Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Mevissen did not think that the average homeowner would go out to clear the hydrants with <br />large equipment. <br /> <br />Chief Kapler suggested this issue will get larger. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson suggested contacting other cities to see what works and what doesn't. <br /> <br />Mr. Mevissen stated that Anoka has written articles where they are asking their residents to help <br />promote this type of program. <br /> <br />c) Park and Recreation Cost Centers and Related Requests <br /> <br />#452: Park and Recreation <br /> <br />Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that there are no drastic changes in the budget. There are <br />modest increases and less modest decreases. The gasoline increase is based on increased activity <br />and increase in gas costs. There is an increase in office supplies and the tires are a little less than <br />this year. There is a modest increase in vehicle parts. He added that there are basically no changes <br />until you get to #4305, medical/psychological fees - that's medical testing for new hires and that <br />should be listed under 1130, therefore, that $100 should be deleted from the Park budget. There <br />are increases in electric utilities - the irrigation system at Emerald Pond Park and the field lighting at <br />Central Park. There is increased machine rental. There is no difference in training. A different <br />maintenance worker is trained to be a certified tree inspector. With regard to personnel, he is <br />asking for an additional maintenance worker in each of the next two years. Although that may not <br />be a reality, he is having a hard time keeping up with the work right now. We are at the threshold <br />of what we can handle. He pointed out that it is difficult to find part-time, temporary workers <br />outside of June, July and August. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer commented that there should be enough help for overall maintenance of the <br />parks. <br /> <br />Mr. Boos stated that a lot of maintenance has to do with people power. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer asked about keeping up with what we have right now. She stated that the <br />greatest comment she gets is that Mr. Boos has told people that he has enough. Councilmember <br />Beyer asked about the $17,000 for other contracted services. <br /> <br />Mr. Boos responded that's for seeding, etc. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated she was referring to Chem Lawn. She added she has received some <br />major complaints about chemicals in the parks. <br /> <br />Mr. Boos responded that the Park and Recreation Commission is focusing on a policy for the use <br />of chemicals. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer felt the Commission should re-evaluate the use of chemicals. We should <br />not use them. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that a few years ago there were complaints that we did not do dandelion <br />treatment. <br /> <br />Councilmember Beyer stated that we should do a natural process - there should not be chemicals <br />used. <br /> <br />Finance Committee/Budget Work Session/August 5, 199~> <br /> Page 5 of 7 <br /> <br /> <br />