Minutes - Council - 09/21/1989 - Special

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Councilmember Peterson explained that a comparison inspection was done on those park maintenance tasks performed by a contractor and those performed in house. It was determined that the City could save money while maintaining the level of services by ceasing to contract out and hiring an additional person in parks and acquiring an additional lawn tractor. A discussion ensued regarding the Trailblazer Program tried in 1989 and it was determined that the program would be repeated in 1989. It was noted that the program is not intended to replace the need for regular full-time staff but rather to give young people a chance to do an honest day's work while involving them in their community. Mr. Hartley noted that the Budget Committee is recommending approval of the Community Ed budget which includes activities at Sandburg School. The recommendation is based on the fact that Sandburg, although not located in Ramsey, serves 70% of Ramsey's youth and who do have access to the programs through activitiy buses twice a week. Councilmember Peterson noted that the community ed budget for 1990 is less than in 1989 because the Ramsey Adolescent Program will be funded through participation fees versus by the City. A discussion ensued regarding the request for an economic development staff person. Councilmember DeLuca stated that the position was not included in the budget because the Budget Committee was concern with the amount of available revenue. Councilmember DeLuca suggested that an option might be to contract for such a person and thereby save on space and overhead costs. Mr. Jack Ippel was present and stated that there has not been a concentrated effort to pursue economic development through other than voluntary commissioners and interns; the only staff support the Economic Development Commission is presently receiving is that of a secretary to take minutes. Mr. Ippel stated that Ramsey has the largest, single piece of undeveloped industrial land in the metro area and it is time to start marketing it. An economic development person should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense. The City Council consensus was that the position of an economic development person will be reviewed when the City's actual revenues are known. Review Of Certain Revenue And Trust Fund Balances Sandra Ashley reviewed balances in General Fund Undesignated ($904,903), Landfill Tipping Fee ($486,204), Landfill Trust Fund ($2,002,885), Public Works Fund ($67,246), Park Trust Fund ($35,946) and Administrative Trust Fund ($8,757), Equipment Revolving Fund ($271,000). Sandra Ashley stated that there needs to be a review of all of the City's equipment with respect to life expectancy and replacement costs to be sure there are a sufficient amount of dollars in the equipment revolving fund. Discussion ensued regarding the funding source for the Fire Department beyond 1989- 1990. Mr. Hartley stated that the Budget Committee is of the opinion that it is acceptable to use interest from trust funds but the principle should be maintained, especially in the Landfill Trust Fund. City Council/September 21, 1989 Page 3 of 5