08-25-14 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES August 11, 2014 DRAFT 135 decision and leave nothing to chance in providing emergency services. Ms. Long added that she's 136 concerned about the number of firefighters the city will be able to hire, their experience level and how 137 that will impact the standard of services. The mayor responded that Police Chief Swenson is 138 handling the hiring, it will be handled correctly and he doesn't approve of scaring the public with 139 misinformation. 140 141 Lloyd Hanson, 588 Laurel, told the council that he had a heart attack five years ago. The CFD was at 142 his home in seven minutes and because of their exceptional service, above the national average, he is 143 alive. He doesn't understand why the council is making a change. 144 145 Angie Robinsin, 597 Marshan Lane, stated that she understands the legal opinion that is being 146 presented but she would argue that this isn't an administrative matter to the people. She believes the 147 residents want a voice in the decision. Council Member Roeser explained that the matter is in the 148 process of moving forward and he believes the voice of the people will be very helpful as the process 149 moves along; he believes the services to the citizens will be better if they are given the chance to 150 work. 151 152 Jesse Fronek, 904 Kelly Street, said he has been a firefighter with CFD for just one year so he's really 153 still trying to understand his role in fire services, city government, and as a citizen. He doesn't see 154 CFD is broken although the relationship between the governing bodies may be broken. His whole 155 concern about the situation now relates to experience level. He knows that with one year of 156 experience, he is not capable of leading a team in an emergency. He wonders why the city would 157 build a station right by one that is in the CFD now. 158 159 Glen Olson, 6465 Hokah Drive, remarked that in 1996, the citizens voted on the matter of trash 160 collection; he'd like to see a vote on this matter. 161 162 Gayle P., 6995 Brian Drive, Centerville, stated that he's been in fire service for some time. He 163 doesn't see this decision adding up. 164 165 Jen Wenzel, 45 Lilac Street, asked the council if they have the right to put this before the voters even 166 if they don't have to? She suggests, if the council is so convinced that people agree with the 167 decision, why is it a problem to put it on the ballot? 168 169 Stephen Ruff, 4370 170th, Blaine, noted the Springsted report on the process of starting a fire 170 department. He suggested that the expert who wrote that report questioned the council's decision 171 himself. Mr. Ruff asked the council to reconsider the decision to withdraw. 172 173 Pete Johnson, 6991 Meadow Circle, also noted the Springsted report and cost assumptions and the 174 cost of the report itself. Mayor Reinert noted that the council wanted to get the best information 175 possible as they made decisions and the report was part of that. 176 177 The mayor explained that the city will be working hard on all the necessary details — hiring included. 178 He promises that the standards will be there in that process. There is some patience needed as all the 4