Agenda - Council - 01/28/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that is the proposal on the table, but Nowthen is considering a proposal tonight that would slightly increase the administrative fees to Ramsey. He confirmed that the contract would be terminated after that one-year period. He noted that Ramsey also would have the ability to charge Nowthen the direct training fees, which have not been recovered in the past. Mayor LeTourneau asked the recommendation of the Fire Board. City Administrator Ulrich stated that they ran short of time and were unable to reach a conclusion. He believed that discussions needed to continue with the Fire Board and Nowthen. He asked if the Council would agree to the one-year term and agree to let the Fire Board negotiate the payment for that period. Councilmember Specht asked if there is an informal partnership that could occur between the cities in terms of a large fire incident that could occur after that one-year period. City Administrator Ulrich explained that all the cities have a mutual aid agreement for large structural fires and therefore the cities would continue to assist in those circumstances. Councilmember Heinrich asked for input in the situation that the Fire Board deadlocks, as the membership is composed of two members from each city. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the Joint Powers Agreement allows a fifth member to come, in the case of a deadlock related to fees. He stated that the fifth member would be the President of the Joint Fire Protection Council for Anoka County and in the case of a deadlock would listen to the information and make the final decision. Councilmember Menth stated that he does not see a reason for Nowthen to negotiate the amount paid to Ramsey higher if the contract is going to terminate in 12 months. He stated that there does not appear to be any leverage for Ramsey to negotiate for a higher amount. Councilmember Riley stated that he is inclined to agree to the one-year period and just be done with the contract after that time. He commented that he would support charging any additional costs that would be available to be passed to Nowthen through the contract. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he would also agree to follow the quickest and easiest path. He stated that it appears that Nowthen is taking the lead and willing to create their own Fire Department and therefore would support a quick and simple process that allows both cities to get to that point. Councilmember Kuzma stated that while he is happy that Nowthen is willing to separate, he believes Ramsey should still attempt to negotiate for additional funds. He commented that $8,400 is still a long way from $82,000. City Council Work Session / January 14, 2020 Page 5 of 7