LAFCO
North Central Fire
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NORTH CENTRAL FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE
Report to the
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
MSR-16-19 / SOI-170
David E. Fey, AICP, Executive Officer
George W. Uc, Senior LAFCo Analyst
Juan Lara, LAFCo Analyst
2607 Fresno Street, Suite B
Fresno, CA 93721
December 14, 2016
NORTH CENTRAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Fire prevention, suppression, investigation, search and rescue, hazardous materials, and first responder services
District Contact
Manager: Kerri L. Donis, Fire Chief
Address: North Central Fire Protection District
15850 W. Kearney Boulevard.
Kerman, Ca 93630
Phone: (559) 621-4002
Alternative Contact: Joe Barcelos, Business Manager
Phone: (559) 275-5531
Website: www.northcentralfire.org
Management Information
District formation: 1945
Principal act: Fire Protection District Law of 1987 (Health and Safety Code Sec. 13800)
District powers: Prescribed in Health and Safety Code Sec. 13861-13879
Governing Body: Five-member board of directors
Board Members: Ken Abrahamin, Vice Chair Elected 2012 Expires 2016
Cheryl Belluomini, Board Secretary Elected 2014 Expires 2018
Keith Koligian Elected 2014 Expires 2018
Rusty Nonini Elected 2014 Expires 2018
Rusty Souza Elected 2012 Expires 2016
Board Meetings: Held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Except November and December,
which are held on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
Staffing: 41 contracted fire fighters from City of Fresno and 1 full-time District employee
Service Information
Population served: 46,000, approximate
Acres served: 137,846 acres
Infrastructure: Five fire stations, five fire engines, two water tenders, one fire truck, a Battalion Chief
vehicle, service truck and a Crown Victoria for administrative personnel.
Fiscal Information
Budget: $8,133,052
Sources of Funding: Annual property taxes and user fees
Administrative Policies
Policies/Procedures: Yes By-laws: N/A District Formed: 1945 SOI Updated: 2016
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Table of Contents
1. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 5
Principal Act ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
District Service Area ................................................................................................................................................. 5
District Mapping Information ................................................................................................................................... 5
Authorized District Services ..................................................................................................................................... 6
FRESNO LAFCo MSR POLICY DESIGNATION .............................................................................................................. 7
District Growth and Population ............................................................................................................................... 7
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ......................................................................................................... 8
District Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................. 13
District Agreement with City of Fresno .................................................................................................................. 14
District Finances ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Opportunities for Shared Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 17
Government Accountability ................................................................................................................................... 18
2. MSR DETERMINATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 20
1. Growth and population projections for the affected area ............................................................................... 20
2. The location and characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities within or contiguous to
the sphere of influence .......................................................................................................................................... 21
3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities and infrastructure needs or deficiencies ............................. 22
4. Financial ability of agency to provide services .................................................................................................. 23
5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities ............................................................................................. 24
6. Accountability for community service needs, including government structure and operational efficiencies . 24
7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by Commission policy .......... 25
3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS ........................................................................................... 26
1. Present and planned land uses, including agricultural and open-space lands ................................................. 26
2. Present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area ......................................................... 27
3. Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency provides or is authorized
to provide ............................................................................................................................................................... 27
4. Existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission determines that
they are relevant to the agency ............................................................................................................................. 28
5. The present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated
communities within the existing sphere of influence ............................................................................................ 28
4. RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 29
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 30
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Figure 1 –District Map
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1. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
PRINCIPAL ACT
The North Central Fire Protection District (“District”) was formed on December 11, 1945, to
provide public safety services in accordance with Fire Protection District Law of 1881. The
statute was updated through Fire Protection District Law of 1987 (Health and Safety Code,
Section 13800 et seq.) which succeeded the Fire Protection District Law of 1881 and all of its
statutory predecessors.1 The District encompasses 137,846 acres (215 square miles) extending
from the Fresno-Madera County line on the north, the City of Fresno’s western city limits on the
east, El Dorado Avenue generally borders the District’s west edge, and American Avenue
borders on the south. The District’s service area is completely within the County of Fresno, and
includes various unincorporated islands within the City of Fresno’s corporate area. The District’s
service area includes all of the City of Kerman and the town of Biola.
The District provides structural fire suppression, wildland fire suppression, emergency medical
response, basic life support, hazmat operational and technical Level, rescue and extrication
operational and technical level, year-around fire prevention program, arson investigation and
enforcement of fire codes, and all standard fire information reporting required under the
California Fire Incident Reporting system. The District responds to emergency 911 calls and
other calls related to medical emergencies.
The District is an independent special district governed by five-member elected board of
directors. The District is not governed by another legislative body (either a city council or a
county board of supervisors). Candidates eligible to serve on the board of directors must be a
register voter and a resident within the District. The District’s daily operations are managed by
the fire chief and supported by department staff.
DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
The District is located in the north central portion of the County of Fresno. The District’s service
area and sphere of influence (SOI) are conterminous and encompass 137,846 acres (215 square
miles). The District includes the City of Kerman, town of Biola, and various unincorporated
islands located within the City of Fresno’s SOI limits.
Main roads within the District service area include State Route (SR) 145/South Madera Avenue
and SR 180/West Whitesbridge Avenue. SR 99 and SR 41 are located less than a mile east of the
District while SR 33 and Interstate 5 (I-5) are located 10 miles and 22 miles west of the District,
respectively.
DISTRICT MAPPING INFORMATION
The District’s 2007 MSR prepared by LAFCo notes an acreage discrepancy between LAFCo and
District records of the District’s service area. The 2007 MSR notes that at that time the District
service encompassed 138,705 acres (217 square miles). In contrast, in 2007 the District
1 California Health and Safety Code Section 13803.
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observed that its calculations depicted a service area nearly 156,800 acres (245 square miles) in
size, a difference of 18,100 acres. The 2007 MSR observed the discrepancy but made no
recommendation to explore or reconcile it.
In preparation of the 2016 MSR, LAFCo staff used Fresno County Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) computer software and District boundary information as depicted by Fresno
LAFCo, the Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters Division. The District assisted LAFCo staff to
correctly identify a figure for the District’s service area.
LAFCo queried the GIS data sets to estimate the District’s geographic area. LAFCo also
contacted the Fresno County-Assessor’s Office to assist LAFCo calculate an estimate for the
District’s boundary. The District service area depiction and the GIS’ coordinate system were set
up to compute the entire District’s service area in acre units.2 As of October 6, 2016, LAFCo
concludes the District’s service area and SOI encompasses 137,846 acres. The Cadastral
Technician calculated the District’s boundaries to measure approximately 137,844 acres, as of
October 2016. Consultation with the District confirmed that the 2007 MSR mistakenly reported
a larger District service area that is corrected with this report.
LAFCo observes that the City of Fresno’s western growth affects the District in that annexations
to the City of Fresno concurrently detached from the District. In the long-term, LAFCo
anticipates that the District’s service area will continue to be reduced as the City of Fresno
grows west from its existing limits. Portions of the District within the City of Fresno’s SOI will
continue to be urbanized in accordance with the City of Fresno’s General Plan and fire
protection will eventually be provided by the Fresno City’s fire department.
