CC 08-26-1976 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ml nutes of Specl a I Counc! I ~leeti.nq Page two to give a r.gport. The reslltts of the report showed that a ladder truck would be a more appropriate purchase. Augu:',t 26, 1976 Again it was pointed out that the concern was about expense and ownership; should this equipment be given to the lak.~ Johanna Fire Department. It was felt that we should lease it to them so we could retain an equity since we had to pay for it. We have a one-year contract, but we would be financing It over several years. Over the years we rave actually made payments to Lake Johanna Fire Departmen"t and should own the equipment. The Fire Department does not fe.!1 WEe should have equity tn the equipment. . Councl Imember Wedell presented a list of options as follows: (I) come up with the 18% ar.d go along with the contr3ct; (2) buy out the fire department; (3) individually contract with other fire departments; or (4) start our own fire department either individually or co I I ect I ve I y . Councllmember Crichton said that he is very satisfied with the present service, however, they are a monopoly since there are no other options available. The Impact of $94,000 for this year was great and It could be an even greater amount next year. They are estimating $263,000 for purchasing future equipment at a $28,000 a year charge. Another $10,000 wi II be Included next year for replacement of the ladder truck. Another $6,000 wi II be Included next year for a $100,000 vehicle that will ,"e bought this year. That Is over $44,000 yearly acc~ual for futur$ purchases. On this basis, by next year the Fire Department wi II own some- where in the neighborhood of $513,000 worth of equipment. it was pointed out that two items In General Malntenance amount to $3,500 which werp~~JJY first payments of an accrual for. future buildings. The~.-iiF9' for $31,000. This will be another amouni. for future use. If we pay, we are giving our approval to new buildings. The department knows its business, but t~ey are not under any pressure to keep the cost down. I f we hav" to spend th I s much money, let us keep the tltle to the equipment. Councllmember Bjorklund said that North Oaks has bee" very happy with -their relationship wli"h the department. haole no arguments with performance, but It is getting to be big business because the communities are growing. North Oaks does not want to put money Into Capital Equipment and not have anything mora than a one-year contract. He felt the financial structure should be changed. . It was pointed out by Councl Imember Bondus that we do not have the rl ght to spend taxpayers m<lOey In tn I sway. We shoul d pay for the service rendered, but not In advance for equipment. Councllmember McGraw concurred with the feelings of the other Councllmembers In regard to paying In advance, but not having any equity. He suggested the possibility of leasing the equipment f{.r $1.00 per year to the Fi re Departmeni'. There I s the poss i b I II ty that the Fire Department will go out of busIness. The ladder truck will be bought by a Joint Powers Agreement and will ,-emaln an asset of the. Joint Pc.wers Agreement. The Fire Department has agraed on that one item but not on all future equipment. Councllmember Wedell made 11 few comments regarding dlspatchlng. There are four dls~atchers and they are paid to be 0' duty. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office receives call.s for ot,e,- fire departments and dispatches equipment. He felt that we could Increase efficiency by using Ramsey County. The cost to change the equipment would be $12,000 to $15,000. Shorevlew City Manager, Gal'y Dickson, pointed out that the 911 Program has been studied by elected and appointed officials and Northweste rn Be I I an d hEl updated Its present status. -2-