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PEQUTO LAKES AREA FIRE BOARD MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING 8-12-2020 The special meeting of the PLAFB was called to order by Chairman Peterson. Members were thanked for attending our meeting with such a short notice. Chief Nelson reported the purpose of the special meeting was to inform Fire Board members of a lack of capital equipment funding he is experiencing when planning budget needs for fire trucks. Currently he is basing replacement costs for these trucks using a 30 year replacement plan. He introduced a detailed list of our Department's trucks starting with the oldest which need replacement as soon as possible.Also on this list were a list of major equipment including info of life expectancy and expected replacement year. He explained the City's current Capital improvement plan (CIP)that began with 2014 when our current Engine 3 was purchased using a 10 year lease to purchase.A$30,000.00 payment is applied every year thru 2024.Our 2021 proposed budget needs are$70,000 to replace Tanker 3 that is 37 years old. Normal costs for a tanker are in a range of$230,000.00 to$270,000.00. Fire Department Chiefs have been searching for a reliable used tanker to get by for less money. Good used tanker trucks are impossible to find. Chief Nelson proposed purchasing a 2009 DNR surplus truck and contracting with a company to update the truck chassis with newer style emergency lights and other equipment and also to use the water tank from our current Tanker 3.The estimated cost to purchase the chassis and transfer the water tank with needed updates is$70,000.00.The current Covid-19 epidemic has halted progress for this plan. Chief Nelson asked Fire Board members for their support concerning funding plans before he meets with City council members next week. Administrator Wussow(Breezy Point) asked how much of Breezy Point's contract payment actually applied to our budget's debt.The answer was about 25%. He went on to state our Department is looking at approximately$800,000.00 needed funds over the next three years and we currently have$37,000.00 to$45,000.00 available. Council member Westerberg(Pelican Township)asked about the fact that 30%of our budget goes to our firemen's pension fund and made a comparison to his township's other fire contract with Nisswa and only 3%of that payment goes to pensions. Chief Nelson reply was the pension costs is a valuable asset in retaining fire fighters. He would like to lower the percentage that goes to pensions. Mayor Lillehei (Breezy Point)thoughts were the City(Pequot Lakes) has to substantially contribute to the needs along with all contracted areas by developing a plan. Board member Dubay(lenkins Township)explained his thoughts were the City(Pequot Lakes) needs to prioritize what trucks/equipment will need to be replaced first by planning a schedule. Administrator Wussow(Breezy Point) suggested the City(Pequot Lakes) needs to establish a financial plan to get through the crisis. His thoughts were there is an actual dollar shortage in the $92,000.00 to$100,000.00 range per year.