In contrast, the City of Kerman is completely within the District boundaries and does not detach
from the District when annexations to Kerman occur.
AUTHORIZED DISTRICT SERVICES
LAFCo observes that under GC section 56425(i) states, “when adopting, amending, or updating a
sphere of influence for a special district, the commission shall establish the nature, location, and
extent of any functions or classes of services provided by existing districts.” Under the Fire
Protection District Law, a fire protection district may exercise all rights and powers, expressed or
implied under HSC section 13860-13879.
According to District records the agency provides wide range of services associated with the
protection of lives and property including, but not limited to:
Structural fire suppression,
Wildland fire suppression,
Emergency medical response and basic life support,
Hazardous material and operational and technical level,
Rescue and extrication operational and technical level,
2 GIS: Coordinate System of the Data- PCS: NAD 1983 State Plane California IV FIPS 0404 Feet.
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Fire prevention program- arson investigation and enforcement state and local fire
codes, and
Fire information reporting to the California Fire Incident Reporting system.
FRESNO LAFCO MSR POLICY DESIGNATION
The Fresno LAFCo MSR policy designates the District as a “level two” special district that
provides municipal services to its constituency. A municipal local agency (special district)
designation relates to the type of services that a special district is authorized to provide to
relatively dense populations at comparatively high levels of service. A municipal local agency
(special district) designation means, in Fresno LAFCo’s judgment, that services provided by the
agency support or facilitate population growth.
It is LAFCO’s observation that level two municipal local agencies typically do not request or
experience modifications to their district service area or request an update or revision to the
Commissions adopted SOI for the agency.
In accordance with Government Code (GC) section 56066, Fresno County is the principal county.
Fresno LAFCo is responsible for updating the SOI for the District consistent with GC section
56425(g). In order to update the agency’s SOI, Fresno LAFCo has prepared this service review
consistent with GC sections 56430.
DISTRICT GROWTH AND POPULATION
The District spans the north-central portion of Fresno County which includes the unincorporated
community of Biola and the City of Kerman. The District informed LAFCo that its growth
projections parallel the increase needs for public safety services within areas planned for future
population growth.
The County of Fresno is the land use authority for the unincorporated land within the District
and the Fresno County General Plan Land Use Element designates majority of the District’s
territory for agricultural use with the exception of the unincorporated Community Plan for Biola.
Community of Biola
The unincorporated community of Biola is located near the intersection of West Shaw Avenue
and North Howard Avenues and holds the greatest concentration of the District’s rural
residential homes and small commercial establishments. The community of Biola has a
population of 1,623 people, a housing stock of 342 units.3 Biola Community Service District is
the water and sewer service provider in the community of Biola. According to Fresno County’s
2016 General Plan Housing Element update, Biola is anticipated to host 61 additional units
ranging between multi- and single-family residential units within the next eight years.4
City of Kerman
The City of Kerman is located near the intersection of SR-180/Whitesbridge Avenue and SR-
145/Madera Avenues. The City of Kerman’s incorporated boundaries amount to 2,089 acres,
3 Biola CDP, California. American Factfinder, 2010 Demographic Profile Data.
4 Fresno Multi-Jurisdiction 2015-2023 Housing Element, fifth cycle final draft.
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while the City’s SOI encompasses 3,092 acres. The City of Kerman hosts the District’s
headquarters, and is the only incorporated city within the District. The City has a population of
13,544 people and a housing stock of 3,908 units.5
According to the City’s 2016 General Plan Housing Element update, City of Kerman has been
assigned a Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) of 909 units. In addition, the City has a
carry-over of 420 units from the City’s previous Housing Element cycle identified in the
moderate-income level.6
The City of Kerman’s 2007 General Plan Land Use Element uses two population projections - low
and high - from 2007 to the years 2017 and 2027. The City’s low population projection for 2017
is estimated at 18,685; while the 2027 low projection is estimated at 26,613. The City’s high
projections for the same years are: 2017 is estimated at 23,300; while the high 2027 projection
is estimated at 40,561.
The District informed LAFCo that it coordinates with the City of Kerman to ensure that City
growth is adequately served by the District. The District receives 97 percent of its revenue from
the annual property taxes collected within the District and City of Kerman. As residential and
commercial growth occurs in the City, revenue for the District also increases which will allow the
District to increase service levels when necessary. The District informed LAFCo that City of
Kerman would hypothetically have to triple its population size before an increase in services
levels would have to be considered by the District. At the present time, the District
headquarters alone adequately attends territory within the City of Kerman.
City of Fresno Sphere of Influence and District Overlap
LAFCo observes that the City of Fresno’s projected growth west of SR-99 will continue to affect
the District’s size due to City annexations concurrently detaching from the District. The District’s
boundaries that abut the City limits immediately west of SR-99 are complex due to the City’s
irregular development patterns created over time. GIS estimates show that there are over
7,000 acres of the District’s service area shown within the City of Fresno’s SOI. The subject area
is planned for urban use by the City’s General Plan, and will likely be incrementally developed
over time. The subject area is bounded by the City’s SOI, west of Fresno’s city limits, south of
Herndon Avenue, down to the District’s most southern extreme.
According to the District, the City of Fresno’s growth has been occurring for years and the
District has closed stations but it intends to continue providing adequate services to the
remaining areas of the District.
DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH) requires LAFCo
to make determinations regarding "disadvantaged unincorporated communities" ("DUCs") when
considering a change of organization, reorganization, SOI expansion, and when conducting
municipal service reviews.
5 Raisin City CDP, California. American Factfinder, 2010 Demographic Profile Data.
6 Fresno Multi-Jurisdiction 2015-2023 Housing Element, fifth cycle final draft.
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For any updates to a SOI of a local agency (city or special district) that provides public facilities or
services related to sewer, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, the
Commission shall consider and prepare written determinations regarding the present and
planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or
deficiencies for any disadvantaged unincorporated community within or contiguous to the SOI
of a city or special district.
GC sec. 56033.5 defines a DUC as: i) all or a portion of a “disadvantaged community” as defined
by sec. 79505.5 of the Water Code (territory with an annual median household income (MHI)
that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income and as defined in
GC sec. 56046 and WC sec. 79505.5); and a status of ii) “inhabited territory” (12 or more
registered voters), as defined by GC sec. 56046, or as determined by Commission policy. Fresno
LAFCo policy further refines the definition of a DUC as having at least 15 dwelling units at a
density not less than one unit per acre.
GIS files were derived from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) compiled
for the five-year period 2010-2014 to identify the demographic composition for the various
census geographies. Although the ACS provides annual and three-year estimates, the five-year
reports between years 2010-2014 provide more precise data and mapping information for
analyzing small populations. The five-year reports are the most reliable form of information
generated by the US Census bureau.7 The statewide MHI reported for years 2010 through 2014
was $61,489. Hence, the calculated threshold for a DUC is any geographic unit with a reported
MHI that is less than $49,191. The census block group data was utilized to provide the economic
and population backgrounds for this section of the MSR.
