HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - June 5, 2002 I-06CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Authorize Staff And Two Council Members To Explore Future Action Regarding
Consolidation And Contracting Service Options With The Mokelumne Rural Fire District
MEETING DATE: June 5, 2002
PREPARED BY: Michael Pretz
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That Council authorize staff and two Council Members to explore future action
regarding consolidation and contracting service options with the Mokelumne Rural
Fire District.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City of Lodi has been approached by the Mokelumne Rural Fire District
to open discussions concerning the possibility of developing a contract for
fire protection or consolidation with the Lodi Fire Department. I have
included the letter from Mr. Ron Valinoti asking to begin discussions. I
believe it is in the best interests of the City and important to explore this matter.
The Mokelumne Fire District is experiencing financial difficulties due to the inability to secure increased funding. The
failure of Measure M will result in the reduction of services to the District and surrounding areas. The Mokelumne Fire
District has already closed the Victor Station located on Victor Road. The City of Lodi Fire Department relies on the
Mokelumne Fire District to provide mutual aid.
The Mokelumne Fire District covers 65 square miles, north and east of the City. The District is bordered by the
Mokelumne River to the North, through the Town of Lockeford to the Clements Fire District border on the East, to Live
Oak Road on the South, and the City of Lodi limits on the West.
The Fire District employs a staff of 9 firefighters a part-time fire chief and part-time administrative staff. The District
owns two fire stations and currently operates out of the Brandt Station in Lockeford. The Victor station, on Victor Road,
has been taken out of service and is now vacant. The District owns 5 pieces of fire apparatus including a 3000 -gallon
water tender and a medium duty urban search and rescue vehicle with a cascade breathing air system.
The District has an assessed valuation of $509,240,615.00 (2000) and receives tax revenues in excess of $686,763.00 per
year (2000). In addition, the District receives approximately $25,000.00 annual revenue from fire prevention fees and fire
facility fees.
The Fire Department has held preliminary discussions with the District and has begun gathering financial information as
well as other pertinent data with which to make a formal proposal. The Mokelumne Fire District is proposing a
contractual agreement whereby; the City of Lodi provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the District.
In return for fire and emergency medical services, the assets and revenue of the District would be remitted to the City.
The City would employ all of the members of the department with the exception of the current Fire Chief who will be
retiring soon. The City would continue to staff the Brandt Station and over the next several years, eventually staff the
Victor Station. The Victor Station could be used to house Lodi Fire Station #2 staff during the remodeling of the station.
By using the Victor Station to house Fire Station #2 personnel, the City would realize savings in housing during the
remodel. Utilization of the District's equipment would also reduce duplication and allow funds to be diverted to other
department projects. For example, utilization of the medium duty rescue equipment would facilitate the consolidation of
Lodi Fire's rescue equipment into one unit.
APPROVED: — H. Dixon Flynn -- diltyManager
CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
As a future course of action, I would suggest the Mayor appoint a negotiation team of two council members
along with the Fire Chief and Finance Director to fully explore this opportunity. If I can be of any
assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.
FUNDING: No funding necessary
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Michael E. Pretz I
Fire Chief
cc: Mr. Ron Valinoti
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn - City Manager
13157 East Brandt Road T.O. Box 1357, Lockeford, Ca. 95237
(209) 727-0564 Fax (209) 727-0863
Directors Bernie Mettler, Mike Young, Gersh Rosen, Ron Valinoti, Jim Tamura
Chief Dan Leary
March 28, 2002
DIXON FLYNN
CITY OF LODI
PO BOX 3006
LODI CA 95241
RE: MOKELUMNE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT
Dear Mr. Flynn:
The Mokelumne Rural Fire District Board of Directors would like to request an open discussion with
the possibility of a contract or consolidation with the City of Lodi Fire Department.
At this time, our District is experiencing some changes that will affect the level of service provided
to the members of our community. A contract or consolidation may greatly enhance the level of
service for our residents.
We are a district comprised of 64 square miles just East of the City of Lodi. Currently, district staff
consists of nine (9) paid full time firefighters, sixteen (16) compensated volunteer firefighters, one (1)
part-time Fire Chief and one(1) part-time Administrative Secretary. Our budget level is just under
$700,000.00 per fiscal year. At this time we currently have a reserve of Funds at approximately
$300,000.00. We are governed by a Board of Directors with 5 members.
If you would like to discuss this matter in further detail, please contact me by telephone at my home
(209)368-0142.
Sincerely,
/ on al oti
Chairman, Board of Directors
Mokelumne Rural Fire District
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