Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MAY 18, 2020 2 <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott said he watched the Shoreview and Roseville presentations that had no <br />formal gathering. He would be in favor of the Mayor issuing a statement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden agreed with the Mayor. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung agreed that an offsite gathering was ideal and liked the idea of having <br />some type of communication from the City. He suggested a Zoom meeting might allow for a <br />more interactive session. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes agreed with a short presentation by CTV with the Mayor. <br /> <br />B. Lake Johanna Fire Department Proposed Station Location Update <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault noted that Chief Boehlke of the Lake Johanna Fire Department was <br />present (via telephone) to discuss the proposed station location search. This remains a fire <br />department project. Please note that the university is planning on splitting the northern piece of <br />their property into two parcels, the fire department is only pursuing the parcel closer to Pine Tree <br />Drive. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault stated the Lake Johanna Fire Department has served Arden Hills, <br />Shoreview, and North Oaks since 1943, and serves approximately 42,000 residents today. The <br />department responded to 3,820 calls in 2019 and is expecting to surpass 6,000 calls by 2026 due <br />to pending development projects. The department has evolved from a Paid-On-Call (POC) <br />department to a mix of career positions and 24/7 duty crews, totaling approximately eighty <br />firefighters. The 24/7 duty crews allow firefighters to respond quickly from their respective <br />stations increasing their effectiveness and shortening response times. As the department continues <br />to evolve, a needs study was commissioned by the board of directors to assist in future planning. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault reported the needs study was conducted by Buetow 2 Architects <br />and found the fire department did not have adequate space or facilities and noted several <br />shortcomings with Station 4 (3615 Victoria St, Shoreview) including, but not limited to, (a) it was <br />not designed for full-time staffing; (b) the trucks were smaller when the station was designed; (c) <br />no room for expansion; (d) no support spaces or additional storage spaces; and (e) no training or <br />de-contamination spaces. The study recommended the fire department construct a new station <br />with adequate space and facilities to last the department for the next fifty years and close Station <br />Four. The study highlighted the new station should be at least three to four acres, able to <br />accommodate six drive thru bays, and include training, support, and administrative offices. The <br />recommended location was between Lexington Ave and Snelling Ave along County Road E. The <br />fire department researched potential locations, and based on its size, location, and current <br />development status, highlighted the property to the north of the Anderson Center as its first <br />choice. A copy of the needs study is available on the City’s website under the proposed station’s <br />webpage. Additional information regarding the project and FAQ’s can also be found on the <br />development page. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault explained that at the direction of the board of directors, the fire <br />department began discussions with Bethel about potentially selling a piece of their property to the <br />fire station. The university was open to selling a piece of their property and hired a real estate