CCP 03-23-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-3 - back in a couple more weeks in a work session and discuss it some more. Don't have any positive news. We need some real creative solutions to get staffing back up at Park and Rec. It didn't come out at this work session. Burg will report back in March. Burg mentioned she could have a conflict with being here at next month's meeting. She's hoping to be here but may have to find an alternate. Frischman asked if the Forestry position was even being discussed. Burg said some are discussing it, others are not. Three critical positions were listed on the white board — the City Forestry position was not on there. Everything was on the table. As revenues deplete, what is the impact on raising taxes for homeowners. It is a valid argument and there are some really tough decisions. Heinrich asked if Mounds View would still participate in the joint forestry position with us if we moved forward with the Forestry position. Burg stated it is her understanding that Mounds View will be hiring for that position. Burg stated the three critical positions listed were; thedeputy director of Public Safety, senior engineer and the Recreation Supervisof. The decision was to have a freeze on all three of these positions. Burg felt some of these positions would be filled at some time. The Council is trying to avoid lay offs next year. If we filled all the positions, we are looking at about $600,000 increase. If we don't use reserves then it would have to -be an increase in taxes. No one on the Council wanted to add a 10 or 12% t4k burden to;tUhe residents. iTrevorrow expressed concern that the Fotestry position was not being considered at this time by the Council as a position>they would hire. As a citizen of New Brighton, Trevorrow wrote a letter to the Mayor and City Council members. He read the letter to the "Commission which noted the importance of the Forestry position, especially with the possibility of the Emerald Ash Borer invasion. Frischman also recognized that the Parks and Recreation Department has gone through some major restructuring. Staff has done everything they can to maintain the same level of customer service with staff decrease and you are struggling to do the best you can. We appreciate it as a Commission. You are doing such a great job, that some may not even notice that we are short staffed. She gave kudos to Sandy and her staff members. We are at a critical point with Park and Rec. and at some point and time services are going to have to be cut and people are going to feel it. Trevorrow mentioned that voter turn out was only 3,000. Trevorrow mentioned he is willing to see tax increases if it means keeping services. He encouraged residents to contact the Council if they have concerns. Harreld stated that there is value in Parks and Recreation that is hard to put a number on. When people are deciding where to live; the Parks and Recreation is often a determining factor. We offer programs for all age groups. Parks and Recreation is very important to the City. Norton also stated that if we don't plan appropriately; in the long run we pay more. We as a community need to be aware of these things.