07-14-2008 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes July 14, 2008 Page 2 A. Police Department • Ms. Johnson stated that there are no major changes in the police department budget for next year. She noted that the budget is proposed to increase only slightly even though there are substantial increases in fuel, operating supply, and contractual service costs. She stated that the Chief and Captains did a good job reviewing the budget carefully to make reductions where possible without affecting service. Chief Beahen reviewed the department's goals for 2009. He explained that the long-range goal of the department is to keep the number of calls for service at a minimum despite the growing population. He noted that implementing new crime prevention strategies should help in achieving this goal. Chief Beahen noted that the budget process was very difficult because costs are projected to increase 20-30% while the budget is only expected to increase 4.8%. Discussion took place on long-term plans to keep the budget reasonable if costs continue to increase substantially every year. B. Parks and Recreation Mr. Maertz highlighted goals from each of the parks and recreation divisions. Discussion took place on charging higher fees for non-residents because the taxpayers for the City of Elk River are subsidizing the recreation programs. Mr. Maertz indicated he will have staff review a possible fee increase. Ms. Johnson stated that staff has been tracking • programs and fees for the last couple years to determine which programs are advantageous to continue and which programs should be discontinued. Ms. Johnson indicated that the proposed budget includes funding for the Arts Alliance but noted in-kind funding for the Arts Alliance is being provided by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority through the use of a downtown building. Ms. Johnson stated that the Boys and Girls Club has also requested funding of $10,000 for 2008 and $40,000 for 2009. She stated this is not included in the budget. An update on the Boys and Girls Club will be presented July 21. Mr. Maertz stated that a funding request from RSVP was received after the budget had been prepared and is not included in the budget. He explained that RSVP provides thousands of volunteer hours for the City each year and is a valuable resource for the City. He noted that the funding would be used mainly for mileage reimbursement for the volunteers. Council consensus was to include this funding in the 2009 preliminary budget. Councilmember Farber indicated that it has been brought to his attention that minor field repairs are needed at Hales Field where the town baseball team plays. Mr. Maertz noted this is not the City's field and that we would need approval from the School District before making any repairs to the field. Discussion took place on the book drop circle at the new library not being large enough to accommodate large vehicles. Mr. Maertz noted that the original plans showed the area being • large enough to comfortably accommodate a Suburban but many vehicles are having a difficult time utilizing the drop off circle. Mr. Maertz will discuss the issue with the architect.