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COUNCIL MINUTES August 11, 2014 DRAFT 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 2 MINUTES 3 4 DATE : August 11, 2014 5 TIME STARTED : 6:30 p.m. 6 TIME ENDED : 9:10 p.m. 7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Stoesz, Kusterman, Rafferty, 8 Roeser, and Mayor Reinert 9 MEMBERS ABSENT : none 10 11 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development Director Michael 12 Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen; City Engineer Diane Hankee; City Attorney Joseph Langel; 13 Finance Director Al Rolek; Police Captain Kelly McCarthy; and City Clerk Julie Bartell 14 15 PUBLIC COMMENT 16 17 Michael Manthey, 819 Lois Lane, noted that he received a communication from the city offering 18 information about the new city fire department, including an estimate of start-up costs. He'd like 19 more information on those costs. Mayor Reinert responded that, with the information available at this 20 time, he believes start-up costs will mostly occur in 2015 and he anticipates those costs in the area of 21 $400,000. There will also be costs associated with a new station but those will be bonded. Mr. 22 Manthey discussed possible costs and timing of the new fire station with the Mayor. Council 23 Member Roeser pointed out that consideration should also be given to the operational efficiencies that 24 will occur with the new public safety department model as well as the additional services that will be 25 needed as development increases. 26 27 Mike Schweigert, 23 Park Drive, Circle Pines, commented on the fire department. He asked if police 28 and city personnel have been consulted on the council's plan to call upon them for firefighter duties. 29 He expressed concern about firefighter recruiting efforts and the experience level of those recruited. 30 31 Pete Johnson, 6991 Meadow Circle, noted the petition for an ordinance regarding withdrawal from 32 the Centennial Fire District that will be considered by the council this evening (Item 3B). He 33 understands the council will consider a recommendation by the city attorney to reject that petition. 34 He noted that the petition contains many signatures and shouldn't be ignored. He questions that the 35 decision involved is administrative when it involves fire services that impact people's lives. 36 37 Jen Wenzel, 45 Lilac Street, read a statement to the council. She is not a firefighter but a concerned 38 resident. As she has learned more about the fire department change, she is convinced it is not a good 39 idea. She is disappointed in the behavior of the council and the manner of answering questions as 40 well. While the discussion has mainly been between the firefighters and the city council she believes 41 there are many citizens also who would like input. 42 43 SETTING THE AGENDA 44 45 The agenda was approved as presented. 1