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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/1985 Council Minutes1 1 1 - 0187 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE CENTENNIAL FIRE COMMISSION WITH THE LINO LAKES, CENTERVILLE 8 CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCILS November 14, 1985 Mr. Ed LaTuff called to order a special joint meeting of the Centennial Fire District and the Lino Lakes, Centerville and Circle Pines City Councils. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce Mr. Edward F. (Buster) LaTuff as the Chairman elect of the Centennial Fire District and to update the Councils on the first year's experience of the District as well as discuss some plans for the future and the 1986 proposed budget. Mr. LaTuff presented some of his background: presently employed as superintendent of the Anoka County Park Rangers, police officer of the City of Anoka, Chief from 1979 to 1983. Mr. Jack Kelly gave a history on how the Centennial Fire District was formed as well as how the Fire Commission was created. Each of the three cities have two fire commissioners and there are alternate commissioners as well. At this time Lino Lakes is short one commis- sioner and Centerville needs an alternate. The Fire District became operational January 1, 1985. Mr. Neal Benjamin discussed the financial aspects of the district. He noted preparing the first District budget (1985 budget) was not easy to do since there was not a track record to base their estimates on. He noted insurance costs were higher than anticipated as was mainten- ance of the vehicles. The 1986 budget has been prepared and submitted to each of the Councils for ratification. Mayor Benson said the joint powers agreement was not everything it should be. Mr. Benjamin said this was expected as the agreement did not address capital outlay and how capital expenditures are to be financed. The Commission knew there would be items overlooked in the agreement and expected that the agreement would have to be amended from time to time. Mr. LaTuff was asked if he had any experience with budgeting. He explained he has been involved with budgeting in some manner since 1966 and most recently prepared the Police Department budget for the City of Anoka. Mr. Kelly explained some of the long range plans for the District. There had been no plans to purchase additional equipment until the third fire station (named station #2) is constructed in Lino Lakes. It is the Commissions desire to have this station built as soon as possible, hopefully within the next five years. Additional equip- ment will be needed for this station. Chief Berg noted that the present two fire stations work well together. There has been some question related to responding to medical rescue calls. This situ- ation has already been modified and Chief Berg felt it was an im- 01.88 FIRE COMMISSION MEETING November 14, 1985 Page Two portant function of the Fire District. Mr. Wold said that the District did not look at this as a problem. There has been over two hundred medical calls and only one letter of concern has been received. Chief Berg noted there has been "overkill" on some calls, this was done on purpose and has worked well. Mr. Jerry Sundberg said the Fire District is concentrating on being non - political. The goal is to provide the best protection possible. Mr. Schumacher referred to the 1986 budget and noted salaries could be reduced in the area of medical calls. Mr. Berg noted salaries were a very small portion of the budget. Mr. Benjamin explained that the Commission will be putting the existing protocol into writing. The Councils can then decide what they want, what is most important. At the present time, the Fire District is striving for adequate service, not necessarily equal service. Mrs. Parsons asked if the Fire District was working in conjunction with the Police Departments, the numbers of persons on the scene would get large. Could this be double coverage since police officers have emergency medical training as well. Chief Berg stated they are trying to limit responders and are defining a system that will get the right persons to the scene. Mr. Wold explained it can be a problem getting trained individuals to the scene since all firemen are volunteers and not always available. Mr. LaTuff said this situation will be reviewed, but the service will be continued and the problems will not be disregarded. Mayor Dahl explained where Circle Pines is at regarding the valuation of equipment. There has been discussion regarding one particular truck which has been in need of a lot of repair. Chief Berg explained it is used as a first line pumper at times and felt it was a neces- sary and vital piece of equipment to keep in service. Mayor Dahl said a decision will be made soon on this equipment. Mr. Des Englund explained the need for a new building at station #3 (Centerville) and that the citizens have turned down two bond proposals. He suggested Lino Lakes and Centerville sit down and discuss future plans for the new buildings. Mr. Schumacher asked if the District Planning Committee has discussed priority. Mr. Englund said station #3 should have priority. Mayor Benson said that the site of the fire station has not yet been discussed. Mayor L'Allier discussed the need for a building committee and said it would be a good idea for Lino Lakes and Centerville to get together and decide who needs what. Mayor Dahl said the majority of the situation does involved Lino Lakes and Centerville but purchase of equipment will affect Circle Pines and felt Circle Pines should be involved in the discussion. Mr. Keinath asked at what point would the Fire Commission have an 1 p;s - 0189 FIRE COMMISSION MEETING November 14, 1985 Page Three outlook of capital outlay for the next ten years. Mr. Kelly said this is being sent back to committee for further expansion. Mayor Dahl said he has not received any complaints regarding the Fire District, just compliments, a very positive reception. Mayor L'Allier felt the Fire District was a good thing for the cities and commended the whole commission for their time and for the super job. Mr. Reinert, Lino Lakes Councilman felt the Fire District was an ex- cellent cooperative effort, but still needs some refining. He noted this entire area is growing and the Fire District is preparing for that growth. There was further discussion on the 1986 Fire District budget. Since the method of funding the budget is prescribed in the joint agreement, there is a need to have all three cities be aware of what each is approving for funding the budget. Chief Berg noted he had tried to put together a budget that would be realistic so that there would be no need to go back to the cities in the event of a shortfall. Chief Berg told of the donation of an emergency vehicle from Health Central and a tanker and jeep from the Department of Natural Resources. He said the equipment was in excellent operational condition. He will send letters of appreciation to each agency. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M. These minutes were considered and approved at a regular meeting of the City Council on November 25, 1985. Marilyn An erson, Clerk - Treasurer in , Mayor 0190 N TERRY WkLJ ri o.edd ‘%, )11 ri- /i 1 ..er}i4 c . F RE (..oM M 1 SS I Or.1 - C1 c ce A KI e s 12L= C„or►nw4.:ss :on - EC.Qc7"fi� -i (i �Y:9i YrJ�v �G►'!� ce it V LLE J. Cl -- " - >Z_ gLgr 1 1