HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2023-03-20 Item 6D - PSRFA - Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Annexation PlanCOUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
Initials
Meeting Date
Prepared by
Mayor's review
Council review
2/27/23
DC
3/20/23
DC
04/17/23
DC
ITEM INFORMATION
ITEM No.
6.D.
STAFF SPONSOR: DAVID CLINE
ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 2/27/23
AGENDA ITEM TITLE Annexation Plan for the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
CATEGORY ® Discussion
Mtg Date 3/20/23
❑ Motion
Mtg Date
❑ Resolution
Mtg Date
❑ Ordinance
Mtg Date
❑ Bid Award
Mtg Date
❑ Public Hearing
Mtg Date
❑ Other
Mtg Date
SPONSOR ❑ Council ❑ Mayor ❑ Admin Svcs ❑ DCD ❑ Finance ❑ Fire ❑ Pc R ❑ Police [DPW
SPONSOR'S
SUMMARY
Per the 2022 Contract for Services with Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) an
Annexation Plan was to be created and approved by the PSRFA Governing Board and the
Tukwila City Council and then put to the voters for final approval. An Oversight
Committee, consisting of Councilmembers Kruller and Sharp, as well as PSRFA
Commissioners Barrie and Troutners, created this final plan for council approval.
REVIEWED BY
❑ Trans&Infrastructure Svcs ❑ Community Svcs/Safety ❑ Finance & Governance ❑ Planning & Community Dev.
❑
LTAC
DATE:
❑ Arts Comm.
❑ Parks Comm. ❑ Planning Comm.
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONsoR/ADMIN. Oversight Committee
COMMITTEE Direct to Regular Meeting for discussion and approval
COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED
AMOUNT BUDGETED
APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
Fund Source:
Comments:
MTG. DATE
RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
2/27/23
Forward for further discussion
3/20/23
MTG. DATE
ATTACHMENTS
2/27/23
Info memo re: Proposed Annexation Plan dated Feb 21, 2023
Oversight Committee Memos Feb 1, 2023 & Feb 13, 2023
Draft Annexation Plan
3/20/23
Info memo (updated Mar 13, 2023)
PSRFA Final Annexation Plan
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City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Committee of the Whole
FROM: David Cline, City Administrator
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: February 21, 2023March 13, 2023 Updated
SUBJECT: PSRFA Annexation Plan — Final Draft proposed by Oversight Committee
ISSUE
Per the 2022 Contract for Services with Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA) adopted
by the City Council on October 6, 2022, an Annexation Plan to the PSRFA is to be created and
presented for approval by the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and the Tukwila City Council
and then sent to the Tukwila voters for approval. The Council selected Oversight Committee
members, Councilmembers Kruller and Sharp, have met Twice three times and are providing an
update to the full Council and seeking input on the final plan which is scheduled for final
adoption on April 5 by the PSRFA Board and then April 17 by the Tukwila City Council.
BACKGROUND
March 13, 2023 Update
The Oversight Committee met on March 13, 2023 and reviewed the attached updated plan and
recommended approval to both the PSRFA Board and the Tukwila City Council. The last major
issue was facility transfers and it was agreed that Station 54 would be a 15 -year lease. See the
actual language below as well as in the Annexation Plan on page 19 in section 7.c.1.iv.
As mentioned on February 27, 2023 there was also a discussion about moving to an annual
rotation of three specific position which will be in the updated bylaws once Tukwila becomes a
member. Specific draft language is as follows:
Chair, Vice Chair and Chair of Citizen's Advisory Group. - Bylaws
Upon annexation, the bylaws will be amended to create a 3 -year rotation (or more
specifically three separate positions, each having a one-year rotation) of the positions
above. As a result, in 2024, a Board Member from KCFD#37 would assume the role of
Chair, a Board Member from the city of Tukwila would assume the role of Vice -Chair,
and a Board Member from the city of Kent would lead the Citizen's advisory group.
The City Council approved a contract for services with PSRFA on October 6, 2022 as a step
towards full annexation. The Citizen's Advisory Committee on the Future of Fire/EMS Services
had recommended these actions in their final report provided to the Council in May 2022.
Per the Contract, a four -person Annexation Oversight Committee was created to draft this
Annexation Plan. These members include Tukwila City Councilmembers Kruller and Sharp, and
PSRFA Governing Board Members Barrie and Troutner. This Oversight Committee has met
twice (see attached memos) and another meeting is planned for February 27, 2023, prior to the
Committee of the Whole meeting. The Oversight Committee has been successful in crafting an
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
Annexation Plan that meets all parties needs and is seeking final input from the Tukwila City
Council before final approval of both governing boards.
Most of the issues for annexation have already been agreed to in the current Contract for
Services that went in place on January 1, 2023. The final issue still remaining is the transfer of
fire stations. This is discussed below and is expected to be finalized for by the February 27,
2023 Oversight Committee, and will be presented to the City Council that evening.
Key Issues of the Annexation Plan:
Governance (Section 5,B,1, p. 15): The directive to seek fair and equitable representation for
all participants guided the key language in the amended plan. The three "member" jurisdictions
will each have three voting seats.
