1995 CAFR - Laserfiche WebLink

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General Operations(continued) Emphasis has also been placed on ensuring that, where possible, those parties receiving a unique benefit, from City services, cover the cost of that benefit. As a result, all staff time spent on development activities is billed to the development rather than general support by the taxpayer. Also, as a result, the City began direct billing for recycling services in 1995, so that those not receiving the service [the business community] are not put in a position of providing funding for a service not available to them. Likewise, the Council put in place, during 1995, a street light program that will result in placement of priority intersection lighting in 1995 and 1996. Benefitted properties will be billed directly, which reduces costs to persons who would otherwise have to pay for the service if the expense was covered by tax dollars. The City, in an effort to take advantage of existing systems and services provided by local companies, has developed a utility billing system that takes advantage of an existing business application [billing services by Anoka Electric Cooperative] and allows them to bill for City utilities. This program allows for the City not to invest in additional equipment and personnel to duplicate a service that is currently being provided in the private sector. Anoka Electric Cooperative sees benefit by a fuller utilization of their in -house billing system. The City continues to look for ways such as this to operate in a more efficient manner. At the same time, the City is constantly looking for ways to keep organizational operating costs down. Technology improvements have been a major focus with a complete computer upgrade. Maintenance operations have also been improved by utilization of equipment built to reduce the time necessary to conduct tasks such as turf maintenance. Our staffing, mentioned earlier, does not include large complements of people for emergency events such as large snowfalls. Rather, the City has a number of people "on -call" who are available should the need arise, but are not on the payroll for the remainder of the year. Organizationally, the Council approved the formation of a Labor Management Committee between the City and the AFSCME union [maintenance, clerical and professional technical employees]. This committee is expected to provide input and make recommendations, on behalf of the union members, on a wide variety of subjects including safety and health care. As in past years, the Council adopted the 1996 - 2001 Capital Improvement Program [CIP]. Included was operational planning for parks, streets, utilities and computerization over the next five years. Unlike some programs, the City's CIP includes not only the anticipated projects, but also the funding mechanisms to make them happen. Community Development and Engineering MAJOR INITIATIVES (continued) During 1995, there were 207 permits issued for new home construction with a total of 1,422 permits issued (includes wells, decks, additions, commercial buildings, etc.). Total value of permits issued the past five years have been: 1995 $28,318,900 1994 $25,890,409 1993 $39,042,750 1992 $27,083,600 1991 $15,212,850 iii