08-26-2024 City Council Agenda Packet (2)

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match required for this grant. The Department also applied for a grant for 2025, although a candidate has not been selected for that year. Also, the 2024 candidates need to complete their background checks. Councilmember Stoesz asked about the two-way radios and the Public Safety Director reported that Anoka County may issue a Public Safety Bond to cover the cost and FEMA funding may be available for the fire radios. Mayor Rafferty expressed the City Council's appreciation for the work of the department and the report. The reduced response times were a positive in the report. 10. Park and Trail Funding Discussion Mayor Rafferty and Councilmember Stoesz presented the topic of park and trail funding for the consideration of the full Council. Council Consensus to direct staff to prepare a report in 2025 (post 2024 audit completion) of the budget surplus from 2024 and to identify 1/3 of that for consideration for park funding. Furthermore, to prepare for a possible park bond referendum in 2025. The City Council also disused other projects in need of funding such as the public works building. Councilmember Ruhland suggested there were new park improvements that could also be considered such as improvements to the baseball fields, and adding a vendor stand that could be rented for revenue. Councilmember Stoesz suggested that the City seek donations for the park system through an article in the city newsletter. 11. Notices and Communications, City Council a. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) will hold a meeting to discuss a potential land sale immediately following the conclusion of the City Council Work Session. The meeting will be held in the Community Room. 12. Adjournment Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on August 26, 2024. Roberta Colotti, CMC City Clerk Rob Rafferty, Mayor