REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: June 27, 2018 Report No. FIRE-18-003
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Chris Jancowski, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
Title
Amendment to Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous) Bylaw
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous) Bylaw, 2016, No. 2874, Amendment [No. 2], 2018, No. 2939 be considered for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous) Bylaw, 2016, No. 2874
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This request for decision relates to exploring and identifying efficiencies between local and regional initiatives.
BACKGROUND:
The Township of Esquimalt has provided Contractors a means to access Technical High Angle Rescue Services (Tower Crane) through an Inter-municipal fee for service Agreement over the last decade. This Agreement provides for a primary Tower Crane Rescue Service from Saanich Fire Department and supported by Victoria Fire Department if required.
This Agreement is based on a cost recovery model for all equipment and staffing costs between the providing and receiving municipal governments. This Agreement was entered into with the understanding that cost recovery was possible from the Tower Crane Contractor. Recently, our Department has been advised (by the BC Construction Safety Alliance) that contractors who pay a levy through the Work Safe BC Technical High Angle Rescue Program are not required to pay additional fees to access participating Fire Departments and by extension through third party agreements.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The staff recommendation is based on continued service in a cost effective means. The costs of all Technical High Angle Rescue (Tower Cranes) Services will therefore become the responsibility of the land owner.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
The recommendation will limit costs for the Township and establish a means of cost recovery for services through a Bylaw.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
Staff will communicate changes to current projects and collaborate with Municipal staff to educate all future development proposals involving tower cranes.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous) Bylaw, 2016, No. 2874, Amendment [No. 2], 2018, No. 2939 be considered for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings.
2. That Council direct staff to remain with the status quo of providing Technical High Angle Rescue Services through the Inter-municipal Agreement with Saanich and Victoria; and, further require the Township of Esquimalt to pay all response costs for providing rescue services from Saanich and Victoria Fire Departments.
3. That Council provide alternative direction to staff.