HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1976/09/20PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
A special meeting of the Mounds View City Council was called
to order by Mayor Pickar on September 20, 1976, at 7:08 p.m.
at Mounds View City Hall, 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112.
Present: Mayor Pickar
Councilmember Hodges
Councilmember Rowley
Absent: Councilmember Shelquist
Councilmember Baumgartner
Mayor Pickar called to order the public hearing on the 1977
operating budget at 7:10 p.m.
Laxman Sundae, 2426 County Rd. I, stated that in the city he
sees two people doing one person's job. He stated that he thinks
the city's operating costs are extremely high. He would like to
know how Mounds View's government costs compare with others of
the same size.
Mayor Pickar stated that Mounds View's operating costs are con-
siderably less than many cities and we have a smaller staff than
most cities.
Mr. Sundae stated that he did not think Mounds View's services
were inferior. He just questions whether the taxpayers can
afford the services.
Councilmember Hodges stated that Mounds View costs in many areas
are lower than other cities. Fire protection is one good example.
Bonnie Carlson, 2646 Clearview, asked what was responsible for the
large increase in the city building account. Administrator Achen
stated that the primary reason was the improvement of the basement
to relocate the recreation department offices.
Mayor Pickar stated that although the Lakeside Park Commission
requested $1n 775. SSi ff4, -rat savings have been made in 1976 to
allow the city to budget only $10,300.
Mr. Sundae stated that he did not think additional funds need
be spent for dog control and nuisance abatement. He stated that
all the city needs to do to solve these problems is to vigorously
enforce the ordinances.
Bonnie Carlson asked whether the fire budget includes escrow
funds for future equipment and buildinc expenses. Administrator
Achen stated that these expenses were not made out of escrow or
sinking funds but through commercial borrowing. No such funds
are set aside by the department.
September 0, 1976 Page 2
Councilmember Rowley reported on her visit to the North Suburban
Day Activity Center. She stated no one lives in the Center.
Each night the clients go to nursing home, parents, foster
or other home. Some of the clients are marginally employable.
The purpose of the Center is to educate them so that they can be
more independent and self supporting.
Mayor Pickar asked whether the Center provides transportation?
Councilmember Rowley stated that the Center must provide daily
transportation for the clients. This expense is a major part
of their budget. She stated that there are five Mounds View
residents who use the Center.
Councilmember Hodges asked whether this didn't overlap the public
school programs? Councilmember Rowley stated that the Center
does not handle such children over age five which is when the
public schools take over. Once children have left school the
Center must handle them.
Councilmember Hodges asked why last year some communities did
not contribute monies to the Center. Councilmember Rowley
stated that the Center is required by State law to accept clients
regardless of whether their respective communiteis contribute
monies to the operating budget. She stated that having seen the
program and Center facilities she feels the appropriation requested
from Mounds View is worth funding.
Bonnie Carlson asked whether the increase in the finance department
professional services is primarily continuing costs or one -time
conversion costs. Admin. Achen stated that about 25% of it is
conversion costs.
Mayor Pickar asked whether there were any additional comments
on the budget; there were none. Mayor Pickar closed the public
hearing at 8:20 p.m.
Mayor Pickar stated that staff had requested authorization to
solicit bids for the 4 -wheel drive truck now because one of the
manufacturers is on strike and after existing stock is depleted
it may be difficult for the city to obtain one until mid- spring.
In addition this vehicle will be much easier for supervisory
personnel to handle in case of a maintenance employee strike.
MSP (Pickar Rowley) to authorize bids be opened on October 4, 1976,
at 11:00 p.m. for purchase of four -wheel drive vehicle. Bids are
to be solicited for both 1976 and 1977 model options and vendors.
3 ayes
MSP (Pickar- Rowley) to authorize staff to recruit an engineering
aide and to submit a proposed appointment at the Council's
September 27 meeting. 3 ayes
MSP (Hodges Rowley) to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
pectful ,y Sitted,
�a I/ fi /I�f
art( Achen
Clerk- Administrator
3 ayes