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Isanti council approves amended fire-district lease, shifts utilities and cleaning costs in 4-1 vote
Summary
The Isanti City Council approved an amended lease with the Isanti Area Joint Operating Fire District that gives the district exclusive use of the Sandy Fire Hall and makes the district responsible for gas, electricity and cleaning costs while reimbursing the city for premises-liability insurance; the measure passed 4-1 after debate over water billing and fairness to residents.
The Isanti City Council on a 4-1 vote approved an amended lease with the Isanti Area Joint Operating Fire District that grants the district exclusive use of the Sandy Fire Hall and shifts responsibility for utilities and cleaning to the district.
City staff outlined the proposed changes, which replace language in the 2005 lease to specify that the fire district "shall have exclusive use of the facility," pay for its own gas and electrical expenses, and be solely responsible for cleaning costs. The resolution also states the city will provide premises-liability insurance through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and that the district will reimburse the city 100% of the attributable premium costs.
Council members pressed staff on what would and would not be billed. City staff said water used to fill fire trucks historically has been metered but not billed and that the amendment would continue that practice; personal consumption in kitchen or bathroom areas would be metered and not billed under the proposed waiver language. Staff told council that when police previously used the building the city’s portion of water/sewer costs was estimated at about $2,200 per year.
Some council members raised concerns about fairness to residents. One councilmember said they felt ‘‘kind of bad’’ about waiving certain municipal charges while residents continue to pay. Another argued public safety needs justify the arrangement. After discussion, Councilman Lundin moved to approve the resolution and Councilman Heaman seconded; the motion passed 4-1.
The lease amendment will be incorporated into the Sandy Fire Hall lease agreement and, if the fire district chief concurs with any final edits, the document may move to signature and the district could take possession as soon as allowed under the terms.
The council’s approval updates an agreement originally dated February 2005 and includes separate resolutions to continue city-provided lawn mowing and snow-plowing services during the lease term and after transfer of ownership.
