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| Lower ISO Rating for FD Could Benefit Crosslake ResidentsBy Paul Boblett, Editor At the regular monthly meeting of the Crosslake City Council on Monday, November 9, Crosslake Fire chief Keith Anderson reported that the Crosslake Fire Department had qualified for a better rating after a review of the Public Protection Classification by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). Anderson called this good news for anyone with homeowner’s or business insurance in the city as the reduced rating, from 8 to 7, could result in lower insurance rates for residents and business owners. According to the their website, www.isomitigation.com, using a manual called the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, ISO objectively evaluates three major areas: Fire alarm and communications systems account for 10% of the total classification. The Fire Department accounts for 50% of the total classification and includes first-alarm response and initial attack to minimize potential loss, engine companies, ladder or service companies, distribution of fire stations and fire companies, equipment carried on apparatus, pumping capacity, reserve apparatus, department personnel, and training. Third is a review of the water-supply system that accounts for 40% of the total classification. ISO reviews the water supply a community uses to determine the adequacy for fire-suppression purposes. Also considered is hydrant size, type, and installation, as well as the inspection frequency and condition of hydrants. After completing the field survey, ISO analyzes the data and calculates a PPC rating. Anderson said that in 1991 the department reduced the rating from a 10 to an 8. In September of 2007, the department tested again but did not meet the ISO criteria. Anderson said that in April of this year, they again tested using the new equipment and sent in the test results. The city was notified in a letter to City Administrator Tom Swenson from ISO. Anderson said that the recent purchase of the 1996 E1 Pumper, made possible by a generous donation from the Merrill family, was the biggest reason the rating was lowered. Anderson recommended that insurance holders should contact their insurance company after December 1, 2009, when the rating goes into effect, to see if they qualify for a reduced rate. They in turn will contact the city clerk/treasurer, who will provide them the necessary information. Anderson reported a total of 14 calls for October including 12 medicals. Council approves IBEW Collective Bargaining Agreement The City of Crosslake and IBEW Union Local 949 have come to a formal agreement on a contract for years 2009-2011 and the contracts were being formalized. Council approved a proposed agreement that calls for increases in the pay schedules of 1.00% in 2009, 1.50% in 2010, and 1.75% in 2011. Ordinance Updated for City Employee Benefits Council passed an ordinance amendment regarding retiree health and dental benefits for city employees. Until now, the ordinance stated the employee had to reach age 62 years to qualify for the benefits. The amendment removes age requirements and now reads that employees who complete a specified amount of service with the city are eligible to receive up to three years of medical and dental coverage. The amendment also makes the requirements the same for both union and nonunion employees. Sewer Charges Certified Council unanimously approved a resolution certifying unpaid sewer charges for eight properties in the city. he total amount owed is $7,773.81, which past due and delinquent on October 15. Crosslake’s City Code allows the city to assess delinquent sewer charges back onto the property. Every year, all charges that are past due and delinquent on October 15 will be certified to the County Auditor as taxes or assessments on the real estate. Community Development Director Ken Anderson stated that all of the property owners had been notified of the charges before this action was taken. In other Planning and Zoning matters, council unanimously motioned to begin enforcement action on two property owners for non-compliant septic systems. Tax rates compared Council reviewed a memo from Swenson containing information on how the City of Crosslake compares to 28 other area municipalities in City Tax Rate and Total Tax Rate (city, county, school and special taxing districts). Crosslake had the third lowest (18.27%) Average City Tax rate, and the second lowest (55.28%) Total Tax Rate for taxes payable in 2009. East Gull Lake was the lowest (10.49%, 54.63%) and Cass Lake was highest (125.34%, 191.66%) in both categories. The information was from the September 2009 League of Minnesota Cities monthly magazine. Public Safety Police chief Robert Hartman reported a total of 123 calls in Crosslake for the month of October, including 30 traffic, 16 alarm calls and 13 medical; Mission Township totaled 26 calls. In other council business: • Unanimously motioned to close all City facilities on Thursday, Dec. 24, except for the Community Center, Public Works Department in case of a snowstorm, and the Police Department. Employees would be required to use a personal day, vacation day or compensatory time. • Accepted a donation of $750 from the Crosslake-Ideal Lions to go toward the youth soccer program at the Crosslake Community Center. • Appointed Clerk/Treasurer Jenny Max as the Responsible Authority and Data Practices Compliance Official. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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