Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/01/2011

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4) Consider Community and Business Event Participation Deputy City Administrator Nelson stated there are a number of key events that take place in a year that the Council and staff receive invitations for. There are various galas and golf events in support of community and business organizations. The City's Discretionary Expenditures Policy requires that annually, the City Administrator review upcoming events and discuss attendance by the Council and staff. Additionally, the policy states that annually the City will establish a maximum amount for community and business relation expenses. The following events are anticipated for 2011: Anoka Area Chamber Gala and Boy Scout Breakfast in February, Mayors Prayer Breakfast in March, Mercy Unity Foundation Crystal Ball in April, various golf events May through September which include Anoka Area Chamber, Anoka/Ramsey Rotary, Anoka Technical College, Bridge Link, Golfin' for Kids, Mercy & Unity Hospitals, Ramsey Lions, North Metro Mayors Association. She stated there is about $1,900 allocated for these types of events. The EDA budgets separately for different golf events. Councilmember Jeffrey felt the list was fairly complete. Mayor Ramsey stated there are a couple he would not go to and questioned if the Crystal Ball would really benefit Ramsey. Councilmember Elvig stated the benefit would be for the community hospital. He talked about the cardiac wing and how it's great that this hospital is so close to our own community. City Administrator Ulrich commented that when the City was "courting" Allina, there was a good reason to have a showing there. Councilmember Elvig stated that to have a quality local hospital is a big deal. Ms. Nelson stated that the Anoka Area Chamber Gala is coming up at the end of the month and it is $125 for two people to attend. The policy says we pay for staff but not a guest. The Boy Scout breakfast — they are always looking for a table captain. The Mayors Prayer Breakfast — we have always brought a few people to that. The Alexandra House Gala is quite spendy. Mayor Ramsey stated that the City has given the Alexandra House money for years. Councilmember Backous stated he would like to go to the Anoka Area Chamber Gala. Councilmember Jeffrey stated he would be attending the gala as a representative of the college. Councilmember Elvig stated he has gone to all of these on his own dime. Councilmember Backous and Councilmember Tossey expressed interest in attending the Mayors Prayer Breakfast. Councilmember McGlone stated he would like to attend the Chamber Gala. Councilmember Elvig stated he would like to do the Boy Scout Breakfast and the Mayors Prayer Breakfast to which Councilmember McGlone stated he would too. City Council Work Session — February 1, 2011 Page 10 of 12