City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:

Item No.:

Recommendation: That the Common Council adopt Resolution No. 10851-033108, authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Agreement.

Background: On May 18, 2004, the City of Oak Creek entered into a mutual aid agreement with the entire MABAS. This mutual aid system, which began in Illinois in 1968, now has expanded to multiple states as a result of the fire service response to global terrorism, man-made catastrophes, and natural disasters. It greatly expands and formalizes the fire service long-standing sharing of resources and the premise of neighbor helping neighbor.

On April 5, 2006, Governor James Doyle signed the MABAS into law Senate Bill 642, making the MABAS the recognized fire service system for mutual aid in Wisconsin. Since that day, the system has grown from 7 regional mutual aid groups (divisions) to 15 today, including the City of Milwaukee. From the signing of the bill, administrative rules (WEM 8) were established under Wisconsin Emergency Management. As a result of the legislation and new administrative rules, a revision of the previous agreement became necessary. The revised agreement is before the Mayor and Common Council.

On November 21, 2007, the agreement has been reviewed and approved by City Attorney Larry Haskin and City Administrator Patrick DeGrave subject to approval by the Executive Board of MABAS-Wisconsin. The approval by the Executive Board was made on December 12, 2007. The agreement has also been reviewed and approved by Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Company (CVMIC) attorney, Gregory Gunta, and has been approved from the liability and indemnification perspective.

Fiscal Impact: None.

Prepared by: Brian Satula Fire Chief	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk