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fighters, housing additional apparatus, and locating in a central area to the western half of <br />our City. Chief Kapler continued, stating that Central Park was picked as a prime site for <br />several reasons, one being the property was already owned by the City. The Minnesota <br />Attorney General was contacted regarding whether or not the property could be used for <br />the purposes of constructing a fire station. Unfortunately, the response was that any <br />property deeded to a city for the purposes of parkland must be used for park purposes, <br />thus eliminating the site for consideration. The other sites were evaluated and two sites <br />deemed as the best options are either just north of the intersection of 153rd and Armstrong <br />Boulevard or the property at the southwest comer of 161st and Armstrong Boulevard. <br />Chief Kapler added that an architectural firm has commented that both sites would be <br />acceptable for construction of the new station, including areas needed for parking and on- <br />site well and septic system. The property at 153rd and Armstrong has a willing seller who <br />is asking around $5,000 for the approximately three acres of property required to house <br />the station. The 161st and Armstrong site has been appraised at $44,000, although the <br />owners are asking $80,000. Chief Kapler noted that the two choices were sent to the <br />newly formed Public Safety Board for comment and recommendation and they <br />unanimously voted to recommend Council authorize acquiring the site at 161st and <br />Armstrong Boulevard. With regard to financing, a 20-year intra fund loan from the <br />Landfill Trust Fund would be utilized for site acquisition, construction costs and <br />architectural fees.. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that it has been discussed before whether the City <br />would plan for two fire stations or three. He didn't know what should be planned. He <br />personally eliminated the 153rd location because of the site topography and the fact that it <br />will add way to much cost to the project and if we are going to spend that kind of money, <br />he would just as soon it be spent on a different site. He suggested that the crux of this <br />site selection should be ifRamsey is planning two or three stations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen stated she will not support the 161~t and Armstrong site. <br />She felt that this site is too far north and does not provide proper protection south. She <br />also felt that it is a little premature to say that the City will or will not be planning for <br />three stations. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec suggested that if the 161~t and Armstrong site is the chosen site, he felt that <br />the City could hold off on a third station for a longer time. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued relating to where the heaviest development would take place. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen suggested eliminating the 153rd and Armstrong site because <br />of excessive cost due to the topo. He added that he is not satisfied that all the alternatives <br />have been completely explored. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Hendriksen to <br />delete the site at 153rd and Armstrong but to send this back for reconsideration of a site <br />further south, but still in the Armstrong Boulevard vicinity. <br /> <br />Finance Committee/March 23, 1999 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />