(Arnolds Park)– The city of Arnolds Park is once again thinking about not renewing a 28E agreement it has for fire protection with Center Grove Township. The issue was the topic of discussion the city council had last night with the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors, township officials and residents of several developments on the east side of East Lake Okoboji.
City administrator Ron Walker outlined the city’s concern over liability if for some reason the Arnolds Park fire department wouldn’t be able to put out a fire in an area that’s outside of city limits.
Norvin Johnson of the Center Grove township board of trustees said the city is blowing the liability issue out of proportion. He questioned why other fire departments that have similar contracts with other townships aren’t making an issue out of it. Johnson said he’s especially frustrated over the fact the city keeps threatening to pull the plug on the agreement.
The council took no action last night. They want to see if there’s any possible way the city could limit its liability by changing some wording in the present agreement. The city attorney will be requested to look at that and report back prior to the council’s next meeting in October when they’ll take up the issue again.
