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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 16 2010 10 2.C Lake Johanna Fire Department Discussion (continued) Councilmember Holmes asked if the Council was in agreement that Station#1 would be closing.She was troubled that the Fire Station and Library would both be closing in the City of Arden Hills, when Shoreview had two fully staffed fire stations. She felt our residents deserved a Fire Station and Library. Mayor Harpstead stated he was not bothered by these closings as the buildings were in complete disrepair and it would be better for the City to close these sites than to further tax the residents. - However, the Mayor stated that he was concerned about adequate fire safety and keeping the library within the City. Councilmember Grant indicated the safety of the residents was first and foremost, whether in a new station or old. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City should consider contracting out the fire services with the City of Roseville. Mayor Harpstead stated this would be an interesting question to ask if the department was staffed properly to handle this joint venture. He felt that it would be more expensive to contract these services with the City of Roseville than with the Lake Johanna Fire Department. Councilmember Holden asked if the City would regret closing Station #1 in the future as this would mean the City had to continually contract for services. Mayor Harpstead explained it was his impression that response times were the most important to keep the residents in Arden Hills safe. Councilmember Holmes suggested the Arden Hills Fire Station be improved to keep the City more involved in the department and invested in the City. Councilmember McClung indicated this Fire Station would still never be fully staffed with a duty crew as it was on the far southern corner of the fire district. He explained how the various stations would be filled with crews going forward. He indicated that fully staffing Station #1 would not increase response times. If the City were to build a new fire station it would need to be more centrally located in Arden Hills. Funds would be received for the department when Station #1 was sold, but this may not occur until 2016. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the Council would take a formal vote on the Fire Department issue. City Administrator Klaers noted that by approving the Fire budget the Council was approving year two of the six year plan. Councilmember McClung noted if the Council continued to support the budget, the department was assuming that each year of the plan would be supported, which included the closing of Station #1.