As provided by RCW 52.26.080, the RFA Governing Board shall include nine voting members
consisting of three (3) current seated members from the City of Kent to be appointed by the
Kent City Council and three (3) current, seated King County Fire District 37 Board of
Commissioners members (3) current, seated members from the City of Tukwila to be appointed
by the Tukwila City Council and nonvoting advisory positions consisting of one for each
Contractual Jurisdiction as appointed by the governing body of such Jurisdiction.
Voting Members — Tukwila (3) Kent (3) KCFD37 (3)
Non-voting Advisory Members — SeaTac (1) KCFD43 (1) Covington (1)
Each "contract" jurisdiction will have one non-voting advisory seat each. The City of Covington
is annexed into King County Fire District #37 (KCFD37) and is represented by the three voting
seats of KCFD37. Maple Valley is King County Fire District #43 and is represented by a non-
voting advisory seat of KCFD43. SeaTac is a contract city and is represented by a non-voting
advisory seat.
Facilities (Section 7.C.1.a, p. 19) :
Facilities Updated on March 13, 2023: As discussed on February 27, 2023, there was an
agreement for a 50 -year lease for Fire Station 51 and transfer of ownership for Fire Stations 52
and 53. Due to this discussion, the PSRFA has agreed to a 15 -year lease for Fire Station 54.
The following is the agreed upon language for all four stations in section 7.c :
1. Transfers of Real Property.
a. The following real property owned by the City of Tukwila shall be
transferred in fee simple determinable subject to an automatic
reversionary interest, meaning Tukwila is conveying property "so
long as" certain conditions are met, to the RFA, or leased to the
RFA, as specified below:
i. Station 51: The City of Tukwila shall retain ownership of
the real property on which Station 51 is located and shall
lease Station 51 to the RFA for 50 -year terms at the rate
of $1 per year. As conditions of the lease, the RFA shall
assume 100% of the maintenance costs and shall use
https://tukwilawa-my.sharepoint.com/personal/cheryl_thompson_tukwilawa_gov/Documents/Council Memos/2023/InfoMemo re Annexation Plan 3-20-2023.docx
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
Station 51 to deploy RFA response units, subject to any
other interests in the property.
ii. Station 52: City of Tukwila shall sell to the RFA for $1 and
shall retain an automatic reversionary interest in the event
this station is no longer used to deploy RFA response
units. Further, Tukwila shall retain the right to access and
use the following areas of Station 52: (a) the "212 EOC
Storage" closet; (b) the "210 Training Room" as the City's
backup Emergency Operations Center on a 24/7 basis and
at any time without notice in the event of an emergency
and until termination of the emergency event, and as a
public meeting space up to twenty (20) hours per calendar
week, provided RFA staff is on-site to facilitate such use;
and (c) the "213 HAM" closet for storage of ham radios and
related equipment.
iii. Station 53: City of Tukwila shall sell to the RFA for $1 and
shall retain an automatic reversionary interest in the event
this station is no longer used to deploy RFA response
units.
iv. Station 54: City of Tukwila shall retain ownership of the
real property on which Station 54 is located and shall lease
Station 54 to the RFA for a 15 -year term at the rate of $1
per year. As conditions of the lease, the RFA shall assume
100% of the maintenance costs and shall use Station 54
to deploy RFA response units. Before the end of year 10
(December 31, 2034), either Tukwila or the RFA shall
provide notice to the other party, indicating whether the
lease will expire December 31, 2039, or be renewed for an
additional term subject to conditions to be mutually
negotiated by the parties
•
■
outhcenter), FS 52 (City Hall Campus), FS 5
Tukwila will continue to own the land, while PSRFA will maintain and operate the station and the
infrastructure. The stations must continue to `deploy RFA response units" or the station will
revert to the City of Tukwila.
Thi, -la ;gtgc is still being worked on after several iterations from the PSRFA Attorney and
stations replacing Tukwila's older stations, the current plan is as follows:
• Older Stations (Fire Stations 53 and 54): Shorter term leases (10 years) with a
notification period (3 years).
https:l/tukwilawa-my.sharepoint.com/personal/cheryl_thompson_tukwilawa_gov/Documents/Council Memos/2023/InfoMemo re Annexation Plan 3-20-2023.docx
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 4
One draft of the language is as follows:
located and shall lease each station to thc RFA for 50 year terms at thc rate of $1 per year per station.
For station 52, Tukwila shall retain thc right to usc that station as a backup FOC, to storc equipment, and
to usc conference rooms, consistent with thc current lease. As a condition of thc !cases, thc RFA shall
assume 100% of the maintenance costs for stations 51 and 52 during the lease terms, and thc RFA shall
usc thc stations to deploy RFA response units.
Stations 53 & 54: City of Tukwila shall retain ownership of the real property on which these stations arc
located and shall !case each station to thc RFA for 10 year terms at thc rate of $1 per year per station. A5
a condition of the leases, the RFA shall assume 100% of the maintenance costs for stations 53 and 5'1
during thc lease terms, and the RFA shall use the stations to deploy RFA response units. The City shall
provide 36 months' notice before thc end of the 10 year terms (at thc end of year 7) whether the leases
will expire or be renewed after 10 years.
Election Date (Section 3.B.1, p. 10): The current goal is to submit our proposition by May 12,
2023, for the Primary Election to be held on August 1, 2023. A voter approval of this proposition
will make this plan effective date on January 1, 2024. This would allow a year of transition to
ensure that the newly expanded PSF Board would be able to effectively allocate the fire benefit
charge and property tax for services beginning in January 2025. The City of Tukwila would still
be financially obligated under the contract for services in 2024. If the proposition fails, the
governing document for the RFA will be the current 2017 RFA Plan.
