Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/24/2019

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want to make sure that stations one and two remain positive and that morale would not be impacted. City Administrator Ulrich stated that two years is an obligational cap and therefore that clock should be started in order to negotiate a mutual agreement and provided additional details. He stated that the City would have the ability to negotiate actual costs for 2020 and 2021. Mayor LeTourneau asked if direction is needed from the Council. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the intent would be to bring this back to the next regular Council meeting to begin the two-year clock, noting that meeting would fall prior to the next Fire Board meeting. He stated that Ramsey would want to make this a smooth transition for both cities. He stated that when the JPA began, Nowthen had almost nothing and now has a facility, equipment, and trained personnel. Therefore, this would be a good time for them to move on. Mayor LeTourneau asked for input from the Councilmembers that serve on the Fire Board. Councilmember Heinrich echoed the comments that Fire Chief Kohner spent a lot of time and energy on this to determine the benefit each city receives from the JPA. She noted that Nowthen also wanted to pay their fair share, which led to the cost allocation formula. She stated that the taxpayers in Ramsey are paying too much to fund Nowthen's fire service. She explained that operationally this is very taxing on Fire Chief Kohner and therefore she would support the break between the two cities. Councilmember Musgrove stated that it came down to the operational input from Fire Chief Kohner and therefore she also supports the dissolution of the JPA. Councilmember Riley asked, and received confirmation, that the Fire Chief would still want to dissolve the JPA even if the cost allocation was adjusted. He noted that he would then support the action but would want to ensure that Ramsey fulfills its obligation true to the contract. He stated that Nowthen has been a good partner and would want Ramsey to act honorably. Mayor LeTourneau agreed with those comments, noting that Nowthen has been a great partner. He thanked Councilmembers Heinrich and Musgrove for their input and contribution to this process. He hoped that as the City continues to honor the two-year agreement, he would hope that there could be an expedited exit if amenable. He stated that he would hope a new cost structure could be determined for the next two years. 2.03: Discuss Council Committee Appointments for Alternates Acting as Members Administrative Services Director Lasher reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the Quad Cities Cable Communication Commission (QCCCC) appointment is typically filled by staff City Council Work Session/September 24, 2019 Page 5 of 10