01-11-2021 Council Work Session Packet

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DRAFT Comprehensive Fire Service Study MEDINA, MINNESOTA Matrix Consulting Group Page 3 The City of Medina would join forces with the City of Long Lake, the City of Loretto, and potentially with the City of Orono. The joint powers agreement would establish a fire district involving the four cities to provide fire protection services and share the cost to provide those services. Most joint powers agreements provide for the fire district to lease the existing apparatus and fire stations from the joining jurisdictions. Currently the City of Medina and the Hamel Fire Department share in the ownership of apparatus used by the Hamel Fire Department. Hamel Fire Department has previously agreed to transfer these assets to the City of Medina if a municipal fire department was formed. However, there may be a need for the City of Medina to invest in additional capital items to provide a commensurate capital investment The City of Medina would benefit from the investment into a fire station and apparatus as it would create a level playing ground with the other jurisdictions. This type of investment will be needed with the creation of a fire district or a municipal fire department. The gain to the City with the fire district is the sharing of operational costs, the equal provision of services, and the reduction of the duplication of equipment. It would allow for the sharing of internal services such as training, fire prevention and public education to be more efficient and effective. The project team recommends the City work towards the creation of a fire district with other City partners and fire departments. Facility Assessment The physical facilities vary in condition and renovation suitability. Long Lake and Maple Plain fire stations are in good condition and have ample space for additions and renovation projects. The Hamel and Loretto fire stations are not suitable for renovations, have limited space at their respective sites for expansion and the apparatus bay space is cramped to point the apparatus does not have appropriate clearance from the walls of the station. In fact, these two stations should be razed, and a new station built to accommodate the larger apparatus and provide for appropriate space for training, meetings and living quarters. There are two bays available in the public works building that are deep enough to handle four trucks but not conducive to operate as a fire station. The issues include no parking on the far end of the building, limited access in and out of that area, and the operations of each of the departments will result in operational con flicts.