04/06/1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL WORK SESSION' APRIL 6, 1989 pursue this direction. Mayor Benson said it does guarantee that all homeowners pay the same dollar amount for fire coverage if they have the same home value. Mayor Benson explained that an independent Lino Lakes Fire Department has been'considered. The "start up" cost would be approximately $500,000.00. The concern would be where would we get enough trained fire fighters. He noted that if Lino Lakes can negotiate a five or ten year contract with the Fire District, then after that period of time there will be trained fire fighters in Lino Lakes and this City will be in a better position to start a Lino Lakes Fire Department. We will have trained men and equipment and be in a much stronger negotiating position in the Fire District. As for now, he felt that Lino Lakes should stay in the Fire District, help establish a budget two or three years in advance and put caps on the budget similar to other City operating departments. Mayor Benson addressed voting strength in the Fire District. He suggested that if a decision in the Fire District is not unanimous, Lino Lakes should have a 50% or higher valued vote since Lino Lakes is paying a larger share of the cost of the District. This would refer to budget considerations only. Capital equipment and buildings would be a different matter. Mr. Schumacher explained the second most important issue is the operating budget. He suggested that the budget be put back in the hands of each city council in the Fire District. It should relate to levy limits or the cost of living factor. If there is a reason to exceed the agreed upon limits, the decision should be the concensus of all three Councils. He suggested that the same formula be used when purchasing major equipment. The third issue is the purchase of equipment. Currently the purchase of equipment is a part of the budget submitted to the three Councils. He suggested that the new Fire District contract contain minimum level funding for equipment. This would be a previously agreed upon dollar amount to be set aside in a "sinking fund ". The Fire Department can then make its own determination as to what equipment to purchase each year. If the purchase is significant, then the three Councils should make the decision by unanimous vote. If the Fire Department decides not to purchase equipment in a given year, the amount will remain in the "sinking fund" and be added to the following years deposit. The control of the "sinking fund" remains in the control of the three Councils at all times. Mayor Benson noted that he felt the Steering Committee should become a permanent committee. It should meet two to four times a year and address concerns as they arise and not allow a situat -ion similar to this one again.