05-17-10-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 17, 2010 7 LD Lake Johanna Fire Department Contract Budget Discussion (continued) Mayor Harpstead suggested that policies be put in place as the department was becoming a full- time operation. Councilmember Holden agreed the department needed to function as a real organization. Finance Director Iverson reviewed the audit report and stated the department does not have pledged collateral on their funds. The funds for the department were only FDIC insured up to $25000. Mayor Harpstead stated the department clearly exceeds the $250,000 amount. Finance Director Iverson stated according to state statute this was not a correct policy. The other cities did not realize this discrepancy and some concern was expressed at the last meeting. Mayor Harpstead indicated the fire department does not want to feel like they need to hire someone to address the financial concerns,but would benefit from assistance from the City. Councilmember McClung explained the plan at this time was to have a six year transition period within the department to roll out of six 24-hour fireman and the closing of Station 1. Additional personnel will be called in if necessary. He asked if the Council was in favor of this plan. Councilmember Holmes was not in favor of the plan. She questioned how units would respond to all of Arden Hills with the railroad tracks. The department would need to prove to the City that all areas of the City could be responded to in a timely manner. Additional concerns were raised if it was necessary to have the fire department respond to all medical calls when Allina was also present. Councilmember Holden felt that Fire Station 1 has already been closed. There was only one truck at this site and a limited number of runs are being sent from this site. She was concerned that all of the equipment would be sent to the Station on Lexington Avenue, which has the fewest number of calls. Councilmember Grant felt the coverage would be sufficient in comparison to volunteers that have to respond. He did express concern about the train and railroad tracks and how this would affect response times. Mayor Harpstead indicated the duty crews appear to be a better, more cost effective, way for the department to respond to the needs in Arden Hills in the event of a fire. He was not convinced that a volunteer fire department will work long term. With that, the newer stations would be more appropriate. Councilmember Holden stated the department itself did no maintenance on Fire Station 1, which has created the problem. Shoreview has the majority of the votes at this time and they have moved the department in the direction they chose.