Proposed Schedule for Action by PSF Governing Board and Tukwila City Council: To
meet the May 12, 2023 deadline for submission for the August 1, 2023 Primary Election, the
following are suggested options. This proposes a 4 -step process:
la.Tukwila City Council Review of Proposed Annexation Plan — Feb 27 and March 20
1 b. PSRFA Board review of Proposed Annexation Plan — March 15
2. PSF Board Approval of Annexation Plan — April 5
3. Tukwila City Council Approval of Annexation Plan — April 17
4. Tukwila City Council Resolution Calling for Special Election — April 17
Table 1: Recommended Review and Approval of Annexation Plan with sptian-for April date#
more time needed.
Tukwila COW
Review of
Proposed
Annexation Plan
PSRFA
PSRFA Board
Approval of
Resolution to
Amend Plan
Tukwila City
Council Approval
of Resolution to
Annex to PSRFA
Tukwila City
Council Resolution
Calling for Special
Election
Board
Review
Plan
Feb 27
March
March 15
March 20
March 20
15
March 20
April 5
April 17
April 17
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 5
DISCUSSION
Discussion/Action Requested of the City Council:
1. Is Governance Acceptable? (Section 5)
2. Is Facilities Transfer acceptable? (Section 7) — still to be finalized
3. Is Election Date and Effective Date Acceptable (Section 3)
4. What is the preferred timeline for review and approval of all parties? (see Table 1)
5. Are there any outstanding items for future action?
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If annexation is successful, the operating and capital costs for fire services will become the
responsibility of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, which the City would be on the
governing board. The City would retain costs associated with other services, especially the
contract for Fire Marshal services.
RECOMMENDATION
Discussion only — provide input to the Oversight Committee members for final annexation plan.
ATTACHMENTS
1 — Final Annexation PlanOversight Committee Memo Mtg 1t1 Feb 1, 2023 (updated)
2 Oversight Committee Memo Mtg 1t2 Feb 13, 2023
3 — Annexation Plan (as of Feb 13, 2023, still to be revised)
https://tukwilawa-my.sharepoint.com/personal/cheryl_thompson_tukwilawa_gov/Documents/Council Memos/2023/InfoMemo re Annexation Plan 3-20-2023.docx
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2023
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
PLAN
Serving the cities of Covington, Kent,
Maple Valley, SeaTac and Tukwila,
and King County Fire Districts Nos. 37 and 43
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
143
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Organizational Information 3
Section 1: Needs Statement 7
Section 2: Definitions 8
Section 3: Formation Authority 10
Section 4: Jurisdictional Boundaries 11
Section 5: Governance 14
Section 6: Organizational Structure/Operations 16
Section 7: Financial 17
Section 8: Fire Prevention, Public Education Services, Emergency
Management and Fire Investigation Unit 21
Appendix A — Jurisdictional Boundaries 24
Appendix B — Organizational Structure 26
144
HISTORY
In 2010, the voters of the City of Kent and King County Fire Protection District No. 37 approved the formation
of the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority, effective July 1, 2010.
On January 1, 2014, the Kent Fire Department RFA contractually consolidated with the City of SeaTac Fire
Department pursuant to an interlocal agreement, and the City of SeaTac filled a non-voting advisory position
on the Governing Board pursuant to a 2014 Plan Amendment.
In 2016, the Governing Board approved the renaming of the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority
to Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority pursuant to a 2016 Plan Amendment.
On July 1, 2018, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority contractually consolidated with Maple Valley Fire and
Rescue (King County Fire Protection District No. 43) pursuant to an interlocal agreement and Maple Valley
Fire and Rescue filled a non-voting advisory position on the Governing Board.
On January 1, 2023, Puget Sound Fire contractually consolidated with the City of Tukwila Fire Department
pursuant to an interlocal agreement, and the City of Tukwila filled a non-voting advisory position on the
Governing Board.
Copies of the original RFA Plan and the 2014 and 2016 amendments are retained in the Puget Sound Fire
Administrative Offices.
On April 5, 2023, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governing Board approved an amendment of the
2016 RFA Plan ("2023 Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Plan") to submit to the voters of the City of
Tukwila as part of the process of annexing the City of Tukwila as a participating jurisdiction into the Puget
Sound Regional Fire Authority. On August 1, 2023, the City of Tukwila voters approved the amended RFA
Plan, and the City of Tukwila was formally annexed into the RFA on January 1, 2024.
3 � 145
PURPOSE
Professionally and Compassionately Helping People
VISION
To be a trusted resource for building safe and healthy communities.
MISSION
To provide effective and sustainable services that meet the needs of a changing community with the
resources entrusted to us.
VALUES
Integrity. We believe in holding ourselves accountable for our actions and living our shared values.
Innovation. We believe in continuous improvement through collaboration.
Inclusion. We believe in the strength diversity brings to our organization and communities.
Service. We believe in exceeding the needs of our communities through exceptional customer service and
leadership.
