06/14/2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 14, 2004 APPROVED 49 • 50 SETTING THE AGENDA 51 52 The agenda was approved as presented. 53 54 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS 55 56 Mayor Bergeson advised that each year the Council likes to share the State of the City from their 57 vantage point. He indicated this is an exciting time in Lino Lakes, which is still in its youth in 58 comparison to other cities. He stated the Council and Staff want to make sure the city matures in a 59 well-planned manner, and to do this they call on their own experience and the experience of those 60 who have gone before them. 61 62 Mayor Bergeson indicated in January they welcomed Councilmember Stoltz, who brings a vast 63 amount of experience, having served on the City Council in Circle Pines and various other boards 64 before coming to Lino Lakes. He indicated Gordon Heitke started with the City in February as City 65 Administrator, formerly having worked in Cambridge. He welcomed them both. 66 67 Mayor Bergeson stated he wanted to highlight some of the activities and accomplishments of the four 68 general areas of the city: Public Safety, Public Services, Community Development and 69 Administration. 70 71 Mayor Bergeson commented that the Lino Lakes Police Department worked with citizens to form the 72 Public Safety Citizens Committee, who worked with police to establish a volunteer program to assist 73 with crime prevention programs and special projects. The Police Department also established a 74 Chaplain Program, and along with the Fire Department held the 15t Annual Public Safety Academy 75 providing training to citizens similar to the training the police officers and fire fighters go through. 76 77 Mayor Bergeson stated several officers were trained as Child Safety Seat experts and are able to assist 78 parents in the proper way to operate Child Safety Seats. He indicated two officers received awards, 79 and 110 campers attended Youth Safety Camp. 80 81 Mayor Bergeson advised the Public Service Department is responsible for the parks, trails, streets, 82 sewer and water. He noted two parks were completed in the last year, and an open air shelter was 83 constructed in Birch Park along with a boardwalk. He stated the City also continues its project to 84 eradicate oak wilt. He indicated many community events were organized, and these seem to become 85 more popular each here. He noted an open house was held on June 7th related to the opening of the 86 parks and trail systems. 87 88 Mayor Bergeson indicated Public Works also keeps the City's equipment and vehicles in good 89 working order, and is responsible for the utility system including billing and keeping the water and 90 sewer systems efficient. He stated this department also responded to Gopher One calls last year about 91 utility lines. 92 93 Mayor Bergeson stated water consumption peaked at 4,000,000 gallons in a single day, which caused 94 enough concern that water consumption may compromise their fire safety that later this evening the •95 Council will be considering an odd/even sprinkling ban. 96 2