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51 <br />--, <br />~' <br />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 Gounty 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 />o 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 acid 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 />