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<br />was a lengthy discussion on the health, safety, and facilities issues presented to the <br />Commission by employees earlier in the evening. <br /> <br />Commissioner Grahek asked the Chief what is the responsibility of Circle Pines as <br />the lessor to fix the issues related to ADA and OSHA health and safety issues. The <br />Chief responded that the City has addressed the issue many times, but a permanent <br />solution or fix is lacking. <br />Commissioner Korst stated that there is a need to present the case for a facility or <br />other options to City Councils. <br />Commissioner Grahek stated there is a need for a list of the problems and an <br />assessment by a competent engineering or architectural firm. He further questioned <br />what if an employee called OSHA? What would be the liability of the Commission <br />and Cities? <br />Commissioner Mahr asked what would be the cost of procuring a consultant? <br />Commissioner Grahek asked what if a lawsuit was filed against the Commission? <br />Commissioner Pitchford asked why do we need to hire this out as previous <br />recommendations have been made? <br />Commissioner Mahr stated there are many options that could be taken, but the <br />options have not been fully identified, nor have costs with pros and cons developed <br />for the options. She remarked that office space might be available at Lexington City <br />Hall. <br />Commissioner Lund asked what are the provisions in the existing lease and when <br />does the lease expire? Chief Heckman stated the lease expires in 2011. <br />Commissioner Swedberg expressed that the financial uncertainties facing the <br />cities are severe. He doubted if the cities could fund a major facility on their existing <br />budgets. The most likely authority is to ask for approval of a bond by the residents <br />of the 3 communities and that will take an educational effort and presentation of the <br />alternatives. <br />Commissioner Mahr expressed that a spreadsheet or listing of all the available <br />options and ideas is important for people to consider. <br />Chief Heckman remarked that Blaine PD is actively recruiting officers and he fears <br />that lack of movement on the CLPD facility issue will result in officers moving to <br />other departments. <br /> <br />A group brainstorm session ensued with these thoughts that I have not identified <br />because of the rapid nature of the discussion: <br />. There are short and long term issues <br />. There is an employee health and safety concern <br />. There is a facility need to support the functions of a modem police department with a <br />size of 15,000 residents <br />. We need an expert(s) <br />. What is feasible? <br />. What are the options? <br />. Look at the numbers for each option as money matters <br />. What are the financing options? <br />. What are the legai ramifications? <br /> <br />~< <br />