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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 28, 2001 Page 11 t Councilmember Thuesen stated that he was pleased that the proposal came up this evening and that the 2 Mayor added"fuel to the fire." He added that he was happy to hear the community voice their 3 support, and asked the audience if they would be around to support them with the necessary tools to 4 keep their Class A Fire Department. s Mayor Cavanaugh declared that joining services with the City of Minneapolis proposal was dead. He 6 stated that there appeared to be a willingness on the part of the community to invest in the 7 infrastructure. He added that he felt it was past time to put in a referendum and approve new buildings 8 for the City employees who are truly dedicated and hard-working. 9 10 Mayor Cavanaugh asked for residents to comment on their feelings regarding the proposed fire 1 t services. 12 Resident John Delmonico stated that a few of his neighbors had heard rumors that the Mayor wanted to 13 join Police Forces with New Brighton. Mayor Cavanaugh explained that would not be happening. 14 A Resident stated that the Council needed to review the changes in tax laws and the various impacts 15 that it will have on the residents of the City of St. Anthony. 06 Mike Stockstead, President of Minnesota Professional Firefighters, stated he was there to be the voice 17 of firefighters and stated that the Council's concern over the medical aspect of this proposal was 18 forward thinking and he applauded them. He continued that a new law allows them to have paramedic 19 staffed versus EMT staffed rigs. Mr. Stockstead implored the Council to continue thinking that way. 20 A Resident asked if it was possible to combine the Fire Department and the Public Works Department 21 on the Foss Road property. Councilmember Horst stated that it has been discussed. 22 A Resident stated he wanted to admonish the Council for not prioritizing better. He believes that lives 23 are more important than city parks. 24 Dan McNulty, former resident who served on the Fire Department in St. Anthony, stated that 25 surrounding areas are amazed by the internal structure of the Fire Department of the City. He warned 26 them not to put all of their money into equipment, but in their personnel and their pensions. He 27 suggested that they work to retain the Public Works people and give them some incentive to stay. 28 A Resident commended the Council for their work. She stated that she was concerned that the City 29 not attempt to do everything at once in light of the changes in the tax laws. She urged some restraint on 30 the part of the Council. 01 Another Resident voiced her frustration regarding the tax returns. She stated that the schools and the 32 cities will need that money back, and hoped that residents would understand and support them.