04/06/1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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04, COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 6, 1989 Mayor Benson referred to a list of fire equipment prepared by the Fire Chief that may be needed by the Fire Department within the next ten years. The total cost is $1,672,000. This list includes an aerial ladder. It was suggested that this piece of equipment be deleted from the list and looked at in the future by'all three Councils. It was noted that for 1989, there is $92,000 in the Fire District budget for Lino Lakes. Mayor Benson suggested that possibly the amount budgeted for the "sinking fund" for each of the next ten years should be $80,000. There was discussion regarding how Lino Lakes would finance their portion of the $80,000. Mr. Schumacher explained that normally this type of equipment is purchased with equipment certificates. He suggested that this method be continued. There was additional discussion regarding whether or not $80,000 was sufficient to cover replacement equipment and additional equipment needed to equip the new fire stations. It was suggested that the Lino Lakes Steering Committee members propose $100,000 per year for this fund. Mayor Benson also noted that whatever Lino Lakes puts into this fund, Lino Lakes will be able to draw it out if the Fire District is dissolved. Therefore, if at some point Lino Lakes decides to establish a Lino Lakes Fire Department, there will be funds or equipment already set aside for Lino Lakes. Mr. Schumacher said that at this point it is important that a plan for purchasing equipment not financing equipment be drawn. Mr. Bisel noted that it would cost about $500,000 to start a Lino Lakes Fire Department.' Suppose Lino Lakes costs in the Fire Distist are 60% or 70 %. At what point would it be more feasible to start a Lino Lakes Fire Department. Mr. Schumacher explained that it would be difficult to determine. It is certain that there would not be the same level of service and it would cost slightly more to operate our own department in year #1. It would be difficult to answer this question regarding five or ten years in the future. Mr. Bisel asked what effect commercial growth would have on a fire department. Mayor Benson said he personally felt a Lino Lakes Fire Department would not be able to operate as efficiently as the Fire District. Mr. Bisel asked what effect would contracting the east side of Lino Lakes to Hugo or White Bear Lake have on the cost of a Lino Lakes Fire Department. Mr. Schumacher noted that the response time would be the same as the Centennial Fire District and he could not tell if there would be an appreciable difference in costs. Mr. Reinert said that he would rather pay 60% or 70% of an above average Fire District than something well below average. He suggested that the City wait until fire fighters are better trained and new equipment and buildings are in place before we seriously look at a Lino Lakes Fire Department. Mr. Bisel noted that the "out" clause of the Joint Powers