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funding. He used the example of the Livable Cities grant the City recently received in the <br /> amount of$900,000. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich stated that the organization will continue to do its job whether the City <br /> chooses to be a member or not. He noted that cities come in and out of membership and <br /> explained that metro cities as a whole would not suffer if Ramsey was not part of their <br /> organization. <br /> Mayor LeTourneau stated that he could support either option related to the Metro Cities <br /> membership. He noted that the membership does provide opportunity for another voice, <br /> explaining while the City is quickly growing it helps to have every voice possible advocate for <br /> the City. He stated that this is a critical time for Ramsey and there is value in the membership, it <br /> would be the job of the City to advocate for more help from organizations. <br /> Councilmember Menth stated that advocating for the City against the Metropolitan Council or <br /> for Highway 10 would seem to provide sufficient benefit. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove believed that the Council can be more influential speaking with <br /> legislators directly and by using Mr. Tinklenberg. She stated that there are 93 cities in Metro <br /> Cities and therefore they are advocating for funds for all those cities, rather than providing direct <br /> service to Ramsey. She recommended that the Metro Cities membership not be funded next <br /> year. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated that he would recommend not including the membership in the <br /> budget. <br /> Mayor LeTourneau stated that in the interest of moving forward he would also agree that the <br /> City could make it without the Metro Cities membership in order to reach consensus. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove stated that she believes that there are two staff acknowledgements <br /> times during the year, along with the holiday party. She asked for feedback on removing one of <br /> the staff acknowledgement events. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich provided background on the staff acknowledgement events, noting <br /> that there is a breakfast once per year where higher-level staff serves breakfast to staff and <br /> presents years of service awards. He noted that the second event is a picnic type event where <br /> higher-level staff serve the staff. He stated that there is a great turnout for the events, which <br /> serve as an important atmosphere for communication and morale. He noted that there is not a <br /> large expense for the events. He stated that cutting the informal recognition event and <br /> communication opportunity could send the wrong message to staff. He believed that the events <br /> are an important part of showing the employees how they are valued to the organization. He <br /> stated that years of service awards are only presented at one of the events. <br /> Councilmember Menth stated that in his last 17 years in construction he worked for Egan <br /> Companies and did not think a price could be put on an event where employees are shown value. <br /> He commented when holiday parties were cut it was a devastating time for employees. He stated <br /> City Council Work Session/November 18,2019 <br /> Page 12 of 14 <br />