07-24-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 18, 2023 Page 2 Please also keep in mind the court largely accepted Long Lake’s arguments for the temporary injunction which, putting it charitably, are inaccurate in many respects. We will have the opportunity to correct the record, if necessary, if this matter does not resolve at mediation. For example, there was nothing illegal concerning Orono’s acquisition of a ladder truck. Orono is entitled to assemble the necessary equipment to outfit its fire department (and will continue to be able to do so). Even after acquiring the ladder truck, Orono offered to allow Long Lake to utilize the ladder truck, if it did not want to acquire its own ladder truck. This demonstrates Orono is not attempting to undermine the Long Lake Fire Department (“LLFD”). To the contrary, Orono is on record that it will ensure the LLFD has the equipment necessary to service the needs of the community. As to hiring Chief Van Eyll, Orono went through an open and public process, no different than any other community or public employer. It should be no surprise the Chief, who was most familiar with the community, was the top choice. The decision to accept the chief position was his own decision to accept as he can choose where he wants to work, just like any other prospective employee. Similarly, the City may choose to hire any LLFD firefighter who applies for a position, but pursuant to the order may not proactively solicit their employment. Finally, the Minnesota Legislature recently passed a law this past session that bans non-compete agreements between employers and employees, so any argument LLFD firefighters cannot choose where they work would be a violation of existing state law. As to Long Lake’s complaints concerning capital budgets, Orono is contractually authorized to reject a proposed budget, and Long Lake is as well. More to the point, there is a process in place if either Orono or Long Lake does not approve a proposed capital budget. It would be financially irresponsible for Orono to approve budgets that are not economically realistic. Taxpayers should expect their elected officials will critically review any proposed budget, and the Court cannot usurp that legislative function. The City Council has made clear it is committed to providing the LLFD the equipment it needs and will continue to review capital purchase proposals on a case- by-case basis. As to the firefighters’ pension programs, there is also no evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of the City. Rather, it is an undisputed fact that representatives from Orono and Long Lake jointly met with legislators in 2023 to see if firefighters from the LLFD could transfer their pension dollars to Orono on an individual basis if they decided to work for the Orono fire department. This was done for the benefit of any firefighters who may choose to make the career switch to keep their years of pension vesting without interruption. In summary, Long Lake’s characterization of this legislative effort is a false narrative.