Minutes - Council Work Session - 11/30/2010

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from the General Fund and won't impact the levy as they are funded through the Equipment Replacement Fund and is a wash. It was Council's consensus to approve a total levy of $8,128,609 for the General Fund levy, Debt Service levy and EDA levy, and a General Fund budget of $9,449,400 with a proposed tax capacity rate of 39.998 %. Public Works Director Olson said that with the recent three snow /ice events in November the City is running low on salt and asked for approval to purchase 600 additional tons at a cost of $36,000. He said part of this cost can be funded through the street maintenance program for pedestrian curb ramps that only cost $20,000 instead of the projected $45,000. Council agreed to authorize the additional purchase of road salt. Councilmember McGlone asked about paying for staff memberships in Rotary at a cost of $2,400 a year. Finance Officer Lund distributed the City's membership expenditures list. Council reviewed the City's current memberships, including League of Minnesota Cities, and the benefit of being a part of that organization. Police Chief Way said the City has been a Rotary member since its inception six years ago, and noted it is not just a social club but a civic organization that has contacts in the business community and provides an information exchange. He added one group they strongly support is Youth First, which is a City- supported organization. Mayor Ramsey said he is fine if staff continues to be members but asked that they be cautious about what is discussed at City meetings. Councilmember Wise said there will be influences made no matter what but said the membership amount is not high so he is fine with staff being members. Councilmember Look asked what the benefit is to having staff as Rotary members. City Administrator Ulrich said it helps being connected to the community. City Administrator Ulrich said he will ask the other Councilmembers for their input on Rotary membership. Mayor Ramsey asked about Rotary's donation list. Fire Chief Kapler said he will obtain a copy for. Council review. He added that he is very careful about potential information exchange and that the presentations are professional and not slanted. Councilmember -Elect Backous said he is a Rotary member and is proud of the group's work, adding that he currently pays his membership dues personally. City Council Work Session / November 30, 2010 Page 5 of 7