02-23-11 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 23, 2011 The list of City services rated in the 2006 Survey was discussed, with Leatherman indicating that cities have expanded these lists to several more, with Lakeville recently ranking 28 or 29 services. Leatherman also indicated how the survey ranking structure would work so that there is a cross- tabulation of results. The City Administrator suggested the ranking of a couple of items identified at the recent goal setting session, such as the reopening of the Demont skating rink, and the continued funding of a part -time police officer at Montreal Courts apartment complex. Leatherman suggested that the issue of outdoor ice rinks not be focused specifically on the Demont rink, but felt the cost of the Montreal Courts police officer should be asked specifically. The Administrator also suggested addressing the issue of consolidation of services, i.e. recreation offerings, fire services, etc. Leatherman indicated that results of that question will vary from community to community. Keis suggested that the City may want to ask if there are services that are not being provided that residents would be interested in, such as leaf pick- up. Leatherman stated that many cities will not include this as an open ended question, but may provide a list of suggested services. He suggested that if such a question is included, the City should be ready for the answer and be sure that the service is in the realm of possibility. McGraw asked about the design of a question rating the importance of maintenance. Leatherman indicated that the question would be broken out to rank trail maintenance, park maintenance, street repair and maintenance, etc. The question would not go as deep as ranking the maintenance of a specific playground, however. There was the discussion of the issue of the consolidation of recreation offerings, with the City Administrator pointing out that recreation programs are run in conjunction with surrounding cities' programs. Little Canada does its own team registrations and field scheduling, however. It was noted that maintaining a Little Canada identify has been an issue with the full consolidation of the recreation program. There was discussion on the potential to consolidate fire services, code enforcement activities, etc. The Administrator pointed out that the City already partners with other cities for police protection. He further noted the shared Building Official position as well as street sweeper with the City of Falcon Heights. McGraw noted the importance of the accuracy of the survey if the results are to be used as a tool for making financial decisions. Keis asked if the 2