146 ( 4 1
OVERSIGHT
Puget Sound Fire is governed by the Puget Sound Fire Governance Board. The Governance Board is
comprised of nine voting members and three non-voting members. Of the voting members, three are
appointed from the Kent City Council, three from the Tukwila City Council, and three from the Board of
Commissioners for Fire District No. 37. Of the non-voting members, one is from the Covington City Council,
one is from the SeaTac City Council, and one is from the King County Fire District No. 43 Board of
Commissioners.
The Puget Sound Fire Governance Board has the responsibility to oversee budget and policy decisions and
to ensure that Puget Sound Fire is successful in its mission of protecting our communities.
FUNDING
Puget Sound Fire uses a voter -approved, two-part funding method comprised of property taxes and a fire
benefit charge (FBC) to fund its operations. The FBC is a fee that is based on the benefit of having emergency
services. It is not a per call charge and is not based on property value.
The property tax/FBC model provides a stable funding method that results in predictable revenues. Adding
a FBC alongside property taxes as part of the funding system allows Puget Sound Fire to equitably distribute
the cost, meaning that higher risk properties pay more for the benefit of fire -related and emergency services
and lower risk properties pay less.
SERVICES AND STAFFING
As an internationally accredited regional fire authority, Puget Sound Fire employs over 400 people, and 17
fire stations are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by full-time, career firefighters. Advanced Life
Support (Paramedic) services are provided through the King County Medic One program.
The broad range of emergency response services that we provide to our residents from our 17 fire stations
throughout our response areas include:
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire Suppression
• Hazardous Materials
• Water Rescue
• Technical Rescue, and
• Wildland Urban Interface
( 5 1 147
Additionally, Puget Sound Fire also provides non -emergency services to our residents including:
• Emergency Management
• Fire Prevention
• Public Education and FDCARES
Our support divisions include:
• Community Relations
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Strategic Resource Management
• Business and Information Technology Services
• Logistics
• Fire Garage, and
• Facilities Maintenance
148 ( 6 1
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 1: Needs Statement
Adopted: 06-03-09 Revised: 01-01-24
1. The ability to respond to emergency situations by fire protection and emergency medical
services jurisdictions has not kept up or progressed with the community's needs and special
service demands;
2. Providing a fire protection and emergency medical service system requires a collaborative
partnership and responsibility among local and regional governments and the private sector;
3. There are efficiencies to be gained by regional fire protection and emergency medical service
delivery, while maintaining local control; and
4. Timely development of significant projects can best be achieved through enhanced funding
options for regional fire protection, emergency services, specialized rescue, hazardous material
mitigation, using existing taxing authority to address fire protection and emergency service
needs, with new authority to address critical fire protection projects and emergency services.
5. Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority is capable of providing regional services to its contractual
partners and participating jurisdictions.
RFA Plan Revision:
The NEEDS STATEMENT section of the Puget Sound RFA Plan is subject to amendment by a
majority vote of the RFA Governance Board after the Effective Date.
7 � 149
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 2: Definitions
Adopted: 06-03-09 Revised: 01-01-24
The definitions in this section apply throughout the Regional Fire Protection Service Plan, unless the
context clearly requires otherwise.
1. "Board" or "Governing Board": Means the governing body of a regional fire protection
services authority.
2. "Participating Jurisdictions": Means the City of Kent, King County Fire Protection District No.
37 and the City of Tukwila.
3. "Contractual Jurisdictions": Means the City of SeaTac, Maple Valley Fire and Rescue and any
future municipal corporations that enter into Interlocal Full Consolidation Agreements with
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.
4. "Regional Fire Authority," "Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority" "Puget Sound RFA"
"RFA": Means a municipal corporation, an independent taxing authority within the meaning of
Article VII, Section 1, of the Washington State Constitution, and a taxing district within the
meaning of Article VII, Section 2, of the Washington State Constitution, whose boundaries are
coextensive with the City of Kent, King County Fire Protection District No. 37 and the City of
Tukwila that has been created by a vote of the people under Revised Code of Washington
chapter 52.26 to implement a Regional Fire Authority Plan and by a vote of the City of Tukwila
voters to approve annexation of the City of Tukwila into the RFA pursuant to RCW 52.26.300.
5. "Regional Fire Authority Plan," "RFA Plan," "Puget Sound RFA Plan" or "Plan": Means a
plan to develop, govern and finance a Regional Fire Authority, including, but not limited to,
specific capital projects, fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency
medical services, and services for the protection of life and property pursuant to RCW
52.26.040, and the preservation and maintenance of existing or future facilities and services.
6. "2023 Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Plan" or "2023 RFA Plan": Means the 2017 RFA
Plan as amended by the RFA Governing Board and approved by the City of Tukwila voters.
7. "Effective Date": Means the effective date of the 2023 RFA Plan on January 1, 2024.
150 ( 8
RFA Plan Revision:
The DEFINITIONS section of the Puget Sound RFA Plan is subject to amendment by a majority
vote of the RFA Governance Board after the Effective Date.
9 ) 151
152
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 3: Formation Authority
Adopted: 06-03-09 Revised: 01-01-24
A. Reference:
1. Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority was created pursuant to law when the voters of the City of
Kent and King County Fire Protection District No. 37 approved the original RFA Plan at a special
election on April 27, 2010 as authorized by Chapter 52.26 RCW.
