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City Council Minutes <br />August 7, 2017 <br />Page 10 <br />budget and how it needs different/new sources of funding to operate or the city <br />needs to stop doing certain things. He discussed some funding options with <br />TIF/Tax abatement once districts are decertified. <br />Mr. Portner noted the city needs large amounts of cash to keep operating the park <br />system. He discussed current methodology and it's inequities to various user groups. <br />He asked Council to think about what they want/don't want, how they feel about <br />funding, and about a dedicated funding source. <br />It was noted expected costs, as outlined in the draft replacement plan, are <br />approximately $19 million over 30 years, which equates to about $630,000 per year, <br />and does not include trails or future park buildout as the city grows. <br />Councilmember Westgaard stated this helps put planning needs into perspective. He <br />stated Council needs to make some decisions and noted these numbers don't include <br />the arena, activity center, or the golf course. He questioned if there would be <br />opportunities for sponsorships and advertising and if we are completely leveraging <br />these funding sources. <br />Mr. Portner stated the city doesn't have staff with experience to obtain sponsorships <br />and advertising and currently has a contract with Decklan Group. He stated there is a <br />position being requested in the budget that would provide for some of this type of <br />marketing. He further questioned what someone is willing to pay for sponsorships in <br />Elk River and noted you don't typically see most cities with them and the cities that <br />do, have unique business situations. He noted the Council will have to make a lot of <br />tough decisions, the city can't be all things to all people, and it is okay to cut services. <br />Councilmember Wagner stated the city would be remiss if it didn't look into naming <br />or sponsorship rights. She stated companies want to know the return on their <br />investment. <br />Councilmember Ovall asked if anything prohibits the city from getting endowments <br />and it may be another avenue to consider. <br />10.4 2018 Budget <br />Ms. Ziemer presented the staff report. Various staff presented their budgets. <br />Mayor Dietz stated he couldn't support a $150,000 increase to the IT budget. <br />Planning <br />Councilmember Ovall stated he has a contact at the MN Dept. of Human Services <br />and they perform contracted HIPPA compliant scanning services. <br />Environmental <br />Councilmember Ovall questioned the need for environmental to review every <br />building permit. He asked if there could be potential improvement in streamlining <br />process to flee up Amanda's time if the city teaches planning and zoning how to <br />t01fRtI BI <br />NATURE <br />