The District’s service area lies within various census geographic units in Fresno County. Based
on the census datasets obtained during the preparation of this report, the District’s service area
is located in census geographic units that meet the MHI threshold consistent with the standard
definition established for Disadvantaged Communities. 8
The following information characterizes the DUCs with respect to the District’s service area.
Each identified area provides descriptive information and summarizes the type of land uses
found in each subject area, as shown on Figure two:
Area 1 is located at the northwest corner of Ashlan and Chateau Fresno Avenue. The
DUC consists of 18 properties located within census tract 41.00-block group 1.
According the ACS five year reports between years 2006 through 2010, census tract
41.00-block group 1 had a reported MHI of $37,268. During the preparation of this
report the latest ACS five-year survey became available for years 2010 through 2014.
LAFCo reviewed the MHI information for census tract 41.00-block group 1, which
indicated a substantial and unusual MHI increase within this census unit. Between 2010
through 2014, census tract 41.00-block group 1 had a reported MHI of $60,568,
however this census unit also reported a +/- $24,564 margin of error. It is LAFCo’s
opinion that this community should remain identified as a possible DUC based on
previous ACS’s data used by the Commission, and with the understanding that from
time-to-time there may be deficiencies within the census datasets. Based on available
7 US Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/acs/www/guidance_for_data_users/estimates/.
8 Department of Water Resources- Disadvantaged Communities WC sec. 79505.5.
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data, this area of concern meets two DUC indicators identified by the Commission Policy
106, MHI threshold and at least 15 dwelling units at a density not less than one unit per
acre.
Area 2 is located at the northwest corner of the Dakota Avenue and Brawley Avenue.
The DUC consists of 21 properties located within census tract 38.09-block group 1. The
US Census ACS fiver-year estimates reports indicate that census tract 38.09-block group
1 had a MHI of $41,658 between years 2010-2014. This area of concern meets two DUC
indicators identified by Commission policy 106, MHI threshold and at least 15 dwelling
units.
Area 3 is located at the northwest corner of Clinton Avenue and Valentine Avenue. The
DUC consists of 45 properties spanning across the west and east sides of Valentine
Avenue north of Clinton Avenue. The subject area is located within census tract 38.05-
block group 2, and tract 38.05-block group 3. The US Census ACS five-year estimate
reports indicate that census tract 38.05-block group 2 had a MHI of $26,233, while
census tract 38.05-block group 3 had a MHI of $36,757 between years 2010-2014. This
area of concern meets two DUC indicators identified by Commission Policy 106, MHI
threshold and at least 15 dwelling units.
Area 4 is located at the southeast corner of the McKinley Avenue and Brawley Avenue.
The DUC consists of approximately 268 properties located within census tract 20.00-
block group 4 and tract 20.00-block group 5. The US Census ACS five-year estimates
indicate that census tract 20.00-block group 4 had a MHI of $35,789, while tract 20.00-
block group 5 had a MHI of $28,750 between years 2010-2014. This area of concern
meets two DUC indicators identified by Commission Policy 106, MHI threshold and at
least 15 dwelling units.
Area 5 is located at the southeast corner of Olive Avenue and Marks Avenue. The DUC
consists of approximately 267 properties located within census tract 20.00-block group
4 and tract 20.00-block group 5, which the MHI information and indicators are noted
under Area 4.
Area 6 is located at the northwest corner of the California Avenue and Crystal Avenue.
The DUC consists of approximately 19 properties on the north and south sides along
California Avenue. The subject area is located within census tract 07.00-block group 2
and tract 08.00-block group 1. The US Census ACS five-year estimate reports indicate
that census tract 7.00-block group 2 had a MHI of $35,536, while tract 8.00-block group
1 had a MHI $23,750 between years 2010-2014. This area of concern meets two DUC
indicators identified by Commission Policy 106, MHI threshold and at least 15 dwelling
units.
Area 7 is a county island within the City of Fresno’s SOI, near the southwest corner of
the Barstow Avenue and Fruit Avenue. The subject area is in enclosed by Barstow to the
north, Fruit Avenue to the east, Twain Avenue to the South and West Avenue to the
west. The DUC area consists of approximately 275 residential properties located within
the census tract 43.03-block group 2. According to the ACS five year reports between
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2006-2010 census tract 43.03-block group 2 reported an MHI of $37,344. Similar to
Area 1, during the preparation of this report the latest ACS five-year survey became
available for years 2010-2014. LAFCo reviewed the current MHI information for this
particular census tract which revealed a substantial and unusual MHI increase from the
2006-2010 data baseline. The current ACS five year reports show census tract 43.03-
block group 2 with an MHI of $106,328, however this census unit also reported margin
of error of +/-$53,462. It is LAFCo’s opinion that this community should remain
identified as a possible DUC based on previous ACS’s data used by the Commission, and
with the understanding that from time-to-time there may be deficiencies within the
census data. Based on 2006-2010 census data, this area of concern meets two DUC
indicator identified by Commission Policy 106, MHI threshold and at least 15 dwelling
units.
Area 8 is located within the Fresno SOI at the northeast corner of the Jensen Avenue
and Valentine Avenue. The DUC consists of approximately 129 properties located within
US Census Tract 19.00-block group 2. The US Census ACS five-year estimate reports
indicate that Census Tract 19.00-block group 2 had a MHI of $41,161 between years
2010-2014. This area of concern meets two DUC indicators identified by Commission
Policy 106, MHI threshold and at least 15 Dwelling Units.
Area 9 is located at the southwest corner of Ashlan Avenue and Maroa Avenue within
the Fresno SOI immediately outside the Fresno City limits. The DUC area consists of
approximately 60 residential properties located within US Census Tract 49.01-block
group 01. The US Census ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that Census Tract
49.01 block group 1, 49.01-block group 2 had a MHI of $27,049 and $37,420 between
years 2010-2014. This area of concern meets two DUC indicators identified by
Commission Policy 106, MHI threshold and at least 15 Dwelling Units.
Area 10 is the unincorporated community of Biola. The Community of Biola is located
near the North West corner of Shaw and Howard Avenues. The area is enclosed by
West Shaw Avenue to the north, Biola Avenue to the east, Ashland Avenue to the South
and Howard Avenue to the west. The Biola Community Service District provides street
lighting, water, sewer, storm drainage, and solid waste services within the community.
Area 10 is located within US census tract 41.00-block group 2. Between 2010-2014,
census tract 41.00-block group 2 reported an MHI of $27,500. This area of concern
meets two DUC indicators identified by the Commission Policy 106, MHI threshold and
at least 15 dwelling units at a density not less than one unit per acre.
The District provides public safety, protects lives, and property within its limited boundaries.
The District has automatic aid agreements with County of Fresno and City of Fresno to respond
to a structure fire based on which agency’s stations is the closest to the location of the fire or
emergency. LAFCo observes that DUCs identified within the City of Fresno’s SOI are aligned to
ultimately receive municipal services from the City of Fresno. For the purpose of this MSR, it is
presumed that the DUCs identified within District’s service area could be considered inhabited
in the absence of a complete application filed with Fresno LAFCo.9
9 GC sec. 56046.
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Figure 2 – DUC Map
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DISTRICT INFRASTRUCTURE
The District offers a number of services to its community residents including but not limited to
fire suppression, rescue services, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, and emergency
medical services. The District benefits from a share facilities contract with the City of Fresno for
additional equipment and operation assistance with the City of Fresno’s Fire Department.
The District owns its headquarters Station 21 which is located at 15850 W Kearney Boulevard
Kerman, California. Additionally, the District owns and operates four stations, listed below:
Station 22 located at 806 S. Garfield Avenue, Fresno
Station 23 located at 4555 N. Biola Avenue, Biola
Station 45 located at 7285 W. Shields Avenue, City of Fresno
Station 47 located at 1709 W. Bullard Avenue, City of Fresno
The District employs one full time staff member – District Business Manager, and contracts 41
City of Fresno fire protection personnel members through its contract with the City of Fresno
Fire Department. The District is managed by the contracted District Fire Chief, and daily
operations are overseen with the assistance of the District’s Business Manager and Deputy Fire
Chief.
The District owns the equipment listed below, and contracts with City of Fresno for additional
firefighting vehicles and equipment, as needed. The fire department owns and houses the
following fire apparatuses at the various District station locations:
Station 21
o Single fire engine
o Fire engine truck with a 105 foot ladder
o Fire engine water tender – 3,000 gallon
o Reserve fire engine
o Reserve Battalion Chief pickup
o Houses American Ambulance Crew
Station 22
o Single fire engine
o Reserve fire engine
Station 23
o Single fire engine
o Water tender- 3,000 gallon
Additionally, the District informs that it also owns one Chevrolet pick-up truck for the District’s
Battalion Chief, one Crown Victoria, one service truck, and one Dodge Durango SUV used as a
Battalion Chief backup vehicle.
The District draws its water resources for its fire engine/water tenders from various hydrant
locations throughout the City of Kerman and within Biola CSD. In the more rural areas, during
an emergency the District engines are capable of drawing water from canals or natural
waterways.
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As previously noted, the District serves an area approximately 137,846 acres in size, and has a
class rating of “Class 3” through the Insurance Service Office (ISO). According to District
information within the City of Kerman, the District general response time is three to five
minutes. Response times in the rural areas of the District fall within 10 minutes once notified of
the event to arrival at the scene of the incident.10 The ISO rating Class 3 is based on an
assessment and scoring of four primary components that make up the fire rating: 1) Emergency
communications, Water supply, 3) Community risk reduction, 4) Fire department.
During the preparation of this service review, the District informed LAFCo that it plans to
purchase two new water tenders trucks, with plans to replace the three front-line fire engines
during fiscal year 2016-2017. The District has several plans that assist the agency plan for its
facilities and future infrastructure needs.
The District informs that the improvement plans identify various improvement projects where
the District sees repair work needed in the various District facilities. The plans include specific
capital improvements such as, concrete resurfacing is needed at the District Stations’ 22 and 23
bays and driveway approaches. The District also informs that there are plans to pave an area
that was once a ponding basin immediately west of District headquarters, as well as paving an
temporary gravel driveway and the installation of security gates on both ends of the
headquarters driveways to secure the area where the firefighters park their personal vehicles.
Furthermore, the District recently completed a major project that introduced solar panels on
three of the District’s fire stations.
As noted earlier, the District has a capital improvements and building project plan that identifies
its ongoing maintenance projects. This plan budgets for public facility improvement expenses
and identifies equipment planned to be purchased to replace aging units. The District’s capital
improvement plan assists the District monitor its facility maintenance expenses, and allows for
money to be set aside each year so that equipment and facilities are continuously maintained
and operating efficiently.
The District has several systems in place that allow the various benefit of through its contract
with the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno that support and enhance the levels of service
and the operations of fire protection.
DISTRICT AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF FRESNO
The District has a Service Agreement for Fire Protection and Emergency Services (“Agreement”)
with the City of Fresno. The Agreement became effective July 1, 2007, and recognizes that the
City of Fresno’s western growth was affecting the District’s property tax revenues due to District
detachments as a result of annexing to the City. The City and District entered into negotiations
with the intent to independently continue providing fire protection services, and enhance level
of services within the District and City boundaries subject to a formal Agreement. The
Agreement mainly merged the District’s operations with the City of Fresno’s Fire Department, in
exchange, the District agreed to pay the City a base annual fee in two installments each year,
10 Strategic Plan 2008/2009 – 2012/2013, Fresno Fire Department. page 7
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beginning on December 31, 2007. The District is still independent and governed by a five-
member elected board of directors.
At the present time many of the District’s operations are performed by the City of Fresno’s Fire
Department. The District owns its fire protection equipment and infrastructure, and the City of
Fresno provides the District with administrative and fire protection personnel support. The City-
District agreement was signed by District and City representatives on December 20, 2006. The
terms of the contract Agreement are effective for 30 years and scheduled to expire on June 30,
2037. Since its original signing, the Agreement has been amended four times to account for
discretionary adjustments to the terms of agreement.
DISTRICT FINANCES
This section of the MSR includes financial information provided by the District’s Management on
behalf of the District. The District provided financial data to determine if the District has
sufficient revenues and financial systems to continue its provision of services to its customers.
The following information and analysis section is based on annual budgets, and supportive
documents available through the District’s participation with the Commission’s MSR Program.
The District’s primary source of revenue is annual property taxes charged to all parcels within
the District. The District informs that annual property taxes make up 97% of the District’s
annual budget. Additionally, the District also pursues state funding when opportunities arise
agreeable to the District.
The District informs that it has a standing Master Fee Schedule (MFS) which was last revised in
2010. The MFS identifies District fees for services provided. Effective as of January 1, 2014, The
County of Fresno building department requires that prior to the issuance of any development
permit or building permit, applicants shall provide evidence of plan check approval and payment
of Fire District fees prior to the County issuing a building permit within the District’s
boundaries.11 The purpose of County Ordinance-Chapter 15.64 is to implement the Fresno
County General Plan policy providing for the adoption of development impact mitigation fees
and for the collection of fees at the time of the issuance of building permits or other permits.
The MFS generates additional revenues for the District’s operation.
For FY 2016-17, the District’s annual property tax revenues amount to approximately
$7,955,602. The District shows under the “other revenues sources” category approximately
$177,450. At the beginning of FY 2016-17, the District anticipates that its ending operation cash
carried forward will amount to $4,326,227. The District’s budget identifies approximately
$8,133,052 as total revenues for FY 2016-17.
