Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Fire Medical

To:	David Corliss, Interim City Manager
From:	Mark Bradford, Chief
cc:	Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager
Date:	March 28, 2006
Re:	Agenda Item Fire Department Accreditation Strategic Plan Proposal

Background:  The cornerstone of the Commission on Fire Accreditation is the role of self assessment.  We are in the process of conducting this self-performance evaluation which will result in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our department, provided that the findings from performing the self assessment are applied to planning and implementation activities.  The results of accreditation are to be used by the department, city manager and county administrator, and elected officials to evaluate community fire risks using best practices in order to develop polices that reduce fire/EMS risks, resulting in improved delivery of services to our customers.

Current Status:  We are in the process of conducting the department’s self assessment.  The purpose of our department’s evaluation consists of the identification of projects and programs that have not been measured or verified in relation to the organizational goals and objectives.  The second purpose is to provide the ability to evaluate programs and activities in relation to improving the quality of the organization and/or increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the department.  The self-evaluation process will result in a more clearly defined purpose, thereby providing a much better basis for measuring the progress of the department and for determining future plans.

Recommendation: The purpose of a strategic plan is to serve as a single source collector for results from various planning and administrative processes.  It should be a clear and concise overview of the department’s organizational goals and objectives, budgetary commitments, mission statements and assessments of organizational activity.  It will serve as a snapshot of current organizational program effectiveness and efficiency for the governing bodies, managers, administrators.

Action Item: Staff is requesting the following item be placed on a City Commission agenda for consideration:

· Authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into a service contract with Commission of Fire Accreditation International, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $6,083 for design, development, and facilitation of a department strategic planning process.

Please let me know if you require any further information.