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Rock Creek reviews fire-district feasibility study as local substation handles rising call volume
Summary
The council received a feasibility study recommending a Joint Powers Fire District to address an estimated $257,000 annual funding gap and reviewed local Fire Substation response data showing Station #2 increased first-response activity in April; no formal action to form a district was taken.
City Council members on June 4 received a final Pine City Area Fire Services Feasibility Study from Triad Paradigm that recommended transitioning from the current contract-based model to a Joint Powers Fire District to provide shared governance and stabilize funding.
The study, presented by Charles Paradigm of Triad Paradigm, identified an approximate current annual funding gap of $257,000, growing service demands, aging apparatus and staffing challenges. It recommended adopting a shared funding formula, creating a district governance structure, adding an Assistant Fire Chief position, establishing a capital replacement fund, and pursuing future substations in Pokegama Township and along the I-35 corridor to improve response times and service coverage. The study also said district formation could reduce long-term costs while improving service delivery and potentially lower insurance premiums through improved ISO ratings. A full version of the study is available from the City Office, the council was told.
Council members also reviewed operational data for Rock Creek’s recently opened Fire Substation (Station #2). The report showed Station #2 responded to 3 of the department’s 8 total calls in March and arrived first on scene for 2 of those incidents; in April Station #2 responded to 11 calls and arrived first on all 11; and in May Station #2 responded to 4 of the department’s 9 total calls and arrived first on 3 incidents. Overall, Rock Creek firefighters responded to 7 of 8 calls in March, all 29 calls in April and 8 of 9 calls in May. Council Member Nancy Rys said she was grateful for what has been accomplished with the fire substation project. Council Member and Building Official Sam Christenson said for the record that although he originally voted against transitioning to 100% local fire protection through Rush City, he is pleased with the partnership’s results.
Council members reviewed an ISO certification document requested by Rush City Fire Chief Bob Carlson that certifies ownership and operation of the Rock Creek Fire Substation, availability of the Rock Creek Dry Hydrant to neighboring departments, year-round access maintenance and the presence of a floater pump on Rush City engine 4271. The council did not take formal action at the June 4 meeting to form a Joint Powers Fire District; the study’s recommendations will require further discussion and any future formal steps by the council.
