AGENDA DATE: 11/4/2015
TITLE:
Title
Pantops Public Safety Station Community Engagement
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Discussion regarding a draft community engagement plan for the mew Pantops Public Safety Station
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Catlin, Eggleston, Henry
PRESENTER (S): Dan Eggleston, Lee Catlin
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Following discussions at Board meetings in June and July 2015, the Board voted on August 5 to proceed with the design of the Pantops Public Safety Station in FY2016. During the August 5 discussion, Board members expressed strong interest in forming a work group to creatively partner with stakeholders from the Pantops community on initiatives related to the new facility, including volunteer recruitment and retention, community support and ownership, and future public safety needs and initiatives. The Board also acknowledged the importance of involving members of the County’s Fire Rescue system in decisions regarding operational issues. Following the vote, Board members asked staff to come back with a recommended approach for engaging the community, including the creation of the appropriate work groups.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 2. Critical Infrastructure. Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: A draft community engagement plan is attached (Attachment A) for the Board’s consideration. The plan includes the engagement of two specific work groups and the general Pantops community regarding the design, construction and operation of a new public safety station. The two work groups are outlined as follows:
- Pantops Public Safety Station Stakeholders Work Group - A group of community representatives to align mission and objectives and to help identify broad goals, framework and strategies for partnerships to maximize the positive impact of the new station. Details on roles and responsibilities, membership and works products are outlined in the attached plan.
- Pantops Public Safety Station Coordinating Work Group - A group of Fire & EMS (FEMS) Board members and staff charged with guiding the staffing and operations strategy for the new station. Details on roles and responsibilities, membership and work products are outlined in the attached plan.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact related to this Executive Summary.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board direct the County Executive to implement the attached Community Engagement plan, beginning with the formation of the two designated work groups to ensure the Pantops community’s active engagement in the earliest stages of the new public safety station.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Draft Community Engagement Plan