06-22-09 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 22, 2009 o Window and concrete caulking -there is leakage from the window area in the roll call room as well as the need for caulking around concrete walk areas. This will be a City funded project. The Fire Chief noted the previous discussion on the permanent co- response agreement with Vadnais Heights for the I35E/I694 Commons area. Smiley estimated fi•eeway calls at 25 per year. Again, the automatic aid agreement with Vadnais Heights was noted wherein both Vadnais and Little Canada Fire Departments respond to structure fires with flames. Vadnais Heights responds to all such calls in Little Canada. Vadnais Heights is divided into three geographic sections, and Little Canada responds to such calls in one of these areas. Steve Morelan presented information on the County valuation of 331 East Little Canada Road, the property adjacent to the Fire Station. He suggested that this property could be valuable to the Fire Station for either building or parking lot expansion. Morelan suggested that the City negotiate a first right of refusal for the property or if it goes on the market, the City consider its purchase. The City Administrator suggested that at current market values it may make sense to purchase the property now and rent it back to the owner. The Administrator suggested that financing options be discussed as part of this year's budget discussions. The Administrator indicated that he would contact the property owner to determine if there is any interest in selling the property or granting the City a first right of refusal. Steve Morelan reviewed the remaining areas of the City that do not have City water. It was noted that water main will be installed in these areas as roads are reconstructed. Morelan suggested that the City's fire hydrant placement plan may be inadequate in some instances, and suggested that the City Engineer review that plan. An example of inadequate coverage is the portion of Keller Parkway that is to he served by hydrants on Edgerton Street. There was also discussion about Terrace I-Ieights Mobilehome Park and the need for the Fire Department to carry water to this area to fight a fire. That situation would not be adequate if multiple units were burning. Amain extension on Park Street is planned when the County Road B-2 line is extended to Rice Street from the Middle School property. Steve Morelan reviewed the Fire Department's 2008 actual operating expenses, noting that the Department's bottom line was over budget. He reviewed the major reasons that this occurred. These include: Impact of Worker's Compensation Audit on premium; Number of firefighters requiring recertification; State required audit given Fire Department income level;