HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-26 - City Council Work Session MinutesLino Lakes City Council
Work Session
Minutes
DATE: February 9, 2026
TIME STARTED: 6:00 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 6:25 P.M.
LOCATION: Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty Councilmembers Lyden, Nelson, Ruhland and Rennaker
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Staff Members Present: City Administrator Karen Anderson, City Clerk Roberta Colotti, Community
Development Director Mike Grochala, City Planner Katie Larsen, City Engineer Diane Hankee, 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
Councilmember Lyden requested to add a discussion of the Fire Department staffing model to
the agenda.
The agenda was adopted as amended.
3. Fire Department Staffing Model
Councilmember Lyden raised concerns regarding the Fire Chief's recent communication about
the department's paid -on -call response following a mutual aid request. He highlighted that the
City had recently invested in the department operations following the Citygate study in 2025.
The Fire Chief explained that the department's paid -on -call model —where firefighters respond
from home or work —can result in variability in who is available at any given time. He noted the
department is continuously reviewing its processes to strengthen reliability and support
long-term operational planning and emphasized that Lino Lakes continues to respond effectively
to its own calls.
Councilmembers discussed potential adjustments, including increasing call -attendance
requirements for paid -on -call firefighters and researching alternative staffing approaches to
improve evening hours response turnout.
The Fire Chief reported that updated participation expectations are being implemented and that
he will be meeting with firefighters to reinforce these changes. He also indicated he will prepare
information on potential evening staffing models and associated costs for Council review.
Mayor Rafferty emphasized the importance of consistent response levels and noted positive
improvements during daytime hours.
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The Council directed the Fire Chief to:
+ Adjust call -attendance requirements for paid -on -call firefighters.
• Continue working with the department to strengthen response consistency.
• Study alternative evening (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) staffing models and provide cost and
operational analysis, including data.
• Report back to the Council with findings and recommendations.
4. Review Regular Agenda
The City Council reviewed regular meeting agenda for this evening.
Under Special Presentations, MN Senator Heather Gustafson will be providing a Legislative
Update. The Fire Department will have the Oath of Office for five firefighters.
Reviewed the consent agenda items.
Under the administration report, Nathan Tarr is recommended for appointment to the Paid -On -
Call Firefighter position.
The City Engineer is presenting the 2026 Birch Street Sewer Crossing Project request to go for
bids.
The City Engineer is presenting the 2026 Street Rehabilitation project request and seeking
authorization to go for bids. In addition there is a request to authorize the construction services
contract.
The City Planner is presenting a request for a variance related to the setback for a three -season
porch at 2245 Tele Drive.
The Community Development Director is presenting a request to go for bids for the Public Works
Building construction project (Bid package #1).
5. Adjournment
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on February 23, 2026.
Roberta Colotti, CIVIC
City Clerk
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W;ZDfferty,
Mayor