Fire Contract

Fire service is provided in Breezy Point primarily through the Pequot Lakes Fire Department. We also get some service from Ideal Township. Pequot Lakes Fire Department services a number of townships as well as the city. Their fire service is set up as a fire district providing a shared cost to all that participate in the district.

The contracts for fire service are renewed on an annual basis and with Pequot Lakes the contract amount is determined by three factors. One of these factors include the annual budget of the Fire Department. The value of the buildings within the area served is another factor. The third is a use factor, which is a percentage of use over a ten year period.

The past few years with this contract we have seen large increases in use and value but with this last contract we saw a reduction in our contract price based on two of the factors. The budget for the fire department stayed the same for 2011 to 2012 so no changes there. The valuation portion of the formula went from $226,147, 200 to $218,790.800. Keep in mind this represents only building values. The use factor saw the largest change going from 32% to 27%.

When all of these are factored our cost for the past contract period was $79,427.81. The new contract period has our cost at $68,686.17. This represents a savings of $10,741.64. This is a rather significant savings, about 15%, to the tax payer in Breezy Point. When we look at ways to save money this is great. We expected to see some savings this year but this beats expectations.

I hope the trend continues with low usage as this really helped. Keep in mind this is a ten year average so one year does not make or break us in terms of costs but we have seen a tremendous benefit from that factor.

Stay safe and do what you can to prevent fires!

We're ready for Co. Rd. 11

As many of you know Crow Wing County is preparing to undertake some improvements along County Road 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. The proposed improvements started with a mill and overlay of the driving lanes of the highway. The county, wanting to be proactive, also looked at the future with a concern for safety. A task force was assembled of local participants to look at the needs within this corridor.

With this review and concern for safety they are proposing to expand the project beyond just driving lanes. Right and left turn lanes will be established at Eagle View School and also at Ranchette Drive in Breezy Point. Some bypass and right turn lanes may be established. Improvements will also be made in Pequot Lakes.

Not completely explained in the past was some improvements of lesser significance but still important. These include drainage and storm sewer, some curb and gutter, ADA pedestrian ramps and some limited sidewalks near the intersection of CSAH 11 and CSAH 4. Guardrails will be replaced in the area near the Commander.

There is a cost share to the city for these improvements. The cost share amount has been estimated at $30,084. Actual costs will be determined following bidding and construction. The county has agreed to allow payment of this amount over a two year period. Doing this helps with cash flow but also allows the county to receive some payment before closing out the project, adjustments can then be made in the final payment.

Any time a highway project is accomplished in the city it requires municipal consent. This consent was given at the April 2nd meeting. Final plans will be bid in the near future and once that is accomplished a schedule will be developed. It is not anticipated that this project will take a great deal of time but some disruption will occur this summer. The end product will be worth the disruption.