PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to request authorization to approve an agreement between the Verdugo Fire Communications Service and the City of Alhambra.  The proposed agreement will authorize the Verdugo Fire Communications Center to commence contract dispatching services for the City of Alhambra.  It is anticipated that dispatching will commence on or near the end of the 2005 calendar year.

BACKGROUND:

The Verdugo Fire Communications Center provides fire and EMS dispatch services to Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.  These cities are �member� agencies and contribute to funding the annual operation of the Center as well as making annual contributions to the reserve for equipment replacement.  Additionally, the Center contracts with seven (7) other agencies, (Monrovia, Arcadia, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, San Marino and Monterey Park) to provide dispatching services for a set fee, the revenue from which supplements the Center�s reserve for equipment replacement.

Including contract agencies provides revenue for the Center�s operations and provides better coordination and response to large emergencies involving Mutual Aid Area �C� agencies of which Burbank is a participating member and Glendale is the coordinator.

ANALYSIS:

On an annual basis, each city pays for their service on a pro rata basis based upon the percentage of incidents dispatched on their behalf to that of the three (3) Verdugo member cities.  In addition, a ten percent (10%) administrative fee is imposed on all of the cities (including the member cities) that is used to defray certain indirect costs not reflected in the Verdugo annual budget.  Such costs include legal, finance and accounting and similar services provided by the City of Glendale as the administrating agency.

Burbank Fire Department Staff believes that the participation of Alhambra in the Verdugo system will significantly enhance service to the public and help provide the revenue to keep Verdugo among the finest dispatching operations in the country. The Alhambra City Council approved the agreement at their meeting of June 13, 2005. 

FISCAL IMPACT:   

By the formula contained in the agreement, Alhambra will pay for each incident where they are dispatched in proportion to the total calls dispatched.  In the current year (FY 05/06) and next year (FY 06/07), this will generate the amounts shown below (FY 05/06 to be prorated):

All fees are paid to and administered by the City of Glendale as the coordinating agency of the Verdugo Fire Communications Center.  As no additional staffing or administration is required by the City of Burbank, there will be no impact on the Burbank Fire Department�s operating budget.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached resolution approving a Verdugo Fire Communications Service Agreement with the City of Alhambra.

EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A:      Agreement with the City of Alhambra

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