01-26-2015 Council Meeting Minutes

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COUNCIL MINUTES January 26, 2015 APPROVED 136 how the position would be filled. An experienced officer would be reassigned for the grant duties 137 and a new officer would be hired to back fill the duties vacated by the experienced officer. Council 138 Member Roeser asked if there will be a "promise of hire" for the period after the grant funding ends. 139 Chief Swenson suggested that the city's liability to continue the position would be the same as for any 140 other city employee that was let go. Council Member Kusterman suggested that, if the grant 141 acceptance is approved, the city should be proactive to make sure anyone hired understands that there 142 are ties between the job and the grant; a transition of the position to "regular officer" should also be 143 thought out ahead in case that is the course that is taken. 144 145 Mayor Reinert noted that the council has fully discussed this decision as they always do; there has 146 been due diligence with a proper drill down and he is comfortable that this can be unwound if that 147 becomes necessary. 148 149 Council Member Rafferty moved to approve Resolution No. 15-11 as presented. Council Member 150 Stoesz seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. 151 152 613) Public Safety Department Update — Chief Swenson updated the council: 153 - Bids are out for the new fire station facility with a February 12 bid opening planned; 154 - Recruiting and Training for Firefighters — exams are underway for the first group of trainees at 155 Century College; new recruits are entering the training process; more applications are coming 156 in; 157 - Pension Legislation — staff is working with the consultant on special legislation; local 158 legislators are supportive; the legislation will require a resolution of support from all three 159 cities involved; 160 - Purchase of Additional Fire Equipment — Staff will be reporting at the council work session on 161 the process of locating and purchasing equipment; 162 - FEMA Grant Request — the grant request to fund turn -out equipment is awaiting a decision; it 163 has progressed to the consideration stage; 164 165 Mayor Reinert noted that the city is actually looking at beginning its fire services somewhat earlier 166 than anticipated because the process of transition is going even better than expected. 167 168 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 169 170 There was no Unfinished Business. 171 172 NEW BUSINESS 173 174 There was no New Business. 175 176 COMMUNITY EVENTS 177 178 SNOW DAY - This is a FREE event that will be held on Saturday, January 31 at Wargo Nature 179 Center from 1:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Ice Fishing, cross country skiing, kicksledding, snowshoeing, etc. 180 For more information call the Lino Lakes Parks and Rec Department. 4