2018.08.16 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Allen asked how much a school board election cost the City. Lotter estimated this cost the City approximately $10,000 to $12,000. He described how the City would be impacted if odd year elections were to go away. Mayor Johnson questioned if the City-wide survey could be completed every three years for cost saving measures. She stated for the most part the City was receiving the same results every two years. Councilmember Burg and Councilmember Johnson stated they could support the survey being completed every three years. Davitt reviewed the budget expenditures for 2019 and commented on the changes that would occur in the license bureau budget. Lotter discussed the MNLARS and fee issues that had to be addressed by the legislature. It was staff's hope patches would be coming out for MNLARS in September. Councilmember Burg offered some positive feedback that she has received regarding the New Brighton license bureau and the great customer service that was being provided. Mayor Johnson indicated she would reach out to the local legislators to encourage them to open their eyes as to what was occurring within license bureaus at the local level. Schlichting discussed the Engineering and Public Works budget. He commented on the revenue the City would be receiving from the new billboard at the Community Center. He reported the City would be completing approximately 2.5 miles or streets in 2019. It was noted the City's recycling rates may be increasing in the coming years. Fink updated the Council on the Parks and Recreation budget. She stated this was her first time being a part of the City's budgeting process. She thanked the Council for their support in 2018. She explained a Parks Comprehensive Plan was being requested in 2019 and noted the last time this was completed was in 2006. She discussed the changing demographics in the community and how this was impacting parks programming. She commented on the growth that was occurring at the Community Center and how guest staff was being trained to manage the increased number of visitors. Councilmember Burg noted 2019 was the 25 -year anniversary of the Community Center. She asked if staff was budgeting for a special celebration. Fink explained staff had been thinking about how to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Community Center in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the golf course. Councilmember Dunsworth asked how long the Parks Comprehensive Plan would take to complete. Fink estimated this would take 12 to 18 months to complete. Paetznick provided the Council with an overview on the Public Safety Department's budget. He discussed how the City's call for service has increased over the past 35 years while the number of sworn officers has remained the same. He commented further on his staffing needs and how the department was being impacted by turnover. He requested the Council consider adding one additional full time sworn officer and one part-time Public Safety person to the Public Safety Department. He thanked the Council for allowing the Public Safety Department to train at the old New Brighton Elementary School site. He commented on the positive impact the City's Fire Division had on both commercial and residential insurance rates. Councilmember Allen asked how many public safety officers the City had at this time. Paetznick reported the City had four Public Safety Officers, one worked 40 hours, one worked 30 hours and two work 20 hours per