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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 179 2010 8 LD Lake Johanna Fire Department Contract Budget Discussion (continued) Councilmember Holmes stated she would like the department to explore having a full time duty crew in the City of Arden Hills. Mayor Harpstead indicated this would be too costly for the department and the City to maintain. Councilmember Holden requested the joint powers agreement be explored to see how the City could get out of the agreement. Mayor Harpstead noted this could be explored but at an expense, as other fire options would have to be found. The residents would need to be addressed before such a decision was made. Councilmember Holmes stated the City could seek a joint powers agreement with New Brighton or Roseville. Councilmember McClung reviewed the expense of the full time duty crew within the proposed budget. The budget would go from $1.2 million in 2010 to $1.924 million in five years. The percentage Arden Hills would be responsible for would be 28% of this or $546,000. He indicated the Little Canada Fire Department will pay$450,000 this year. Councilmember McClung explained he has requested proof from the fire department that the shift in staffing and stations would not impact the City's ISO insurance rates. Mayor Harpstead stated the City would need to assure that reasonable certification standards are going to be maintained. If these standards are not maintained the Board would have to be made aware. Councilmember McClung stated he was just made aware that one of the trucks has been moved from Fire Station 1. However, at a past meeting, the Chief made it clear that he needed two trucks at each station for proper water pumping, and used this justification to purchase an additional truck. This statement was completely false as Fire Station 1 only had one truck. He questioned why the department's assets were being shifted when Fire Station 1 was not yet closed. Councilmember McClung questioned why Fire Station 1 went from being the first to have a truck roll out to the last. He asked why the station would remain open for the next five years when a shift was already being made to discontinue service in this area. Mayor Harpstead indicated a duty crew could respond quicker than volunteers. City Administrator Klaers asked if the Council would be in favor of accelerating the full time duty crew program. Mayor Harpstead stated the City cares mostly about response time to residents in the case of a fire emergency. He wanted to assure that the fire department was still able to perform. He did not want the department distracted by medical emergencies until such time as the fire y emer enc plan g and process was completely clear.