05-13-2024 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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We are hopeful this shared services partnership model is agreeable to you. This type of structure would allow both cities to have a meaningful say in the operation and management of our fire department and would give us the opportunity to develop new terms to address present mutual concerns, such as how capital expenditures are addressed. As you should know, our firefighters are the most important part of our community’s fire service . The size of our community simply does not adequately provide Orono with the ability to staff a separate independent fire department. We can have a much stronger and better-staffed department by keeping our firefighters together. The department can continue to expand duty crews that would be ready to respond from both stations at a fraction of the cost. This partnership would also negate the need for Orono to purchase duplicative fire equipment and facilities, saving our community members millions of dollars. If Option A is not amenable to your city, we ask you to consider a new Option B, which is to work to extend the current contract under the existing or similar terms. We believe Long Lake and Orono would like to address how capital expenditures are made under the current contract, so we propose changing that language to address the concerns both cities have raised. In addition, we would consider changing the funding formula among the parties to the LMC formula mentioned in Option A. We are also mindful of your looming July 1, 2024, deadline for the Orono FD to take over the two CAD zone service areas in southwestern Orono. With just over seven (7) weeks to go, Long Lake wishes to ensure that the residents in the service area you are taking over are being well served. We understand you are still acquiring uniforms and equipment, conducting training, hiring, evaluating call coverage capabilities, constructing facilities, and more. The rollout plans articulated publicly by Orono reveal numerous anticipated gaps that are unlikely to be sufficiently addressed by July 1. Long Lake is more than willing to continue to serve that service area until you have had sufficient time to adequately prepare to provide essential public safety services to your residents. Corresponding budgeting and cost allocation adjustments could be made in short order to accommodate the delayed commencement. We recognize July 1 continues to be Orono’s emergency response viability goal, but commitment to an aspirational deadline should not be prioritized over operational readiness. Regardless of the Orono Council’s long-term decision, Long Lake will continue to pursue partnering with the City of Wayzata to combine the talents of two very successful departments. Long Lake is committed to strengthening our partnerships with Medina, Minnetonka Beach, and any other city open to collaborating. Collaboration is the only way to achieve the highest quality of service on the most cost-effective basis. Please consider these options for maintaining and growing the undeniably high-performing fire department that has served our community for over a century . Additionally, let us know if you would like to discuss a delayed commencement date for Orono’s coverage of the above - referenced CAD zones. Our proposed collaborative approaches are the only options that provide the most benefits and the highest level of public safety to our two most significant stakeholders: our citizens and our firefighters. Best Regards, Charlie Miner, Mayor On behalf of the Long Lake City Council 224