2020.01.27 CC Packet-Goal Setting Session

Home

Fire Department: Ambulance Service. The City's ambulance provider will change on June 1. City staff is working with the existing ambulance (north Memorial) and the new ambulance provider (M Health Fairview) to allow a smooth transition and ensure that prompt and high quality service continues to be provided. An annual report will be provided to the council in March with updates on the transition to the new provider. Staffing. Fire Department leadership will continue expansion of recruitment and retention efforts with the goal of increasing daytime staffing levels. They are also continuing to prepare a leadership succession plan and are implementing the Chief s leadership development program. CIP. The Fire Chiefs recommendations have resulted in the recent purchase of a ladder truck. This year we anticipate acquiring additional equipment for the truck. Additionally, the Fire Hall may see some improvements to the exterior surface of the building and some replacement of mechanical items. Other equipment needs will be evaluated by the Department. Continue Grant Application System. The Fire Department has increased their participation in grant programs recently. It is a time intensive process to write grant applications, but it has had recent success. In 2018, the Department received grant dollars for replacement of the SCBA bottles. When successful, grants for the fire services can be substantial. HFD staff expects to continue a focus in this area in 2020. Parks: Recreation programs. The city is continuing to strengthen partnerships regarding programming for our residents. The staff is continuing work to add new programming for 2020 in collaboration with multiple organizations. A task force created by the White Bear School District to assess the needs of seniors was finished in 2017 and is now being implemented. Some of the larger events created by city staff are now being run by some degree through our partnerships, which creates an ability for staff to consider additional programming opportunities. The Tour de Hugo team is discussing the future of that event. Trails. Staff is working with Washington County on planning for a southerly extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail to the Ramsey County border. The Parks Commission has created a master plan for trail connections within Clearwater Creek Preserve. Collaboration with the Rice Creek Watershed District will lead to work being completed along the ditch in Clearwater Creek preserve this year, clearing corridors that will double as walking trails. The Commission has also directed staff to initiate a study on Goodview Ave north of Egg Lake Road to determine feasibility of a trail connection. Many important trail connections are also being addressed through our partnerships with the development community, such as the trails completed in 2019 within Adelaide Landing and along 130th Street. Water Access. The Parks Plan encourages a focus on improving access to the City's water amenities. Land has been dedicated along Sunset Lake last year, providing an additional public access possibility.