Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/30/2011

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5) Application for Aid to Firefighter Grants (AFG Grant) Fire Chief Kaplar requested authorization to apply for the AFG Grant. He explained there is a match for this population of 10% of the funds awarded. He noted he met with the Fire Department of Nowthen last week and discussed their budget concerns. Since the Nowthen and Ramsey Fire Departments are currently combined, this must be a unanimous agreement between the departments. Consensus was reached to apply for the grant. FUTURE TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION City Administrator Ulrich noted St. Francis is interested in pursuing a long -term firefighter partnership. If the Council concurs, discussions will be scheduled. Councilmember Wise suggested combining both Police and Fire Departments with other municipalities. Councilmember McGlone replied he would not oppose the exploration of combining fire departments. He said his questions would center on which department would pay for certain salaries, etc. Councilmember Wise stated there are other communities to the north that may benefit from Ramsey's structure. Mayor Ramsey agreed that the discussion on combining fire departments should move forward. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT Mayor Ramsey stated there has been conversation that some members of this Council may be at the City Hall too much. The City Charter, section 2.6.2, states the Mayor shall study the operations of the City government and offer suggestions. It is always made clear the purpose for the Mayor's presence as well as any Councilmembers. He said the idea that the Council and Mayor could be causing issues is erroneous, and he takes exception to it. ADJOURNMENT The Work Session of the City Council was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully g Kurds G. Ulrich City Administrator City Council Work Session / August 30, 2011 Page 5of6