09-10-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 accidents. Morelan again noted that most Ramsey County fire departments have first responders. I -Ie indicated that neighboring departments are reluctant to call Little Canada for mutual aid to back up their fire stations when out on call given Little Canada cannot respond to medical calls. The addition of first responders will enhance the working relationship with neighboring departments. Morelan noted the increase for Vehicle Repairs pointing out that this is a difficult area to budget for. He pointed out that the cost of repairs made in 2012 were much less than 20I L Next discussed was Fire Equipment Repair /Misc. with Morelan indicated that the Department has decided to outsource their fire hose testing. Hoses are required to be tested annually and outsourcing this task will result in improved safety for fire fighters. Morelan also noted several budget reductions in fire equipment line items. There was an increase in First Aid Equipment for 2013 given the need to purchase some equipment for the first responder program. Morelan reviewed Equipment Expenses noting reductions in most line items with an increase in Radio /Pager Repairs given the need to replace batteries in pack sets. Morelan noted that the overall increase being requested is 6% or $16,600. The additional cost related to the first responder program is $19,687; therefore factoring out those additional costs the rest of the budget would show a decrease. Blesener again encouraged the department to consider a 2% compensation increase. The City Administrator pointed out that the Fire Department budget also includes a 10% Operating Reserve, but is not included in the City budget. This reserve was implemented two to three years ago, and Morelan pointed out has not been used. If a problem were to arise, the council will deal with each situation as it comes up. Morelan noted that tomorrow is the 11th anniversary of 9/11 and asked that a moment of silence be observed at 8:59 a.m., the time the south tower at the World Trade Center collapsed. The City Administrator continued his review of General Fund expenses pointing out that Fire Marshal is projected to decrease by 6.39 %, Protective Inspections increase by 2.29 %, Emergency Services /Civil Defense decrease by .72 %, and Animal Control to decrease by 77.04 %. The Administrator noted that animal control services have been taken over by the Sheriff's Department and is a part of their contract. The budgeted expense in this category reflects the City's cost for boarding animals as well as some animal control expenses relative to deer and geese. The Administrator indicated that Streets expenses are projected to decrease by 3.47% mainly due to a revised sealcoating and striping program. Storm Sewer is projected to increase by 77.65% due to the 4