Local Studies

Code Enforcement Study

As a result of an unusual increase in citizen complaints about code enforcement of residential property a study was adopted. The committee reviewed all of the current ordinances regulating residential areas. In particular focus was pointed on the inspection process and community standards. We compared neighboring cities and considered a number of ideas for change. Since the city staff was in the process of revising and updating ordinances, the committee agreed to revisit the topic when that effort was completed or when new regulations were proposed. The committee believed the problems were personnel-based rather than the result of ill-conceived ordinances.

An informational meeting was held with slides of representative property and discussion ensued regarding local community standards. There was no evidence of strong feeling calling for consensus.

Fire Departments Study

The League of Women Voters of Roseville, Maplewood, Falcon Heights has published a study about the Roseville Fire Department. It gives the history of the Fire Department, an overview of the current Fire Department and an idea of emerging issues.

Our study committee worked for a year and six months preparing the publication. Participation in government is more productive when citizens are informed. Roseville "Fire Department 2003 and Beyond" gives no opinions. The league recommends that citizens read the publication and ask their own questions.

In November 2003 the members of the RoMaFH League took consensus. All questions asked were from information contained in the publications.

Copies are available at the Ramsey County Library, the Fairview Community Center and Roseville City Hall.

Roseville Fire Department 2003 and Beyond - Consensus Statement (Nov 2003)

The League of Women Voters Roseville, Maplewood, Falcon Heights consensus is based on the material in our published report, Roseville Fire Department 2003 And Beyond. No questions were asked that were not addressed in the publication. The publication was validated by the city manager, fire chief and finance director.

Emerging issues, which the LWV RoMaFH urges the city to address, are as follows:

1. Increased Wages for staffing and fire calls.

   • For staffing $10 plus per hour

   • For fire calls $11 plus per hour

2. Reduced Vesting Period from ten years to somewhere between five and seven years.

3. Other Recommendations for recruiting volunteer firefighters and keeping more volunteer firefighters areas follows:

   • Encourage the city employees to become volunteer firefighters

   • Designing a brochure explaining the duties and benefits of becoming a Roseville firefighter to be used for recruiting, marketing and publicity could include distributing the brochure to new homeowners through Realtors.

   • Generally more marketing and publicity of the job and benefits.

4. If all else fails the LWV supports hiring full-time fire-fighters for daytime shifts.

5. The LWV supports the current arrangement of the police department as the first responder for fire calls and emergency medical services.

The LWV does not support the proposed combination fire department with volunteer firefighters and full time firefighters cross-trained as paramedics. (This plan would provide two stations staffed 24/7. The city would purchase two SUVs that would be equipped with paramedic supplies, but would not be able to transport. The police would remain as first responder. Also would include closing Fire Station I)

The LWV does not support either option for increased services through the current emergency medical services that is:

1. Add an ambulance 24/7 at a cost of $462,000

2. Add a first responder 24/7 which would not transport at a cost of $278,000

The LWV would not support a fee for service for the fire department.

The LWV would not support the hiring of a fire prevention specialist.