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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 12, 2011 Page 13 11. Public Hearings 12. Business Items (Action Items) a. Consider Funding Options for New Fire Station Project Fire Chief Tim O'Neill, Fire Marshal John Loftus, and Shift Commander David Brosnahan were available for this presentation; as detailed in the RCA dated Sep- tember 12, 2011. Chief O'Neill briefly summarized previous presentations to the City Council and subsequent recommendation by the Task Force for consideration to a one-station concept on the City Hall campus. Chief O'Neill noted that the work of the Needs Committee continued as they plan to work with the construc- tion manager and interview architectural teams. Chief O'Neill noted that the City Council had previously requested that the group return to them with options for how they intended to pay for this construction; and that those options and recommendations were detailed in the RCA, including steps in the process for issuing Capital Improvement Bonds for a term of (15) years guided toward a target amount not-to-exceed $8 million. Chief O'Neill rec- ognized member of the Fire Department and the Needs Committee present in to- night's audience to lend their support to this request. Mayor Roe noted that tonight's requested action was similar to that taken several weeks ago for the Parks proposal, outlining the general amount being requested for approval and recommended source of funding. Chief O'Neill concurred with Mayor Roe on the process, clarifying that the Parks and Recreation was proposed as Abatement Bonds, while this request was for Capital Improvement Bonds, in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 475.521. Mayor Roe sought public comment, with no one appearing for or against. Councilmember Pust thanked the Needs Committee and Chief O'Neill for their great work on this great project. However, Councilmember Pust asked the same question that she had put forth to the Parks and Recreation Commission: "Why are we not going to the taxpayers for a vote?" Chief O'Neill responded that it was basically a timing issue and the eagerness of the Team to continue the process and move forward at this point. Chief O'Neill addressed the following issues in response to Councilmember Pust's question: • The condition of existing buildings is dire, and by delaying the process, it would put the City even further behind in addressing the health of its fire- fighters. Chief O'Neill advised that even now, the department was bringing Station 2 back on line and moving out of Station 1, which continued to show significant mold issues. Chief O'Neill opined that the quicker the process