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5 Summer 2014 The Lake Elmo Fire Department will be getting a new truck in 2015. Lake Elmo City Council approved the pur- chase of a 78-foot aerial fire truck at the cost of $715,000. The new truck will replace the current 50-foot truck, which the department purchased 34 years ago. The need for a new truck was first ad- dressed nearly six years ago, but no action was taken. Last November a fire truck committee comprised of Offi- cers and Engineers (Truck Operators) from the fire department was formed to re-evaluate the need, and research options and pricing for a new truck. Rising maintenance costs and safety concerns became the driving forces behind raising the urgency level on the purchase of a new truck. “Stan- dard parts for our current truck are no longer stocked, so we have to re- sort to custom-made parts, which be- comes costly to maintain,” said Lake Elmo Fire Chief Greg Malmquist. Malmquist added that the ladder height of the current truck is not ad- equate to fight fires in many of the homes in Lake Elmo. “Our firefighters rely on their equipment when they are responding to a call,” he said. “The new truck will greatly improve the safety and confidence of our firefight- ers, as well as the members of our community.” The truck purchase was reviewed and approved by both the public safety and finance committees before go- ing to council for approval on May 20, 2014. The vehicle will be purchased with CIP funds. Council Approves New Fire Truck The Lake Elmo Fire Department will be visiting all commercial sites in the city perform inspections in an ongoing effort to better serve and ensure the safety of the business community. The department hopes to reach out to every business in 2014 and annually thereafter. The purpose of the visit will be to conduct fire inspections to ensure the safety of businesses, their employees, and their customers. While conducting inspections, the LEFD will also be gathering information to build a “pre-plan” database. Information collected will include building layout, type of business, potential hazards, contact information, alarm systems, sprinkler systems, etc. This database will be helpful for responders in the event they are called to a business in an emergency situation. Fire Department Concentrates on Inspections The fire truck pictured above is similar to the new truck that the Lake Elmo Fire Department will be getting in early 2015. MARCH, APRIL, MAY EMERGENCY CALL RESPONSE Fire: 31, Rescue: 14, Medical: 48 Engagement Survey Identifies Community Needs, Desires A community engagement survey was released in the Spring 2014 issue of “The Source” to better understand the needs and desires of Lake Elmo residents. The survey consisted of 12 questions asking how often residents are involved in community activities or utilize City amenities, how residents rate particular aspects of quality of life, and what types of amenities do they feel the City is lacking. Overall, respondents consider Lake Elmo an excellent place to live and raise children. Areas for improvement include offerings for jobs and retirement housing options. In terms of community needs, the most desired amenities according to survey respondents include a farmers market, coffee shop, community center, small businesses, and more casual dining options including a pizza parlor or ice cream shop. A survey results summary can be viewed online at www. lakeelmo.org/engagementsurvey. Residents who have not yet completed the survey can do so at this link, as well. For more information call 651-747-3908.