Vadnais Heights council rescinds bond resolution for proposed fire station after public pushback

The Vadnais Heights City Council on June 16 voted unanimously to rescind Resolution No. 26-05-30, which had authorized issuance of bonds for a proposed fire station project.

City Administrator Kevin Watson presented the recommendation to rescind the prior resolution, and Mayor Mike Krachmer acknowledged the project's significance for public safety. Councilmember Erik Goebel told colleagues he believed the project needed to be slowed; Councilmember Jerry Moynagh said he supported pausing the effort and called for community energy to help fill leadership roles for nonprofits related to the project. Goebel moved to rescind the resolution, Moynagh seconded, and the motion passed by a 3-0 vote.

The action followed an extended public comment period in which residents raised several concerns about the project and the financing plan. Patricia Youker of Evergreen Court urged the council to place the bonding question on the ballot and to include the full cost of the project "including interest," saying petition signers expressed that preference. Jan Uzilk asked why the feasibility study did not include the option of the north service station and criticized the proposed financing structure for lacking principal payments.

Other residents warned of a heavier tax burden if bonds are issued. David Probst said bond debt service could become the city's largest line item. Kim Westerholm said the city already carries debt and expressed concern about the project's scale, the cost of canceling bids, and potential impacts to the city's bond rating. Jay Olson, a volunteer firefighter, emphasized the importance of firefighter safety and equipment while questioning whether the proposed facility's cost was necessary.

Former Fire Chief Bob Running provided background on the planning and construction of the south fire station, saying it had been designed to meet future needs; longtime resident Jan Jarviven said the north service station was intended to serve roughly half the city and pressed the council on claims of misinformation. Bob Morse criticized a communications firm for presenting only one side of the story and raised concerns about cancellation-related costs and negative attention. Resident Shaun Adamski urged the council to improve how it works with and listens to the community.

Mayor Krachmer closed the public comment period at 7:55 p.m. City Administrator Watson said he was accepting feedback about the fire station. The council did not adopt a replacement financing plan at the meeting; next steps were not formalized beyond Watson’s outreach to gather further input.