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Published on 07/01/1996 All articles from this issue

Palo Alto, Central Fire finalists for fire service

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Palo Alto and the Central Fire Protection District emerged as the two finalists for providing fire protection to the city of Los Altos when the city council dropped Mountain View from consideration at its June 25 meeting.

Interim Los Altos Fire Chief Bob Webster said the city needs more information from the remaining two contenders, Palo Alto and the Central Fire Protection District, before beginning any negotiations.

"We are trying to clarify proposals at this time," he said.

One issue, Webster said, involves whether or not Los Altos should retain or transfer title of its fire engines and the costs involved.

Webster told the council that he would answer questions very carefully.

"I don't want to compromise any opportunities for the city of Los Altos."

Council also authorized the city manager to begin discussion with the Los Altos County Fire Protection District, which contracts with the Los Altos Fire Department for fire service, regarding contract administration and cost apportionment of future fire protection plans.

A task force of Mayor Patti Williams and Councilman Lou Becker will meet with the District's review committee.

"I want us all to agree (the city and the district)," Becker said. "So I don't want to talk cost apportionment too soon."

Los Altos dropped Mountain View from consideration because the Mountain View bid was the highest, it did not provide paramedic service, it put a cap on costs for fighting grass and brush fires, and it lacked depth, Webster said.

The city staff expects to return to the council in August with a recommendation for the agency the city should consider and a request for direction to begin contractual negotiations.

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