11-03-1997 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I would like to reinstate the $650 worth of training seeing as the department is now relatively new in personnel. As of January 1, three full time positions and the intern position will have been with the • City for less than a year. In addition to training opportunities, the past years' figure may be down in part due to the changes in personnel, not general disuse. Also in Community Development is the reinstatement of$4,500 towards code enforcement trackging software. The October 20 list shows this as a$12,000 cut out of an original $15,000. We have not been able to accurately tell just how much it should be, but are concerned about leaving only$3,000. The increase of$4,500 brings the budgeted amout to $7,500 which should be enough if this item is pursued. I also believe the web page will serve a more functional communications role for the City in the near future. We are currently working towards having Internet access on most computers (there is only one now)and I this should lead to direct managing of the web site information by department in 1998. Today, communities are creating web sites, and few if any are coming off the net. I think we can do a better job maintaining the site, and will when more employees are used to utilizing its capabilities. I also think reinstating the $3,000 for the life guard program should be done. First, this is a joint program with Spring Lake Park, so our move affects two communities. Second, little discussion has taken place regarding policy implications for users of the park. I think this item was brought forth as many items were during the future of the franchise fee discussion developed. Right now, I think it can be included and given deeper consideration during the winter seeing as it would be offsetting the contingency account if not included here. The same can be said of the tree boulevard trimming program. The ramifications of this should be discussed further before implementing. Again, the large reductions possible from the elimination of the franchise fee prompted consideration of this program. If the Council agrees with my assessment, the information in the packet on this item outlines the final proposal I am submitting. Council will note that the property tax levy ends up actually being a 2.7% increase instead of 3%. Bruce can explain how this comes about. The difference is about $5,100. With Council acceptance of this budget, the public information meeting of November 17 will be based on these figures. Item 12 - City Area Code: We are checking but apparently with the proposed area code changes, Mounds View is included in the Minneapolis exchange and not St. Paul. While this is not a huge problem, it does mean that Mounds View is in another area code than our own school district and county. I think it may be of benefit to the City to be in the Ramsey County/St. Paul/school district code. I will check into this prior to meeting time. Council input is requested. •