HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-04-2012 - 1, 2 & 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORANGE COUNTY CHIEF'S ASSOCIATION
JOINT MEETING
AGENDA ITEMS ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 4, 2012
Action Agenda
Item No. 1, 2, & 3
SUBJECT: Discussions on Orange County Chief's Association "Strategic Plan for the
Provision of Emergency Services", Insurance Service Office (ISO) Ratings, and
Fire Protection Agreements Between Fire Departments and the County
DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Orange County Chief's Association —
"Strategic Plan for the Provision of Frank Clifton, County Manager, 245-
Emergency Services" Report 2306
Fire Protection Agreements with All Fire Michael Talbert, Assistant County
Departments Manager, 245-2308
PURPOSE: To review and discuss with the Orange County Chief's Association's the topics
listed under BACKGROUND below.
BACKGROUND:
1. Orange County Fire Chief's Association's "Strategic Plan for the Provision of
Emergency Services"
In August 2011 the Orange County Chief's Association engaged the UNC School of
Government to prepare the Orange County Chief's Association's "Strategic Plan for the
Provision of Emergency Services". Lydian Altman, Director of the Strategic Public
Leadership Initiative with the School of Government, led the project along with Masters of
Public Administration student Jake Pflepsen.
The Orange County Chief's Association presented the attached Plan to the Board of
Commissioners at the Board's March 22, 2012 regular meeting. This follow-up allows
representatives from the fire departments, rescue squad, and the Board to discuss the
Plan, for Board members to provide feedback, and to determine any next steps.
2. Insurance Service Office (ISO) Fire Ratings
Objective A of the Orange County Chief's Association Strategic Plan states: "To ensure
all Orange County residents can receive the maximum fire protection and homeowners'
2
insurance savings available by improving individual departments' ISO ratings".
Numerous Fire Departments have lowered their ISO ratings and others are pursing this
goal. The Fire Departments would like to discuss this goal, the progress made to date
and provide the Board the opportunity to provide feedback and determine any next steps.
3. Fire Protection Agreements Between Fire Departments and the County
The Orange County Board of Commissioners has a long-term partnership with the
County fire departments and rescue services as evidenced by the attached contracts,
most of which were originated in 1992. Most of these existing fire protection contracts
automatically renew for a one-year term each fiscal year. The Chief's Association's
Strategic Plan encourages the initiation of new fire-year fire protection contracts in order
to ensure sustainable services.
On June 5, 2012 the Board approved a recommendation from the Emergency Services
Workgroup to proceed with the development of New Fire Protection Contracts with the
North Chatham Fire Department, the Town of Carrboro, and the Town of Chapel Hill for
implementation by July 1, 2013. The Emergency Services Workgroup is currently
defining potential new fire service areas in the Southern Triangle and South Orange Fire
District's to improve fire protections and ISO ratings. The County Attorney's office is
beginning the process of drafting new fire protection contracts. This presents an
opportunity to review national standards and establish local standards and best practices
that could be incorporated into a new contract.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with discussing the items noted
above.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the "Strategic
Plan for the Provision of Emergency Services", Insurance Service Office (ISO) Ratings, and Fire
Protection Agreements with representatives from the volunteer fire departments, provide
feedback, and determine any next steps.