05-28-08 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 28, 2008 Jim Morelan asked the Council's position on the Fire Department's continued response to Allina for assistance, noting the $250 estimated cost per call. It was noted that lift assist calls typically have Sheriff's Department deputies on site that could provide Allina assistance. Morelan stated that his opinion was that medical assistance does not belong in volunteer fire department service, and felt that the added calls contribute toward burning out volunteer fire fighters. Blesener suggested that a committee be formed of representatives of the Council, Fire Department, and City staff to discuss issues related to Allina locating in the fire department as well as the need/feasibility for the Fire Department to provide medical assistance to Allina. 2007 Steve Morelan reviewed the Fire Department's 2007 Budget in detail. BUDGIJT comparing budgeted amounts with actual expenses. The most significant variance in the budget related to the cost of workers compensation insurance, which was $2,600 over budget. Steve Morelan reviewed Fund 700, Non-Budgeted Items, and Fund 800, Capital Improvements. The $57,000 expense in Fund 700 included $37,000 for new rescue tools for engine 18, $17,000 for a civil defense siren which was reimbursed by the City, $1,100 for hardware for the CAD system, and $2,100 in miscellaneous donations to charitable groups. Morelan pointed out that these expenses were paid from the Fire Departments charitable gambling revenues, and were not an expense of the City's (other than the reimbursement for the civil defense siren). With regard to the $17,163.35 spent from Fund 800, Capital Improvements, Steve Morelan reported that this fund is used for expenses that the City reimburses fi•om its Capital Improvement Fund. The primary expense is turn-out gear which is on a 10-year replacement schedule. However, the Fire Department overspent its Capital Improvement Budget by $6,361 given the need to outfit two new fire fighters. Morelan reported that the Fire Department did not request reimbursement from the City for this expense. It was the consensus of the Council to reimburse the Fire Department for this expense upon receipt of an invoice. Keis suggested that the Fire Department Budget document include the explanation that was given for Funds 700 and 800. Jim Morelan again noted that the expenses allocated to Funds 700 and 800 were paid for with the Department's charitable gambling revenues. Steve Morelan pointed out that should charitable gambling revenues dry up, these expenses would likely be passed on to the City.