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Mounds View City Council September 24, 2001 <br />Regular Meeting Page 8 <br /> <br />Council Member Marty noted that Mr. Decheine’s wife had commented about Mr. Decheine <br />coming back to plow snow and then asked if public works would need part time help or if <br />existing staff would some how pick up the slack. <br /> <br />Mr. Pittman indicated that they would need part time help if the position is not filled. He then <br />explained that the trails and sidewalks have increased since 1998 and said that staff likes to begin <br />cleaning the trails immediately after clearing the roadways because it is much harder to clear the <br />trails once the snow is trampled on. <br /> <br />Council Member Stigney indicated that it appears that public works needs another staff member <br />but noted that there is a budget deficit of approximately $344,000 and the City Administrator <br />wants to expand her staff. He then suggested a motion to table this request until October 8, 2001. <br /> <br />Mr. Pittman clarified that this position has been in the budget since 1993. <br /> <br />Council Member Stigney clarified that the budget for 2002 is approximately $344,000 in the <br />hole. <br /> <br />Council Member Thomas made a point of clarification that there is nothing to table and said no <br />motion to table is needed. <br /> <br />Council Member Stigney suggested postponing the discussion until after the budget work <br />session. <br /> <br />Council Member Thomas asked if this matter was a discussion item or whether staff was looking <br />for direction from Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Sonterre indicated this matter was for discussion only and no action is required. <br /> <br />Council Member Quick pointed out that Council Member Stigney did not have the floor when he <br />made his motion to table and, therefore, the motion is not allowed. <br /> <br />Council Member Quick indicated he feels Council needs to authorize staff to advertise and fill <br />that position as he does not believe the budget deficit is as bad as Council Member Stigney <br />would have residents believe. He then indicated that he feels the bottom line of the budget can <br />be more than justified. <br /> <br />Council Member Marty questioned why this matter was not brought to a work session for <br />discussion. <br /> <br />Mayor Sonterre noted the matter was discussed at a work session and indicated that Council <br />needed to authorize staff to advertise for a position that already exists. He then indicated that he <br />agreed with Council Member Stigney’s budgetary concerns but said the overage has been <br />reduced significantly. He further indicated, however, that there is a difference in talking about <br />proposed new positions and how that affects the budget and maintaining a level of staffing.