The District’s total operating revenues are derived primarily from annual secured property taxes
from all properties within the District’s boundaries. Additionally, other revenues for the District
are generated from annual accumulated interest from its funds account with Fresno County, its
Station 45 lease to the City of Fresno, fire/building permits and plan reviews, and leases to
11 Fire Protection District Approval, Web: http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/ViewDocument.aspx?id=57037 Accessed: May
21, 2016.
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15
American Ambulance, and miscellaneous sources. The District’s budget information also shows
an annual balance amount that is carried forward at the beginning of each year.
The District’s projected net operating revenues are estimated at $1,656,588, and the District
anticipates a cash transfer carried forward of approximately $1,500,000. By the end of FY2016-
17, the District anticipates an ending operating cash carried forward balance of $4,326,227.
The District accounts for various expenditures line items in its budget. Major District
expenditures include the City of Fresno’s contract fee, contract settlement, District wages and
benefits, pension obligation bonds-FCERA, FCERA settlement financing, fire apparatus lease/s,
and office service supplies. For FY 2016-17, the District shows its total operating expenditures at
approximately $6,476,464.
The District prepares and adopts an annual budget that projects its anticipated revenues and
expenditures for the upcoming year. At the time this service review was prepared, the District
showed its total operating revenues greater than its anticipated total operating expenditures.
During the preparation of the MSR the District indicated that it had an unfunded liability
associated with its Fresno County Employees Retirement Association membership. The
District’s unfunded liability is estimated to be $4,814,265 and it is scheduled to be paid off over
time. The District informed LAFCO that it has approximately $3,398,064 in the debt’s principal
balance, of which approximately $1,416,201 sits as interest. The District began paying debt
service payments in February 2011 and will make semi-annual payments for fifteen years ending
August 2025. The loan has a fixed interest rate of 7.45 percent. The last payment for the debt is
scheduled for August 1, 2025, but the District has the option to pay it off early any time after
August 1, 2018.
LAFCo staff also was provided a copy of the District’s most current independent auditor’s report,
financial report, and supplementary information for fiscal years ending June 30, 2015.
The auditor’s report states that the District had three major funds that account for the agencies
operations; General Fund, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)- Zone 1, and Capital Projects
Fund. The General Fund is the District’s major operating fund. It accounts for all financial
resources of the general government, except those required to be accounted for in another
fund. The EMS – Zone 1 Fund accounts for the activities of the District’s emergency medical
services operations. The Capital Projects Fund is used to account for financial resources to be
used for the acquisition or construction of major capital facilities (other than those financed by
EMS – Zone 1 Fund).
The District also reports revenues under a separate revenues program that accounts for District
charges to customers for goods and services, operating grants and contributions, and capital
grants and contributions.
The Auditor’s report indicates that the District’s annual budgets conform with generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying
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16
notes.12 The District establishes an annual budget for its governmental fund consistent with
GAAP, and estimates are provided in areas that differ from the agency’s estimates.
The District’s bank deposits are entirely covered by federal depository insurance or otherwise
collateralized. The District does not have an investment policy independent of what is allowed
under the California Government Code.
LAFCo observes that that District annually receives a steady stream of revenue that allows for its
service levels to continue operating efficiently. Based on available financial information, the
District’s total revenues appear to exceed its liabilities at the time this MSR was prepared. It
appears that the District is able to meet its financial obligations to the City of Fresno, and is
available to meet the District’s ongoing commitments to residents and creditors.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHARED FACILITIES
The District spans the north-central portion of Fresno County which includes the unincorporated
community of Biola and the City of Kerman. As previously indicated, the District’s 30-year
agreement with the City of Fresno already provides benefits to the District’s operation. The
Agreement merged the District’s operations with the City of Fresno’s Fire Department and
provides the District firefighter personnel support. The District is still independent and
governed by a five-member elected board of directors.
The District has standing mutual aid agreements with other emergency response agencies such
as Fresno County Fire Protection District and the City of Fresno Fire Department. The
agreements allows for the closest fire agency to respond to an emergency based on proximity to
the location of the reported emergency.
The District also benefits from its participation in one joint powers agreement (JPA) with the Fire
Agencies Insurance Risk Authority (FAIRA). The relationship between the District and the JPA is
such that the JPA is not a component unit of the District. The FAIRA arranges for liability and
property insurance for its members, all of which are fire districts located within California.
FAIRA is governed by separate board of directors consisting of representatives from member
districts. The FAIRA board manages its operations including selection of management and
approval of operating budgets, independent of any influence by the member districts beyond
their representation on the board. Each participating district pays a premium commensurate
with the level of coverage required and shares surpluses and deficits proportionately to their
participants.13
LAFCo recognizes that fire protection is one type of local governmental service that lends itself
to be efficiently and effectively provided using regional or even county-wide agencies.
However, it is LAFCo’s observation that the District’s automatic aid agreements with other
agencies achieve a regionalize effort to provide fire prevention and suppression, emergency
medical response, and public safety services.
12 North Central Fire Protection District, Notes to Financial Statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2015.
13 Ibid.
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17
At the time this report was prepared, the District’s operations were adequately managed and
there are no other similar agencies that present an obvious opportunity to recommend
additional shared facilities. The District overlaps with the following special districts:
Biola Community Service District
City of Kerman
County Service Area No. 2 (Tenaya Park)
County Service Area No 7
County Service Area No. 19 (Hampton Way)
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District
Fresno Irrigation District
Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District
Fresno Westside Mosquito Abatement District
Kings River Conservation District;
Mid-Valley Water District
Pinedale Public Utilities District
Raisin City Water District
Tranquillity Resource Conservation District
West Fresno County Red Scale District
Districts near NCFPD boundaries that provide municipal services and/ or fire protection:
City of Fresno
Fresno County Fire Protection District
Fig Garden Fire Protection District
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
This section of the MSR considers various topics, such as compliance with state disclosure laws,
the Brown Act, public participation, i.e. open meetings, accessible staff, election processes, and
the agency’s governing structure. Additionally, this considers the agency’s level of participation
with the Commission MSR program.
Health and Safety Code, Section 13800 et seq., (Fire Protection District Law of 1987) enables the
formation of fire protection districts. The District has adopted policies that govern the District’s
operation, and a fire ordinance to implement the California Fire Code and the International Fire
Code. Citizen participation in the election process is an essential component of local
government accountability. Any register voter residing within the District boundaries is eligible
to be a candidate to serve on the District board.
The District is an independent special district with its separate board of directors, not governed
by other legislative bodies (either a city council or a county board of supervisors). A body of five
elected officials serves as the governing body of the District. The five members of the board are
elected by voters within the District boundaries to four-year terms or until their successor
qualifies and takes office.14 All five District board seats are filled, two are set to expire late 2016,
14 Health & Safety Code sec. 13843 (a) The term of office of each member of a district board is four years or until his
or her successor qualifies and takes office, except as provided in subdivision (b).
