12-07-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 7, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Motion by Councilmember Bauman, seconded by Councilmember Samuelson to open the Public Hearing. 5 Ayes- 0 Nays, Motion carried The Public Hearing was opened at 7.01 pm. Rick Moses, 2049 29th Ave NW suggested the Council give long term consideration to the budget. Mr. Moses described the 2% COLA as unsettling. Bob Hildreth, 1423 19th Ave NW reported many residents are on fixed incomes, and requested Council consider the needs of the community verses the wants of the community. Mr. Hildreth also expressed his dissatisfaction with the discontinuation of the AARP tax assistance program previously held at the Family Service Center. Mr. Hildreth stated that while union contracts have been negotiated, they can be renegotiated to omit the 2% COLA. Mayor Jacobsen asked for additional comments, there were none. Motion by Councilmember Bauman, seconded by Councilmember Burg to close the Public Hearing. 5 Ayes- 0 Nays, Motion carried The Public hearing was closed at 7.09 pm Councilmember Phillips commented that the City Budget over the last two years has been significantly reduced, and this Council cannot affect what happened in prior years. Councilmember Burg commented this is her seventh budget year as a Councilmember, and recalls 13% recommended levies in the past. Councilmember Burg challenged the other Councilmembers to consider health -insurance options, allowing Councilmember to participate in the City's Health Insurance plan at their own cost. Councilmember Phillips objected to Councilmember Burg's request, and stated his disagreement with Councilmember Burg's past vote pertaining to the relocation of the Post Office. Councilmember Samuelson thanked the Finance Director, City Manager and City Staff for the effort with the budget, as ideally the Council wants New Brighton to be a City that works for everybody. Councilmember Bauman stated there have been many good budget discussions, and is not in favor of borrowing from the reserve fund. It was suggested the City prepare for the future, as the reserve funds may not always be available. Concern was expressed for the residents on a fixed income. Councilmember Bauman stated that while the Council has worked well towards a common goal, there is still room for improvement on City spending. Because of the economic conditions, Councilmember Bauman suggested a 0% COLA for 2011. Councilmember Bauman reported she feels the Council did a good job, looking at the budget earlier in the year, and would like to see more residents engaged in the process in the future. Councilmember Samuelson suggested the insurance coverage for Councilmember's should be under the same benefit structure as permanent part-time employees. ' Rick Moses commented that if Councilmembers are offered the health coverage, he supports their participation. Bob Hildreth commented that that the NWQ and the Post Office are behind us, and the City Council should move forward.