05-28-2014 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 28, 2014 Smiley reported that Fire Department key box thefts have tapered off in the Metro area. Smiley noted that this has been a huge issue across the country. He reported that the City's Fire Marshal has been working diligently on this issue. The City Administrator reported that the City has purchased new locks, and that the multi -family buildings in the City have been rekeyed. He further pointed out that there may be no need for the boxes on buildings without alarm systems. The owners of these buildings will be contacted to determine whether or not they want to retain the key box. The Administrator reported that the Fire Marshal is also working with two lock box companies on this issue. Other locks are also being evaluated. Morelan noted the increasing railroad traffic in the City has the potential to impact the Fire Department from an emergency response standpoint. Morelan reported, however, that it is his understanding that most of the oil cars going north are empty. Blesener reported that he and the City Administrator met with representatives of Canadian Pacific (CP) who indicated that they have a training program for local fire departments. Morelan indicated that both CP and Burlington Northern (BNSF) have training programs. He indicated that the Fire Department will check into these programs. Morelan noted that any hazmat response would come from the City of St. Paul, but Little Canada would have to fight the fire. Smiley reported that the State is collecting a surcharge to be used for training purposes, and these dollars are being distributed by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Blesener then updated the Fire Department on the fact that the State bonding bill contained funding for the Cities of Little Canada and Shoreview to move forward with rail crossing improvements so that quiet zones can be established. There was discussion about trains blocking crossings and the impact that this has on response times for the Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, and Allina. It was noted that County Road C and Viking Drive have overhead crossings, thus can be used for alternative access points. Smiley reported that the City's temporary contract with the Little Canada Fire Department expires on June 30th, and the Fire Department would prefer not to sign another temporary contract extension. The City Administrator apologized for the delay in putting together his Fire Relief Benefit Report, and indicated that he would get this done. The Administrator asked the Fire Department for a list of dates that they would be available for a workshop meeting. Smiley noted previous meetings that were held relative to Fire Department strategic planning, and suggested that these meetings be resumed. Tim Boss noted that one issue for discussion is the fact that two fire trucks need replacement — one is scheduled for 2017 and the other a year or two 4