Minutes - Council - 09/21/1989 - Special

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Councilmember Peterson thanked the department heads for only requesting funding for that which was necessary. Councilmember Peterson noted that the City's revenue cannot satisfy all of the wants but the City Council has to provide a certain amount of services and recreational and safety features required of a city of 12,000 population. Councilmember DeLuca also thanked the department heads for trimming their own budgets voluntarily. Councilmember DeLuca noted that for a majority of people in Ramsey, the City portion of their property taxes has not increased greatly. This shows that the City is trying to continue to have a handle on it's spending; if property taxes have increased greatly, it is usually because of something out of thc City's control. Report Of Proposed Capital Outlay Sandra Ashley proceeded to review the proposed capital outlay for 1990. General government includes $2000 for miscellaneous furnishings (file cabinets, desks, etc.). With the increase in the number of voting precincts, $3000 is being budgeted for additional voting booths. $500.00 is being requested to paint used desks purchased for Finance Office in 1989. The Community Development Department is requesting a copy machine in their lower level office. Public Safety's original request of $39,000 was decreased to $36,000; primarily the funds will be used to replace two squad cars. The Fire Protection request is at $4600. The Public Works Department has revised their request from a tandem truck to a single axle track and floor crane. The original Park and Recreation request came in at $244,000 and was trimmed to $81,700. Councilmember Peterson reviewed in detail what was requested for Park and Recreation and what was approved for the 1990 budget. Sandra Ashley continued to review capital outlay requests for the Fire Department which are classified as supplies (hoses, nozzles, dump tank, fire extinguisher) and the Engineering Department, which is basically equipment needed to equip the department. Councilmember Peterson stated that for funds were budgeted for 2 vehicles, not necessarily new, for the Engineering Department, a vehicle and a pick-up; the pick-up could also be used in the Building Inspection Department. Review Of Staffing Plans Mr. Hartley proceeded to review staffing plans. The proposal is to add one person in Public Works; one person in Parks; an engineering staff (engineer, intermediate engineering technician, entry level engineering technician, addition of person in the clerical pool under Administrative Services); the current data entry person being used part time in the Police Department would be in that department full time; adding one full time person in the Finance Department as previously budgeted. Discussion ensued regarding the City's organizational structure with the addition of an engineering department and space needed to house that department. Options for space for an additional department until City Hall is enlarged include leasing, temporary office trailer, commit to an incubator facility. City Council/September 21, 1989 Page 2 of 5