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<br />He asked staff to put together a list of criteria to evaluate the priority of replacing positions as <br />people leave. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he has no problems with the various committees taking a look <br />at this and feels that it sends a good message to residents that the Council is cognizant of the <br />slow down of the economy. He stated that he would advocate a hiring freeze because it also <br />shows that the Council is willing to "trim a little fat". He stated that he would be in favor of a <br />blanket freeze for a period of one year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he would not agree with a blanket freeze. He stated that he <br />does agree that this is a budget issue and is worthwhile for the committees to discuss. <br /> <br />County Financial Support for Rail Station <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that he received a letter from the County that indicated a cost <br />sharing proposal for the rail station in the City. <br /> <br />Excise Sales Tax Increase <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that there was a press release from the County Board that they <br />have approved a quarter cent excise sales tax to be used to improve transit, which will be <br />effective July 1,2008. He stated that he had spoken with the County Board Chair who indicated <br />that these funds could be used to pay for proposed rail stations in Friday and Ramsey. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he met with Representative Michelle Bachmann today and she feels the <br />City may be eligible for some funding for the rail station. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he would like to see some of this positive information about a <br />rail stop brought to developers and newspapers. He stated that good news doesn't seem to travel <br />as fast as bad news, so the City should be proactive in getting the message out. <br /> <br />ADJOURNMENT <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to adjourn the meeting. <br /> <br />Motion carried. <br /> <br />The regular meeting of the City Council adjourned at 9:30 p.m. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br />Kurtis G. Ulrich <br />City Administrator <br /> <br />City Council! March 25, 2008 <br />Page 16 of17 <br /> <br />P38 <br />