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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />DECEMBER 17, 1991 <br />Blesener pointed out that all departments make their <br />budget request, and the Council would like to fulfill <br />all those requests, however, the City is tied to levy <br />limits. The bottom line is set for the City and it <br />cannot be changed. There are reserves that the City <br />has, but Blesener was not sure about the wisdom of <br />tapping those reserves. Blesener felt it was time the <br />City looked at park development and acquisition funds <br />as well as the allocation of the 10% charitable <br />gambling monies the City receives. Blesener suggested <br />he was not sure that the Fire Department's being an <br />independent organization was to the benefit of the <br />Department or the City. Blesener felt the situation <br />stifled communication. Blesener pointed out that the <br />City Council was presented the Fire Department's budget <br />request without good background information to explain <br />the 57% increase over last year. <br />The Chief disputed the 57% figure. <br />Blesener stated that the Council and Fire Department <br />needs to have a better understanding between them. <br />Blesener agreed that perhaps bi-annual meetings would <br />resolve communication problems. Blesener also <br />suggested a situation similar to the Relief <br />Association, where three members of the City Council <br />serve on the Board. Blesener suggested more of a <br />working relationship between the two entities and less <br />independence. <br />The Chief stated that he was quoted in the North <br />Suburban Press as having said that the City may have to <br />look elsewhere for fire protection. The Chief <br />indicated that this quote was incorrect. <br />Boss pointed out that the Fire Department has existed <br />as an independent organization since 1946. Boss felt <br />that this situation allowed for a free-enterprise <br />situation and eliminates the bureaucracy that would <br />exist if the department became part of City qovernment. <br />This also allowed for a lower operating budget. <br />Collova felt that another problem this year was with <br />the new building and no experience for actual <br />maintenance costs. <br />LaValle suggested that since it is a City building, the <br />costs relating to that building should be paid by the <br />City and not included as part of the Fire Department's <br />budget. <br />Boss felt that the Fire Department manaqed the building <br />well and kept costs at a minimum. Boss felt that the <br />Page 9 <br />