Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council declines proposed fire auxiliary structure as written, asks chief to consult relief association
Summary
After the city attorney and council raised liability and employment‑law concerns, the Kasson City Council directed the fire chief to work with the existing relief association to rethink a proposed fire auxiliary program rather than adopt the structure as presented.
The Kasson City Council considered a proposal to establish a separate fire auxiliary program but, after legal and policy concerns, declined to adopt the plan as written and directed the fire chief to pursue alternatives through the department’s relief association.
City Attorney Mimi said portions of the proposed auxiliary manual appeared inconsistent with best practices recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities and basic employment law, raising worries about workers’ compensation, insurance and liability exposure. Council members acknowledged the goal of increasing volunteer engagement but said the program as drafted created legal and operational risks.
Several councilors suggested the chief refer the concept to the relief association to explore whether its bylaws could be amended to accommodate the desired volunteer structure. The council’s direction was to return with a revised plan after the chief or his designee consults with the relief association and addresses legal and insurance concerns.
No formal action to create the auxiliary program was taken at the meeting.
