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Cotmcilmember Cool< suggested that they eliminate franchise fees as a funding source for tlnese <br />two positions. <br /> <br />M%,or Garnet stated tlmt he was not in favor of adding additionaI staff at this time because staff <br />just gave the Council a whole list of budget cuts tlnat impact services to the citizens of Ramsey, <br />which is lheir number one priority. He inquired as to how much fces the City is going to collect <br />on thc 'l'own Cenler development fi'om now until the first of the year. He stated that if' they are <br />going to l~ire people right now wlnen they are cutting basic service, what are the residents of <br />I~amsey going to tlnink. <br /> <br />Councilmcmbcr Strommen replied that if the salaries are being paid for by the Town Center <br />developers they are not taking funds from somewhere else. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamcc replied that if the positions are truly paid for by Ramsey Town Center LLC then <br />he would not have a prololem witln adding the two new positions. <br /> <br />Counciln~cn~bcr Cool< stated that it is irresponsible '[:br tine City to allow a development to go in if <br />lhcy don'l have adequate staff-'to worl< with tine developer. <br /> <br />Councilmcmber l-Zlvig stated that the Mayor's points were well taken, but the City is trying to <br />generate fine dollars fi'om the project and if tlmy don't have the proper staff in place they.can't <br />generate thc dollars. They 'also risl< making mistakes on tine project if they lack the necessary <br />sta I"l'. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated that proceeding with the Town Center project will assure the City <br />thai Ihey don't have [:uturc revenue problems. <br /> <br />Councilmcmber Strommen recommended that the Council direct staJT to negotiate with Ramsey <br />Town Center [.LC to provide the City witln another deposit so that they are assured there will be <br />aclequatc I'uncls to cover the two new positions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cool< noted that it will probably take three montlns to get someone hired and <br />they may be already breaking ground on the Town Center. <br /> <br />City Administrator No,'man noted that the City does ah'eady have an escrow in place for Ramsey <br />'Fown Center, <br /> <br />Mayor Garnet inquired if the Memorandum o~' Understanding was signed by both parties. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman replied yes. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamcc stated tlmt he does not want to be caught with $1.00,000 worth of salaries then not <br />have lhe ftll~ding for the positions. <br /> <br />City Council/May 13, 2003 <br /> Page 23 of 29 <br /> <br />P67 <br /> <br /> <br />