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Mounds View City Council January 10, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 2 • stated that the Governor would make his proposal in about two weeks, and the legislature would come forward with its proposals, and hopefully it will be done by the time they adjourn. He stated he didn't believe there was any hope of restoring the LGA cuts that had had a major impact on the City of Mounds View. He stated that other issues before them included crime prevention, jobs, transportation, methamphetamines, health care costs, and education. He stated he had introduced the bill for the covenant clause on the golf course property. He stated he was on the Pension Commission, and that there was an issue that the Blaine/Mounds View/Spring Lake Park Fire Department was bringing forward to allow some of the city employees the opportunity to be a volunteer firefighter and be able to use pension credit for PERA as part of their volunteer service because of the shortage of firefighters. Representative Bernardy stated her home phone number is 763-571-0015, and she wanted the .public to know that she was accessible. She stated that on February 3`d there would be a town meeting with her and Senator Betzold at the City Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m., and everyone was invited to express their ideas and have any questions answered. 6. PUBLIC INPUT Dave Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, stated that the figures stated in the article by Jim Manthis were confusing and he didn't understand where he got them. He asked. the Council if they could comment on them. Mayor Marty stated that some of the information in the article was close to factual, but some wasn't. City Administrator Ulrich stated that in the next newsletter they were going to present a more balanced perspective of the redevelopment options for the golf course for the community. Police Chief Sommer asked that citizens inform the police department directly when they notice a problem with damage to property. He stated that they had charged three juveniles with criminal damage to property for puncturing five to ten inflatable lawn ornaments. Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated it was atrocious that the citizens of Mounds View were going to have a 27 1/2 percent increase in property taxes this year, after having double digit increases in taxes since 2002. She stated she had never received more than a 5 to 7 percent merit increase at her job, even with outstanding reviews. She asked if building the new fire station in Blaine would cause another double-digit tax increase for 2006. Mayor Marty applauded Ms. Mueller for her comments at the debate, and he asked Finance Director Hansen to comment on the reason for the tax increase. Finance Director Hansen stated that in 2004 the State cut aid to the City of Mounds View in the amount of $480,000, and in 2005 they cut the aid in the amount of $300,000. He stated the • addition of two police officers had added over $100,000 to the budget. He stated that for the 2005 budget, they have the first year of debt service for the street bond levy in the amount of