Council_Minutes_1978_10_02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 2, 1978 Page 2 At 7:20 PM Mayor Pickar opened the public hearing on uses of Federal Revenue Sharing and the 1979 Budget. Administrator Achen presented highlights of the budget team proposals including all funds revenues and expenditures, property tax levy, and major capital and staffing proposals including a receptionist- switchboard operator position. Mayor Pickar expressed appreciation of all the staff's efforts in preparing the budget. Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, asked whether the sewer jet rodder is included in the 1979 Budget. Administrator Achen indicated that it is in the sewer department proposal. Neil Loeding, 5046 Longview, asked what rate of inflation would be appropriate for evaluating the cost of city services. Administrator Achen indicated that he could give no specific rate since the infla- tionary increases in costs have not been consistent among all goods and services. Some have increased dramatically such as insurance, gasoline, postage, paper supplies, personal services, and electricity. Others such as refuse removal and uniform rental have risen slowly in price. Overal he estimates city costs have increased at about the standard rate of inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index. Administrator Achen indicated that additional revisions to Park Play- ground Fund and Revenue Sharing Fund budgets will be necessary. Bill Beim called him at 6:30 PM this evening to say he cannot accept Council's financial guarantee terms for development of Northcrest Park. This means that there will be no 197b and 1979 revenues from the Northcrest Park dedication fee. There will be inadequate monies for any 1979 expenditures from the Park Playground Fund. Duane McCarty asked whether the city in light of this still plans to sell the $1.4 million bond issue. Administrator Achen said that, accord- ing to the city's fiscal agent, it may be possible to cancel the bond sale. If this can be done without harm to the city's credit rating, it would be the best solution. Councilmember Ziebarth stated that he feels the $6,000 expenditure pro- posed for improvement of the Edgewood Junior High School outdoor facili- ties should be financed somehow even if there are insufficient monies in the Park Playground Fund. The School District is providing $23,000 for this and the city should take advantage of the joir.L powers financing arrangement which would be a great benefit to our community. Mayor Pickar stated that he feels similarly about construction in 1978 of the Greenfield Park hockey rink and lighting. This park has been in the process of development for three years and progress has been slow. To drop the hockey rink construction is unfair to the residents of that area.