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<br />Councilmember Specht agreed that it is something that should be monitored. He stated he is on <br />the Board and felt Ramsey residents participate and benefit from the program. He replied to the <br />question about in-kind contributions, stating that the free rent will be ending soon. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich replied that the space does provide free rent; it was a building purchased <br />through right-of-way acquisitional funding so any revenue has to go back into that program. He <br />explained the City chose not to charge Youth First rent but the program does pay utilities. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff commented that he has received a handful of calls as Councilmember <br />Specht’s alternate to get to know the organization better. He agreed it is worthwhile in terms of <br />the investment, especially with Anoka pulling funding. He was in favor of keeping it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove commented that city contributions are different. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked how much Anoka was contributing. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht replied $15,000 a year. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove referenced the North Metro Mayors Association and questioned the <br />benefit to the City. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma replied that it is very important. He stated he attends the meetings and reported that <br />he learns what is going on in other cities and is able to network with other mayors, which is <br />important to him and worth being a part of. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove commented that the fee was reduced this year and questioned why that <br />was. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma replied the fee was reduced to promote participation. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich explained that in 2019, the City belonged to the Association of Metro <br />Municipalities, now called Metro Cities. This group represents all metropolitan communities and <br />deals with legislation and issues that involve metropolitan communities. He noted it was diverse <br />because it included inner city communities and cities all across the metro. He stated the North <br />Metro Mayor’s Association fills the gap of being the interest group for the north metro area so <br />being part of this group of 20 communities gives them more influence in legislation that targets <br />the north metro area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove questioned letters being sent and if that is a part of being a member of <br />the Association. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich explained if it is an item that is on the agenda, typically they add their <br />support. With the Highway 10 project, for example, they support funding for that project. If it <br />was something that was not in line with the Council’s priorities, it would be brought back to the <br />Council. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / November 23, 2021 <br />Page 4 of 15 <br /> <br />