2022.01.11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Abdulle explained he supported the proposed three year contract. He believed CPY provided effective and much needed services to New Brighton, especially during the pandemic. He also supported CPY finding more sustainable funding opportunities for their organization. Councilmember Dunsworth stated New Brighton was the only City that contributes to CPY at this point. She indicated no other cities or school districts were contributing. She commented she was not opposed to the City contributing, but questioned why New Brighton was when no other cities were. She reco gnized the services CPY was providing predominantly to New Brighton residents, but feared CPY was relying on New Brighton too heavily. She stated generally, she had a problem with the City contributing to one non-profit in the community, while not contributing to others who were also making meaningful contributions to New Brighton residents. She supported the City exploring this more wholistically. She indicated she could support the three year contract with a step down plan. She wanted to see the Council discussing a step-down approach with CPY because New Brighton could not be a funding source in perpetuity, or that other cities should be contributing equally. Councilmember Allen commented the cities that could contribute to CPY based on benefitting communities were New Brighton and Mounds View. He stated he understood CPY has approached Mounds View and the school district to request funding. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas reported there was Council consensus to support a three year contract with CPY, however there was not clarity on the amount and if it should step down or continue on with what was planned. Councilmember Dunsworth supported the Council moving forward with $77,500 for 2022 and then stepping this down to $67,500 for 2023 and 2024. She indicated this would assist CPY at the higher amount for one more year given the pandemic but would then bring the contract back to the original number. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated she supported this recommendation. Councilmember Abdulle explained he supported this recommendation as well. Councilmember Dunsworth reported the Council had direct conversations with CPY and indicated the City was very clear that they needed to stabilize their finances in order to allow the City to step back their funding. She indicated the City offered CPY a cash injection due to the pandemic but this was not meant to continue indefinitely. Councilmember Abdulle stated his only concern was how much hurt a $10,000 loss would cause CPY in 2023 and 2024. Councilmember Allen commented he supported the $77,500 for three years, but he understood this was not where the Council was the last time this was discussed. He reported the $20,000 loss over two years would be substantial but letting CPY know up front would allow them to plan accordingly and he believed CPY would remain afloat. Councilmember Dunsworth discussed how CPY made good use of their PPP or CARES funding. She hoped that this funding would allow this organization to pivot in a way that would offset any future reductions the City would make to their funding. Massopust reported the City of New Brighton gave CPY $10,000 in CARES funding in 2020.