08-18-1992 Council Minutes Special Meeting

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING - August 18, 1992 an equipment fund to pay for it and we bond for it and we have principal and interest payments, is that going to be shared among the cities ?" Mayor Swartwood replied that just the interest would be shared and the prinicpal would be picked,up by the City of Long Lake. Jabbour asked what percentage Medina pays. Dietzen responded that Medina pays roughly 4% and Long Lake 18%. Jabbour feels capital outlay should be included in the budget. Dietzen stated the percentages were arrived at by using assessed values of homes but could be negotiated. Mayor Peterson stated that in all fairness to Long Lake, a decision should be made at a later time when Councilmembers have had an opportunity to study the proposal. Shaughnessy invited members to the upcoming Fire Department Officers Meeting and cautioned Council to avoid using a formula based on the number of fire calls received. Mayor Peterson also noted that in comparing proposals, the first year's bid may be more attractive to "get your foot in the door" and future years may not be as attractive. She reiterated that response time is of utmost importance and decisions will be based on this. Goetten added that sharing of services between cities to reduce costs is becoming more important. Comments were received from the following members of the public: Gary Printup, Mr. Tourangeau, Mike Ellis, Dr. John Sagehorn, Cliff Otten, Dianne Jentilucci, Jim Cox, Mary Siebold, Lloyd Fairbank, Rodney Minick, and Peg Swanson.. They expressed major concern over response times. They noted that a dollar Value cannot be put on human lives and reported several incidents where the quick response time of the Fire Department was important. There were comments and questions regarding Wayzata's ability to provide increased service. They asked that Council make a decision regarding Fire contracts for the "right" reasons and keep communications open between Long Lake and Orono. Callahan questioned why the cost of the same response time is 50% higher from Long Lake than other cities. Jabbour reminded Long Lake to be competitive making it impossible for Orono to make a decision to establish their own Fire Department. Callahan stated there may be explanations regarding higher costs that are acceptable and that even if the costs are higher, it doesn't mean Orono would not choose Long Lake's proposal. The figures may not be correct or understood. Mayor Peterson stated that in the past Orono has not asked. to be involved in the administration of the Fire Department. She thanked Long Lake for providing the information requested and as a courtesy to Long Lake felt Council should take time to review their proposal and decision on the Fire Department contract. Dietzen again volunteered Long Lake's willingness to answer any questions Orono may have. 3 a