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