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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Page 3 <br />Council Meeting Minutes - December 11,2001 <br /> <br />Public Hearing - Information meeting regarding Proposed 2002 Municipal Budget <br /> <br />The following persons spoke at the public hearing: <br /> <br />Bob Pearson, 2268 l]lh St. NW, noted concern of increased property taxes, and questioned <br />the need to retain $6 million in reserves within the budget. Fulton explained that the <br />General Fund Reserves allow for cash flow needs, contingencies, capital projects, <br />emergencies, and deficiencies which may arise. Fulton noted that Council has directed staff <br />to utilize levy and reserves for the construction ofthe Public Safety Facility. Pearson does <br />not approvc of Reserves being used to finance construction of governments buildings <br />without rcsident approval. Fulton noted that many public hearings were held to inform <br />residents ofthe proposed Public Safety Facility. In final, Pcarson belicves staff has acted <br />responsible, but does not support the high reserve levels. <br /> <br />Chris Woulette, 642 8th Ave. NW, noted increased property taxes and believes the City <br />should reduce their budget instead of raising property taxes. <br /> <br />Stan Smith, S18 Inca Ln., believes the residents should have been allowcd to vote on the <br />Public Safety Facility, and does not support the acquisition of properties to construct the <br />building. He also noted the $3/month charge now be added to provide for the burying of <br />the power lines along Silver Lake Road. <br /> <br />Bob Hildrcth, 1423 19th Ave. NW, does not support the construction of the Public Safety <br />Facility, and questioned the need to expand when the number of residents have not <br />increased. Hildreth asked if the Family Scrvice Center has become self-sufficient. Fulton <br />said the collection ofuser/customcr fees have provided a successful operation for the <br />Family Service Center which receives only a 7% supplement for operations. Fulton noted <br />that the Public Safety Task Force performed an extensive search for a location and later <br />determined the most Jcasible site was the current Fire Station site. <br /> <br />Public Safcty Director Bob Jacobson explained that service levels have increased <br />dramatically in the last few years, and residents have voiced their need for crimc prcvcntion <br />activitics and continued servicc levels. The need to construct the facility is very evident <br />when touring the existing facilities which are inadequate in both space and safety levels. <br />Finally, staff intents to spcnd the money wisely during the construction process. <br /> <br />Larry Justin, 1125 Imperial Ln., does not fully agree with the location ofthe Public Safety <br />Facility, but feels the Task Force performed an outstanding job. He would prefer to see <br />more of the Rcscrves being utilized to offset levy incrcase. Fulton anticipates very good <br />construction bids for the Public Safety Facility. <br /> <br />Motion by Samuelson, seconded by Moore-Sykes, to CLOSE THE HEARING. <br /> <br />S Ayes - 0 Nays, Motion Carried. <br /> <br />Public Hearine <br /> <br />2002 Budget & Tax <br />Levy <br />2002 Fee Register <br />2002 Pay Plan <br />