HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-25 - Council Work Session MinutesLino Lakes City Council
Work Session
Minutes
DATE: June 9, 2025
TIME STARTED: 6:00 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 6:27 P.M.
LOCATION: Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty Councilmembers Cavegn, Ruhland, Lyden and Stoesz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Staff Members Present: Interim City Administrator Dave Pecchia, City Clerk Roberta Colotti,
Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer, Community Development
Director Michael Grochala, City Planner Katie Larsen, City Engineer Diane Hankee, Assistant City
Engineer Kate Achenbach, Chief of Police Curt Boehme, and Fire Chief Dan L'Allier.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Rafferty called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Setting the Agenda: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items
The agenda was adopted as presented.
3. Administration Update
No report.
4. Review Regular Agenda
The Community Development Director reviewed the Public Works Building
Improvement project and associated professional services contracts with RJM
Construction and Oertel Architects.
The Human Resources and Communications Manager reported that the hiring of the
Public Works Maintenance position is to backfill a vacancy due to retirement.
The Chief of Police reviewed the police union contracts and Retention and Recruitment
Plan proposed for formal action this evening.
Councilmember Stoesz questioned the dates being used for the two-year authorization
to hire above the number of approved police officers.
The Chief of Police said that he was open to setting a date the Council preferred.
Councilmember Stoesz stated that he preferred a budget year to be used for the
authorization.
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Mayor Rafferty questioned the budgeting practice for the extra officers.
The Interim City Administrator stated that when the Council sets the 2026 and future
budgets, the additional officers' salary can be budgeted as part of the Contingency Fund
line item.
The Chief of Police reviewed the officer hiring bonus and noted that other cities have a
minimum number of years of service. He recommended that the hiring bonus be
available for those with one or more years of service.
Councilmember Stoesz recommended that 2080 hours be used vs. 12-months when
calculating one year of service.
The Interim City Administrator reviewed the proposal to have another step, at three
years of service. With $2,500 for less than three years and $5,000 for more than three
years' experience. With payment in two installments, one at the time of hire and one at
the completion of the training period.
The Fire Chief reviewed Item 5A Application for a SAFER Grant for 15 Full -Time
Firefighters with three of these positions being Battalion Chiefs. With direction to bring
the final application back for Council approval, prior to the submittal date.
Mayor Rafferty stated that it is extremely important that we look at ways to move
forward. To take the analysis from the Citygate report. He stated that he would favor
the SAFER grant but not as currently presented. He questioned how the city would fund
the full-time positions after the grant period.
Councilmember Lyden stated there is the fire department we deserve and the fire
department we can afford. When looking at the SAFER grant. Suggest paring it down as
we cannot afford a full-time Duty Crew. He presented a possible schedule and
recommended moving forward slowly to provide a chance to work with neighboring
communities.
Mayor Rafferty said that he supports a positive effort to move forward in that direction.
Councilmember Ruhland stated that he agrees that the City cannot just do everything
outlined in the Citygate report at once. He questioned if our grant would be competitive
if the City only applies for one or two fire department positions through the SAFER
grant.
Councilmember Ruhland outlined a plan for 12 firefighters including three Battalion
Chiefs, one Administrative Position, and a Deputy Chief. With positions to be included in
the SAFER grant as eligible.
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Councilmember Ruhland stated that with these staffing changes we can demonstrate to
neighboring communities what the Lino Lakes Fire Department can provide for services
and possible contracts.
Mayor Rafferty stated that the SAFER grant is a three-year grant. He also noted that one
neighboring community is in contract discussions with another department for a three-
year contract.
Councilmember Cavegn asked what happens with the grant if we do not fill the
positions.
The Fire Chief stated that the city will have 180 days to fill the positions once the grant is
awarded, however, they will work with the city if additional time is needed.
Mayor Rafferty asked what if the city turned down the grant following an award.
The Fire Chief stated that turning down a grant award would count against the city for
any future grant applications.
Councilmember Stoesz stated that he would like to see budget numbers for six years,
with and without the SAFER grant.
Councilmember Ruhland agreed he would like to review the budget with and without
the SAFER grant.
Mayor Rafferty re -stated that he is not comfortable with the SAFER grant as written. He
stated that he cannot see how the city can afford the personnel costs following the
expiration of the grant. He reviewed the options for supporting the current Duty Crew
and the staffing options.
Mayor Rafferty stated that regarding agenda Item 5B Approving Renovations at Fire
Station 1 & 2; to provide for overnight accommodations for the staff hired under the
SAFER grant, he does not support the renovations.
Mayor Rafferty stated that regarding agenda Item 5C directing staff to research
alternative apparatus and evaluate additional equipment and gear needed, he believes
the apparatus discussion can be handled with the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), 2026
budget discussions.
Councilmember Ruhland asked if we would qualify for a SAFER grant if we applied for
just one or two positions.
Mayor Rafferty stated that applying for one or two positions now could buy the city
some time.
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Councilmember Stoesz stated that he would make a motion to remove Items 5 (A-C)
from the regular meeting agenda tonight.
5. Adjournment
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 6:27 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on June 23, 2025.
Roberta Colotti, CIVIC Ro aff rty,
City Clerk Mayor
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