06-09-14 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES May 27, 2014 DRAFT 91 92 Mr. Karlson noted that the report contains information regarding service projections, the overall need 93 for a new station in Lino Lakes, that the annual operating costs would not increase, that some mutual 94 aid will still be needed for fire services, and that there will be certain costs related to starting a new 95 department. But he added that the numbers in the report are a worst case scenario. 96 97 The action requested of the city council: 98 - Accept the report; 99 - Move forward with recommendations as the council desires. 100 101 Mayor Reinert noted that, as far as moving to having a new department, he feels that the decision was 102 really made by the council members of all three cities involved in the Centennial Fire District (CFD). 103 He highlighted that if the city were to locate the new fire station at Birch Street and Centerville Road, 104 a response time map for that location shows improved response coverage from what currently exists. 105 Furthermore that location would involve land already owned by the city. He also noted that there 106 have been some dishonest statements made about costs rising and he can report that the analysis 107 indicates that costs on a day to day operational basis won't increase. He added that the new station 108 the city is looking at will actually have more space than anticipated and that means the possibility of a 109 community meeting room. The possibility of a police substation has also been discussed. He 110 explained why equipment costs will be less than estimated in the report because there will be 111 equipment from the CFD and some recruitment of firefighters. The council will be having more 112 discussion about the plans including pension options. 113 114 Brad Robinson, 597 Marshan Lane, addressed the council. He noted that there was a "fire 115 committee" that worked with the consultants on providing information and direction on the analysis. 116 He wonders why someone with experience in fire services wasn't included in that group. 117 Administration Karlson explained that the fire committee mentioned was a working group — three 118 staff members and the mayor — and their purpose was to provide basic information needed by the 119 consultants who did the analysis. 120 121 Matt Long, 997 Kelly Street, said he has a question about morale for the firefighters. While the city is 122 planning to recruit from current CFD personnel, he only knows of one person that is interested at this 123 time. That leaves him worried that the firefighters recruited for the new department will not have 124 enough experience. It would not be a good situation to have a new station with all new firefighters - 125 there must be some experience to rely on and he knows that because he is a firefighter. It would help 126 to get firefighters more involved in the discussion as it moves forward. The mayor concurred that 127 there is work to be done to get a department together and new station into shape; he is concerned that 128 misinformation will only hamper the situation. 129 130 Council Member Kusterman moved to accept the Fire Department Analysis as prepared by Springsted. 131 Council Member Roeser seconded the motion. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. 132 133 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT, JOHN SWENSON 134 135 There was no report from the Public Safety Department. 3