Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/10/2015

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City Administrator Ulrich stated the Policy is not well defined in how General Funds are used to support civic organizations but the City tried to gear it towards things like the Alexander House and Juvenile Diversion as it results in saving Police resources in spending less time on those items. He stated the current Policy limits use of funds to youth oriented programs but if the Council agrees, staff can broaden the language to consider other agencies requesting funds. Councilmember Riley stated there are three restrictions, Statute, focus on under 21, and the 70% towards recreation and athletic facilities. He asked if anyone has a concern with the 70% restriction. Councilmember LeTourneau felt this Policy was restrictive for a reason, to not open funds to a broad number of users. In addition, it is not a well - funded account because of the high needs on the park side. He felt that opening the restrictions will dwindle the effectiveness of the fund from its original intention so he supported leaving the Policy and to look for other funding sources. Mayor Strommen agreed, noting that broadening the fund use will make the Council's job harder, not easier. She stated what is funded by other dollars or the General Fund, needs a critical nexus to City function and perhaps those criteria need to be fleshed out. She stated those decisions can be part of the budgeting process. Mayor Strommen stated once a request is received, its merit has to be determined in what is important for the City to fund. Councilmember John suggested defining how the funds are to be used so that information can be sent to requestors. Then the requestor can decide if their request fits that criteria. Councilmember Shryock agreed and stated that addresses the 30 %. She supported fine tuning how to disseminate the funding. Finance Director Lund noted the intent is not to build a balance but to spend the money annually. She asked if the Council wanted to consider and set parameters on other programs that can be included in the General Fund. Councilmember LeToumeau stated he is not implying that Family Services or Heart Safe are not important but that maybe they are not appropriate for these funds and the Council should research other funding sources. Councilmember Williams noted the Policy indicates the requests are to go through the Park & Recreation Commission and asked if that is for all requests. Finance Director Lund explained that is for Park CIP projects. She stated Juvenile Diversion and Youth First have been funded for several years. Mayor Strommen noted the Policy also references the Finance Committee, which should be removed. City Council Work Session / February 10, 2015 Page 3 of 9