Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/28/2014

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costs for activities such as Happy Days, Safety Camp, and Youth First. She presented the summary contained in the meeting packet and asked for Council feedback on the necessity of memberships /events and whether there was cost benefit to each event. City Administrator Ulrich noted this consideration is within the Council's Strategic Plan to consider the magnitude spent on these groups ($161,700). He stated the only two items added were the Anoka County Mediation Services and Transportation Alliance. Mayor Pro Tem Backous agreed that Ramsey is a large user of Mediation Services. City Administrator Ulrich provided an update on a staff led Transportation Alliance and coalition with Anoka, Ramsey, Champlin, Andover, Coon Rapids, and Anoka County to address the Highway 10/169 corridor. He stated that amount ($30,000) could be reduced somewhat as a paid consultant may not be used. Finance Director Lund stated that 83 Ramsey residents have been served by the Anoka County Mediation Services and the last time the City contributed was in 2009. Councilmember Riley stated the Council has not yet discussed Hope for Youth, which was started by a Ramsey resident. He stated he hears a lot about it, has visited their location, and would like to learn more about that organization. Mayor Pro Tem Backous supported that suggestion. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if that group has requested the City's help. City Administrator Ulrich stated they have not as they have several big fundraisers each year. He stated staff could look into opportunities to contribute such as `buying' a table at one of their fundraisers. Councilmember LeTourneau stated they are a young grass -roots organization with unique sets of skills with fundraising and been successful in that effort. He indicated he does support their efforts but since they are not asking for the City's help, he would suggest first asking Hope for Youth about their needs. City Administrator Ulrich stated Hope for Youth is proud they have not taken any government funding but staff could still determine whether there is another means to engage with that group. Councilmember LeTourneau asked whether the Council is being asked if it supports all of the organizations listed in the staff report or which ones should be eliminated. City Administrator Ulrich explained there is not a budget goal to reduce expenses but if there are any organizations the Council feels are not worth funding, the Council could indicate which events /memberships to eliminate or to add if found worthy. City Council Work Session / October 28, 2014 Page 6 of 9