05-24-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 9 noted geographic challenges in this city – he feels the department provides a good 350 response time. Councilmember Lyden said he loves the statement – a healthy and safe 351 community and he’d even take that further. 352 353 Public Safety Director Swenson updated the council on staffing, including job offers that 354 are outstanding. It’s possible the council could see a hire recommendation on Monday’s 355 agenda if it comes through in time. 356 357 Councilmember Lyden mentioned the department’s canine – Argo scored very well in 358 trials recently. 359 360 Councilmember Ruhland remarked that everything looks good – it’s a given that 2020 361 was a different year. He added that as member of the Anoka County law enforcement 362 group, he has witnessed Director’s Swenson’s expertise and how well he represents the 363 City with that group. 364 Daytime Fire Response – Public Safety Director Swenson noted his written report. He 365 feels that the council has the background on the matter. 366 367 Mayor Rafferty asked staff to explain how discussions have fit into discussion about the 368 labor contract. Director Swenson recalled conversations with the council and their 369 support of the new position. As a result contract negotiations occurred and contracts 370 were ratified; there were conversations with police staff about a position description, a 371 wage was agreed upon, all police staff were informed, staff were asked through human 372 resources if they would be interested in transitioning to the new position that included fire 373 duties; one person was interested and that was not sufficient to proceed. Feedback he 374 received identified concern about the permanency of moving to a different job and ability 375 to move out if they wish. The whole exercise is to ensure there is a platform for 376 necessary services. Director Swenson added that his experience tells him there will 377 always be changes needed in the future. 378 379 Topics reviewed by staff: 380 Private vendor – not a viable option; not being done in the state; 381 Other communities – Forest Lake is not in a position to have more collaboration; Spring 382 Lake Park/Blaine/Moundsview District (SBM) has full time staff; 383 Centennial Fire District – are considering collaborations themselves and conversations 384 have occurred; decisions on their leadership and how they will run will be important to 385 know; City would be asked to provide a contract for services to them; 386 Daytime Duty Crew – serves where the demand exists; recommending day time duty 387 crew of four firefighters for the hours of 6 am to 6 pm; recommending utilizing part time 388 staff (but do risk retention problem with part time) at cost of about $300,000 annually. 389 390 Director Swenson said if there is interest in sending a proposal to Centennial Fire, he 391 would recommend costs be based on the fire duty crew personnel administrative costs 392 apportioned using the ACFPC cost sharing (numbers were reviewed). 393