2. The authority to annex additional Participating Jurisdictions into the RFA requires approval of
an RFA Plan amendment by both the RFA Governing Board and the voters of the annexing
Participating Jurisdiction pursuant to RCW 52.26.300.
B. Activity and Operation:
1. If approved by the voters of the City of Tukwila at an election on August 1, 2023, this 2023 RFA
Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date of January 1, 2024. If the 2023 RFA Plan is not
approved by Tukwila voters, then this 2023 RFA Plan Amendment shall not be adopted, and the
existing 2017 Puget Sound Regional Fire Department Plan shall remain as the RFA Plan.
2. Upon voter approval of the 2023 RFA Plan, the City of Kent, the City of Tukwila and King County
Fire District No. 37 shall continue to exist as separate and independent Washington State
municipal corporations. The exclusive purpose of the continued existence of King County Fire
District No. 37 shall be to provide representation to the RFA Governance Board.
3. At such time as King County Fire District 37 no longer provides revenues or representatives to
the governance board, it may be dissolved in accordance with RCW 52.26.120.
RFA Plan Revision:
The FORMATION AUTHORITY section of the Puget Sound RFA Plan is subject to amendment only
by a revised Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Plan being re -submitted to the electorate for
approval.
f'^1
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 4: Jurisdictional Boundaries
Adopted: 07-15-09 Revised: 01-01-24
A. Reference:
1. The authority to define the jurisdictional boundaries of the Puget Sound Fire Authority is
provided by RCW 52.26.020(2).
B. Jurisdictional Boundaries on Effective Date of the 2023 RFA Plan:
1. If the 2023 RFA Plan is approved by Tukwila voters, the jurisdictional boundaries of Puget Sound
Regional Fire Authority shall be the current legal boundaries of the Participating Jurisdictions,
which boundaries are currently contiguous and are depicted on the map attached hereto and
marked as Appendix "A" of this 2023 RFA Plan.
C. Changes in Jurisdictional Boundaries:
1. Boundary Changes that do not require a RFA Plan amendment.
a. City of Kent or City of Tukwila annexations of areas included within the
boundaries of King County Fire Protection District No. 37. Such annexations
will not affect the RFA since the areas will already be within the RFA boundaries.
Pursuant to RCW 52.26.290, there will be no required asset or employee transfers
between the fire district and the affected city.
b. City of Kent or City of Tukwila annexations of areas not included within King
County Fire Protection District No. 37. On the effective date of such annexation,
the territory annexed shall automatically be included within the boundaries of the
RFA pursuant to RCW 52.26.090. The territory added to the RFA by such annexation
shall be subject to the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness (if approved as
part of the annexation process) of the RFA. Any transfer of assets or employees that
occurs as a result of annexation shall be between the transferring entity and the RFA.
c. King County Fire Protection District No. 37 annexations of areas outside the
boundaries of the RFA. On the effective date of such annexation, the territory
annexed shall automatically be included within the boundaries of the RFA pursuant
153
to RCW 52.26.090. The territory added to the RFA by such annexation shall be
subject to the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness (if approved as part of
the annexation process) of the RFA.
d. Partial merger of an area located in an adjacent fire protection district into
King County Fire Protection District No. 37. On the effective date of such partial
merger, the territory merged into King County Fire Protection District No. 37 shall
automatically be included within the boundaries of the RFA. The territory added to
the RFA by such partial merger shall be subject to the taxation, charges, and bonded
indebtedness of the RFA in the manner specified in chapter 52.06 RCW. Any transfer
of assets or employees as a result of a partial merger shall be between the merging
district and the RFA.
e. Merger of an adjacent fire protection district into King County Fire Protection
District No. 37. On the effective date of such merger, the territory merged into King
County Fire Protection District No. 37 shall automatically be included within the
boundaries of the RFA. The territory added to the RFA by such merger shall be
subject to the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness of the RFA in the manner
specified in chapter 52.06 RCW. Pursuant to RCW 52.06.085, the merger will result
in an increase in the size of the governing board of King County Fire Protection
District No. 37. Such increase shall not, however, alter the Governance Plan and the
RFA governing board shall still have 3 representatives from the Fire District. Any
transfer of assets or employees as a result of a merger shall be between the merging
district and the RFA.
f. Full or partial merger of King County Fire Protection District 37 into an
adjacent fire protection district. On the effective date of such merger, the areas
within King County Fire Protection District No. 37 that are merged into the adjacent
fire protection district shall be removed from the jurisdictional boundaries of the
RFA. In this situation, the RFA shall not be obligated to transfer employees or assets
of the RFA, and the adjacent fire protection district shall be restricted to assets and
employees of the fire district, if any.
g.
Annexation of a portion of King County Fire Protection District 37 by a City
that is not a participating jurisdiction in the RFA. On the effective date of such
annexation, the territory annexed shall automatically be removed from the
boundaries of the RFA. In this situation, the RFA shall not be obligated to transfer
employees or assets of the RFA, and the annexing city shall be restricted solely to
assets and employees of the fire district, if any.
h. Annexation of areas by the City of Covington. Provided that the City of
Covington remains annexed into King County Fire Protection District No. 37, on the
effective date of any such annexation, the territory annexed shall automatically be
included within the boundaries of the RFA pursuant to RCW 52.26.090 and RCW
52.04.091. The territory added to the RFA by such annexation shall be subject to
154 ( 12 1
the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness (if approved as part of the
annexation process) of the RFA. Any transfer of assets or employees that occurs as
a result of such annexation shall be between the transferring entity and the RFA.
