To: Mayor and Council
From: Mark R. Hafner, City Manager
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution approving the proposal to develop a Feasibility Report for the Town of Westlake and the City of Keller for consolidated Fire and EMS services by Matrix Consulting Group; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all contract documents relating thereto on behalf of the City of Keller, Texas.
Action Requested:
Consider a resolution approving the proposal to develop a Feasibility Report for the Town of Westlake and the City of Keller for consolidated Fire and EMS services by Matrix Consulting Group for a cost not to exceed $32,500, with 50% of the cost being paid for by the City of Keller.
Background:
Recently, the Town of Westlake and City of Keller agreed to an Interlocal Agreement for consolidated full-time fire protection/prevention and emergency medical services for a period of sixteen months. Included in that approval was an equally shared feasibility study regarding consolidated fire protection/prevention and emergency medical services.
Westlake and Keller staff, in the spirit of full transparency during this study process, was tasked to bring to each jurisdiction a proposal for the feasibility study for review and approval by their respective elected officials. Staff researched and talked with a number of firms and ultimately interviewed two groups who specialize in this work nationally. Based on those interviews, Keller and Westlake staff recommend the Matrix Consulting Group as the firm best suited to complete the study.
While the study process does collect and analyze data from both agencies, the focus will be on the governance model/structure, finance component and the human resources element. The project manager is Robert Finn. Mr. Finn has previously served as the Chief of the Southlake Department of Public Safety and with more than 25 years’ experience in fire service operations and consulting, he is in a unique position to understand and evaluate the needs of Westlake and Keller throughout this feasibility study.
Financial Impact:
Funding for Keller’s portion of the study is available in the FY 2020-21 Fire Administration General Fund budget.
Citizen Input/Board Review:
This item is not a public hearing, so those interested in making public comments may speak during the “Persons to be Heard” portion of the meeting. The sixteen-month temporary consolidation period will include multiple opportunities for all stakeholders, including residents, fire department personnel and Council Members from both communities to provide input on the potential merger.
Legal Review:
N/A
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial