Agenda - Council - 08/13/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey, Nowthen, St. Francis, Oak Grove, and Bethel, Minnesota Feasibility Study for Shared or Cooperative Fire and Emergency Services The Bethel station is of particular concern in that it is not only aging but is also filled to capacity with apparatus and has no room for future growth. Also of potential concern are the St. Francis station and Oak Grove Station 1, both of which are older and will represent increasing future maintenance costs. In consideration of opportunities for future shared service delivery initiatives, fire stations and their long-term viability need to be kept in mind. When agencies combine, one with comparatively new and adequate fixed facilities may inadvertently inherit a financial liability that comes with another fire department that has aging facilities. Due to their considerable expense, the potential financial liability that may be realized in regard to some facilities must not be discounted. Apparatus Other than the emergency responders, response vehicles are the next most important resource of the emergency response system. If emergency personnel cannot arrive quickly due to unreliable transportation, or if the equipment does not function properly, then the delivery of emergency service is likely compromised. Fire apparatus are unique and specialized pieces of equipment, customized to operate efficiently for a narrowly defined mission. For this reason, they are very expensive and offer Tittle flexibility in use and reassignment. As a result, communities always seek to achieve the longest life span possible for these vehicles. A summary of the participating agency's emergency response vehicle fleet is provided in the following tables. Ramsey The City of Ramsey operates a fleet of two fire engines, two water tankers, an aerial ladder truck, a grass truck, and two rescue vehicles. All appear to be well maintained and fully serviceable. ,arrgenry S Vices Co asii!ring page 33