4.1 Establishment of the Otsego Fire and Emergency Services Department
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Emergency Services Emergency Service Director Rausch November 27, 2023
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Emergency Services City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 4.1 – Establishment Resolution
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff is recommending that the City Council adopt a Resolution formally establishing the Otsego Fire & Emergency
Services Department.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to establish the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services
Department. This strategic move will enable our community to request essential resources, such as a National Fire
Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and a State Fire Department Identification number, from the State of Minnesota.
Additionally, it may open doors to various grant programs that can significantly benefit our City's emergency response
capabilities.
As you are aware, Otsego is a thriving community that has experienced considerable growth in recent years. Our
population is expanding, and with it, the need for robust fire and emergency services becomes increasingly evident.
While we have been fortunate to rely on neighboring jurisdictions for assistance in the past, establishing our own
department is a proactive step to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.
Here are some compelling reasons why we should move forward with this resolution at this time:
▪ Local Control and Response Time: Having our dedicated fire and emergency services department will provide us
with better control over response times during incidents. Our own department will be more familiar with the
local geography and infrastructure, which can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
▪ National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS): By establishing our department, we can request access to NFIRS,
a critical tool for collecting and analyzing fire incident data. This data will be invaluable in helping us to improve
our firefighting strategies, allocate resources effectively, and enhance fire prevention efforts in our city.
▪ State Fire Department Identification Number: Gaining a State Fire Department Identification number from the
State of Minnesota is crucial for our department's official recognition. This identification number will enable us to
access state-level resources, training, and support, which are essential for a well-functioning fire and emergency
services department.
▪ Eligibility for Grant Programs: The establishment of our fire and emergency services department could make us
eligible for various grant programs at the state and federal levels. These grants could provide us with the
necessary funds to invest in equipment, training, and infrastructure, ensuring the highest level of service for our
community.
▪ Community Pride and Confidence: Establishing our department will foster a sense of community pride and
confidence. Knowing that we have our own dedicated team of first responders will help residents feel more
secure, contributing to the overall well-being of our city.
I believe this is an essential step for our community, and it reflects our commitment to safety and preparedness. It will
also reduce our reliance on neighboring departments, who may themselves be stretched thin during emergencies.
By moving forward with this initiative, we will be better equipped to meet the growing needs of our community, enhance
public safety, and protect our residents and property effectively.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Resolution 2023-78
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to adopt Resolution 2023-78 providing for the establishment of the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services
Department.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 101 – General (Emergency Services – 42200)
N/A
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CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO: 2023-78
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OTSEGO FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Otsego is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and recognizes the growing
need for dedicated fire and emergency services within our community; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department will provide local control and improve
response times during emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Otsego seeks to enhance its ability to collect and analyze fire incident data through access to the
National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS); and
WHEREAS, the City of Otsego recognizes the importance of obtaining a State Fire Department Identification number from
the State of Minnesota to achieve official recognition and access state-level resources; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department may render us eligible for state and
federal grant programs that can provide critical financial support for department development and operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO, MINNESOTA:
1. The City Council expresses its deep commitment to enhancing public safety and response capabilities within the City
of Otsego.
2. The Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department is hereby established.
3. The City Council directs the City Administration to allocate the necessary funds and resources for the establishment,
development, and operation of the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department.
4. The City Council authorizes the City Administration to take all required actions to obtain access to the National Fire
Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and a Fire Department Identification number from the State of Minnesota for the
Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department.
5. The City Council directs the City Administration to explore and apply for any available state and federal grant
programs that can provide financial assistance for the Otsego Fire & Emergency Services Department.
6. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
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ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this 27th day of November, 2023.
MOTION BY:
SECONDED BY:
IN FAVOR:
OPPOSED:
CITY OF OTSEGO
__________________________________
Jessica L. Stockamp, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Audra Etzel, City Clerk