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18
while the remaining three seats are set to expire 2018. Active District board members receive a
$75.00 per diem for each board meeting attended. Furthermore, District board members also
receive up to $705.00 each month towards health, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
The board of directors creates District policy by adopting resolutions and ordinances through
duly-noticed public meetings. The District board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month
at 5:30 p.m., except in November and December. During November and December the District
board meetings are held on the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. All District board meetings take
place at 15850 W. Kearney Boulevard, Kerman, CA 93630. Meetings are noticed consistent with
Brown Act requirements, which include postings in public places, such as the District
headquarters. Public notices are displayed outside of the District office ten days before each
meeting. The District posts meeting agendas, hearing information, and general information on
its website at http://northcentralfire.org/Home_Page.php.
District board meetings are open to the public and residents are invited to attend the monthly
board meetings. Opportunity to address the District board on items not on the agenda is
provided on each meeting agenda. If a public member desires to present to the board, the
person is encourage to contact the District Business Manager or the Fire Chief in advance.
As previously mentioned, the District is managed by the contracted District Fire Chief, and daily
operations are overseen with the assistance of the Deputy Fire Chief and Business Manager.
Each District station is staffed with City of Fresno contract firefighter personnel. The District’s
government structure appears to be appropriate to ensure services are adequately provided
and managed. The District and City of Fresno’s 30-year Agreement demonstrates effective
collaboration of two agencies working together to eliminate service redundancies from
occurring within their respective boundaries. Furthermore, the Agreement has helped the
District maintain service levels in most areas and increase service levels in some areas at no
additional costs to the residents of the District.
At the time preparing this MSR, the District’s government structure appears to be adequately
structured, operates, and fulfills its role as a services provider within the Fresno County area.
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2. MSR DETERMINATIONS
This portion of the report addresses the factors specified in the governing statute for Municipal
Service Reviews and provides analysis in conformance with GC sec. §56425 and Fresno LAFCo
policy. Pursuant to GC sec. §56430, the Commission has prepared the following written
determinations.
1. GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE
AFFECTED AREA
The District’s service area and sphere of influence (SOI) are conterminous and
encompass 137,846 acres (215 square miles). The District’s service area includes all of
the City of Kerman and the town of Biola.
The County of Fresno is the land use authority for the unincorporated land within the
District and the Fresno County General Plan Land Use Element designates majority of
the District’s territory for agricultural use with the exception of the unincorporated
Community Plan for Biola. The City of Kerman is the land use authority for territory
within the City, and the City’s 2007 General Plan establishes land use designations for
territory within the City and the City’s SOI.
The District informs that its growth projections parallel the increase needs for public
safety services within areas planned for future population growth such as by the City of
Kerman and community of Biola.
LAFCo observes that the City of Fresno’s western growth affects the District in that
annexations to the City of Fresno concurrently detached from the District. Portions of
the District within the City of Fresno’s SOI will continue to be urbanized in accordance
with the City of Fresno’s General Plan and fire protection will eventually be provided by
the Fresno City’s fire department. In contrast, the City of Kerman is completely within
the District boundaries and does not detach from the District when annexations to
Kerman occur.
The District informed LAFCo that it coordinates with the City of Kerman to ensure that
City growth is adequately served by the District. The District receives 97 percent of its
revenue from the annual property taxes collected within the District and City of Kerman
which also allows the District to increase service levels, when necessary.
The District informed LAFCo that City of Kerman would hypothetically have to triple its
population size before an increase in services levels would have to be considered by the
District. At the present time, the District headquarters alone adequately attends
territory within the City of Kerman.
The District’s boundaries are contiguous to the Fresno City limits immediately west of
SR-99. These boundaries are complex due to the City’s irregular development patterns
created over time. GIS estimates show that there are over 7,000 acres of the District’s
service area shown within the City of Fresno’s SOI. The subject area is planned for
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20
urban use by the City’s General Plan, and will likely be incrementally developed over
time. The subject area is bounded by the City’s SOI, west of Fresno’s city limits, south of
Herndon Avenue, down to the District’s most southern extreme.
According to the District, the City of Fresno’s growth has been occurring for years and
the District has closed stations but it intends to continue providing adequate services to
the remaining areas of the District.
The Fresno LAFCo MSR policy designates the District as a “level two” special district that
provides municipal services to its constituency. A municipal local agency (special district)
designation means, in Fresno LAFCo’s judgment, that services provided by the agency
support or facilitate population growth.
2. THE LOCATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ANY
DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES
WITHIN OR CONTIGUOUS TO THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
The District is located within a various US census geographic units whose MHI threshold
between 2010 through 2014 meets the definition of a Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Community.
The following information characterizes the ten DUCs identified with respect to the
District’s service area. The District provides structural fire protection to the identified as
DUCs. This MSR provides a description for the DUC areas shown on Figure two:
o Area 1 is located at the northwest corner of Ashlan and Chateau Fresno Avenue.
The DUC consists of 18 properties located within census tract 41.00-block group
1.
o Area 2 is located at the northwest corner of the Dakota Avenue and Brawley
Avenue. The DUC consists of 21 properties located within census tract 38.09-
block group 1.
o Area 3 is located at the northwest corner of Clinton Avenue and Valentine
Avenue. The DUC consists of 45 properties spanning across the west and east
sides of Valentine Avenue north of Clinton Avenue.
o Area 4 is located at the southeast corner of the McKinley Avenue and Brawley
Avenue. The DUC consists of approximately 268 properties located within
census tract 20.00-block group 4 and tract 20.00-block group 5.
o Area 5 is located at the southeast corner of Olive Avenue and Marks Avenue.
The DUC consists of approximately 267 properties located within census tract
20.00-block group 4 and tract 20.00-block group 5.
o Area 6 is located at the northwest corner of the California Avenue and Crystal
Avenue. The DUC consists of approximately 19 properties on the north and
south sides along California Avenue located within census tract 7.00-block group
2 and census tract 8.00-block group 1.
o Area 7 is a county island within the City of Fresno’s SOI, near the southwest
corner of the Barstow Avenue and Fruit Avenue. The subject area is in enclosed
by Barstow to the north, Fruit Avenue to the east, Twain Avenue to the South
and West Avenue to the west. The DUC area consists of approximately 275
located within the census tract 43.03-block group 2.
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o Area 8 is located within the Fresno SOI at the northeast corner of the Jensen
Avenue and Valentine Avenue. The DUC consists of approximately 129
properties located within US Census Tract 19.00-block group 2.
o Area 9 is located at the southwest corner of Ashlan Avenue and Maroa Avenue
within the Fresno SOI immediately outside the Fresno City limits. The DUC
area consists of approximately 60 residential properties located within US
Census Tract 49.01-block group 01.
o Area 10 is the unincorporated community of Biola. The Biola Community
Service District provides street lighting, water, sewer, storm drainage, and solid
waste services within the community. Area 10 is located within US census tract
41.00-block group 2.
The District provides public safety, protects lives and property within its limited
boundaries. The District has an automatic aid agreement with County of Fresno and City
of Fresno to respond to a structure fire based on which agency’s stations is the closest
to the location of the fire or emergency.
3. PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES
The District owns its headquarters Station 21 which is located at 15850 W Kearney
Boulevard Kerman, California. The District also owns equipment, and contracts with City
of Fresno for additional firefighting vehicles and equipment, as needed. The fire
department owns and houses the fire apparatuses at the various four District station
locations. Complete details are listed on pages 8-9 of this MSR.
The District draws its water resources for its fire engine/water tenders from various
hydrant locations throughout the City of Kerman and within Biola CSD. In the more
rural areas, during an emergency the District engines are capable of drawing water from
canals or natural waterways.
The District serves an area approximately 137,846 acres in size, and has a class rating of
“Class 3” through the Insurance Service Rating (ISO). According to District information
within the City of Kerman, the District general response time is three to five minutes.
Response times in the rural areas of the District fall within 10 minutes once notified of
the event to arrival at the scene of the incident.
The District informed LAFCo that it plans to purchase two new water tenders trucks,
with plans to replace the three front-line fire engines during fiscal year 2016-2017. The
District has several plans that assist the agency plan for its facilities and future
infrastructure needs. The District informs that the improvement plans identify various
improvement projects where the District sees repair work needed in the various District
facilities.
The District has several systems in place that allow the various benefit of through its
contract with the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno that support and enhance the
levels of service and the operations of fire protection.
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4. FINANCIAL ABILITY OF AGENCY TO PROVIDE SERVICES
The District’s primary source of revenue is annual property taxes charged to all parcels
within the District. The District informs that annual property taxes make up 97% of the
District’s annual budget.
The District prepares and adopts an annual budget that projects its anticipated revenues
and expenditures for the upcoming year. At the time this service review was prepared,
the District showed its total operating revenues greater than its anticipated total
operating expenditures.
The District informs that it has a standing Master Fee Schedule (MFS) which was last
revised in 2010. The MFS identifies District fees for services provided. Effective as of
January 1, 2014, The County of Fresno building department requires that prior to the
issuance of any development permit or building permit, applicants shall provide
evidence of plan check approval and payment of Fire District fees prior to the County
issuing a building permit within the District’s boundaries.
For FY 2016-17, the District’s annual property tax revenues amount to approximately
$7,955,602. The District shows under the “other revenues sources” category
approximately $177,450.
The District’s projected net operating revenues are estimated at $1,656,588, and the
District anticipates a cash transfer carried forward of approximately $1,500,000. By the
end of FY2016-17, the District anticipates an ending operating cash carried forward
balance of $4,326,227.
LAFCo staff also was provided a copy of the District’s most current independent
auditor’s report, financial report, and supplementary information for fiscal years ending
June 30, 2015.
The District has a capital improvements and building project plan that identifies its
ongoing maintenance projects. This plan budgets for public facility improvement
expenses and identifies equipment planned to be purchased to replace aging units. The
District’s capital improvement plan assists the District monitor its facility maintenance
expenses, and allows for money to be set aside each year so that equipment and
facilities are continuously maintained and operating efficiently.
LAFCo observes that that District annually receives a steady stream of revenue that
allows for its service levels to continue operating efficiently. Based on available financial
information, the District’s total revenues appear to exceed its liabilities at the time this
MSR was prepared. It appears that the District is able to meet its financial obligations to
the City of Fresno, and is available to meet the District’s ongoing commitments to
residents and creditors.
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5. STATUS OF, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR, SHARED
FACILITIES
The District has a Service Agreement for Fire Protection and Emergency Services
(“Agreement”) with the City of Fresno. The Agreement became effective July 1, 2007,
and recognizes that the City of Fresno’s western growth was affecting the District’s
property tax revenues due to District detachments as a result of annexing to the City.
The terms of the contract Agreement are effective for 30 years and scheduled to expire
on June 30, 2037.
The District benefits from a share facilities contract with the City of Fresno for additional
equipment and operation assistance with the City of Fresno’s Fire Department.
The District also benefits from its participation in one joint powers agreement (JPA) with
the Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority (FAIRA). The relationship between the
District and the JPA is such that the JPA is not a component unit of the District. The
FAIRA arranges for liability and property insurance for its members, all of which are fire
districts located within California.
The District’s operations were adequately managed and there are no other similar
agencies that present an obvious opportunity to recommend additional shared facilities.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS,
INCLUDING GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONAL
EFFICIENCIES
The District is managed by a contracted District Fire Chief, and daily operations are
overseen with the assistance of the Deputy Fire Chief and Business Manager. Each
District station is staffed with City of Fresno contract firefighter personnel.
Health and Safety Code, Section 13800 et seq., (Fire Protection District Law of 1987)
enables the formation of fire protection districts. The District has adopted policies that
govern the District’s operation, and a fire ordinance to implement the California Fire
Code and the International Fire Code.
The District is an independent special district with its separate board of directors, not
governed by other legislative bodies (either a city council or a county board of
supervisors). A body of five elected officials serves as the governing body of the District.
The five members of the board are elected by voters within the District boundaries to
four-year terms or until their successor qualifies and takes office.
The District board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m., except in
November and December. During November and December the District board meetings
are held on the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
All District board meetings take place at 15850 W. Kearney Boulevard, Kerman, CA
93630. Meetings are noticed consistent with Brown Act requirements, which include
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postings in public places, such as the District headquarters. Public notices are displayed
outside of the District office ten days before each meeting.
Opportunity to address the District board on items not on the agenda is provided on
each meeting agenda. If a public member desires to present to the board, the person is
encourage to contact the District Business Manager or the Fire Chief in advance.
The District’s government structure appears to be appropriate to ensure services are
adequately provided and managed.
7. ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED TO EFFECTIVE OR
EFFICIENT SERVICE DELIVERY, AS REQUIRED BY
COMMISSION POLICY
The District’s 2007 MSR prepared by LAFCo notes an acreage discrepancy between
LAFCo and District records of the District’s service area, a difference of 18,100 acres.
The 2007 MSR observed the discrepancy but made no recommendation to explore or
reconcile it.
In preparation of the 2016 MSR, LAFCo staff used Fresno County Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) computer software and District boundary information as
depicted by Fresno LAFCo, the Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters Division. The
District assisted LAFCo staff to correctly identify a figure for the District’s service area.
As of October 6, 2016, LAFCo concludes the District’s service area and SOI encompasses
137,846 acres. Consultation with the District confirmed that the 2007 MSR mistakenly
reported a larger District service area that is corrected with this report.
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3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS
In order to carry out the Commission’s purposes and responsibilities for planning and shaping
the logical and orderly development and coordination of local governmental agencies subject to
its jurisdiction, the Commission shall develop and determine the sphere of influence of each city
and each special district within the County and enact policies designed to promote the logical
and orderly development of areas within the sphere. A sphere of Influence is defined as “a plan
for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the
commission.”
