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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MAY 22, 1996 <br />City staff could look at the Fire Department's <br />operation and provide some sugqestions for improvement. <br />There are also books available to assist in preparing <br />for an insurance rating review. <br />Morelan sugqested that perhaps the commercial <br />businesses could assist in the cost of hiring a <br />consultant to do a review. Morelan asked if there were <br />plans for water main in the Twin Lake area. <br />The City Administrator replied that the City Engineer <br />was to contact the City of Vadnais Heights regarding <br />water main for the Twin Lake area. The Administrator <br />felt that given the additional water main, new <br />equipment and upgrades, training of fire fighters, and <br />documentation of procedures, chances were very qood for <br />an improved rating. <br />Fahey stated that he was not sure the City should ask <br />businesses to contribute toward the cost of a <br />consultant, and stated that he was not opposed to <br />paying this cost from the General Fund. <br />Boss felt it would be wise to do a dry run before <br />inviting the insurance rater in. Boss pointed out that <br />an improved fire rating would save commercial <br />businesses a great deal of money in insurance premiums. <br />Council agreed the matter should be looked into, and <br />suggested the City Administrator determine what a <br />consultant would cost. <br />The Fire Chief reported that he felt strongly about <br />retrofittinq of existing apartment buildings with <br />sprinkler systems. Boss felt the City should take <br />every opportunity it is presented to get these <br />buildings retrofitted. Boss commented that the <br />sprinkling of The Providences came up very quickly and <br />was a tough one to handle, but would have been a good <br />pilot program for the City. <br />Boss indicated the State Fire Marshal agrees sprinkling <br />requirements can be reduced, yet will still be an <br />advance toward fire suppression. The NFP manual <br />provides reduced standards in retrofitting existing <br />buildings. Boss pointed out that Little Canada is a <br />second-ring suburb. Multiple-housing vacancy rates are <br />very low, and people are willing to pay a little more <br />rent knowing they are protected. Boss suggested the <br />issue of sprinkling The Providences could still be <br />revisited. Boss also suggested similar opportunities <br />3 <br />