2. Boundary Changes that require a RFA Plan amendment.
The addition of another entity as a participating jurisdiction in the RFA shall require a voter
approved amendment to the RFA Plan.
RFA Plan Revision:
Except as provided in paragraph C.2 of this section, the JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES section of
the Puget Sound RFA Plan is subject to amendment by a majority vote of the RFA Governance
Board after the Effective Date.
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156
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 5: Governance
Adopted: 07-15-09 Revised: 01-01-24
Governance and Representation
A. Reference:
1. The authority to provide governance for the Regional Fire Authority is provided by RCW
52.26.080 and RCW 52.26.090.
B. Governing Board Structure and Operation:
1. As provided by RCW 52.26.080, the RFA Governing Board shall include nine voting members
consisting of three (3) current seated members from the City of Kent to be appointed by the
Kent City Council and three (3) current, seated King County Fire District 37 Board of
Commissioners members (3) current, seated members from the City of Tukwila to be appointed
by the Tukwila City Council and nonvoting advisory positions consisting of one for each
Contractual Jurisdiction as appointed by the governing body of such Jurisdiction.
2. The RFA Governing Board shall adopt governance policies and rules for conducting business for
the RFA in accordance with RCW 52.26.080.
3. The RFA Governing Board shall adopt by-laws to govern RFA affairs in accordance with RCW
52.26.080.
4. The RFA Governing Board shall have all the power and authority granted governing boards under
Washington State law and shall include the power and authority to make any decisions
appropriate for the RFA and for matters related to Title 52 RCW.
5. Members of the Governing Board will receive compensation in the same manner and under the
same conditions as provided by law for commissioners of a fire protection district organized
under Title 52 RCW.
( 14 1
RFA Plan Revision:
The GOVERNANCE section of the Puget Sound RFA Plan is subject to amendment by a majority
vote of the RFA Governance Board after the Effective Date.
15 ) 157
158
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 6: Organizational Structure/Operations
Adopted: 11-04-09 Revised: 01-01-24
A. Reference:
1. The authority for the RFA to establish an Organizational Structure is provided in RCW
52.26.040.
B. Activity/Operation:
1. The RFA shall be organized and managed, with leadership provided as show in Appendix
"B" of the RFA Plan.
2. The RFA Administrative, Operations and Prevention Division shall be organized, and a
chain of command be established in accordance with the organizational structure
provided in Appendix "B" of the RFA Plan.
3. The Governing Board for the RFA shall be referred to as the Regional Fire Authority
Governing Board, as identified in Appendix "B" of the RFA Plan.
4. Current staffing models, standards of coverage, deployment standards, field operations,
command staffing, and operational policies and procedures shall continue at the current
level of service on the Effective Date.
5. Puget Sound Fire will operate pursuant to its adopted Standards of Coverage, which
defines services, levels of service, standards of coverage, development standards and
customer expectations of the RFA.
RFA Plan Revision:
The ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE/OPERATIONS section of the Puget Sound RFA Plan is
subject to amendment by a majority vote of the RFA Governance Board after the Effective Date.
( 16 )
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 7: Financial
Adopted: 11-04-09 Revised: 01-01-24
A. Reference:
1. The authority to provide funding and levy taxes for the RFA is provided by RCW
52.26.050, RCW 52.26.120, RCW 52.26.140 - .180, RCW 52.30.020, chapter 84.52 RCW
and chapter 84.55 RCW.
2. The authority and mechanism for the collection of taxes and the benefit service charge
shall be in accordance with RCW 52.26.170, RCW 52.26.200 - .270
B. Revenues/Funding:
1. Pursuant to the original approved RFA Plan, funding for the RFA is based on a property
tax not to exceed $1.00 per thousand of taxable assessed value and a benefit service
charge on all improved properties within the RFA service area based upon the general
formula and methodology set annually by the RFA Governing Board.
2. In the event a Participating Jurisdiction annexes into the RFA pursuant to RCW
52.26.300, the initial property tax levy rate shall be calculated pursuant to the rule
established under WAC 458-19-035.
3. In the event a Participating Jurisdiction annexes into the RFA pursuant to RCW
52.26.300, the benefit charge shall be applied within the boundaries of the Participating
Jurisdiction based on the currently adopted Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority benefit
charge formula on file with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.
4. The initial tax levy and benefit charge in the Participating Jurisdiction shall occur in the
year of formation provided the effective date of the annexation occurs prior to August
1, pursuant to RCW 84.09.030. If the effective date occurs after such date, the initial
property tax levy and benefit charge shall not be made within the boundaries of the
Participating Jurisdiction until the year following the Effective Date and the Participating
Jurisdiction shall continue to pay for services for the first year of annexation in the
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160
manner established by agreement between Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and
the Participating Jurisdiction.
5. To the extent permitted by law, the RFA shall contract with agencies and entities exempt
from property taxes in accordance with RCW 52.30.020 and related statutes.
6. The Governing Board shall have the authority to pursue all additional revenue sources
authorized by law including but not limited to revenue sources specifically identified in
Title 52 RCW that are not otherwise addressed in chapter 52.26 RCW.
