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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MAY 27, 2015 <br />Morelan did not feel this donation should be a contractual obligation. <br />Leibel pointed out that there may be times when the fund has adequate <br />dollars for a fire truck purchase and then the need would not be there for <br />the donation. <br />Keis pointed out that while the Fire Department has indicated their <br />commitment to this donation, the leadership at the Department may <br />change and the intent of the donation may get forgotten. Keis again stated <br />that there should be more discussion of this issue. <br />Fischer agreed there should be more discussion and indicated that he <br />would like a better understanding of the issue. The City Administrator <br />indicated that he could provide some history, noting that the City began <br />the levy for fire truck replacement in 2009 in order to build up dollars for <br />this expense. The levy began at $100,000 per year and has been <br />increasing by 6% per year. The Fire Department committed at that time to <br />contribute half of their charitable gambling profits to the Fire Truck <br />Replacement Fund. As a result of that commitment, the Administrator <br />indicated that he included this provision in the contract. <br />Keis noted the need to begin the strategic planning process. <br />Torkelson commented on a recent incident in one of the mobile home <br />parks where it was a challenge for the Fire Department to get through to <br />respond to a call given parking on both sides of the street. The Chief <br />agreed that this can be a problem, especially in the winter, but noted that <br />they have always been able to get through. <br />Keenan indicated that one of the biggest problems is getting to the freeway <br />to respond to calls. He asked if it would be possible for the Fire <br />Department to have access to the closed freeway ramps. The City <br />Administrator indicated that he would contact MN DOT and ask if this is <br />would be possible. <br />The City Administrator asked the Fire Department to get him some dates <br />so that a strategic planning session can be scheduled. <br />The Fire Chief presented the Council with a donation of $52,000 for the <br />Fire Truck Fund which represents half of their 2014 net profits from <br />charitable gambling. The Council asked that the Department make this <br />presentation at the regular Council meeting. <br />Keis thanked the Fire Department for their presentation this evening and <br />for their service to the community. <br />5 <br />