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September 24, 2024 St. Anthony Council Work Session - 5 <br />Oertel Architects provided a very preliminary concept that indicated that it would be feasible to add the <br />space to the Fire Department with minimal impact to Central Park. However, preliminary cost is <br />estimated at between $12,000,000 - $15,000,000. This range of costs will necessitate the City to explore <br />funding options over and above simply issuing general obligation debt, such as State Bonding Bill <br />support. <br />Mr. Yunker reviewed City Council comments from the first review were considered and the draft <br />contract was revised as follows: <br />Annual “True-Up” of Budget vs. Actual Results – This section was eliminated. Further staff discussions <br />concluded that extraordinary costs unique to each partner is anticipated to be minimal, but if that <br />changes this can be revisited in the future. <br />Joint Operations Committee Meeting Frequency and Service Level Expectations – Staff was comfortable <br />specifying a quarterly meeting schedule for the committee, as this would be expected at least during the <br />initial term of the contract. In future renewals this could be revised to be less prescriptive. A section was <br />added to specify that service level expectations will be discussed at the staff level as part of the scope of <br />the committee. <br />Sharing Financial Impact of Critical Incidents – City Staff from St. Anthony and Falcon Heights are <br />coordinating with the respective City Attorneys and the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust to <br />include appropriate language to address this concern. That final language is not solidified, but all parties <br />are in agreement in concept and draft language is in the contract to reflect that commitment. <br />Appendix A – Added to acknowledge the need for a “ramp-up” to full services over a reasonable amount <br />of time. <br />Mr. Yunker noted the key decision aspects to consider: <br />Is renewing the partnership in the long-term best interests of the City and Police Department? <br />Does the approach taken to mitigate the identified risks do so adequately? <br />Is there confidence the department can recruit and retain staff needed to support Falcon <br />Heights? <br />Can the City commit to facility upgrades and no additional, unwanted overtime will be required? <br />Anything else? <br />Mr. Yunker stated Staff from St. Anthony and Falcon Heights will continue to work through finalizing the <br />contract and refining all other aspects as much as possible before the decision date of October 22, 2024. <br />Council is requested to provide comments on the information presented and work completed to date <br />along with key information still needed for an October 22, 2024 decision deadline. <br />The draft contract was provided for Council review and comments. <br />Mayor Webster asked if the Council is being requested to provide support for the staffing plan <br />presented and Police Chief Spiess stated timing is of the essence. She asked if the signing bonus could be <br />retroactive to January 1, 2024. <br />15