2009.07.20 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting July 20, 2009 Page 2 of 8 Presentation of Annual Report by White Bear Lake Fire Department - Ron Hawkins, Quality Control Chief White Bear Lake Fire Department Quality Control Chief Ron Hawkins presented the Council with an annual report on the BLS ambulance joint powers agreement with the City of Hugo. After 2008, BLS ambulance #4 was stored at the Hugo Fire Hall with the Hugo Firefighters responding from 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Fridays and weekends. In 2008, there were 200 EMT calls performed by Hugo Fire Department. The response time on average is 9.6 minutes from Hugo Fire Hall to Hugo residents. The response time on average is 13.1 minutes from White Bear Lake Fire Department to Hugo residents. Surveys have been mailed out to patients, and high marks in customer service have been received. The White Bear Lake and Hugo Fire Department continue to focus on education and customer service. The department's long-term goal is to change Hugo Fire Department to 24 hour coverage. Miron made motion, Klein seconded to accept the White Bear Lake Fire Department's annual report. All Ayes. Motion carried. Presentation on Findings and Recommendations for Emergency Management - Deb Pare, Washington County Emergency Management Director At its April 20, 2009 meeting, the Council listened to resident Betty Zuettel, 5164 128th Street North, who presented a petition signed by 30 neighbors requesting the City work with the White Bear Lake School District to designate the Oneka Elementary School as a storm shelter. Residents living in homes constructed on concrete slabs without basements are concerned about where to go during severe weather. Council had directed staff to look into the option of using the Oneka Elementary School as a safe haven. Staff has been working with Washington County Emergency Management Director Deb Paige. Administrative Shelly Clasen Tesser and Washington County Emergency Management Director Deb Paige met at Oneka Elementary School on June 22, 2009 to review the property as a potential storm shelter. Deb Paige's assessment is based on several factors that are considered before a storm shelter can be determined. Oneka Elementary School could easily exceed the maximum occupancy of 750 during a storm event if students are present; availability and access is limited on evenings, weekends, and holidays; safety of residents traveling to the shelter is jeopardized; and there are liability issue should there be injuries or damage to personal property while accessing the building. Deb Paige recommended against designating Oneka Elementary as a storm shelter and stated that the best option for residents is to stay in their home during severe weather. Miron made motion, Weidt seconded, to direct staff to put the tornado safety website link on the City of Hugo's website and to notify the 30 petitioners of the Council's decision as well as to provide them with the tornado safety information. All Ayes. Motion carried.