In determining a sphere of influence, the Commission may assess the feasibility of governmental
reorganization of particular agencies and recommend reorganization of those agencies when
reorganization is found to be feasible and if reorganization will further the goals of orderly
development and efficient and affordable service delivery. The Commission shall make all
reasonable efforts to ensure wide public dissemination of the recommendations.
When adopting, amending, or updating a sphere of influence for a special district, the
Commission shall establish the nature, location, and extent of any functions or classes of
services provided by existing districts. The Commission may require existing districts to file
written statements with the Commission specifying the functions or classes of services provided
by those districts.
Section 1 of this MSR provides the foundation for the SOI determinations. In determining the
sphere of influence of each local agency, the Fresno LAFCo shall consider and prepare a written
statement of its determinations with respect to each of the following:
1. PRESENT AND PLANNED LAND USES, INCLUDING
AGRICULTURAL AND OPEN-SPACE LANDS
The District provides public safety, protects lives and property within its limited
boundaries.
The District’s service area and SOI are coterminous and encompass 137,846 acres. Land
within the District varies from agriculture, residential, and commercial facilities. The
District informs that its growth projections parallel the increase needs for public safety
services within areas planned for future population growth.
The County of Fresno is the land use authority for the unincorporated land within the
District and the Fresno County General Plan Land Use Element designates majority of
the District’s territory for agricultural use with the exception of the unincorporated
Community Plan for Biola. The City of Kerman is the land use authority for territory
within the City, and the City’s 2007 General Plan establishes land use designations for
territory within the City and the City’s SOI.
The District informed LAFCo that it coordinates with various agencies of the County and
City of Kerman to ensure that County and City growth are adequately served by the
District.
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LAFCo observes that the City of Fresno’s projected growth west of SR-99 will continue to
affect the District’s size due to City annexations concurrently detaching from the
District. The District’s boundaries that abut the City limits immediately west of SR-99
are complex due to the City’s irregular development patterns created over time. GIS
estimates show that there are over 7,000 acres of the District’s service area shown
within the City of Fresno’s SOI.
According to the District, the City of Fresno’s growth has been occurring for years and
the District has closed stations but it intends to continue providing adequate services to
the remaining areas of the District.
2. PRESENT AND PROBABLE NEED FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES
AND SERVICES IN THE AREA
The District has a capital improvements and building project plan that identifies its
ongoing maintenance projects. This plan budgets for public facility improvement
expenses and identifies equipment planned to be purchased to replace aging units. The
District’s capital improvement plan assists the District monitor its facility maintenance
expenses, and allows for money to be set aside each year so that equipment and
facilities are continuously maintained and operating efficiently.
The District serves an area approximately 137,846 acres in size, and has a class rating of
“Class 3” through the Insurance Service Rating (ISO). According to District information
within the City of Kerman, the District general response time is three to five minutes.
Response times in the rural areas of the District fall within 10 minutes once notified of
the event to arrival at the scene of the incident.
The District has several systems in place that allow the various benefit of through its
contract with the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno that support and enhance the
levels of service and the operations of fire protection.
The District has a Service Agreement for Fire Protection and Emergency Services
(“Agreement”) with the City of Fresno. The Agreement merged the District’s operations
with the City of Fresno’s Fire Department, in exchange, the District agreed to pay the
City a base annual fee in two installments each year, beginning on December 31, 2007.
The District is still independent and governed by a five-member elected board of
directors.
The City-District agreement was signed by District and City representatives on
December 20, 2006. The terms of the contract Agreement are effective for 30 years and
scheduled to expire on June 30, 2037.
3. PRESENT CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND
ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES THAT THE AGENCY
PROVIDES OR IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE
District records indicated that the agency provides wide range of services associated
with the protection of lives and property including, but not limited to:
o Structural fire suppression,
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o Wildland fire suppression,
o Emergency medical response and basic life support,
o Hazardous material and operational and technical level,
o Rescue and extrication operational and technical level,
o Fire prevention program- arson investigation and enforcement state and local
fire codes, and
o Fire information reporting to the California Fire Incident Reporting system.
The District has a capital improvements and building project plan that identifies its
ongoing maintenance projects. This plan budgets for public facility improvement
expenses and identifies equipment planned to be purchased to replace aging units. The
District’s capital improvement plan assists the District monitor its facility maintenance
expenses, and allows for money to be set aside each year so that equipment and
facilities are continuously maintained and operating efficiently.
LAFCo observes that that District annually receives a steady stream of revenue that
allows for its service levels to continue operating efficiently.
Based on available financial information, the District’s total revenues appear to exceed
its liabilities at the time this MSR was prepared..
4. EXISTENCE OF ANY SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES
OF INTEREST IN THE AREA IF THE COMMISSION
DETERMINES THAT THEY ARE RELEVANT TO THE AGENCY
The District provides public safety, protects lives and property within its limited
boundaries. The District has automatic aid agreements with County of Fresno and City
of Fresno to respond to a structure fire based on which agency’s stations is the closest
to the location of the fire or emergency.
The District’s service area lies within various census geographic units in Fresno County.
Based on the census datasets obtained during the preparation of this report, the
District’s service area is located in census geographic units that meet the MHI threshold
consistent with the standard definition established for Disadvantaged Communities.
5. THE PRESENT AND PROBABLE NEED FOR THOSE PUBLIC
FACILITIES AND SERVICES OF ANY DISADVANTAGED
UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE EXISTING
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Chapter one of this MSR update identifies ten DUCs within the District service area. The
District provides structural fire protection to the areas identified as DUCs. Chapter one,
also provides information that characterizes the DUCs identified with respect to the
District’s service area. Chapters one and two of this MSR provide descriptions for the
areas shown on Figure two.
The District provides public safety, protects lives and property within its limited
boundaries. The District has an automatic aid agreement with County of Fresno and City
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of Fresno to respond to a structure fire based on which agency’s stations is the closest
to the location of the fire or emergency.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
In consideration of information gathered and evaluated during the Municipal Service Review, it
is recommended the Commission:
1. Receive this report and any public testimony regarding the proposed Municipal Service
Review and proposed Sphere of Influence update.
2. Find that the Municipal Service Review is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act pursuant to section 15306 (Information Collection).
3. Approve the recommended Municipal Service Review determinations, together with any
changes deemed appropriate.
4. Approve the recommended Sphere of Influence determinations, together with any
changes deemed appropriate.
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5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This Municipal Service Review update was prepared by Fresno LAFCO. North Central Fire
Protection District Administration provided substantial information included in this service
review. Supporting documentation was made available through the effective partnership
between the District and Fresno LAFCo. Fresno LAFCo staff extends its appreciation to the staff
of the District for their assistance in the development of this Municipal Service Review.
Available Documentation – documents used for the preparation of this report consist of public
records and are available at the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission Office located at:
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
2607 Fresno Street, Suite B
Fresno, California 93721
The Municipal Service Review is available on Fresno LAFCo’s website,
http://www.fresnolafco.org/default.asp
G:\LAFCo Projects\Districts\FPD\North Central FPD\NCFPD_MSR_121416_Final.doc
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