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Councilmember Woestehoff commented that he would rather fund Family Promise at$5,000,than <br /> the Anoka Area Chamber Manufacturing Cohort. He recognized they are from different funds but <br /> he was looking at the overall dollar amount. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove referenced Youth First and commented that the program helps keep <br /> kids active and out of trouble. She felt the hockey program in Anoka served a lot of Ramsey <br /> students so she supported finding a way to divide the money, whether it goes to Family Promise <br /> or another organization, but didn't want to see too many things being supported. She suggested <br /> starting to focus on the Alexandra House, which is a very worthy cause that helps families. She <br /> noted Youth First also helps a lot of youth in the area. She was more in support of the hockey <br /> program than the Family Promise program because churches may be able to support that program. <br /> Mayor Kuzma asked for a show of hands to support or not support Family Promise program for <br /> $3,000. <br /> Councilmember Specht commented his concern is that there are a lot of good organizations in the <br /> area that are looking for support and it is difficult to say if there will be more. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich stated the history decisions on which groups to fund relates to which <br /> groups directly benefit City operations. Alexander House is used extensively by police in terms <br /> of domestic violence. Youth First gets to kids first so they don't become a drain on public services <br /> later in life so those two meet that criteria. He agreed with Councilmember Specht that there is a <br /> long list of organizations that would like to be funded. <br /> Councilmember Heineman agreed with City Administrator Ulrich that what is currently being <br /> funded are those that help the community. Family Promise is an excellent charity but is being <br /> funded by tax-payer dollars. He would rather the community have a choice to support charities <br /> instead of the government. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff asked Police Chief Katers how much of a problem homelessness is <br /> in Ramsey. <br /> Police Chief Katers replied that officers do encounter it,mostly on the southern end of Ramey. In <br /> regard to youth, he wasn't sure what the numbers are,but knew there may be a lot of young adults <br /> who are separated from their parents and live at friend's houses or in their cars. With this <br /> organization, church space is used to house people on a short-time basis. He explained the Police <br /> Department had some concerns about housing people because it is a different use for a church. <br /> Mayor Kuzma again asked for a show of hands. <br /> The majority consensus of the Council was to not fund the Family Promise program. <br /> Finance Director Lund asked for further comment and consensus on the budget. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove referenced the personnel requests and asked if reclassifications were <br /> done for equity opportunity because there was an opening, or qualification. <br /> City Council Work Session /November 23, 2021 <br /> Page 8 of 15 <br />