Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Executive Order 09-13, providing the creation of the Governor’s Task Force on a Shared Services Approach to Fire and Rescue Services (“Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force”). The Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force will examine issues and benefits associated with different models for shared fire and rescue service delivery.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 09-13

PROVIDING FOR THE GOVERNOR’S
TASK FORCE ON A SHARED SERVICES APPROACH TO
FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES IN MINNESOTA

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable state laws, including Minnesota Statutes 2009, Sections 12.21, Subdivision 3 and 15.0593, do hereby issue this executive order:

WHEREAS, the providing of fire and rescue services in the protection of lives and property is a primary function of government; and

WHEREAS, while this vital public safety function is performed by local governments, considerable potential exists for increased efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-savings by voluntary and cooperative shared services models; and

WHEREAS, recent creation of several shared services fire and rescue districts in different parts of the state demonstrates the interest and need to increase efficiency; and

WHEREAS, additional and alternate models for shared fire and rescue services warrant discussion, as do issues of governance, funding, liability, pensions, procurement, and related topics; and

WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Public Safety, through the Fire Marshal Division of the Department of Public Safety, has extensive existing relationships, statewide jurisdiction, and substantial statutory duties related to the fire and rescue services of Minnesota and so is ideally-suited to convene such a group.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby declare that:

1. The Governor’s Task Force on a Shared Services Approach to Fire and Rescue Services (“Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force”) is created.

a. The Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force will include multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary members:

i. The Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, or designee;
ii. The State Fire Marshal;
iii.Two fire chiefs from existing fire and rescue shared services districts that have differing cooperative governance models selected by the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association;
iv. A representative of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association;
v. A representative of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association;
vi. A representative of the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters organization;
vii. A representative from or chosen by the League of Minnesota Cities;
viii. A representative from or chosen by the Association of Minnesota Counties;
ix. A representative from or chosen by the Minnesota Association of Townships;

b. The Commissioner of Public Safety or his designee will lead the Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force.

c. Members of the Task Force will serve on a voluntary basis and are not eligible for per-diem or payment of expenses. This provision does not preclude individuals who serve on the Task Force as part of their work assignment from receiving their regular compensation and payment of expenses from their employer.

d. The Commissioner of Public Safety will provide administrative and staff support to the Task Force.

2. By December 31, 2010, the Fire and Rescue Shared Services Task Force will investigate issues and the comparative benefit attendant to different models for shared fire and rescue service delivery. Topics to be specifically addressed include implications and recommendations related to:

a. Governance of regional fire and rescue shared services districts that takes into account geographic area, population density, and other factors and that encourage voluntary participation of communities and service providers;

b. Funding sources for operations of the service district, cooperative training among component departments, and equipment procurement;

c. Efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response and overall benefit to the population served;

d. Employment issues associated with combining existing agencies and entities into a regional or multi-jurisdictional shared services entity;

e. An analysis of best practices in the creation and functioning of public safety-related shared services delivery models;

f. A preliminary set of operating procedures for cooperative shared fire and rescue service systems.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order shall be effective fifteen (15) days after publication in the State Register and filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in effect until rescinded by proper authority or it expires in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2009, 4.035, Subdivision 3.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 4th day of December, 2009.