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CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, May 4, 2015
APPROVED MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
Present: Mayor Hendrickson and Council members Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch
Absent: None
Others Present: City Administrator -PWD Adam Nafstad, City Attorney Mike Couri, Finance
Director Tina Lannes, City Clerk Kimberly Olson, and Fire Chief Eric Bullen
2. JOINT FIRE DEPARTMENT
Couri presented an overview of the issues involved with continuing to provide contracted fire
service to Otsego or developing a joint fire department. He listed both pros and cons for each
type of fire service.
Hendrickson inquired where the Otsego City Council is on the issue. Nafstad replied they were
taking a similar approach and would begin preliminary discussions.
Couri stated that some of the items to address in future discussions would include:
• ownership of equipment and purchasing of future equipment
• funding by each City
• joint decision making and voting rights
• management of budgetary affairs of the fire department
Couri indicated this would be an involved process for both cities and would take a considerable
amount of time to draft an agreement for a joint department if the Council moves is that
direction. He suggested a committee be formed of members from both cities to continue these
discussions. Sorensen inquired if the current Fire Board could be those members. Couri
responded they could and suggested they see how Otsego moves forward.
Hendrickson stated she would prefer the City to take a leadership role in developing a joint fire
department. She had concerns about the City entering discussions late in the process rather than
contributing to the development of a joint department. Couri explained this would be a strictly
voluntary action by both cities.
Couri pointed out that it is important to get an agreement drafted correctly from the beginning
and they will want to be sure to address all future issues that may come up such as voting rights
and members, additional buildings and equipment, and funding.
Council directed staff to include this topic on a City Council agenda in June prior to the Fire
Board meeting later in the month.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Hendrickson, seconded by Vetsch, to adjourn the meeting at 7.03 p.m. Ayes:
Hendrickson, Hudson, Olson, Sorensen, and Vetsch. Nays: None. Absent: None. MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly . Olson, City Clerk
City Council Workshop Minutes Page 2
Meeting of May 4, 2015