks, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Lauderdale, White Bear Lake, and New Brighton; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement’s Terms and Termination section authorizes any party to the Agreement to terminate its participation through a council resolution which indicates a date for termination of at least 60 days in the future to allow for a 60-day notice to the other parties; and
WHEREAS, while the City and the Fire Department are concerned for the safety of all residents, the Saint Paul Fire Department is bearing a disproportionate burden for fire services in Ramsey County under the current Agreement; and
WHEREAS, termination of the Agreement would allow the Saint Paul Fire Department to work with interested Ramsey County cities to enter into new agreements for fire services under which the Fire Department would be compensated for its time; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department would like to terminate the Agreement effective April 24, 2020; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes the termination of the Saint Paul Fire Department's participation in the current Joint Powers Agreement effective April 24, 2020.