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<br />Councilmember Look asked if there was a way to mitigate the P A system noise as suggested <br />earlier by Councilmember Elvig. <br /> <br />Mr. Gruber stated that the event promoter has done events at the Anoka County, Isanti County <br />and Sherburne County fairs in addition to the State Fair. He stated that he has a system designed <br />to let the crowd know what is going on, but not have sound leave the site. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that, personally, he would like to not allow the bull riding event this year <br />until the City finds out how other events go because there will be continuous talk at this event. <br /> <br />Mr. Gruber stated that the event only lasts 2 hours, once a year. He stated that this event is the <br />only one where he will be able to make a profit, because he is donating much of the proceeds <br />from the Tribute for the Troops event. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to approve the Special <br />Events permits for the Tribute for the Troops and bull riding events for Diamonds Sports Bar. <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Olson stated that she agrees with Mayor Gamec's concern <br />about the bull riding event, but feels that since the City is giving them a year of trial for other <br />events at the site, she feels this should also be allowed a trial period. Councilmember Look <br />stated the importance of making sure that the P A system used for the bull riding events falls <br />within the acceptable decibel levels for the City. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Elvig, Jeffrey, Dehen, Look, Olson, and <br />Strommen. Voting No: Mayor Gamec. <br /> <br />MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that Governor Pawlenty has taken steps to implement a hiring <br />freeze at the State level, because of the uncertainty of the economy and budget short falls. He <br />stated that he would like the Council to consider what steps the City could take to also <br />implement a hiring freeze. He stated that Andover has taken steps to not replace positions as <br />people leave the City's employment. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec suggested that the Personnel Committee could review this situation with staff and <br />give a recommendation to the Council. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that currently there is one vacancy in the Planning Department <br />and one position in the Police Department that is budgeted to begin July 1,2008. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she would also like the Finance Committee to discuss this <br />because at the State level this came from budget forecast issues. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated that he feels some positions are essential and is not willing to <br />consider a hiring freeze at this point, but agrees that new positions should be looked at closely. . <br /> <br />City Council! March 25, 2008 <br />Page 15 of 17 <br /> <br />P37 <br />