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ST. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
April 21, 2003
The meeting convened at 8:28 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Brimeyer, Chns Nelson, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Meyer),Deputy City Manager(Mr. Pires), Community
Development Director(Mr. Harmening),Finance Director(Ms. McGann), Public Works
Director(Mr. Rardin), Human Resources Director(Ms. Gohman); Director Parks and Recreation
(Ms. Walsh), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Fire Chief(Mr.
Stemmer), and Recording Secretary (Ms Samson).
1. 2003-2004 Budget Deficit Reduction Proposal
City Manager Charlie Meyer presented an overview of the 2003-2004 budget deficit reduction
proposal Memorandum provided to the Councilmembers addressed fund balances and reserves;
proposed human resource incentives, such as Early Retirement Incentive Program, Voluntary
Leave Without Pay Program, and Reduction of Work Hours Request; and franchise fee
implementation. The proposals mentioned above are associated with the General Fund. Mr.
Meyer stated that one assumption in the preparation of the budget plan is that St. Louis Park
would no longer self-insure for workers' compensation, and the City will look to the League of
Minnesota Cities for advisement.
Mr Meyer spoke about the 2004 Plan, which will be the new base of operations for the
foreseeable future. Mr. Meyer said, hopefully, attrition, through the Early Retirement Incentive
Program, will minimize the number of City employees to be laid-off. Mr. Meyer discussed
reinstatements. Mr. Meyer stated that utility franchise fees will be used to generate revenue.
Deputy City Manager Clint Pires amved at 8:50 p.m.
Finance Director Jean McGann discussed fund reserves and fund balances.
Staff requested feedback from the Councilmembers regarding: 1) Early Retirement Incentive—
Mayor Jacobs and Councilmember Santa said yes, to the early retirement incentive, and
Councilmember Sanger said yes, but it does not go far enough; 2) public safety dispatch
operations--Mr Meyer said the City is considering alternatives to the current structure of in-
house dispatching, and Councilmembers favor exploring alternatives. One alternative being
proposed is the consolidation of public safety dispatch with other cities, which could result in the
St. Louis Park/Golden Valley dispatch center being closed.
Councilmembers were informed that the Early Retirement Incentive Program would not include
police officers and fire fighters
Study Session Minutes -2- April 21, 2003
Councilmember Sanger strongly suggested that Councilmembers lead by example and
implement a pay freeze or a pay cut for themselves. Mayor Jacobs and Councilmember Sanger
suggested cutting travel expenses. Councilmember Velick favors a pay freeze and the cutting of
travel expenses. Mr. Meyer said Minnesota statutes may prohibit any immediate changes in the
amount of compensation for Councilmembers, however, he will consult with the appropriate
individuals on that matter.
Councilmember Bnmeyer said he is impressed by the budget package the City Manager and
Department Directors have presented. He suggested Councilmembers talk to department heads
on a department-by-department basis. Given the budget cuts, Councilmember Bnmeyer would
like to have a few more Study Session budget meetings to discuss the impending changes to the
levels of services. Councilmember Bnmeyer would also like to engage the public on what is
being contemplated.
Mayor Jacobs stated that perhaps it would be possible to enlist neighborhood help, i.e., members
of neighborhood associations, and other interested individuals, could be asked to volunteer to
staff warming houses, etc.
Mr. Meyer said Department Directors will be asked to return to Study Sessions to discuss the
budget cuts for their respective departments in greater detail.
Councilmember Sanger suggested looking to the School Board and consider writing grants.
2. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p m.
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