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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO NAVARRE TOWN MEETING <br />Thursday, March 13,2003 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />contribution to Excelsior would be upwards of $2 million as well. With regard to the sense of <br />urgency. Jabbour pointed out that the City was about to make a 20 year commitment to Mound, <br />with taxpayer money. Jabbour explained that this Council worked its tail off taking into <br />considciation response time, economics, Maple Plain’s need for a new station in 200S, Mound's <br />need for a new station, and finally, chose to go with Long Lake Fire, a current parmcr with whom <br />the most recent fire station construction costs came in $I million below budget. The issue of <br />staffing continues to be the greatest concern, however, Jabbour pointed out that if all else fails, the <br />City would extend its contract with Excelsior in 2007. He reiterated that the City was truly given <br />no other choice than to react to the ultimatum. <br />Sansevere reminded residents that Orono already has a great relationship \\ ith Long Lake, and 50% <br />ownership of the Long Lake Fire building. <br />White pointed out that one consideration when looking at Excelsior is the traffic problems along <br />County Roads IS and 19. <br />As two Mound firefighters were present. Mayor Peterson reiterated the Council's diligence in <br />working with the Mound City Council in an elTort to gain some ownership, unforbinately, this did <br />not happen. She thanked Mound for providing Orono with terrific service over the years. <br />Sansevere stated that the negotiations continually frustrated both the Mound firefighters and the <br />Orono City Council. <br />Suzy Swanson stated that, she believed, the Navarre sub station would be a great addition to the <br />community. She indicated that, once the City offices relocated, Navarre residents felt remote from <br />this hub of activity. She believed it would be a community resource. <br />Andrew Anderson, 3580 Li\ingston Avenue, a firefighter from upstate New York, slated that he <br />would be honored to volunteer here as he had done in the bedroom community he had most <br />recently served in New York. He pointed out that the fire station often has the potential to become <br />the City's community center, building great relationships with the community through this center. <br />He indicated that tours and community rooms can build a strong sense of pride. Mr. Anderson <br />reminded everyone that being a volunteer firefighter is no les.« dangerous than being a paid <br />professional and carries the same weight. He agreed that the savings are well worth the investment <br />over time, financially and civically. lie indicated that equipment lease programs arc available and <br />encouraged the Council to maintain their relationship with its neighbors for mutual aid. He felt the <br />Navarre Fire Station would be a great thing. <br />The public applauded Mr. Anderson's comments. <br />Murphy agreed that neighborhood fire stations were on the rise. <br />Bob Albertson stated that he had visited the new fire station and read up on literature that confirms <br />that new mini stations cut down on response time. He also spoke to Mound firefighters who <br />admitted that the traffic and congestion along County Road 15 could impact response times from <br />Mound to Orono. He believed it was very important to the future of Navarre to do this. <br />Rick Rice asked what the service area would be. <br />PAGE 9 of 10