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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JULY 10, 2023 6 Fire Chief Boehlke discussed the approval process for the purchase of a ladder truck for the Fire Board versus the Fire District. Currently, it took four entities to approve a large purchase, where under the Fire District model only one entity would have to approve the purchase. He reiterated that the fire department was not pushing this change, but rather it was brought about by Councilmembers. He was of the opinion this would be a better operating model for the department given the level of staffing that was required to be hired and the fact the department needed a new fire truck and fire station. Councilmember Holden indicated part of her responsibility with the residents is making sure they know what the fire department needs and how much it costs. She appreciated the fire department speaking with each City Council and making them aware of future needs. Deputy Fire Chief Sather explained the fire department would continue to speak to City Council’s about upcoming expenditures and plans for the fire department. Fire Chief Boehlke reported the education piece would continue with each individual City Council as well as the residents living within the Fire District, if a change was going to be made. He wanted residents to have an opportunity to interact and provide feedback on the proposed change. Mayor Grant questioned if the fire department has looked at the other two Fire Districts (Cloquet and Moose Lake) or other quasi-Fire Districts to see what could be learned from them. Fire Chief Boehlke stated all of the other Fire Districts were providing services with partner cities and have to seek approval from each city. He indicated the Excelsior Fire District would be a good example of the quasi-Fire District. He commented further on how the LJFD works with every neighboring community to respond to fire calls. Councilmember Fabel asked how many questions needed to be answered in order to move forward and how many elected officials would serve on the new Fire District Board. Fire Chief Boehlke stated the cities could decide this. Councilmember Holden inquired what the cost would be to make the change from the Fire Board to a Fire District. Fire Chief Boehlke estimated it would cost $20,000 in legal fees to dissolve the Fire Board and to create the Fire District bylaws. Councilmember Monson anticipated it would take 18 months to complete this task. Councilmember Holden stated she was not in favor of hiding the bill for the fire department under a line item that does not include the City. She believed this was inappropriate. Councilmember Monson indicated the services would not be billed separate.