4.1. DRAFT MINUTES (1 SET) 10-04-2021

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes Page 9 September 20, 2021 ----------------------------- Ms. Ziemer indicated one thing to consider is $600,000 Capital Outlay was removed from the General Fund Budget with no designated funding source for the purchases. She explained $500,000 was designated for funding self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for the Fire Department. She noted the Fire Department received a grant for the SBCA in the amount of $243,000 so that leaves about $250,000 remaining to be funded. She added the Fire Department has been informed that there will be a price increase of 8%, or $41,000, if the SCBA are not ordered prior to November 1. She stated the Capital Outlay also included $60,000 for extrication equipment for the Fire Department for which a fund has not been designated. She noted she doesn’t believe the Fire Department has accounted for equipment needs for additional firefighters coming on board with Fire Station #3 in 2022. Councilmember Beyer indicated he thought the Fire Department was supposed to look in to leasing options for the equipment, but he hasn’t heard back. Ms. Ziemer stated leasing has not been evaluated because the Liquor Fund was identified as a possible funding source for the Fire Department to begin developing a replacement plan for their Capital Equipment and setting money aside through their General Fund budget. It was noted it may be cheaper to purchase if the funds are available to save leasing interest costs. Councilmember Beyer questioned what the Liquor Fund can be spent on. Mr. Portner indicated anything; however, they do not recommend using it for operational costs because if it goes away then you have to find replacement funding. Mr. Portner stated the Fire and Police Departments have been asked to review all their capital needs. He noted the Police Department has forfeiture funds that can only be spent on police items. The fire chief has been asked to review all capital needs and prepare a life expectancy plan for everything. Mayor Dietz indicated beginning in 2022, he would like to increase the transfer to the General Fund from $500,000 to $750,000. Councilmember Westgaard noted it can always be amended if necessary. The Council concurred. Mayor Dietz requested details by the next meeting from the Fire Department on their equipment so the Council can discuss whether to use the Liquor Fund to pay for those items or if they will need to find an alternative funding source. Ms. Ziemer noted the Fire Department will be bringing approval of the grant forward soon so a funding source must be identified prior to that approval. Mayor Dietz noted he would like to have an identified funding source by November 1 to avoid the increase on the SCBA. 9.3 Elk River Ministerial Association Donation Designated Use Discussion Mr. Portner presented the staff report. The Council discussed various options for use of the Ministerial Association donation. The Council discussed purchasing benches for Bailey Point and camera installation in the eagle’s nest.