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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 07 December 8, 2003 Page 7 1 Paul Gabler, 2921 Hilldale Avenue, stated he had lived in his current home since 1960. He 2 indicated he also had a 30+% increase in property taxes. He asked Mr. Mornson if the reduction 3 to be brought before Council at the current meeting was reflected in the budget presentation. 4 Mr. Mornson replied it was not. 5 6 Mr. Gabler asked for information regarding a reduction mentioned a few weeks ago. Mr. 7 Mornson responded the City's decision to decertify the Kenzie District last fall produced more 8 tax capacity for the City, which was reflected in the budget presentation. He added the current 9 resolution before Council represented $112,000 less than what was before Council in September. 10 11 Mr. Gabler asked for a copy of the budget presentation and indicated he also would like to see 12 the Fire Department located in a more commercial setting. 13 14 Rob LeFleur, 3312 Skycroft Drive, stated the fire station was a major capital expenditure and he 15 wondered if enough thought had gone into.how the City should deliver this important service. 16 He asked if having one of the City's larger commercial enterprises impacting surrounding 17 neighborhoods and a park was a good idea. 18 19 Earl Shamp, 3509—31"Avenue NE, stated he greatly enjoyed living in St. Anthony Village and 20 indicated he wanted Council to seriously consider Mr. Cavanaugh's presentation. 21 22 Tom Nelson, 2840 Silver Lake Road, stated he wanted to thank Mayor Hodson and the members 23 of the Council for their service to the community, which made St. Anthony Village a better 24 place. Mr. Nelson stated his family had lived in St. Anthony Village for 29 years so they could 25 be closer to their jobs. He noted they were amazed at how quickly the streets and even alleys 26 were plowed when they first moved into the City. He indicated currently the alley was not 27 plowed unless there was a terrific amount of snow and then only after a rutted pathway had been 28 made by vehicles and trucks. He asked why City government could not deliver basic services 29 when the tax burden on residents was approximately double when compared to cities of 30 comparable size. 31 32 Mr. Nelson asked why his portion of city property taxes had increased 25%, as his wages did not 33 go up 25%. He noted the School Board had also increased his tax burden but added he at least 34 had the opportunity to vote on that issue. He indicated this tax increase lowered his family's 35 standard of living. 36 37 Mr.Nelson indicated he"loved"the location of the temporary fire station, as the fire trucks, 38 police cars and ambulances were no longer"roaring up Silver Lake Road." He stated his 39 family's standard of living had increased because of the Fire Department's move to its current 40 location. 41 42 Mr. Nelson stated a decision must be made to lower the burden of City government on the lives 43 of residents. He added City staff must be willing to make cost-effective decisions for 44 homeowners or changes in City personnel needed to be made. He noted State and County 45 governments had been able to manage their affairs within limitations. 46