Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/14/2020

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City Administrator Ulrich provided an update on the fire services JPA and process to dissolve that agreement. Fire Chief Kohner noted that he spoke with the Nowthen consultant today, noting that the consultant provided a plan to Nowthen today and was under the understanding that the item would be reviewed by the Nowthen Council tonight, but advised that the item was not placed on the city’s agenda. He stated that Ramsey will continue to attempt to push this forward. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she found herself a bit uneasy during the COVID-19 situation and the way the legislative session is going. She asked if the Fire Chief believes that this legislation will move forward, and the Fire Relief Association will get relief in a way that the firefighters will not lose funds. Fire Chief Kohner stated that the bill was introduced before the State was in deep in the COVID- 19 situation. He stated that he cannot guarantee that the bill will be heard, as the COVID-19 bills will receive priority, but the author of the bill does feel confident. Councilmember Heinrich asked for details on the timeline that would be needed for the dissolve date in two years, and in one year, related to the timing of the legislation. She also asked for input on the communication between the two cities and the drafting of the legislation. Fire Chief Kohner stated that he cannot speak to the timeline, as that would be dependent on different possibilities of when the bill could be heard. He stated that the author of the bill based the language off what occurred in Lino Lakes. He stated that the discussion has been between City Administrator Ulrich, City Attorney Langel, and the City Attorney and Mayor of Nowthen. He stated that everyone would get what they have earned in their years of service through the Relief Association. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she believed Nowthen meets once a month and asked if staff could address the topic or whether the City would need to wait another month for action. Fire Chief Kohner stated that it would be nice if Nowthen could have the conversation before the Fire Board meets, whether that is done by city staff or the Nowthen Council. He confirmed that the Nowthen Council only meets once per month but noted that the Council could call a special meeting. He stated that he will contact Nowthen the following day in attempt to push this forward. Councilmember Menth stated that he believed he read that the response time for Ramsey fire has been lowered and commended the department. Fire Chief Kohner confirmed that the response times have decreased with the duty crew. City Administrator Ulrich highlighted the topics of interviewing candidates for Boards and Commissions virtually and continuing discussion related to multi-family housing within The COR. City Council Work Session / April 14, 2020 Page 6 of 7