Agenda - Council - 12/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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