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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 14, 2012 4 <br /> explained that the paramedics were advised to leave the vehicles turned off in the parking lot. The <br /> siren noise could not be avoided in emergency situations with heavy traffic. The lights and sirens <br /> provided safety to all parties. <br /> Councilmember Holden understood the pitch of the sirens differed between the fire engines and <br /> ambulances. <br /> Mayor Grant explained the homeowners would be noticing the sirens more in the summer <br /> months. <br /> Mr. Pintar stated even if the ambulance were to locate in New Brighton, it would be driving <br /> down Arden Hills streets with lights and sirens. He commented the number of response calls was <br /> rising each year and Allina was offering timely response services to Arden Hills residents. He <br /> stated this location offered a great deal of benefits while keeping response times low. <br /> Mr. Pintar indicated the co-location benefited the Fire Department as it was building a <br /> relationship between the fireman and paramedics. He hoped the residents would come to <br /> appreciate the asset that was sitting at this fire station. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned the percentage of calls in Arden Hills that were routed to Presbyterian <br /> Homes. <br /> Mr. Pintar did not have any exact numbers. He noted a number of the calls were routine and <br /> involved transferring patients to the hospital for care in non-emergency situations. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked how many times the ambulance responded to Arden Hills <br /> residents from Fire Station#l. <br /> Mr. Pintar explained Allina responded emergenty 123 times in Arden Hills in 2011. <br /> Councilmember Tamble inquired where the ambulance could locate if it was not allowed at Fire <br /> Station#1. <br /> Mr. Pintar stated this would have to be further evaluated by Allina to find the proper location. <br /> The area could possibly be covered by County Road F and McMenemy. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned when the study would be completed and asked for the future of Fire <br /> Station#1. <br /> Fire Chief Boehlke indicated this would greatly depend on the desires of Arden Hills. The Fire <br /> Department was hoping to have 24 hour staffing by 2016. This could mean the elimination of <br /> Fire Station #1, unless some large investments were made in the facility. He anticipated the study <br /> would not be complete until further conversations were held between the Fire Department and the <br /> City of Arden Hills. <br /> Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the complaint calls. <br />