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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 17 <br /> April 8, 2003 <br /> Page 8 <br /> 1 Councilmember Faust commented that he realizes it was difficult to put a numerical value on <br /> 2 each, but asked whether it was Mr. Archambault's opinion that there was a strong consensus that <br /> 3 the Christen site was best. Mr. Archambault responded that all but one of the members of the <br /> 4 task force felt that the Christen site was the best choice. <br /> 5 <br /> 6 Councilmember Thuesen asked what the mindset was as far as being long term. Mr. <br /> 7 Archambault responded that 90% of the people they talked to wanted to do something, but were <br /> 8 concerned that it be done well enough to last. <br /> 9 <br /> 10 Councilmember Thuesen commented that it was very evident that sincerity has been put in by <br /> 11 the task force and he believes they have done an outstanding job. Councilmember Faust <br /> 12 concurred that the task force has been very thorough and lots of energy and time have gone into <br /> 13 their recommendations. <br /> 14 <br /> 15 Mayor Hodson asked for any questions and requested that Mr. Archambault stick around in case <br /> 16 clarification was needed. He announced that there are three individuals who would like to come <br /> 17 forward and asked Mr. Gonder to come forward. <br /> 18 <br /> 19 Michael Gonder, 2901 St. Anthony Boulevard, announced that he was a member of the task <br /> 20 force. He stated he feels there is haste in making this decision. He believes there needs to be <br /> 21 more discussion on why the 30,000 square feet of public works space are needed. He asked that <br /> 22 the Council address what needs we will have for the future. He suggested we need to study these <br /> 23 future needs and shouldn't rush. Mr. Gonder stated the revenue bonds allow no taxpayer vote <br /> 24 and that they cost the taxpayers more money even though there is no voter input allowed. He <br /> 25 stated we are loosing $250,000 in state aid and noted the Council is considering spending all this <br /> 26 money with no real need to do it. He indicated the services aren't going to improve and at this <br /> 27 time more medical is needed. <br /> 28 <br /> 29 Lowell Ludford, 2813 Townview Avenue wished to complain that the plan by the task force was <br /> 30 not budget driven. He asked why didn't the public study group have a budget to work with. He <br /> 31 noted they had to determine size, location, etc. first and stated that was not budget planning. Mr. <br /> 32 Ludford urged Council to send the interim report back to the study group with a budget mandate <br /> 33 to show fiscal responsibility. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 Bill Volna, 3501 Coolidge Street N.E. stated that he should have been on the task force. He feels <br /> 36 the proposed fire station was way too extravagant. He believes the budget had to be loaded way <br /> 37 up so that when cuts were made they would still have enough. Mr. Volna stated he feels the <br /> 38 people who questioned the facility were shouted down by the task force and fire department. He <br /> 39 noted that emergency calls are 75%medical with fire calls decreasing. He stated that an <br /> 40 ambulance is more important than another fire truck. <br /> 41 <br /> 42 Mr. Volna asked why we need drive-through capability. He stated he was told the drivers have <br /> 43 problems backing into the station, but indicated the citizens will pay more in heating costs <br /> 44 because of the large drive through doors. Mr. Volna felt it would be dangerous for the fire <br /> 45 station to be near a daycare facility when the drivers can't back a truck up. He stated the <br />