City Council Meeting Date: December 11, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Monte Nelson, Chief of Police
Title
Approve Updated Joint Powers Agreement for the Dakota County - South Metro SWAT.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is asked to approve an updated JPA for the South Metro SWAT, formerly the Dakota County Mutual Aid Assistance Group (MAAG) SWAT.
Summary Report:
In June 2016, the Northfield City Council approved Northfield joining the Dakota County MAAG SWAT. At that time, Northfield joined the SWAT team along with the City of Faribault and Rice County. Joining the Dakota County MAAG team offered both a cost savings and a significant improvement in access to more SWAT personnel and equipment. Northfield Police Department personnel have been very happy with the merger.
The Dakota County MAAG Joint Powers Board has updated the JPA to accomplish several important goals, including:
- Renaming the team to be the South Metro SWAT. The name more accurately describes the multi-county/regional aspect of the team.
- The JPA now actually lists Northfield, Faribault, and Rice County as members in the body of the JPA.
- Allow for more flexibility with non-parties and expenses.
- Facilitate more efficient and timely review and updating of the JPA.
The proposed JPA has been reviewed by all member agencies. The Dakota County Attorney’s office provided the final legal review. The JPA has already been approved by most of the member agencies. Staff recommends approval of the JPA.
Following approval of the JPA by the City Council, it will be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and submitted to the Joint Powers Board for the South Metro SWAT.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts: As stated earlier, participation in this SWAT group is actually a cost savings for the City of Northfield.
Tentative Timelines: The Mayor and Clerk will sign the JPA following Council approval.