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4 •` <br /> i <br /> Sinf <br /> City of Blaine <br /> 9150 Central Avenue N.E..Blaine, Minnesota 55434-3499 (612)784-6700 FAX(612)784-3844 <br /> February 22, 1994 <br /> Mr. Donald Busch — <br /> City Administrator <br /> City of Spring Lake Park <br /> 1301 81st Avenue N.E. <br /> Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 <br /> Dear Don: <br /> Blaine offers the following response to the concerns of the City of Spring Lake Park regarding <br /> the draft Fire Contract which you received on December 13, 1993. The subject concerns were <br /> apparently expressed at a Spring Lake Park Council workshop on January 10, 1994 and <br /> subsequently transmitted to Blaine on February 11, 1994. <br /> 1. Term. 10 years. Too long a time to commit. Council would agree to a term of 5 years, <br /> renewable in 5 year increments. <br /> The two major issues between the parties (the Fire Department and the Cities) were (1)the <br /> conveyance of title by the Fire Department to the Cities for substantial assets contributed by <br /> the Cities to the Fire Department over the entire term of the relationship, and(2) a long-term <br /> commitment to the viability of the Fire Department in return for the conveyance of such <br /> assets. In the eyes of the Fire Department, the 10 year term is non-negotiable. Indeed, <br /> Blaine is of the opinion that a long-term contract with the Fire Department is certainly in the <br /> best interest of Blaine. Rather than viewing the Fire Department as a contractual adversary, <br /> it is Blaine's position that the willingness of neighbors and citizens to commit to long-term <br /> service as volunteers for an essential safety service is an offer to be applauded and <br /> appreciated. To Blaine, the alternative is unacceptable and unaffordable---developing a full- <br /> time paid Fire Department. In Blaine's view, a long-term relationship with the Fire <br /> Department has a great deal of upside for the Cities and little if any downside. <br /> 2. Concern over lack of accountability to elected officials. Recommendation is to state that the <br /> Administrative Committee will review the budget and make recommendations to their <br /> respective City Councils for City Council approval. <br />