CC WS PACKET 08122025 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

July 22, 2025 Saint Anthony Council Work Session - 2 Yunker stated this is for 2026, and the 2025 transfer is budgeted for $300,000. There is a healthy fund balance in the liquor fund; there is no risk in transferring to the general fund. Mayor Pro Tem Jenson noted there is $300,000 banked, but next year may be a different story. Mr. Yunker stated that we will need to see how it plays out. Mayor Webster asked about the fire department running 3 shifts, and with the options of adding one, two, or three firefighters/paramedics, she wonders how this would affect the staffing model. In her opinion, it makes the most sense to add one position to each shift for 2026 and then review the data when considering additions for 2027-2028. We need to have consistent staffing across all three shifts. Mr. Yunker stated Staff is looking for feedback on the levy being 6% without the addition of firefighters/paramedic positions. The main change is fire staffing. The SAFER grant has been applied for, but it is highly competitive. Mr. Yunker asked what other information the Council would like from the Fire Department to consider regarding additions. Mayor Pro Tem Jenson stated he would be in favor of looking at how the fire department shifts are aligned. He asked if our fire department shifts are like most other cities. Mr. Yunker stated it is common in the metro area. Mayor Pro Tem Jenson asked if we could afford to have 2 administrative people in the fire department, or if we could only afford one. Mr. Yunker noted that the Chief and Assistant Chief respond to calls when multiple calls come in. Councilmember Elnagdy arrived at the meeting at 5:50 p.m. Councilmember Doolan noted that they showed 20% of the calls were leaving the fire facility vacant, and the reserves needed to be called. The administrative positions are responding to calls. Mr. Yunker stated there are two aspects: the medical response piece and the safety standards that they are trying to adhere to on fire scenes. There are not enough paid-on-call people. Mayor Pro Tem Jenson asked if we should start the process of partnering with other cities for the fire department. Mr. Yunker stated that it has been discussed. The cost that they pay would not be a benefit to St. Anthony. Falcon Heights' cost will be comparable to what they were paying to the County for services. Mayor Pro Tem Jenson stated he is uncomfortable about raising the levy to 10% at this time. Councilmember Doolan referred to COLA for this year and next year; she would prefer to stay close to 6% as the higher it is, the more difficult it is for our residents on a fixed income. She suggested a phased- in approach to increasing the fire department staff. Mr. Yunker reminded Council that this is a very early discussion and includes many assumptions and unknowns. Councilmember Randle arrived at the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem asked if we have the manpower to assign firefighters to a particular shift. Councilmember Doolan asked if a levy is approved with assumptions, and if next year our cannabis business makes a good profit, are there opportunities to revisit how that might be spent next year? Mr. 4