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Davitt noted there were not a great deal of changes planned for the Finance Department. She reviewed the <br /> budget for the License Bureau and noted this department would be receiving a slight increase in revenues in <br /> 2020. <br /> Schlichting discussed the budget for the Community Assets and Development Department. He stated his <br /> department had a projected decrease for next year. He commented further on the staffing needs for his <br /> department. <br /> Fink reviewed the Parks and Recreation budget with the Council. She described the staff reorganization that <br /> had occurred within her department. She indicated her staff was working to reorganize its fitness classes in <br /> order to create more consistency while increasing revenues and memberships. She discussed the visits the <br /> Community Center has had in 2019 noting numbers were up. She explained if Ramsey County were to bring <br /> elections to the Community Center this would also increase the number of visitors. She commented on the <br /> Brightwood Golf Course and noted she would work to accurately estimate revenues for 2020 but noted golf <br /> course use was heavily dependent upon the weather. <br /> Mayor Johnson suggested the golf course be used in the winter months for cross country skiing. Fink reported <br /> this had been considered. She noted other alternative revenue sources were also being considered for the <br /> winter months. <br /> Mayor Johnson suggested an expansion of the clubhouse be considered in order to create a great meeting <br /> space. <br /> Paetznick discussed the Public Safety Department budget with the Council. He commented on the importance <br /> of the City having Community Service Officers and how this helped the department cultivate great officers. He <br /> requested the Council consider continuing this tradition. He noted his department was understaffed when <br /> compared to neighboring agencies. He explained he was not asking for additional sworn officers but rather <br /> wanted to keep part-time Community Service Officers within the department. He discussed the increased <br /> demands and calls for service his officers would have in the future. He described how his department was <br /> working to improve recruitment given how policing has changed over the last five to ten years. <br /> Councilmember Allen asked if the Public Safety Department could pursue grants to assist with body cameras <br /> or CSO's. Paetznick commented the City does not qualify for any of these types of grants. He noted he <br /> receives and reviews grant opportunities on weekly basis. Lotter commented on how strong the City's Public <br /> Safety Department was and explained he would like to continue to nurture this strength by sustaining the CSO <br /> program. <br /> Paetznick commented further on the Fire Division budget with the Council. He explained he was requesting <br /> one full time public fire educator noting this would be an efficient and effective addition to the Fire Division. <br /> Mayor Johnson stated she was disappointed with the fact an Inclusive Community staff member was being cut <br /> but appreciated the fact the CSO would be added to assist in reaching out to the community. Paetznick <br /> discussed the public education events that were conducted on an annual basis. <br /> Davitt provided the Council with a final summary on the budget. She commented on how property values <br /> were slated to increase as estimated by the County Assessor. She described how the median value home <br /> increased from 2019 to 2020. <br /> Mayor Johnson called for a five-minute recess at this time and asked each Councilmember to share their <br />