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Council Budget Work Session August 6, 1998 <br />It was noted that all park programs with the exception of the performance in the parks and <br />scholarship programs are supported by fees collected from participants. Salaries for the <br />warming house attendants and playground attendants are funded by the General Fund. <br />Chief Pecchia explained that he and Mr. DeGardner have discussed increasing program <br />fees and/or cutting programs but decided that if the City is increasing taxes, the citizens <br />would be unhappy if programs were cut or fees increased. Mr. DeGardner felt that the <br />Recreation Department offers quality programs but needs quality staff. <br />Mr. DeGardner was asked what area he would cut if cuts were needed. He said he would <br />pursue grants rather than cut anything. <br />It was noted that some families have several children participating in recreation <br />programs. Scholarships and a sliding scale fee is offered to keep the programs affordable. <br />The City does not advertise this benefit. <br />Park Dedication Fund - The current Park Dedication Funddance-is 11,,000 of which <br />$243,000 is designated for various park improvements. The P :rk Board reviews this fund <br />annually to determine how the fund should be used. It was noted that 1 the City reduces <br />the housing starts as indicated in the Comprehensive Placa this fund -will be negatively <br />impacted. It was noted that Park Dedication nding could be.'greatly increased with <br />economic development. <br />Mr. DeGardner explained that <br />Funding for acquisition of <br />source. <br />not be a park referendum this year or next. <br />mplex site will have to come from another <br />Council and staff ljreak'10:35 a.m. <br />ENVIRO <br />WESSEL <br />ORESTRY AND SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT, BRAIN <br />The changes proposed to these budgets include: <br />- Full-time clerical support person whose time would be divided equally each <br />department <br />- Support person in the field <br />- TimeSavers to take minutes for the Environmental Board <br />- $30,000 to complete the second half of the Environmental Study. (Half of this would <br />be funded through Community Development Block Grant Funds) <br />- Forestry Department, $25,000 for new trees is funded by developers. <br />It was noted that 10% of the salary for the Solid Waste coordinator comes from Anoka <br />County through a grant. <br />Page 6 <br />