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1 <br />1 <br />Council Meeting <br />January 30, 1989 <br />193 <br />Mr. Schumacher spoke of the comraderie that exists among fire <br />fighters. Mr. Reinert stated that while he had great respect <br />for these volunteers, there may be a couple that are income <br />motivated. Mr. Benjamin added that some do use this as a <br />part -time job. Mr. Neal said that checks for some fire <br />fighters can be has high as $1,400.00. Mr. Schumacher said <br />that he has heard from citizens who resent having 10 <br />individuals present during a medical, on the other hand the <br />department will say that lives are being saved, and a 4 or 5 <br />minute delay could be harmful. Mr. Bisel stated that he is <br />concerned about not having control over the budget or <br />protocol. <br />Mayor Benson stated that we need equipment in, and volunteers <br />from Lino Lakes. Mr. Bisel agreed and stated that we need to <br />put out a greater effort into recruiting from Lino Lakes. <br />Population wise we have more people than Circle Pines and <br />Centerville combined, so why are there no volunteers from <br />here? Mr. Schumacher added that we will need to put together <br />a volunteer drive and sell the program available. Mr. Neal <br />was asked what the present retirement program is like. He <br />said that the program was recently upgraded to $1,200.00 per <br />year, per year of service after a 10 year vestment. He felt <br />that by raising the retirement benefit, we would be able to <br />attract and retain more individuals. The Council wanted to <br />make it clear that they did not begrudge the volunteers the <br />amount they made. <br />Mr. Benjamin brought up the issue of vehicle maintenance. <br />This is an area that is really costing us a lot of money. <br />Mr. Reinert asked what would the costs be to start up a <br />program in Lino Lakes. Mr. Benjamin offered answers as to <br />the costs of buildings and large equipment (tanker and fast <br />attack vehicles). The figure arrived at was between 1 and 2 <br />million. Mr. Reinert felt that we ought to get some figures <br />as one of our alternatives. As long as we will be spending <br />$275,000.00 a year to maintain our present system, the idea <br />of a bond to finance a new department was thought not to be <br />too far out of line. Mr. Bisel added in conclusion, that it <br />would take us roughly 2 years to establish a new department. <br />It is time to examine if our own department would be <br />feasible. Can we do it on our own, o.r do we need them. <br />Mayor Benson agreed with Mr. Bisel's comments and said we <br />need to decide what our philosophy would be, ie JPA's with <br />surrounding communities, or a Lino Lakes Fire Department. Do <br />we still like the concept of a district. In conjunction with <br />this we would be looking at a 10 year bond, and looking at <br />all our present facilities ie administration, public works, <br />police and fire. New facilities and arrangements might be 2 <br />to 4 years down the road but we should begin planning now. <br />No matter what decision we make, we first begin by working to <br />change the JPA now. <br />Page 3 <br />