Jessica Foster
Staff WriterMonday was a night for chiefís business at the Forest Lake City Council meeting.
It was the last meeting for outgoing Forest Lake Police Chief Dave Schwartz, who was given applause and a standing ovation from the mayor and council for his years of service.
Schwartz is being replaced by Clark Quiring of Sioux Falls, SD. The new chief said last week he will begin duties here Tuesday, January 13 though he plans to spend a day shadowing Schwartz later this month.
His starting salary is $76,000.
The meeting also was the beginning for a new chief. Gary Sigfrinius, who has served the Forest Lake Fire Department as a part time chief for a decade, now will serve as a full time chief. Sigfriniusí department showed up at the city council meeting in full force to support their chief.
After considering changing the position from part time to full time for a number of years, it was the fire board who made the recommendation for the change.
ìI donít believe there is any doubt, with the call load and OSHA requirements, to keep us above board itís almost impossible for a part time chief to maintain that,î said City Administrator Chip Robinson.
Councilwoman Susan Young, also a member of the fire board, made the motion to change the status of the fire chief and retain the incumbent.
Sigfrinius, who has served as chief for 10 years, thanked the council for its show of support.
ìThanks so much for trusting me with this position,î he said. ìWith this group of men and women you wonít be disappointed.î
In previous years, 350 calls was a record year. Sigfrinius said he expects more than 400 calls by the end of 2003.
He will not take on the full time role until the beginning of 2004. With the new responsibilities comes new money. Sigfrinius needs to wrap up his responsibilities with the military before taking on this new position.
He is a lieutenant colonel, plans/operations and military support officer with the Minnesota Army National Guard. His salary is yet to be determined, as the contract is being negotiated.
New inspector
The council approved hiring a Building Inspector I.
Hiring the inspector will be a cost savings to the city. In about five months, the city has expended more than $60,000 for contracted inspectors. The salary range for the new inspector will be in the $40,000 range with a total cost to the city, with benefits, approaching $60,000.
Robinson said the addition was needed. ìWe are very busy. I think we need to continue to try to improve the delivery system we have in the building department,î he said. ìThereís no doubt the building department fees will cover this.î
Levy/budget
The Forest Lake city council adopted the 2004 operating budget and the 2004 property tax levy. The levy was approved at $3,972,062.
Meetings
The Forest Lake City Council regularly meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Forest Lake city council chambers. Due to the holidays, there will not be a second meeting in December. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12.
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