City Council Meeting Date: October 6, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Jeff Schroepfer, Chief of Police
Title
Consider Approval of Joint Powers Agreement with the Rice County Dive Team.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council considers a motion approving the attached 2026-2029 Joint Powers Agreement with the Rice County Dive Team.
Summary Report
The City of Northfield, along with Rice County and the City of Faribault, is a party to the Joint Powers Agreement establishing the Rice County Dive Team. The 2026 Joint Powers Agreement establishes the administration, operation, membership, deployment, and financial responsibilities of the Rice County Dive Team.
The Rice County Dive Team is comprised of selected law enforcement personnel with the necessary skills to assist law enforcement agencies in retrieving evidence, vehicles, and victims from submerged environments. The team is governed by Rice County, which appoints the Dive Team Captains and is responsible for the overall operation of the team.
Under the Agreement, Rice County is responsible for providing the equipment and training necessary for the Dive Team to function, including the associated costs. Rice County is also responsible for insurance coverage for Dive Team members while they are performing Dive Team duties. Individual participating agencies remain responsible for the wages, benefits, and other compensation of their employees while performing Dive Team duties.
The Agreement also establishes procedures for responding to incidents within Rice County and allows the Rice County Dive Team to provide assistance to outside agencies when determined appropriate by Rice County.
The parties to the Agreement are Rice County, the City of Faribault, and the City of Northfield
Alternative Options
Council could choose not to approve the Joint Powers Agreement and seek additional revisions. Failure to approve the Agreement could affect Northfield's continued participation in the Rice County Dive Team.
Financial Impacts
The Rice County Dive team is funded by Rice County.
Tentative Timelines
If approved by Council, the Joint Powers Agreement will be signed by the Mayor and Police Chief and returned to Rice County for completion of the agreement by all participating parties. The Agreement will become effective upon execution by all parties.