05-26-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

COUNCIL MINUTES DRAFT 2 FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT 43 There was no report from the Finance Department. 44 ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT 45 3A) Consider Pro Rata Fee Refunds and Payment Schedule Amendment for Annual 46 Business Licenses – City Clerk Bartell addressed the council regarding business licenses and fees. 47 The City is currently in the process of renewing licenses and staff has heard from licenses holders 48 about the impact of not being able to operate and use their licenses. State law does allow cities to 49 refund fees under circumstances that are not controlled by the business owners. The options 50 presented are: a) to provide a fee refund on a monthly pro rata basis for months that businesses were 51 not able to operate; and b) allow businesses to pay one half of their fee upon application and the 52 other half midway into their license period. Ms. Bartell noted the licenses involved. 53 Council Member Ruhland moved to approve the fee process changes as presented. Council Member 54 Lyden seconded the motion. Motion carried: Yeas, 5; Nays none 55 4. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT 56 4A) Consider Resolution 20-45 Approving Allina Ambulance as the Primary Ambulance 57 Service for the City of Lino Lakes – Public Safety Director Swenson explained the need to 58 contract with a new ambulance provider for the city due to the merger of the current provider into 59 the M Health Fairview system. Staff has researched service information and found that the City is 60 included in an overlapping area and so there are two providers available. After meeting with both 61 providers, staff is now recommending a contract for services be executed with Allina Health 62 Services. He explained the terms that staff has reached for an agreement with Allina which include 63 training options for City staff and lease of Fire Station No. 1 for an ambulance and crew. He 64 reviewed the actions being recommended to the council. He noted Allina staff present to answer 65 questions. 66 Susan Long, Vice President of Operations for Allina EMS, and other Allina Operations 67 representatives (local and executive), announced that they are excited to work with the City. They 68 noted history in the area and their investment in technology that will provide good services. They 69 provided services within the area during last year’s PGA event. A statement was read including 70 qualifications and accomplishments of Allina Ambulance Services. 71 Mayor Rafferty said that the City is grateful to be offered these services and he is thankful for the 72 very difficult work currently underway in the healthcare community. He looks forward to having 73 services operating from Fire Station No. 1. 74 Councilmember Lyden asked Director Swenson if he is supportive of this provider for a very 75 important service and is the contract in final format. Director Swenson confirmed that the contract 76 is in final order and he added that tonight’s action is the culmination of about two years work in 77 deciding the City’s future ambulance service. He is excited from meeting with Allina and also from 78 what he hears from other jurisdictions about the open communication and good services they’ve 79 experienced with Allina. 80 Councilmember Stoesz noted Section 5 of the Lease Agreement, regarding maintenance. It seems 81 pretty loose since there are no specifics on finances. Director Swenson explained that the City 82 provides all maintenance for the building. 83