CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM NO.

Meeting Date: March 7, 2011

Subject/Title: Discussion of Fire Service in the City of Brentwood; consider establishing an

ad hoc Fire Subcommittee; and appointing Vice Mayor Barr and Council
Member Stonebarger as Committee Members.

Prepared by: Paul Eldredge, Assistant City Manager

Submitted by: Donna Landeros, City Manager

RECOMMENDATION
Discuss Fire Service in the City of Brentwood; and consider establishing an ad hoc Fire
Subcommittee; and appointing Vice Mayor Barr and Council Member Stonebarger as
Committee Members.

PREVIOUS ACTIONS
On October 27, 2009, the Cities of Brentwood and Oakley and the Contra Costa County
(“County”) Board of Supervisors consented to the creation of an appointed governing board for
the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District based on proportional representation.

On November 10, 2009, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, acting as the East
Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors, consented to the creation of an
appointed governing board for the District based on proportional representation.

On December 8, 2009, the City Council adopted Resolution 2009-242 appointing City of
Brentwood representatives to the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors;
authorized the Mayor to appoint an alternate Director; and authorized the appointees to act as
Fire District Board Directors on behalf of the City of Brentwood.

On December 14, 2010, the City Council adopted Resolution 2010-165 appointing Council
Members Barr and Bryant as representatives, and Mayor Taylor as alternate, to the East Contra
Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors and authorizing the appointees to act as Fire
District Board Directors on behalf of the City of Brentwood.

BACKGROUND
The East Contra Cost Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) currently provides fire service to the
City of Brentwood and the surrounding area. Revenues for ECCFPD have significantly declined
due to the economic downturn and additional revenue is required to maintain the current level of
service without deficit spending. ECCFPD is currently evaluating this additional revenue
measure, however, recent events have indicated that adequate support from critical
stakeholders may be lacking for the revenue measure. Without additional funding the ECCFPD
is estimated to be insolvent within the next 15 to 18 months. Given the potential ramifications
this would have for the City of Brentwood it is prudent for the City to evaluate its options.
Currently, Vice Mayor Barr and Council Members Brockman, Bryant, and Stonebarger serve as
the City of Brentwood’s representatives to the ECCFPD Board of Directors. Mayor Taylor
serves as the City’s alternate to the Board.

While Council Members also serve as Members of the Board of Directors there is a need for
direction to staff related to fire issues. Staff recommends that an ad-hoc Fire Subcommittee be
established with Vice Mayor Barr and Council Member Stonebarger as committee members to
address issues relating to fire within the City limits. Meetings would occur as needed.

The appointment of the subcommittee is also scheduled for action on the March 8, 2011,
agenda, should the Council wish to wait until after the March 7, 2011, ECCFPD Board Meeting
to consider the formation of a subcommittee.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.