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Councilmember Elvig stated that if they are looking at adding more parks they are looking at <br />having to add more funding to maintain those parks. He questioned if they should be considering <br />improvements to existing parks rather than adding additional space. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler replied that he has a large concern with maintenance <br />requirements of the parks. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated that they found out over the years that the City is better off to <br />have fewer parks and keep them in good condition rather than having a lot of parks in poor <br />condition. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman stated that staff included a budget cut of $28,500 for community <br />programs. Staff did talk to neighboring communities to see if that was an area that they were <br />considering cutting as well. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund reviewed what other communities are doing in regards to cuts on <br />community programs, and most of the cities were either making small cuts or had not made a <br />decision as of yet. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman stated that he did not think that the Council would want to eliminate <br />the entire $28,500 because none of the other communities are, but it is something they could talk <br />about. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he has been having meetings with the community school and there have <br />been some discussions about increasing fees to make it more self-sufficient. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman explained that staff is proposing to incorporate franchise fees, a <br />$25.00 deposit on building & zoning permits, and charging for the time of the Environmental <br />Specialist at $30.00 per hour in attempt to bring in additional revenue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook inquired if the $25.00 deposit would go towards the permit if they pick up <br />the permit. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Frolik replied yes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig expressed concern with charging for the time of the Environmental <br />Specialist because there are environmental problems in the community and people may not seek <br />the assistance if they have to pay for it. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman explained that a lot of communities are going to be looking at <br />implementing franchise fees. The fee would be applied to electrical and gas usage and added to <br />the utility bill. The reason staff was recommending implementing it now is because of the larger <br />budget cuts being proposed next year with the elimination of state aid. By implementing the fee <br />this year the City would be able to use a portion of the funds to offset the 2003 shortfall and then <br />would be able to collect the fee for the entire 2004 budget year. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/April 29, 2003 <br /> Page 8 of 15 <br /> <br /> <br />