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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />OCTOBER 8, 2003 <br />those that are proposed to be reinstated for the 2004 Budget. It was the <br />consensus of the Council that these reductions made for the 2003 Budget <br />should be reinstated for the 2004 Budget. <br />The Council discussed the revenue portion of the Budget in detail. It was <br />noted that a decrease is projected in building permit revenue. The <br />Administrator noted that he has budgeted building permit revenue <br />conservatively given the potential for a decrease in building activity in the <br />future. If we budget for higher revenues and building activity falls off, the <br />budget would be in a shortfall position. Building activity should be strong <br />in 2004, but that trend is not likely to continue. In reviewing fines and <br />forfeiture revenues, the Administrator noted the projected decrease in this <br />revenue source. LaValle suggested that the City Attorney be asked to <br />comment on the imposition of administrative fines similar to what other <br />cities are doing. The Administrator indicated it was his understanding that <br />administrative fines are more an issue of local comrol than a revenue <br />source. <br />The Council reviewed the expense portion of the Budget. Council <br />discussed the increase in City required support for the Fire Relief <br />Association given the shortfall that was experienced in investment <br />earnings. Anderson asked if the City's pension support could be <br />accounted for outside of levy limits. The City Administrator noted that for <br />the 2004 Budget this expense is included within levy limits, but indicated <br />that he will determine if that was an option. Anderson suggested that if it <br />is not, that the League of M:N Cities be asked to pursue this as an option <br />with the Legislature. <br />Fahey asked about the increase projected under Protective Inspections. <br />The Administrator noted that salary expenses for the Building Official, <br />and Code Enforcement Officer are included in this portion of the Budget. <br />He also noted that the Building Official is a shared position with Falcon <br />Heights, and there is an offsetting reimbursement from Falcon Heights for <br />a portion of the salary expense associated with that position. The <br />Administrator further noted that he is negotiating a contract amendment <br />with Falcon Heights relative to the shared position to ensure a higher <br />minimum revenue amount. <br />Anderson asked about the Shade Tree portion of the budget. The <br />Administrator noted that this portion of the budget includes the required <br />certifications for the City's Tree Inspector. <br />Blesener noted that a number items in the Budget are dependent on <br />whether the City turns its water system over to St. Paul. The <br />Administrator reported that he is currently presenting some additional <br />2 <br />