7. The RFA shall pay all costs of continued operation of King County Fire Protection District
No. 37 subsequent to the formation of the RFA
C. Financial Assets Transferred:
1. Transfers of Real Property.
a. The following real property owned by the City of Tukwila shall be transferred in
fee simple determinable subject to an automatic reversionary interest, meaning
Tukwila is conveying property "so long as" certain conditions are met, to the RFA,
or leased to the RFA, as specified below:
i. Station 51: The City of Tukwila shall retain ownership of the real
property on which Station 51 is located and shall lease Station 51 to the
RFA for 50 -year terms at the rate of $1 per year. As conditions of the
lease, the RFA shall assume 100% of the maintenance costs and shall
use Station 51 to deploy RFA response units, subject to any other
interests in the property.
ii. Station 52: City of Tukwila shall sell to the RFA for $1 and shall retain an
automatic reversionary interest in the event this station is no longer
used to deploy RFA response units. Further, Tukwila shall retain the right
to access and use the following areas of Station 52: (a) the "212 EOC
Storage" closet; (b) the "210 Training Room" as the City's backup
Emergency Operations Center on a 24/7 basis and at any time without
notice in the event of an emergency and until termination of the
emergency event, and as a public meeting space up to twenty (20) hours
per calendar week, provided RFA staff is on-site to facilitate such use;
and (c) the "213 HAM" closet for storage of ham radios and related
equipment.
iii. Station 53: City of Tukwila shall sell to the RFA for $1 and shall retain an
automatic reversionary interest in the event this station is no longer
used to deploy RFA response units.
iv. Station 54: City of Tukwila shall retain ownership of the real property
on which Station 54 is located and shall lease Station 54 to the RFA for
a 15 -year term at the rate of $1 per year. As conditions of the lease, the
RFA shall assume 100% of the maintenance costs and shall use Station
54 to deploy RFA response units. Before the end of year 10 (December
31, 2034), either Tukwila or the RFA shall provide notice to the other
party, indicating whether the lease will expire December 31, 2039, or be
renewed for an additional term subject to conditions to be mutually
negotiated by the parties.
2. Transfers of Personal Property.
a. The City of Tukwila transferred its fire department related personal property to
the RFA by separate interlocal agreement and no additional transfers of City
personal property are required.
D. Liabilities:
1. On the date of formation, the RFA shall assume the following liabilities of the City of
Tukwila.
a. Routine, regular maintenance, major repairs, capital improvements, and utilities
costs consistent with Section 5 of the separate interlocal agreement.
2. The City of Tukwila shall retain the following liabilities:
a. The City of Tukwila will keep the liability for retired and active LEOFF 1 Tukwila
Fire Department FTE's to include medical and long term care insurance
payments and any other expenses incurred by the Tukwila Fire Department
LEOFF 1 personnel in accordance with the City of Tukwila LEOFF 1 Policies and
Procedures consistent with Section 6.4 of the separate interlocal agreement.
b. The City of Tukwila shall remain responsible for all outstanding debt related to
the construction and improvement of Fire Stations 51 and 52 transferred under
Section 7.C.1.a.i and ii of this Plan.
c. The City retains the obligations established in the City of Tukwila and IAFF Local
2088 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) concerning the Retirement Management Plan (RMP) for participants that
retired prior to January 1, 2023, consistent with Section 6.5 and Exhibit K of the
separate interlocal agreement.
d. The City shall indemnify, defend, and hold the RFA harmless from any and all
demands, claims, or actions by former City Personnel, which arise out of, or
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162
relate to, the City Personnel's employment prior to January 1, 2023, consistent
with Section 6.6 of the separate interlocal agreement.
RFA Plan Revision:
Subject to any statutory requirements for voter approval, the FUNDING section of the Puget Sound
RFA Plan, including the benefit charge funding formula and methodology, is subject to amendment
by a majority vote of the RFA Governance Board after the Effective Date.
( 20 )
PUGET SOUND
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 8: Fire Prevention, Public Education Services,
Emergency Management and Fire Investigation Unit
Adopted: 11-04-09 Revised: 01-01-24
A. Reference:
1. The authority for the RFA to establish and provide Fire Prevention, Public Education, Emergency
Management and Fire Investigation components is provided in RCW 52.26.040, RCW
52.26.090(2), RCW 52.12.031 (3), (6) and (7) and chapter 39.34 RCW.
B. Activity/Operation:
1. SERVICE PROVIDERS FOLLOWING 2023 RFA PLAN EFFECTIVE DATE:
1.1. FIRE PREVENTION SERVICES
a. On the effective date of the 2023 RFA Plan, Fire Prevention Services within the
boundaries of the RFA shall be provided as follows:
Within the City Kent. The RFA will provide Fire Prevention Services to the City of
Kent pursuant to an interlocal agreement.
(ii). Within the City of Covington. The RFA will provide Fire Prevention Services to
the City of Covington pursuant to an interlocal agreement.
(iii). Within the City Tukwila. The RFA will provide Fire Prevention Services to the City
of Tukwila pursuant to an interlocal agreement.
(iv). Within unincorporated King County. King County shall provide Fire Prevention
Services, unless the RFA enters into an interlocal with King County to provide
such services.
