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BACKGROUND: <br /> Since arriving in the spring of 2008, the new Emergency Services Director has been very <br /> aware and actively working with the Fire Chiefs and other County staff to develop a thoughtful <br /> and thorough approach for initiating a new fire/rescue study. Attached is a memo offering an <br /> historical perspective on the last study and the reasons there is sustained interest. <br /> Conceptual outlines and updates on a new study were provided to the BOCC by the Director <br /> during September 2008. In November 2008 the Fire Chief's Council participated in a free and <br /> open discussion of what they felt a new fire/rescue study could encompass as well as related <br /> steps to ensure "history would not repeat itself". This session was facilitated by the Purchasing <br /> and Central Services Director and attended by the Emergency Services Director and Assistant <br /> County Manager. The Chiefs Council named three primary members (and three alternates) to <br /> serve on the project steering committee who will also serve as evaluators of responses to a <br /> new request for proposals. <br /> Based upon this groundwork and further review with County management and Purchasing on <br /> procedural steps, Emergency Services in conjunction with the steering committee recommend <br /> the BOCC consider a modified strategy and approach for moving a new study forward. <br /> The suggested strategy divides an overall comprehensive study of the fire/rescue service <br /> system in Orange County into three separate, sequential phases designed to provide <br /> clear and defensible answers to three basic questions: (1) Where are we now? (2) Where <br /> do we want to go? (3) How do we get there? A successful study will adhere to the <br /> principles and priorities articulated by the BOCC and the Fire Chiefs Council. It will: <br /> • Initiate an actionable strategic plan <br /> • Involve critical stakeholders <br /> • Include Northern Chatham and Southern Orange <br /> • Employ recognized industry standards <br /> • Factor six-mile districts <br /> • Address fire insurance ratings <br /> • Critique economies of scale and/or shared use — staffing; facilities, equipment <br /> • Examine efficiencies and services enhancements <br /> • Calculate long term sustainability and fire district financing <br /> • Strengthen support and connections; i.e., fire inspections and prevention. <br /> County staff believes the suggested strategy would enable all stakeholders to coalesce <br /> around the following set of commitments: <br /> • Commitment to a clear purpose <br /> • Commitment to established priorities <br /> • Commitment to a factual study tied to industry norms and professional standards <br /> • Commitment to openness and objectivity in choosing a highly qualified consultant <br /> • Commitment to continuous communication and collaboration between the consultant <br /> and County/Fire Chiefs <br /> • Commitment to instilling and maintaining trust and transparency throughout all phases <br /> and through public participation <br />