Laserfiche WebLink
Hatch explained the Minnesota Secretary of State standards that would be required for all future elections with <br />regard to the number of polling stations and number of voters within each polling location. He commented <br />that the 2016 election was a national election, which would require additional election judges. Lotter reported <br />one election judge was required for every 125 voters under the new standards and provided further comment <br />on the City's redistricting. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen stated he could not support any staffing cuts. <br />Mayor Jacobsen agreed. He understood that the Council had a difficult decision to make given the level of <br />investment that has been made in the community, its parks, trees and infrastructure. It was his hope that the <br />community would continue to become stronger. He was in favor of eliminating the City Council meals. He <br />then discussed the golf course and the investment that has been made in this outdoor amenity. <br />Councilmember Strub stated he was in favor of keeping the fleet and non -fleet plan as is. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the tax levy percentage. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen supported a 6.6% tax levy. He requested further information on the health insurance <br />increase. Lotter explained that the City's health insurance would increase by 8% in 2016. He believed that the <br />City received a very competitive rate from NJPA. <br />Lotter discussed the proposed fleet and non -fleet adjustment. He stated that a one-time reduction in the <br />contribution could be considered by the Council and asked how the Council felt about this item. <br />Mayor Jacobsen feared how this line item would be worked back into the budget plan if removed for one year. <br />He did not want to see this become a permanent budget cut. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen suggested that if the City finishes the year with a surplus that the fleet and non -fleet <br />contribution be covered by the surplus. <br />Councilmember Burg supported the City continuing to fund in the golf course through the Community <br />Reinvestment Fund. Lotter commented that this budget item could be reviewed on a year -by -year basis going <br />forward in order to discuss phasing options. <br />Mayor Jacobsen asked when the union negotiations would be complete. Lotter anticipated that the <br />negotiations would not be complete until after the preliminary levy was set. <br />Mayor Jacobsen understood that some of the budget numbers were unknown at this time. He was in favor of <br />keeping the $27,000 contribution within the budget. <br />Councilmember Strub agreed with this recommendation. <br />Councilmember Burg supported the $27,000 contribution being cut from the budget. She would rather see this <br />happen than for there to be staffing cuts. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen agreed. <br />Councilmember Bauman supported the $27,000 contribution being cut. <br />Councilmember Strub stated the cuts agreed upon this evening would equate to an almost 2% levy reduction <br />