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MEDINA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 29, 2003
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in special session with the City of Corcoran on May
29, 2003 at 6:35 p.m. in the Corcoran City Hall Chambers. Corcoran Mayor Guenthner and
Medina Acting Mayor Lane presided.
CALL TO ORDER (6:35 p.m.)
Medina Members present: Workman, Lane, Smith, Brinkman
Corcoran Members present: Bucher, Guenthner, Lymangood, Thomas
Medina Members absent: Zietlow
Corcoran Members absent: Gageby
Also present: Medina City Administrator Chad Adams, Corcoran City Administrator Sue
Vergin, Medina Police Chief Ed Be!land, Richfield Fire Chief Kevin McGinty, and Hamel VFD
Chief Brandon Guest.
Guenther discussed the purpose of the meeting, which was to receive a presentation from
Richfield Fire Chief Kevin McGinty and to discuss both short-term and long-term fire service, as
well as sanitary sewer matters shared by both cities.
Richfield Fire Chief Kevin McGinty Presentation
McGinty explained the history and process behind the cities of New Hope and Crystal
consolidating their fire services in 1989-1990. A controversy over an aerial truck led to
discussions between the departments. A task force was created between the cities and
departments to review services and cost issues. McGinty highlighted the big issues as being
pensions and the differences of the rates and vesting. He also listed other issues including 911
dispatching, tradition of both departments, having a "big fish in a little pond," misinformation,
other agendas, local control and loss of identity to the department.
A funding formula was established for the consolidated department. The formula was based on
emergency calls over the previous five years, latest population and market value (in millions).
Positive outcomes of the consolidation included budget reductions, better daytime response, 10-
year capital plan and 20-year vehicle replacement plan, reduced number of engines from 8 to 4,
improved training and increased training budget, consistent fire inspections, consistent fire
safety education, more reliable equipment and maintenance, retention of capital funds, and
purchase of more specialty equipment (aerial truck, Haz-Mat equipment, special rescue
equipment) due to the larger tax base.
McGinty discussed that a similar consolidation to New Hope and Crystal may not work for other
cities or departments. He explained that key issues to consider are the organizations
themselves and their oversight, geographic area, needs, available funding, willingness to
change, and commitment to service.
Other options mentioned were vehicle mutual aid, joint training programs, joint purchase of
specialized equipment, joint fire prevention, shared staff, or a fire cooperative or coordinating
board. Details/responsibilities of the fire coop./coordinating board included the identification of
area cities, developing a master plan, board approving major purchases, utilization for
prevention and training, while the departments remain separate.
Medina Special City Council Meeting Minutes
May 29, 2003
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McGinty suggested that performance measurements could be identified to rate fire service.
Some examples include a targeted time ("x" amount) for response time, minimum training
standards, services being purchased, and a customer driven focus.
General Discussion - fire service
Discussion held on options of trucks that fire departments could consider for replacement
McGinty stated he favored "production" trucks and cautioned that some trucks are purchased as
monuments to a chief or committee.
Next steps were considered for creating an advisory board, and who should be appointed. City
staffs were directed to work together in communicating material as the Council's would address
the appointment of representatives to an advisory board/committee at their future Council
meetings.
Update on Sewer Task Force
The Sewer Task Force, consisting of the cities of Loretto, Medina, Corcoran, Independence,
Maple Plain and the Metropolitan Council, determined that Loretto will have additional capacity
in the short-term (by heading south down County Road 19 to Maple Plain) for their plans. The
Task Force requested the cities of Medina and Corcoran to address the Highway 55 and County
Road 19 sanitary service area.
Discussion was held on a 1000-acre guideline that the Metropolitan Council considers for
development of a project. If at least 1000-acres exists for a project, the Metropolitan Council
may contribute funding. A project less than 1000-acres is not considered a "regional project."
Workman suggested that Medina Council discuss interest & involvement with sewer to the area.
City staffs were directed to determine a 1000-acre project area and to communicate future
interests and needs, and comprehensive plans.
Adjournment
Workman moved, and Brinkman seconded to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
Ji Lane, Acting Mayor
Attest:
a-7/(M 4/-p-A44/
Chad M. Adams, City Administrator
Medina Special City Council Meeting Minutes
May 29, 2003