08-13-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 4 Chief West indicated that he believes the city's contribution is important as an expression of gratitude for the firefighters and lie would encourage the city to continue their contribution. e Councilmember Zerwas stated he believes the Relief Association is an essential recruitment and retention tool. Councilmember Farber questioned if the city's contribution could be a set amount each year rather than a percentile increase. Chief West indicated that the Council has full discretion on the amount they chose to contribute. Ms. Johnson agreed that the city's contribution to the Fire Relief Association is viewed as a benefit by the firefighters and is a valuable recruitment and retention tool. Councilmember Motin expressed concerns with increasing the city's liability with each increase in the contribution amount. Chief West indicated that he and Nrr. Simon could work with the Council on implementing a plan for a change in the city's contribution. Ms. Johnson indicated that Chief West, Nrr. Simon, and she will meet to develop a plan for Fire Relief Contributions. Mayor Klinzing recessed the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The meeting was reconvened the meeting at 7:55 p.m. C. Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz reviewed his departmental goals, staff addition requests, and capital outlay requests for 2008. e Nrr. Maertz indicated that Recreation Manager Michele Bergh submitted her resignation effective Augnst 24, 2007. He stated that he will be seeking authorization to advertise for a replacement at an upcoming meeting. Councilmember Motin questioned why the city is requested to pay for the automated checkout system at the library rather than Great River Regional. Nrr. Maertz explained that if Great River Regional pays for the automated system at this library then they would be responsible for the upgrade at all of their libraries and they do not have adequate funding to accomplish this. Councilmember Gumphrey questioned the plans for the Ice Arena lobby. Discussion on a lobby expansion was held. Council consensus was to investigate costs associated with expansion. Mayor Klinzing suggested that funding for architectural services to provide preliminary cost estimates for a lobby expansion be included in the 2008 budget. Nrr. Maertz indicated that the Ice Arena Commission will be discussing this issue at their August 14 meeting and that staff can obtain quotes on preliminary architectural costs. Finance Director Tim Simon noted that the Arena expansion could be discussed as part of the government buildings capital improvement iterns in October. D. Finance Finance Director Tim Simon reviewed the departmental goals, staff addition requests, and capital outlay requests. e