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to make it happen. Councilmember Strommen noted the Public Works Director works tirelessly <br />to find grant funding for road projects but that position is proposed to not be filled. She asked <br />why it is alright to think that a future Council can raise taxes but it is not alright for this Council <br />to raise taxes if it is pledging growth will occur. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated there may be a philosophical difference but he does not believe <br />the City needs an economic staff person because the private market will come to Ramsey <br />because of availability and the market will drive it, not having a staff person in that position. He <br />stated he does not support creating a revenue stream through franchise fees because once it starts, <br />it will not go away. Councilmember Tossey stated it should be handled through representative <br />government that responded to the citizens; if citizens want roads improved or more police /fire <br />fighters, government should respond at that time, not dedicate funding that will not go away even <br />after roads are done. <br />Councilmember McGlone noted Councilmember Strommen had addressed pledging growth in <br />the future for road funding but Bolton & Menk projected a growth rate of 260 units /year and the <br />Council is going on the best information it has at this time. He believed the Council can count <br />on some growth since commercial business will come because of good roads, interchanges, and <br />tax base faster than anything one staffer will do. <br />City Administrator Ulrich asked if he should present staff impacts tonight or at a future Work <br />Session. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he would like that information presented tonight so the Council <br />can discuss service impacts. He noted staff has been attending Work Sessions and also needs <br />that information. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated he relies on the City Administrator to recommend staffing cuts and asked <br />if the level of service will be maintained with the recommended cuts. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated there are selected impacts, as previously presented, so it is not <br />the same level of service but it may be an acceptable level of service. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated the Council has reduced staffing for three years in a row and other than a <br />few people mentioning the boulevard/parks are not mowed as often, he has not heard any <br />complaints about the level of staffing or service. He stated that is an achievement and credit to <br />staff because they have picked up the work. <br />City Administrator Ulrich presented information contained in the February 14, 2012, meeting <br />packet relating to budget reductions and list of impacts for each reduction. <br />Councilmember Strommen noted there would be a reduction in the Public Works intern position <br />in addition to the Public Works Director position not being filled and asked about impact to <br />services. <br />City Council Work Session / May 1, 2012 <br />Page 8 of 15 <br />