Council extends interlocal agreement for regional emergency management (Namco) for one year

Lake Forest Park’s City Council voted to authorize a one-year extension to the interlocal agreement for the North Shore Emergency Management Coalition (Namco) with Kenmore and the Shoreline Fire District.

Administrator Hill explained the ILA keeps Namco operating under current cost-sharing while Kenmore completes a study of its long-term role; the ILA extension keeps costs roughly at last year’s rates with a modest (about 4%) salary/benefit increase covered by existing fund balance. Hill noted a planned community-based advisory committee was not formed last year and was removed from the one-year amendment because a short ILA term would not support it.

Council suspended the three-touch rule so the one-year amendment could take effect by Jan. 1; members emphasized the value of regional collaboration for emergency management resources such as unmanned aerial system (drone) support and shared planning. The resolution passed by voice vote.

Next steps: administration will continue discussions with Kenmore and Shoreline Fire to consider longer-term arrangements and, if appropriate, a multi-year ILA with pro‑rata cost shares and clear deliverables.