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FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES AT THE PORT OF STOCKTON - NEXT STEPS
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive this informational report regarding proposed collaborative next steps with the Port of Stockton to evaluate fire protection services, strengthen coordination, and work jointly toward a sustainable long-term approach to providing emergency services at the Port.
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Summary
The Stockton Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency response services to the Port of Stockton. The Port is an independent special district located within the geographic boundaries of the City of Stockton and is governed by its own Board of Commissioners.
The City and Port share an important interest in maintaining a safe, secure, and economically vibrant Port that contributes to the Stockton community and regional economy. As Port operations have grown in scale and complexity, the nature of emergency response needs at the Port has also evolved.
The City currently provides fire protection and emergency response services to the Port without a formal service agreement governing those services. The April 15, 2025 City Council presentation identified an opportunity for the City and Port to work collaboratively to better understand the operational, resource, and financial considerations associated with providing fire protection services at the Port.
The purpose of this report is to outline a collaborative process through which the City and Port can jointly examine these issues, share information, identify opportunities for improved coordination, and explore potential approaches that support both the Port's continued success and the City's ability to provide effective emergency services.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Port of Stockton is an important economic asset to the City and region. Its industrial and maritime operations also present unique emergency response considerations for the Stockton Fire Department, including hazardous materials, industrial incidents, maritime emergencies, and large-scale fires.
Historically, the City began providing fire protection services to the Port based largely on proximity and the need to provide timely emergency response. Over time, Port operations have expanded and become more complex, creating an opportunity for the City and Port to revisit how emergency services are coordinated and supported. There is currently no formal service agreement between the City and Port addressing the provision of fire protection services. Previous discussions have not resulted in a formal agreement.
Rather than approaching the issue solely as a question of cost or payment, the City believes that the most productive path forward is a collaborative process with the Port that recognizes the mutual interests of both organizations and the need to be prepared for any type of necessary emergency response.
Present Situation
A Collaborative Approach
The City and Port have a shared interest in ensuring that emergency response capabilities at the Port are effective, reliable, and sustainable.
The Port's continued economic success benefits the broader Stockton community, while the City's ability to provide appropriate emergency response services benefits Port employees, businesses, customers, visitors, and surrounding communities.
For these reasons, staff recommends that the next phase of work be approached as a joint effort between the City and Port, rather than as a unilateral City initiative.
The goal should be to develop a common understanding of current conditions and future needs and then work together to identify solutions that are operationally effective, financially sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
Establish a City-Port Working Group
Staff recommends establishing a joint City-Port working group to provide an ongoing forum for collaboration and problem-solving.
The working group could include representatives from:
• Stockton Fire Department;
• City Manager's Office;
• City Attorney's Office;
• City Finance/Administrative Services;
• Port of Stockton; and
• Other subject-matter experts or stakeholders identified jointly by the City and Port.
The working group's role would be to:
• Establish a shared understanding of the current service arrangement;
• Exchange relevant operational and financial information;
• Identify current and anticipated emergency response needs;
• Discuss opportunities to improve coordination;
• Identify areas where additional information or analysis is needed; and
• Develop potential approaches for consideration by the City Council and Port Commission.
The working group would provide a collaborative forum and would not supersede the respective authorities of the City Council or Port Commission.
This approach builds directly upon the recommendation in the original presentation to establish a stakeholder task force.
Shared Objectives
The City-Port collaborative process should be guided by several shared objectives:
• Public Safety. Maintain effective emergency response capabilities for the Port and the broader Stockton community.
• Economic Vitality. Support the continued success and growth of the Port as an important economic asset to Stockton and the region.
• Operational Effectiveness. Ensure that emergency response resources, staffing, equipment, and training are appropriately aligned with the risks and needs associated with Port operations.
• Financial Sustainability. Develop an approach that is financially sustainable and recognizes the resources required to maintain appropriate emergency response capabilities.
• Partnership. Strengthen communication, coordination, and trust between the City and Port.
• Long-Term Planning. Establish a framework that can adapt as Port operations, emergency response needs, and available resources change over time.
City Council and Port Commission Role
The proposed process is intended to support continued dialogue between the City Council and Port Commission while allowing staff from both organizations to work through the operational and technical details.
Staff anticipates that the City-Port working group would provide periodic updates to the City Council and Port Commission as the collaborative process progresses.
Following completion of the initial assessment and discussions, staff would return to the City Council with information regarding:
• Current and anticipated emergency response needs;
• Resource and operational considerations;
• Potential funding and grant opportunities;
• Feedback and perspectives developed through the City-Port process;
• Potential service or partnership models; and
• Recommendations, if appropriate, for further consideration.
Any formal agreement or other action requiring approval by the City Council would be presented for Council consideration at a future meeting.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no direct financial impact associated with receiving this informational report.
The initial collaborative effort is anticipated to primarily utilize existing City staff resources. The City and Port may jointly identify opportunities for outside funding or grant resources to support future studies, equipment, training, facilities, or other emergency response needs.
Any future financial commitment resulting from a proposed service agreement, joint investment, facility improvement, or other action would be brought forward for appropriate consideration and authorization.