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Mounds View City Council February 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 31 He advised that there is approximately $50,000 in the Contingency Fund, however, they never like to advise contingency use at this time in the year, because of the uncertainty of the next 10 months, however, the fight is now, and the decision is upon the Council at this time. He noted that they might have gone into the General Fund Reserve to assist with this the previous year. Mayor Coughlin stated the City has a larger Contingency this year, in light of the fact that this was an unknown. He inquired regarding the maximum amount that would be necessary. City Attorney Long stated this would be approximately $20,000. Mayor Coughlin commented that one of the lobbyists they are attempting to bring into the fold had “pulled a rabbit out of the hat,” and twisted an arm to obtain the vote they needed to pass the Bill through the Senate Committee. He stated this was the highest drama he has witnessed in the political arena. He advised that the City has spent literally hundreds of thousands of dollars on this issue in the last two decades, and in light of this, if they can have the best chance to resolve this with an additional $20,000, they should proceed with it. MOTION/SECOND: Coughlin/Marty. To Authorize the Transfer of Funds Up To, but Not Exceeding $25,000 from Contingency or Any Other Funding Sources that the Finance Director Deems Appropriate, and to Request the Finance Director Provide a Full Report in this Regard at an Upcoming Meeting. City Administrator Whiting advised that City Attorney Long’s approved budget may have already been exceeded by a couple thousand dollars, therefore, he would suggest the Council amend the amount from $20,000 to $25,000, which staff would write with Kennedy and Graven. Mayor Coughlin stated he would amend the motion to reflect the amount of $25,000, as per City Administrator Whiting’s recommendation. Council Member Marty agreed. Council Member Stigney inquired regarding the amount spent the previous year. City Administrator Whiting stated this was somewhat unclear, because a portion had also been spent for litigation with regard to the same issues. He indicated $40,000 had been budgeted for this purpose, however, would have to research the matter to determine the exact amount spent. Mayor Coughlin advised that they had received some funds for this effort from different municipalities, and those figures would be in the mix, as well. City Administrator Whiting stated he would research this, however, he was fairly certain the City had spent their entire allocation, and must have exceeded that, as in his recollection, this discussion had taken place the previous year as well. Council Member Stigney inquired if the other municipalities were continuing to cost share in this effort.