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Ciry Council Minutes December 5, 2011 Page 3 Mike HIegin, 20309 Vance Street, expressed concerns with the budget, comparing Elk • River to Oak Grove and how Oak Grove lowered their levy. He expressed his ideas of how Elk River could create a savings fund and decrease spending. Frank Carlson, 9998 - 215 Ave. NW., owns both residential and commercial property and felt that the only benefit he receives from the City is street plowing. He stated he felt 15% of the budget could be cut without having a negative effect on city services. Florence Schuldt, 17155 Quincy Street, complimented staff on the plow job from the recent snowfall but requested more salt and sand on Twin Lakes Road. Mr. Simon answered the residents' questions and suggested those with concerns about property values to speak with the Sherburne County Assessor's Office. There being no one else to speak, Mayor Dietz closed the public hearing. Mayor Dietz read a statement that he would not be voting for this budget because when he ran for mayor, he promised residents that he wouldn't raise taxes. He felt enough wasn't done to ensure taxes wouldn't be higher than last year. Councilmember Zerwas echoed some of the Mayor's comments but felt staff did a tremendous job with trying to stay on middle ground without affecting services. He felt the $836,000 that was cut was a good compromise. Councilmember Motin stated the budget was a good one but not perfect and he would have liked to have seen more additions. He stated the City was dealt a difficult hand of cards with • the market value exclusion calculation. He felt employees are stressed but are still continuing to provide the best services to the City's residents. Councilmember Westgaard stated they spent five months pouring over this budget and felt that staff did the best job they could without affecting the level of service to residents. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 11-76 AUTHORIZING THE PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR COLLECTION IN 2012 AND ADOPTING THE 2012 GENERAL, SPECIAL REVENUE, AND ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT. MOTION CARRIED 4-1 WITH MAYOR DIETZ OPPOSING. 6.2. 2012 Bank of Elk River Sponsorship Mr. Hecker presented the staff report. He played a short video provided by The Bank of Elk River portraying the many activities in Elk River that The Bank of Elk River helps to support with their contributions. Tammy Andrews, Marketing Director, Bill LaVigne, Chief Operating Officer, and John Babcock, President/CEO representing The Bank of Elk River presented Mayor Dietz and the Council with a check for $14,000. Mayor Dietz thanked them for their support.