City Council Packet 08-04-2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes July 21, 2025 Page 8 of 9 would help the station be more fiscally responsible. Fire Chief Dickinson stated that the new station would have five apparatus bays for fire and three for ambulance, which would all be full on day one. Councilmember Calva returned to the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Mayor Dietz asked if the ambulance service needed three bays and if they would contribute financially. Mr. Portner responded that the City maintains a partnership with the ambulance service. Mayor Dietz asked about the potential cost of the project. Ms. Jacobson responded that the next step would be to bring someone onto the project to figure out costs. Mayor Dietz asked if the public had been informed that a new fire station is being built. Fire Chief Dickinson stated that people are talking about it, but it has yet to be publicized. Assistant Fire Chief Libor added that there was an article in the Star News a couple of months ago regarding the fire station. Councilmember Calva added that there was some negative public perception in Otsego when they began planning their fire station without informing the public. Mr. Portner felt that Elk River was different since there has been a fire department for decades, whereas Otsego is just starting its fire department. Councilmember Wagner felt that residents wouldn't be upset about building a new station until they found out the cost. Councilmember Beyer added that he would like the Council to receive a bulleted list of information about why the City needs a new fire station, so they can be "armed". Mayor Dietz encouraged the architect to come to the meetings periodically so that the Council could address any questions or changes as soon as possible. Fire Chief Dickinson asked for permission to go out for an RFP to hire a construction manager. Mr. Stremcha added that the City would like to use the same construction manager for both the fire station and the Cannabound/Northbound building. This may save on costs. Councilmember Grupa stated he did not want the two projects combined when asking residents for funding. Councilmember Wagner asked when she could provide input on the design of the Cannabound/Northbound store. She felt the design looked "neon, not classy". 11. MOTION TO ADJOURN Councilmember Wagner encouraged the other members to do a more cohesive job of making motions. Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the meeting of City Council. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Minutes prepared by Katie Porath. Page 10 of 105