HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/22/1986 Council Minutes078
BUDGET MEETING
December 22, 1986
IThe Budget Meeting was called to order at 6:05 P.M. by Mayor Benson.
Members present: Marier, Bisel, Reinert, Bohjanen. Members absent:
None. Public Works Director, Don Volk; Chief of Police, Dean Camp-
bell; Administrator, Randy Schumacher, and Clerk- Treasurer, Marilyn
Anderson were also present.
Mr. Schumacher explained the materials sent to the Council for this
meeting and recommended that the Council approve funding for Items
under the First and Second priority; Remodel fire barn (two doors
and insulation), Surface water management plan, siren program, two
replacement radar units, overlay program $44,000). The balance of
funds should be added to the surplus.
Mr. Marier said it was his understanding that if the Council approved
a 2.5 mill increase all the priority programs as outlined on October
6, 1986 could be implemented. The mill increase was approved and
he asked why all programs were not being implemented. Mr. Schumacher
explained that all the programs added to a total of $320,000 and
there is only $155,350, so some programs have to be restricted or cut
out entirely. He said it would be a Council decision as to where the
monies should be spent. He asked the Council to direct him as to what
programs they wish to be funded.
IMayor Benson asked Mr. Schumacher to recommend to the Council what he
feels should be funded and why. Mr. Schumacher explained priorities
one and two are essential. He felt under priority three the four
wheel drive rescue vehicle should be delayed and instead another squad
car purchased. One squad is in the Police Department budget, however
if the department waits until 1988 they will have to purchase three
squads.
Chief Campbell was asked if the four wheel drive vehicle would serve
as another patrol car. Chief Campbell said, no it would not be used in
pursuit, but only for emergencies and hard to get to areas. He es-
timated that such a vehicle would serve the department up to five
years. Chief Campbell was asked if this vehicle could also be used
in the Public Works Department. Chief Campbell explained that be-
cause of the emergency equipment and radios, it could only be used
as a police vehicle. Mr. Volk agreed saying it would be strictly
outfitted for police use.
It was determined that Chief Campbell was requesting a full size Bla-
zer, Bronco style vehicle, equipped only for police use for emergencies
and to be used in inaccessible areas as well as for backup on a very
limited basis. Mr. Bisel asked if a fire vehicle could be used for
such an emergency and Chief Campbell said this has been done. There
were other suggestions such as using a four wheel drive pickup similar
Ito a Chevy S10. It was explained these vehicles did not have enough
ground clearance and there would not be enough room for all the emer-
gency equipment. A full size unit would be equipped with a stretcher,
but would not be intended for transporting victims. It was also de-
termined that no police department in the area has such a vehicle. The
county rangers do use such a vehicle.
BUDGET MEETING
December 22, 1986
Mr. Reinert felt this type of a vehicle was a luxury and the City did
not have the dollars for this type of purchase. Mr. Marier expressed
that he did not feel a Bronco or Blazer was the right vehicle, but
should set up a universal use four wheel drive vehicle. He suggested
having L & Z design a vehicle for the uses proposed by Chief Campbell
Chief Campbellwas asked if a computer was a realistic purchase for the
Police Department. He explained that the $7,000 proposed for this
purchase was not enough. Softwear for police use is very expensive.
The computer would be used strictly inhouse for record keeping.
Mr. Bisel explained he would like a sufficient surplus and explained
what happened to the White Bear School District a few years ago when
their state aid was reduced because the district had been prudent and
had provided for a rainy day. Mayor Benson explained the City Audi-
tors have recommended a six month operating surplus and the Council
should strive to accummulate this.
Mr. Reinert asked if the proposed addition of one police officer as-
sumes that Lino Lakes will assume coverage for Columbus Township.
Chief Campbell said no, if Columbus Township becomes a reality, a
second officer would be needed.
Mayor Benson asked if the 1987 overlay program will be completed with
the additional $44,000.00. Mr. Volk said yes, if there is no unusual
weather and if oil prices stay the same.
The Council took a ten minute break at 7:05 P.M.
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