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Mayor Gamec recessed the meeting at 3:30 p.m. and reconvened it at 3:35 p.m. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman summarized that we are looking to cut expenses, looking at adding <br />more revenue, and policy changes regarding reserves. If we are approaching rates and charges <br />and bringing them up to the maximum (comparable with other cities), whatever that increase is <br />could be designated for maintenance. We could bring these numbers back. With regard to a <br />fi'anchise fee, we could earmark that as a separate fund. The City of Ramsey may get bantered <br />by associations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated we will be looking at some more huge expenses that will <br />come with the Town Center. <br /> <br />Councihnember Cook added that it would be 2007 before we will realize any money from the <br />Town Center. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig commented that Ramsey is being bold and innovative. As a Builder's <br />Association, they should be in favor of this. Find out the real costs, charge actual costs for <br />developing. We are sticking our neck out and we are going to do more to get revenue. <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmerman stated that if our City will be attacked, we better have our "ducks in <br />a row" and be able to defend ourselves. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak felt we should not get too over-zealous on raising fees, however, we need <br />to at least get up to standard. <br /> <br />Councihnember Cook agreed but suggested going with what the market will stand and that the <br />money should go into the capital improvement fund. <br /> <br />Councihnember Elvig stated that we are saying there's a capital fund that's existing and it should <br />be added to - but what he is saying is that we should have a separate fund. <br /> <br />Cotmcilmember Cook felt that there is never enough money for capital improvements - and used <br />parks as an example. <br /> <br />Councilmc~nber Elvig stated that if we hold status quo on capital right now, we do not charge <br />existing people. If we do not take from the developer, we are taking from our constituents. We <br />are not talking about taking away. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued relating to maintenance and capital funds - increasing the funds, adding parks <br />and not being able to maintain them. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec added that he has suggested for years putting money away strictly for park <br />maintenance. <br /> <br />City Council Budget Work Session/October 27, 2003 <br /> Page 6 of 9 <br /> <br /> <br />