CCMin_68Oct10_Meeting_w/citizens

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Warkentien: The fire call comes in and sometimes takes about 2-1/2 minutes by the time he sets off the alarm. Helbig: All we can guarantee now is one man day time. The present system we can guarantee there will be a driver -under other system we can't guarantee anybody at any one time but over the years, the average has been eight men. Warkentien: Concensus of the men that by having radio emergencies can be handled on a more intelligent basis. Right now if he just hears siren he takes off. With radio, he would know. As far as distance in getting to a fire, Lauderdale is very satisfied. Their fire protection comes from Oak and University near the stadium. Shoreview and Arden Hills get theirs from Lake Johanna Fire Department. We have discussed this these many months and we have -been definitely objective in what could be done -positive rather than negative attitude. We were trying to get something equally as good for about 1/2 the price. Dale Bergstedt: 1615 Maple Knoll - If we were to have a high wind condition as last summer, Mr. Ecklund, what means of communication would more likely be more dependable -telephone or a radio? Ecklund answered "radios -sheriff and Fire Department would have radios . " James Walker -1784 Asbury: I don't know wnything about professional fire system. I can say Falcon Heights is paying four times more. I am considerably reassured by what the Chief has said and I am content to leave the resolution up to the council. Joe Sanderson 1753 Holton: Has this ever been discussed prior to this meeting between the Fire Department and the Council? Warkentien: Mr. Ecklund misses very few Tuesday night meetings with the Fire Dept. Sanderson: The people seem to want something and you folks want something else. . Warkentien: It seems that there is a great degree of sympathy and the people are full of emotion. We are just as interested in having our families protected/. Sanderson: Do you think you are going to get as much for your money? •Warkentien: Yes, we do. Sanderson: Why has it taken so long for you folks to consider getting radio equipment ? How many men do you have that could answer calls at 2; 00 p. m. ? He said it averages eight, and how about at night? Warkentien: First we considered telephones and because of the area, we would have to enter into four major circuits. The radios are portable. When we bring our department up to its authorized strength, it will be sufficient. Sanderson: How about police department? We used to have our own and now sheriff's department. Has the service improved? Are expenses higher now than before? Warkentien: Services are improved and are much higher. Sanderson: Why did we go to the sheriff? Warkentien: We couldn't cover with the help we had. Schultz: The cost was about one-half, too, and provided probably just as good as we are getting now. L. Payin 1363 California Ave.: Do you know what is best for everybody? Why don't you take a vote ? Warkentien: For one thing the people who would vote did not have the opportunity to go into this in depth as we have. Whether you agree or not, we have spent countless hours on this. We have come to this conclusion. We could have passed this without having a hearing. We know we are on the right track. Payin: Quite a few people think you are on the wrong track. You are the servants of the taxpayers. We are telling you now that you are not doing right. Warkentien: I would equally match my judgment with yours. Nilsen: I would like to throw this out as a suggestion. I am concerned about day time service. There are a lot of tough decisions and this is one the council is going to have to make and this goes to the bottom of my heart. You are considering this move - what I would like to recommend is a phasing condition here. I would like to see this move as phasing.