05-14-12-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION —MAY 14, 2012 2 Tim Boehlke, Fire Chief of the Lake Johanna Fire Department, explained that Allina is the primary responder for all three cities in the Lake Johanna Fire Department. He stated Allina had its base in Arden Hills for many years. He indicated Allina approached the Fire Department two years ago about the possibility of placing an ambulance at Fire Station #1. This was not their ideal location, but was the only location available in the southern portion of the City. He stated this current situation is a trial period and the location would be evaluated to see if it assists in response times. Fire Chief Boehlke commented that Allina would be paying rent or reducing training expenses in the future if this becomes a permanent location. Mayor Grant questioned why this information was not provided to the Council in September when the City was told response times would not be jeopardized with the move to Mounds View. Mike Pintar, Allina Medical Transportation, commented that response times have not gotten worse. He explained that he was working to preserve response times in the City of Arden Hills. He indicated Fire Station #1 provides a positive partnership allowing staff to use facilities and to get out of the vehicle in between calls. Mr. Pintar stated the Mounds View location was also adequate but considering the numerous road closures planned for this summer, the ambulance was moved to not affect response times. Fire Chief Boehlke explained the ambulances are located at numerous fire stations, not just Fire Station #1 in Arden Hills. He indicated there were ambulances located at the Anoka Fire Station, Fridley Fire Station, Blaine Fire Station and the Vadnais Heights Fire Station. Mayor Grant asked if the fire station on Victoria could be used for the ambulance location. Mr. Pintar stated this was the Fire Department's smallest location. He explained the facility would be used by the paramedics along with the fire crew. Councilmember Holden indicated it wasn't new to have lights and sirens coming from the fire station when there was an emergency. She understood that ambulances have been parked at this location in the past. Mayor Grant understood that ambulances have been parked at Fire Station 41 in the past, but now they were using the facility as a post. He questioned what hours of the day an ambulance would be located at Fire Station#1 Fire Chief Boehlke commented that an ambulance would be located at Fire Station 4124 hours a day, or be within a several mile radius from this location. He noted routine calls did not require lights and sirens. This happened for 35% of the calls. Mr. Pintar stated this would vary depending on the call level in the City. He explained there were 92 emergency calls in April that required lights and sirens. He noted the drivers did not have to use lights and sirens to clear traffic in the overnight hours. Mayor Grant asked how many complaints have been made to the fire station.