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Nowthen Mayor Pilon referenced the item regarding an approach to control cost and budgetary <br />discipline in the demands of growth. He asked how Mr. Kohner would maintain that discipline <br />and still stay state of the art with training. <br />Mr. Kohner replied that training and officer development can be done in-house. He stated that as <br />a leader he feels strongly that in order to lead you have to have the next level of experience and <br />knowledge to contribute. He stated that the current state of the budget enables the department to <br />be efficient and continue to respond effectively. He stated that Fire Chief Kapler has done a <br />great job laying out the capital equipment needs and planning and therefore the organization is <br />well setup for the future. He stated that the everyday response and training would be the only <br />fluctuation to the budget and did not foresee any changes that would cause unnecessary increases <br />in the budget. He hoped that he was able to provide the Council with the confidence in making a <br />decision to move ahead. He stated that his education and experience have moved him ahead on <br />the path to be in this position and hoped that he addressed any questions the Council may have <br />had. <br />Mr. Kohner left the meeting. <br />Nowthen Mayor Pilon asked if Mr. Kohner was aware that there were no other candidates at this <br />time. <br />Community Development Director Lasher stated that Mr. Kohner was aware tonight that he is <br />the only candidate but noted that he was not. made aware of that fact until staff was absolutely <br />certain. She asked the Council if they are comfortable with the candidate and providing direction <br />for staff. <br />Nowthen Mayor Pilon stated that he agrees that Mr. Kohner has been preparing himself for this <br />position and has the relationships in place that will make him successful. He stated that he <br />believes this is the right candidate at the right time. He noted that he has observed the positive <br />interactions and relationships Mr. Kohner has with other Fire Chiefs in Anoka County. <br />It was noted that Mr. Kohner is also a Ramsey resident and is invested in the Department. <br />Elk River Fire Chief Cunningham appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this process, <br />knowing the diligence that has been done throughout this process. He stated that this has been a <br />very open and transparent process; asking great questions to find what both communities are <br />looking for. He stated that Mr. Kohner has done an excellent job in all the interviews displaying <br />his devotion for this community and noted that Mr. Kohner has done things to create the <br />foundation for him to be in this position today. He stated that in his experience Mr. Kohner has <br />always done a great job cooperating with other Fire Chiefs and has no doubt that he will do an <br />excellent job serving both cities. He stated that the City has an awesome opportunity to hire <br />someone that is well informed and is trained inside and outside this community. He very much <br />appreciated the process the City has undertaken to get to this point, noting that Mr. Kohner rose <br />to the top of all the candidates on his own. He referenced the development of future leaders, and <br />City Council Work Session / February 23, 2016 <br />Page5of8 <br />