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Councilmember McGlone noted the Building Department had more expenses than revenues, that <br />went on for years and no one did anything about it. He questioned how much of that goes on in <br />each department the City has Councilmember McGlone stated he gets compliments on how <br />people love what the Council has done with the Building Department. Those changes were <br />difficult to make but it was the right decision for the public. He stated he wants what is right for <br />the public in all departments, noting government is not in business to turn a profit and needs to <br />be as lean as it can be. <br />City Administrator Ulrich continued review of recommended reductions and resulting impact to <br />level of service. <br />Councilmember Strommen referenced the Park budget reduction for trail overlays and asked <br />about increased liability should there be an injury as a result of the deteriorated trail <br />conditions /sink hole, such as exists on the trail along the north side of Sunfish Lake. She noted <br />the staff report indicates the con of this budget cut is: "trails could become hazardous." <br />City Administrator Ulrich explained the City has a $10,000 insurance deductible, that is the <br />City's initial liability, and staff has determined the recommended budget cut would not be <br />negligent related to trail maintenance. <br />Public Works Director Olson stated it was not too long ago the City put no money into trail <br />overlays, and the budget would not be completely cut but reduced by $15,000 for one year and <br />then decreased by $5,000 in subsequent years. He stated the worse spots will be fixed this year <br />and then suspended for one year. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated this is an overall policy item. He noted there was a definite desire <br />by people in the community to not have growth but they wanted things like nice restaurant so <br />that is the base value of The COR. Council policy was developed that if growth comes, it will <br />pay for itself and be of benefit to current residents. Cost structures and fees were established <br />with that policy in mind. Councilmember Elvig noted if the Council is now saying it wants to <br />entice development and lower fees, that is a different conversation and policy shift. He stated <br />one of the Council's main goals was to add more trails and become multi -modal so he is <br />concerned that cutting maintenance will result in trails that are in the same situation as roads. <br />Mayor Ramsey supported the Council looking at all options and areas that can be cut. He noted <br />that Fire Chief Kapler's name has come up to fill the Public Works Director position as he had <br />previously served in that capacity. He asked Fire Chief Kapler how he would have enough time <br />to dedicate to that position and what would be left undone. <br />Fire Chief Kapler noted when times are tough you have to make some sacrifices so you take a <br />life that is busy and make it busier. He stated there are more positives /similarities between the <br />Police and Fire Departments than differences and staff will be talking more about shared <br />services. <br />Mayor Ramsey agreed there are similarities. <br />City Council Work Session / May 1, 2012 <br />Page 10of15 <br />