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Department's goal has always been to get every building in Ramsey within a five-mile drive <br />distance. We get a lot of benefit from this in Burns. We need to work out something equally <br />beneficial with Burns - mutually beneficial but with no give-aways at all from Ramsey. <br /> <br />Chairperson Anderson suggested this could allow pushing out the construction of Fire Station 3 <br />further into the future. This could gain more volunteers for the Fire Department. <br /> <br />Chief Kapler explained they will be talking to Bums about this at their annual meeting. <br /> <br />Chief Way inquired if Ramsey charges Bums now to which Chief Kapler replied Ramsey <br />covered the western half of their township and charged them an hourly rate. They still can bill <br />their residents. We have always been clear with them that there should be a term on this. There <br />should be a good way to allow for a friendly parting with regard to equipment, manpower, <br />benefits, etc. We are clear with them that we will not do one half and one half, we will do it all. <br />The thought has been for a term limit often years. <br /> <br />Boardmember Lewandowski stated it takes years to get good at what you are doing. You would <br />not want to have it less than 10 years. You need a lot of training. He stated he has been with the <br />Ramsey Fire Department for 12 years and 45 people have come and gone in those 12 years. He <br />added he cannot believe the difference of the trained Fire Fighter he is now compared to how he <br />was when he started. <br /> <br />Chairperson Anderson stated he appreciates the difference between working with a trained <br />group. He commented on the reputation of the Ramsey Fire Department now versus what it was. <br />It is a proficient and professional outfit. To expand on that - and to save money is a key factor. <br /> <br />Boardmember Paplham inquired if this could "drag" Ramsey's current fire rating down. <br /> <br />Chief Kapler responded that these are details that need to be worked out. We are talking with <br />ISO now to make sure our rating is not being dragged down. He reiterated that this cannot cost <br />Ramsey anything. <br /> <br />Chairperson Anderson commented that in most joint ventures, if they are well thought out, it's a <br />benefit. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec added that Bums has a lot of water too and that there have been very positive <br />reactions from people we have talked to about this. <br /> <br />Councilmember Pearson stated that this can be a win-win situation for both communities and <br />will allow us to "get our ducks in a row" for the third fire station. <br /> <br />Boardmember Lewandowski stated that we have an opportunity to make this relationship <br />whatever we want to make it. <br /> <br />Chairperson Anderson cautioned that this all needs to be well thought out from a legal standpoint <br />too. <br /> <br />Public Safety Board - January 12, 2006 <br /> Page 6 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />