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Vice-Chairperson Kociscak inquired as to how long it would take a neighboring city to respond <br />and which city would be the most likely to be called on to respond. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that all cities around Ramsey have an aerial <br />ladder truck, but from a Fire Chief point of view it is not the responsibility of other cities to <br />handle problems in the City of Ramsey. He stated that he is not opposed to having tall buildings <br />in the City, but if the City is going to allow for those tall buildings, then they need to have the <br />proper safety equipment. <br /> <br />Vice-Chairperson Kociscak inquired if the Board of Adjustment were to grant the variance, <br />which City would be the closest to respond and how long would it take. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that Anoka would probably be the closest to <br />respond and it would take approximately 15 minutes to respond from the time of the call. <br /> <br />Vice-Chairperson Kociscak inquired if the variance is approved contingent upon the purchase of <br />an aerial ladder truck, when could the City expect to have the truck in possession. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that the track would probably be received 12 <br />months from the time of order. <br /> <br />Vice-Chairperson Kociscak expressed concern that the City has already granted similar variances <br />to the height restriction. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wivoda inquired what fire departments do in situations like the IDS tower. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that those buildings are designed for mass <br />evacuations. He also noted that the concern goes beyond the suppression of fire the concern also <br />becomes that of rescue if someone is trapped on the roof. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wivoda inquired if a person was working on a roof and gets hurt, would it be the <br />fire departments responsibility to rescue them. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that the fire department would respond and <br />do what they could within their abilities. <br /> <br />Commissioner Watson stated that the City has already seen a proposal by a developer to mirror <br />the existing senior complex, and as the City looks at the new Comprehensive Plan it appears as if <br />there will be a demand for taller buildings in the City. He is concerned that the height restriction <br />issue might be a roadblock with development if the City does not purchase an aerial ladder truck. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that the City should definitely be planning <br />for the future rather than what the City currently has. <br /> <br />Board of Adjustment/May 1, 2001 <br /> Page 4 of 7 <br /> <br /> <br />