CCP 10-27-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 2 Heinrich stated there was a nice write up in the Star and Tribune on John Ellickson's retirement. Hamdorf stated John Ellickson will certainly be missed. Ray Tandeski stated he continues to go up to Freedom Park and he has noticed the cleanliness. He noticed only two small instances of graffiti. Graffiti in the pavilion has disappeared. It is all such good news. The "element" has taken the opinion of the leaders up there and understands that what they were doing up there is not tolerated any longer. He does not see those kids there who were the trouble makers. He saw Chris Wolla's work there and it really looks nice. He also sees little kids there and they are not afraid to be at the park any longer. A young man asked him where he could smoke — which meant he was aware of the "no smoking" in the park. He believes the park has been recaptured. Ray said if there are still negatives on that website, he can completely change that negative view by tonight. Harreld asked Hamdorf if he had noticed any increase in calls to other New Brighton parks and Hamdorf stated he did not. He has not seen the problem displaced. It could be in another community. He feels that by trespassing early on in Freedom Park, it may have had an effect system wide; in particular Totem Pole`Park. Hamdorf thanked Tandeski and all he does. Hamdorf said he gets paid for his work and Ray does it because he loves the community. We really appreciate all the work Ray has done. He has adopted about 50 extra grand kids in the process. B. Council Report — Council Member Mary Burg Council Member Burg complimented the Trails Committee on their work with the Public Works Department to make the trail happen. Burg mentioned the tornado warning that occurred on the Saturday night of Stockyard Days and the evacuation of Long Lake Park that occurred. The evacuation took place in an orderly manner and everyone got out safely. New Brighton has openings on a few commissions. We are trying to form a committee to review the sign ordinance. The Council would like to get input from the community. Also, there is an opening on the Planning Commission. Economic Development Commission is also looking for applicants. Applications are accepted from residents and businesses within New Brighton. Burg felt with poor economic times, it is all the more important to have the Commission active. The budget is the main focus of the Council at this time. At the next meeting we will certify the levy. A levy limit will be set. There are three proposals; zero percent increase, 2`.02 % increase and 7% which would keep everything in the budget. Council felt the 7% was not going to happen. The 2% was good but may set it higher than that (possibly 3% and down from there). At 2% staff would have wages frozen and not many new things and try to provide the services we can. The 2.02% increase is about $18.00 per year on an average home. The budget will be finalized in December. John Ellickson had his big send off last night and was the best decorated officer in New Brighton history. Two other retirements are coming; Bob Rutherford and Rick Wriskey. Council discussion is ongoing regarding if and how these positions will be filled. Burg gave an example of when we had the 2005 storm. Rick Wriskey was able to save the City over a million dollars by organizing the tree removal after 40 that storm.