CC 02-13-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . . "'.' ..._'-\..1.. ......vuu......J.....L 1-1\:;1;;;;\-..1.-'.15' ~U.LUaLY !-J) .L..IUJ Page 5 EMPLOYEES (Cont'd) utilized could be Buckley stated the fund and allocated for that purpose he would contact spent for capital improvements. monies have been deposited in the Park for a part-time person, if not Mr. Adams to determine if the funds Councilmember Malone stated it is laudible that charitable organizations have donated funds to the City for the position, however, he explained the City has determined staffing needs. It was his opinion outside sources should not determine hiring of an employee that apparantly would remain with the City without a consist ant funding source. Malone stated it should be the City responsibility to accept donations graciously and determine how the funds are spent. He did not favor department heads soliticing funds for budget requests that have been deleted by Council as part of prioritizing allocation of City resources. Hansen agreed; she expressed concern relative to future funding of the position and lack of office space for staff. Mayor Sather stated he was disappointed that Council did not budget in 1989 for this position; he expressed concern that staff is limited in supervisory capacity for the number of children involved in the programs. He explained that Arden Hills is grossly below staffing per participant in programs as compared to other communities. He advised charitable organizations may designate where the funds are utilitized. Sather favored hiring this position on a trial basis. Mahowald stated he did not advocate gambling proceeds funding any position in the City on a long-term basis. He suggested if Council were to grant approval of this request he preferred it be on a one-time basis. Mahowald agreed that if the position is approved it is likely to become a full-time position and expressed concern relative to funding on a full-time basis. He did point out that recent surburban survey lists recreation as a high priority for residents living in communities such as Arden Hills; he stated there may be a desire on the part of our residents to pursue additional progam activities. Mahowald commented the funds donated could be viewed as "seed" monies to get the program started on a part-time basis. Jim Adams, Pot O'Gold Bingo Hall, advised it is likely the charitable organizations would be willing to continue to support the position if the City deems the program beneficial. Adams advised the charities would not expect the funding returned if the Council does not approve the position; he stated the organizations did not intend to establish programming for the City only to support ideas and provide "seed" money. Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council reject the plan to hire a part-time employee as a Program Supervisor for 1989. Motion failed. (Malone, Hansen voting in favor; Sather and Mahowald opposed). (2-2) Council concurred to direct the Park Director provide Council with alternatives for utilizing the funds donated for a one-time purchase, such as equipment. It was also recommended that Council review budget to assess the availability of monies to fund the position from a general revenue source. Council thanked Mr. Adams for the donation. PRELIM. PLAN; ARSENAL ATHLETIC COMPLEX Council was referred to Buckley's report of 2-9-89, relative to the proposed plan for a joint facility to be utilized as an athletic complex and constructed on property leased from the Arsenal. Buckley stated he has met with representatives from Mounds View, New Brighton and Shoreview to discuss and list their respective priorities for development of the complex and Ramsey County Parks Department has been involved in the discussion relative to their interest in a linear trail system through the property. The Park Director stated Commander Ted Schulte and Ellen Tillman, representing the Arsenal, have viewed the proposed plan and were favorably impressed with the concept. He stated Schulte requested the City submit an official plan to be reviewed through the proper TCAAP channels to determine if it would be an appropriate use age of the area. Buckley further requested Council authorize the expenditure of Arden Hills portion of the athletic complex plan preparation.