05-17-10-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 1792010 9 LD Lake Johanna Fire Department Contract Budget Discussion (continued) Councilmember Holmes agreed as the fire and medical situations were two completely separate issues. She felt it would be important for the City to understand what the policy was for Allina, — Ramsey County Sheriff, fire department, etc. on responding to medical calls. She didn't feel it was necessary to have three or four different agencies at the same medical call. Mayor Harpstead asked if the Council was in agreement that fire calls should be the first priority and not medical emergencies. Councilmember Holmes agreed with this statement stating five different agencies do not need to respond. Councilmember McClung explained the Lake Johanna firemen are medical trained as EMT's and could assist in an emergency medical situation, even more so than a Sheriff. Mayor Harpstead requested the fire department be made aware that Arden Hill's number one priority from the department is fire emergencies. This mission is not to change and should be clear and measured for the safety of the City's residents. Councilmember McClung questioned if the Council was in favor of the roll out of the six year plan moving towards a full time crew while closing Fire Station 1. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not fully support the plan and asked why Fire Station 1 did not have the correct amount of staff or the right amount of equipment. In addition, levy limits should not be used as an argument at this time as they do not apply to public safety. Mayor Harpstead indicated he would like further clarification on how the department would handle disposable income on the sale of assets, with respect to Fire Station 1. He questioned if this asset belonged to the department, the City or the joint powers. Councilmember Holden explained her main concern was the best fire protection for the residents of Arden Hills. Councilmember McClung again requested a consensus from Council on whether or not they would support the six year plan and closing of Fire Station 1. Mayor Harpstead indicated the Council did vote on this a while back and supported the plan, and would consider accelerating if the department found a means. Councilmember Holden stated that while the Council supported the plan the department was requested to provide ISO numbers and response time information. This information has not been provided to the City. Councilmember Grant stated that he felt that the City has previously indicated its support for the duty crew program.