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C. Fire Department The Fire Chief asked for an executive session, but Attorney Filla said his request does not meet the criteria needed for holding an Exec Session. The Administrator went over recommendations as written in the cover sheet. The Fire Dept. is lacking in administrative procedures and recommended forming committee to look at issues. At this time, she would not recommend any of the elected candidates be appointed, but that senior member of the Fire Dept., Jim Bjorkman, be appointed as the interim Chief until a recommendation comes forth from the study committee. The Council received an unsigned letter, dated February 15, from the Citizens of Lake Elmo. Paul Mitchell, 2811 Irish Avenue, is a neighbor of Greg Malmquist for 8 yrs, supports Greg as Fire Chief because he has good ideas, and dedicated to the Fire Dept, Joan Mitchell, 2811 Irish Avenue, found Greg's interest and dedication impressive. Paul Bernardy, 8352 27" Street N., stated the City Council and Mayor are part of the Fire Dept. The bylaws state how they run their elections. The City has approved the by-laws. The final say is by the Council and asks them to be proactive. Bonnie Collyard, 427 Cimarron, served 1 %: years on the dept. At a fire or car accident Greg has everyone's safety foremost. He has encouraged her to stay on the department. Greg is passionate on what he does, does not turn down a phone call, and the firefighters voted him in as Chief. Stephanie Howard, 9440 Stillwater Blvd., wife of Asst. Chief, is saddened with allegations that came up after the election. Greg has put countless hours of work in and will do an outstanding job as Chief. She suggests following the chain of command for appointments. Chris Howard favored Greg as Chief. He argued that the appointment of Jim Bjorkman as interim chief would have negative consequences. You will do a great disservice to the department, jeopardizing the fire scene, the chain of command, and how the business meetings are run. John Eder, 9275 Lake Jane Trail, served 15 years on Fire Dept., supports Greg Malmquist as Chief and doesn't like the decision the Council has made. Rita Conlin, 8560 Ironwood Trail N., urged the Council to look at two separate issues. The scope has widened from the direction of the Council. Mary's intentions are good. There are issues going on, and she's trying to avoid a rift. Rita asked the Council to move the appointment of Greg and Assist Chiefs because the process had been followed according to the by laws. As a separate issue, look at all the administrative policies. Mike Weyandt, 8772 Ironwood Trail N., doesn't know the allegations, but as a citizen has a concern on safety of residents. Are the firefighters qualified, is our safety being jeopardized? The Fire Dept. members followed the rules and elected the people to be officers. Doug Pepin, 9571 53'd St. N., is a Fire Dept. member and concerned citizen. He has a concern with the accusations and recommendations by the City Administrator. If there is a problem with the system now, it is not the time to go against the vote. Review the issue in its entirety and look at future appointees. There is a process in place, and the Chief post does not go to a senior member, but to an Assist Chief. Hopes the Council does not take the recommendation from the City Administrator. He supports Greg, as Chief. Administrator Kueffher stated the issue is not that Greg is qualified or dedicated, but to bring the dept, back together with rules that everyone can follow that do not exist now. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 15, 2000 2