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COUNCIL MINUTES July 26, 2010 APPROVED 181 increasing demands on the city's diminishing budget and also establishing more clarity in the area of 82 the city's obligations in the area. It was also clear that the council wanted to move in the direction of 183 being more proactive than reactive in order to provide guidance to its staff The resolution before the 184 council is the attorney's best effort to provide language toward those goals. He explained that the 185 resolution basically provides that official actions of the city are to be taken in English and it defines 186 what official actions are. It does not prohibt unofficial or unbinding translations. There are numerous 187 exceptions included that reflect certain practicalities and laws that may apply where it is necessary to 188 engage in other languages. Also noted as important is that the resolution does not prohibit officials or 189 employees of the city from engaging in other langauges in non-official capacities as that has been 190 linked to free speech rights by the courts. 191 192 Council Member Gallup read the resolution (following the whereas clauses). 193 194 The mayor noted that the council would entertain public comment but only as long as they are 195 respectful and orderly. Comments are limited to four minutes in length and any show of disrepect 196 will end the comment period. 197 198 Rob Scarlett, 7156 Ivy Ridge Court, Lino Lakes. Mr. Scarlett first noted that the propety on which his 199 home is located was originally owned by German immigrants who bought it from the territory of 200 Mnnesota and spoke no English for several generations. The people on the land before the Germans 201 of course spoke Lakota. Mr. Scarlet said that since this resolution has been broght forward in the 202 context of the budget he has asked, and is still asking,how much is being spent, how much wil be '103 saved and how many people will be affected by this? If this is a budget issiue, it is a most humerous `..204 attempt and would be laughable except for the dire consequences it could have on the community,the 205 schools,the children,the businesses and the reputation of the city in the region and around the 206 country. He asked that the council consider those consequences. 207 208 Laura Higgins,president of the Metro North Chamber of Commerce that represents about 700 209 businesss and community leaders in the Anoka County area, personal address 9082 Waconia Street, 210 business address 9380 Central Avenue, Blaine. The Chamber looked at the proposed resolution and 211 while they applaud the council's attempt to be fiscally prudent with the city's dollars,the Chamber's 212 Board of Directors voted to oppose the resolution due to several economic concerns. They feel that 213 we live in the midst of a global economy with a global work force and they are concerned about what 214 this could do to the business community in efforts to attract businesses,talented employees as well as 215 relocation and expansions. In speaking with an area restaurant owner and member of the business 216 community, she has heard that he does have employees for whom English is not their primary 217 langauge and he wouldn't want to locate his business in a community where they may not feel 218 welcome. From a chamber of commerce perspective,they are concerned for what this resolution 219 could do for the community and the image of Anoka County and Lino Lakes. 220 221 Mike Chardin, 912 136th Lane NE. He first thanked the council for serving their community. He 222 serves the community by serving on the Anoka County Workforce Council. Along with the Anoka 223 County Board,the Workforce Council establishes work force initiatives for work force development 224 programs in the county area. He also serves on the Metro North Chamber of Commerce Board of 225 Directors, the leading advocate in representing over 700 businesses in the community. The chamber 5