(v). The RFA may contract to provide such services to Contractual Jurisdictions and
other entities as determined by the Governing Board.
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163
1.2. FIRE INVESTIGATION SERVICES:
a. On the effective date of the 2023 RFA Plan, Fire Investigation Services within the
boundaries of the RFA shall be provided as follows:
Within the City Kent. The RFA will provide Fire Investigation Services to the City
of Kent pursuant to an interlocal agreement.
(ii). Within the City of Covington. The RFA will provide Fire Investigation Services to
the City of Covington pursuant to an interlocal agreement.
(iii). Within the City Tukwila. The RFA will provide Fire Investigation Services to the
City of Tukwila pursuant to an interlocal agreement.
(iv). Within unincorporated King County. King County shall provide Fire Investigation
Services unless the RFA enters into an interlocal with King County to provide
such services.
(v). The RFA may contract to provide such services to Contractual Jurisdictions and
other entities as determined by the Governing Board.
1.3. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
a. On the effective date of the 2023 RFA Plan, Emergency Management Services within
the boundaries of the RFA shall be provided as follows:
Within the City Kent. The RFA will provide Emergency Management Services to
the City of Kent pursuant to an inter -local agreement.
(ii). Within the City of Covington. Covington shall remain the provider of Emergency
Management Services.
(iii). Within the City Tukwila. Tukwila shall remain the provider of Emergency
Management Services.
(iv). Within unincorporated King County. King County shall remain the provider of
Emergency Management Services.
(v). The RFA may contract to provide such services to Contractual Jurisdictions and
other entities as determined by the Governing Board.
1.4. PUBLIC EDUCATION SERVICES.
a. On the effective date of the creation of the RFA, the RFA shall provide Public
Education Services throughout the jurisdiction of the RFA.
164 ( 22
b. The RFA may contract to provide such services to Contractual Jurisdictions and other
entities as determined by the Governing Board.
2. PROVISION OF SERVICES.
a. The RFA Fire Prevention and Emergency Management Divisions shall be organized
as provided in Appendix B of this RFA Plan.
b. The City of Kent shall designate the Chief and Fire Marshal of the RFA as the Chief
and Fire Marshal of the City of Kent.
c. The City of Covington shall designate the Chief and Fire Marshal of the RFA as the
Chief and Fire Marshal of the City of Covington.
d. The City of Tukwila shall designate the Chief and Fire Marshal of the RFA as the Chief
and Fire Marshal of the City of Tukwila.
e. The City of Kent, the City of Covington and the City of Tukwila shall retain code
enforcement authority in accordance with Washington State Law within their
respective jurisdictions and, except as provided in the interlocal agreements, shall
provide the necessary legal and police support for enforcement of code
enforcement issues.
f. The City of Kent, the City of Covington and the City of Tukwila shall retain fire
investigation authority in accordance with Washington State Law within their
respective jurisdictions and, except as provided in the interlocal agreements, shall
provide the necessary legal and police support for enforcement of fire investigation
issues.
g•
The City of Kent, the City of Covington and the City of Tukwila shall retain emergency
management authority in accordance with Washington State Law and, except as
provided in the interlocal agreements, shall provide legal and police support as
needed to provide emergency management services.
RFA Plan Revision:
The FIRE PREVENTION, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND FIRE
INVESTIGATION UNIT section of the Puget Sound RFA Plan is subject to amendment by a majority
vote of the RFA Governance Board after the Effective Date.
( 33 1
165
inreprtty. • psr S"ation
nnouauon. pSF 'Service Area
incl union
Service.
APPENDIX A
Jurisdictional Boundaries
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL FIRE AIJTHCIPITY
Service Area
Unir fCQ4!pQrrl ed CQUnl y'
Maple
Valley**
Fd
qF u I4
2 Miles
r a r
166
GWrs R. vat's. Lam 63
Kevtem
01.11 CROMII soOsa
• South King
County Fire
Training
Consortium
•
APPENDIX B
Organizational Structure
RFA Organizational Chart Overview
Updated: 0310612023
Aaron Tyennan
CRR Deputy
Chief
•
• Emergency
Management
• Fire Prevention
• Public Education
• Community
Relations
• FD CARES
Brian Carson
Fire Chief
Mark Jones
Fleet/Facilities
Deputy Chief
• Facilities
• Fire Garage
Consortium
(. Executive Assistant )
Dan Conroy
Assistant Chief of
Operations
Sean Penwell
Strategic Resource
Management Deputy
Chief
• Information
Technology
• Logistics
• Performance
Measurement
Lavine Brennecke
Fnance Diredar
. Finance
Pat Elis
Crisis Intervention
Coordinator/Chaplain
. Assistant and
Volunteer Chaplains
•
District Chief
A Shift
Battalion Chief
A Shift (3)
ICaptains (20)
Engineers/
Frefrghters (48)
District Chief
D Shift
Battalion Chief
B Shin (3)
Captains (20)
Engineers/
Firefighters (48)
District Chief
C Shift
Battalion Chief
C Shift (3)
Captains (20)
Engineers'
Firefighters (48)
District Chief
D Shift
Battalion Chief
D Shift (3)
Captains (20)
Engineers/
Firefighters (48)
Jimmy Webb
Training Division
Deputy Chief
Ken Goll
Investigations
Captain
1 . Fire Investigators
25 ) 167