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COUNCIL TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION <br /> <br />A) Funding Request by Alexandra House <br /> <br />Connie Moore of Alexandra House stated she would like to discuss the funding request of <br />Alexandra House and answer any questions of the Council. She reviewed the funding <br />commitments of other cities serviced by Alexandra House. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated he believes the Councilmembers all support Alexandra House. The <br />question before the Council is how to fund Alexandra House in comparison to other <br />organizations requesting funding. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman advised the Council has donated funds to Youth First and the <br />Juvenile Protection Program through the Boy Scouts. The precedent has been set that these types <br />of donations will be considered. This type of funding request would be a Council discretionary <br />decision on a case-by-case basis. <br /> <br />Ms. Moore stated Alexandra House works with victims going through the criminal and civil <br />court process and provides support for their safety. This deals with public safety and health, <br />which is a core function of local govemment. She indicated the City of Fridley contracts with <br />Alexandra House for services that are an extension of the City's public safety services. This type <br />of contract differentiates Alexandra House from other organizations. <br /> <br />Police Chief Way stated although Alexandra House provides a great service, he believes the <br />County needs to step up to the plate for this county-wide service. <br /> <br />Ms. Moore explained the County provided Alexandra House with a $25,000 grant in 2005, and is <br />reviewing a grant for at least $25,000 for 2006. That funding is for the shelter, while the funding <br />being requested from the cities is for the community program services provided by Alexandra <br />House. She and Commissioner Langfeld have discussed holding a meeting with the cities <br />regarding how to better coordinate funding for Alexandra House. She stated in 2004, the number <br />of Anoka County residents utilizing the Alexandra House shelter increased from 30 or 35 percent <br />to 43 percent. Alexandra House never tums away Anoka County families; even if the shelter is <br />full, other arrangements are made. She explained when Alexandra House requests funding from <br />other sources they are asked what assistance is being provided by the local governments, and <br />why there is not a contract or fee for service set up with the communities serviced by Alexandra <br />House. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen expressed concern with the impact on private funding if there is not <br />support from the local governments. She noted private funding sources often look at community <br />buy-in or partnerships. A lot of other funds could be lost if the cities do not step up and show <br />that this service is important. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig noted the need for a policy to be set regarding contributions to not-for- <br />profit organizations. He expressed interest in considering a contract between the City and <br />Alexandra House. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / November 1, 2005 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br /> <br /> <br />