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Chairperson Elvig inquired about the ticket that was issued. <br /> <br />Fire Chief Kapler explained unless something is overwhelmingly out of line the Fire Department <br />never tickets the first time they go to a residence. They would rather take that opportunity for <br />education. This was not the first time they were out at this property, which is why a citation was <br />issued. He explained their investigation found the fire started from the illegal materials that were <br />piling up. The Fire Department had responded a couple of times to what neighbors thought were <br />structure fires. <br /> <br />Mr. Robinson stated this particular time his mother's belongings had started on fire. They went <br />to court regarding the ticket and it was thrown out, and they are looking for a way to reduce the <br />fine. He indicated they do not believe it would require two hours to put out a grass fire, but Mr. <br />Kapler informed him the time charged is from the time they leave the station until they come <br />back. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig explained there is a lot involved in one of these calls for the Fire Department, <br />m~d he would be surprised if two hours covers all of it. He thinks $300 per hour is fair for what <br />he sees and he is not inclined to set a precedent. He indicated they may be able to give Mr. <br />Robinson assistance on the time frame ofpayback. <br /> <br />Councihnember Strommen stated she was going to make the same suggestion regarding the time <br />frame. She feels for the hardship, but is also not inclined to start making exceptions. <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmerman stated there was a fire up the road about eight years ago that wiped <br />out a lot of pine trees, and burned cars and jeeps. In Ramsey, when it is dry it is dangerous. That <br />is a concern he has as a Councilmember and he does not want to be on record as slacking on that. <br />He would not burn outside, it is asking for problems. Mr. Robinson could be allowed time for <br />the payment, but he could not vote to reduce the fee. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig asked for ChiefKapler's input. <br /> <br />Fire Chief Kapler indicated the $300 per hour comes from the Fire Department's rates and <br />charges, and the two hours is off the log. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig asked how long Mr. Robinson would like to pay the fine. <br /> <br />Mr. Robinson replied they could pay the fine within three months. <br /> <br />The consensus of the committee was to allow the fine to be paid by the end of July. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig indicated the decision of the committee will be carried forward to the Council. <br /> <br />Finance Committee/April 27, 2004 <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br /> <br /> <br />