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<br />Mayor Gamec stated that Youth First is really taking care of a need at the trailer park and feels <br />their efforts have resulted in a lot less trouble in the area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen agrees that Youth First is a fine org;fU1ization, but does not feel that <br />100% of the funds should go to them. She stated that there are other needs in the City and she <br />does not want our own programs to be short changed. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich distributed copies of the Park and Recreation CIP. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson cautioned that the things listed for the last year are wish list type <br />items and asked the Council not to focus on those things. He stated that for the first 4 years of <br />this CIP, there is an average of $720,000 needed within the parks. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich noted that that the charitable gambling funds are not the only source of <br />funding for the parks because there are park dedication funds and some allocation of excess <br />reserves goes into the park fund at the end of the year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he wonders if, when the City gets a community center, whether <br />some of these funds can help support it. He stated that you can have all the parks in the world, <br />but eventually you have to provide maintenance for them. He stated that he agrees with <br />Councilmember Strommen and would like to be cautious with the precedent set by handing out <br />these dollars. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look asked if Youth First requested $29,000 every year. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that they have only requested this amount for this year, but he <br />expects additional requests. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look suggested that if we grant their request that it be made clear that this is a <br />one time donation. <br /> <br />Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that in the last year, Youth First has broadened their <br />efforts to establish neighborhood centers in each community and not just serve areas like Oak <br />Terrace. She stated that Andover and Anoka have given them funds, but noted that she feels the <br />City is getting more "bang for our buck" because they are located in Ramsey. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich Clarified that the Council would like to consider the Youth First <br />request for $29,000 for 2008 with the understanding that it is a one time only grant and consider <br />other requests on a case by case basis. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he would hope other clubs or groups will step forward and get <br />involved. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she would like to know if the Council was discussing a <br />policy question or the specific request by Youth First. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session /AprilI5, 2008 <br />Page 7 of 10 <br />