Agenda - Council - 04/25/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Improvement Revolving Fund, the Park Trust Fund, the St. Francis Blvd Assessment Fund and the Welcome's Road Assessment Fund at the stated rates. Motion by Councilmember Strommen, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to ratify the recommendation of the Finance Committee in Case No. 1 and to adopt Resolution #06-04-117 authorizing the transfer of the General Fund Excess Revenues to the Equipment Revolving Fund, the Facilities Construction Fund, the Public Improvement Revolving Fund, the Park Trust Fund, the St. Francis Blvd Assessment Fund and the Welcome's Road Assessment Fund at the stated rates. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Strommen, Olson, Cook, and Pearson. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmembers Elvig and Jeffrey. 2) Loudi Economic Development Zone Celebration Delegation Councilmember Strommen stated the Finance Committee had quite a bit of discussion regarding this case, and determined to forward the discussion to the full Council. The City of Loudi, China, has invited Ramsey City Officials to Loudi, China, on May 13, 2006, to cetebmte the third anniversary of their industrial park. Staff recommended putting together a delegation to make this trip, and to fund it through the Council Contingency Fund. The recommendation of the Finance Committee was to recommend the City Council authorize the funds in an amount not-to-exceed $4,500 with a three person delegation, and to hold an open table discussion with Ramsey businesses. Councilmember Strommen stated her personal concern was to be certain there is a two-way discussion with businesses in Ramsey, making sure they have opportunity for trade with China. There was also discussion about determining goals for the trip, who the delegation should consist of, as well as-the right number for the delegation. Mayor Gamec directed staff to look into whether seminars that would be hosted by the City would be a separate cost from these funds that are being authorized. Councilmember Strommen expressed concern regarding the costs involved with the delegation. She noted the City of Loudi is covering the cost of the delegation during the time they are in Loudi. The City is being asked to cover the cost of aiffare and expenses during their time in Shanghai and Beijing. Councilmember Olson stated this is an excellent opportunity for a delegation from Ramsey to go to China to showcase what Ramsey has to offer. $4,500 for a delegation of three would be money well spent; it is an investment she believes the City would see many returns on. Councilrnember Pearson concurred. Councilmember Strommen explained she is not certain it is necessary to send three individuals on an exploratory trip. She stressed the importance to get Ramsey businesses involved in this, and stressed the importance of looking closely at the goals to be sure they are in line with the individuals included in the delegation. Her main objection is that all of this information has not been put together at this point. City Council / April 11, 2006 Page 20 of 26 -82-