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<br />Councilmember Elvig stated he would like to see the tax capacity rate lowered. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated he does not think they should dig a hole; if they can remain steady they will be in <br />good shape. His question would be regarding the recreation coordinator position. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson indicated during the joint Park Commission/City Council meeting last year <br />there was a great deal of support for the recreation coordinator position. That support is coupled with <br />the fact that they are talking about the use of Lawful Gambling Funds for programming needs. Youth <br />First is requesting an after school program with. about $90,000 worth of funds to put towards the <br />program, half of which would be put towards staffing for Youth First. Some of these things could be <br />taken on by a recreation coordinator in addition to creating opportunities for toddlers to pre-teens and <br />seniors. The City currently pays $35,000 for the community outreach program fromthe school district. <br />A recreation coordinator will not be the solve-all, but it will be the beginning for a recreation program <br />and the ability to assist with manpower if the youth athletic association begins to. lose interest. After <br />lengthy discussions staff included this position back in the budget. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec noted the benefits the recreation coordinator position could provide with semor <br />programming and coordination with the community school program. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson inquired about additional costs associated with this position. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson replied the existing vehicles could be used to accommodate this position; <br />the anticipated needs would be for a work station and computer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson asked if this position would have a budget to work with. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson replied no, the first priority would be to put a program together to identify <br />other funding sources, such as assistance for youth athletics or senior programs. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen inquired if this position would scan the community for opportunities that are <br />out there that the City could piggy back on to create a program for Ramsey, which could eventually <br />grow into Ramsey actually taking on organizational pieces. She thinks this makes sense but wants to be <br />sure they are all clear on that. She expressed concern with there being a scattering of things that does <br />not create a cohesive comprehensive program. She stressed the need to be strategic on what directions <br />they want to go, so that it is not overwhelming for someone to come in without direction, This <br />conversation needs to happen prior to hiring an individual for this position. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec suggested staff prepare a job description for the recreation coordinator position. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson indicated staff has begun to work on ajob description for this position that <br />can be presented to Council. <br /> <br />Interim City Administrator Nelson stated she has met with Reed Mortensen from the school and <br />discussed the community school program. With this position they would be looking for someone to <br />coordinate and get a sense of all the programs out there and determine whether there are niches Ramsey <br />could fill. Staff will present a job description at the July 31 budget discussion with a plan that details all <br />of this. Tonight staff is seeking direction with regards to the tax rate, as well as the use of capital funds. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec expressed support in the tax rate remaining steady. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / July 10,2007 <br />Page 4of6 <br />