MEMORANDUM

TO: Timothy Navarre, Assembly President

Members, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly

THRU: Dale Bagley, Mayor

FROM: Colette Thompson, Borough Attorney

DATE: February 7, 2002

SUBJECT: Resolution 2002-024, approving an intergovernmental cooperative agreement between the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and the Kenai Peninsula Borough

The accompanying resolution approves an Intergovernmental Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement and a standard 2002 annual operating plan, and authorizes the mayor to execute the cooperative agreement. It also authorizes the mayor to execute annual operating plans after considering recommendations by each service area board.

Approval of the cooperative agreement enables the service areas to contribute personnel and equipment in the event of a wildfire both inside and outside of their borders. The annual operating plan is a form to be filled out by each of the service areas providing details specific to each service area. These will include descriptions of personnel and equipment that will be made available, and applicable charges.

As of the packet deadline, the final version of this agreement has not been approved by all of the service area boards. The Central Emergency Service Area Board has approved these documents and, if this resolution is approved, will submit a negotiated Annual Operating Plan to the mayor for approval.

It is our expectation that prior to the February 19, 2002 meeting, approvals from the remaining service area boards will be obtained. If they are not, the administration may request an extension of time. The resolution is being presented at this time so that the fire departments have the legal authority to cooperate with the State of Alaska in the event of a wildfire, which could occur at any time.