11-29-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 29,2010 APPROVED 46 The council received the City of Lino Lakes Personnel Total table. Council asked for a 47 report on how cuts would impact the police department. Chief Strege noted that the 48 department's goal is to maintain its level of services, especially in the area of patrol. 49 There is one military leave position coming back on line. The department is still working 50 on getting DARE officer services integrated within current staff so they can continue to 51 provide the education element, perhaps without the specific DARE program and 52 certificate. When asked what school-assigned officers do when school is out, Chief 53 Strege explained that officers work either on patrol or to supplement investigations work 54 or even fill in for vacations. 55 56 The council discussed the Citizen Corps Grant. All the funds will not be used to 57 supplement the Community Relations Coordinator hours but will also be used for some 58 other expenses. The council discussed with Captain Strege how police officers shift time 59 is designated—there are always two officers on patrol per shift but that could go as high 60 as five with overlap in some shifts. When asked what happens to seized cars,the chief 61 explained that they first must be legally transferred to the city's ownership and then can 62 be auctioned or used as unmarked vehicles. 63 64 A council member asked about the Centennial Fire District budget, wondering why that 65 budget is increasing by 4 percent when all other areas seem to be cutting back. The 66 mayor noted that he is a member of the fire district steering committee and explained that 67 the budget request from the district chief was actually higher but the Lino Lakes 68 representatives held the line. He can report that the chief is implementing some long- 69 range improvements and efforts that will increase their efficiency and lower costs. In 70 addition the chief is building some revenue streams by using the skills and services they 71 have to offer. The mayor said he understands the council's concern about an increased 72 budget but he feels it was fully discussed by the steering committee and reduced as 73 appropriate. Overall,the council would like more review of that budget and the joint 74 powers agreement under which the district operates. 75 76 The council discussed looking ahead to 2012 and possibilities for revenue production. 77 The mayor recalled past discussions about sharing police services and inherent problems. 78 A council member suggested that the council should have the discussion again after the 79 beginning of the year. 80 81 A council member noted his own property tax statement. He asked for an explanation of 82 why his city taxes are going up even though the value of his property is decreasing. It 83 makes him question if the proposed budget is doing enough for the taxpayers. The 84 finance director explained that since some other property's values decreased more, they 85 would be seeing a decrease in taxation; there is variation from property to property. In 86 addition commercial properties have decreased in value more than residential so it shifts 87 more of the burden. 88 89 The mayor asked for a confirmation on funding for the road reconstruction fund. Finance 90 Director Rolek noted that he won't know the amount of any 2010 surplus until the end of 2