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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 7 . Councilmember Grant stated that revenue from water tower antennae would be a visible source of funds when there is a budget shortfall. He added the videotapes of Council sessions could be an opportunity for the Council to connect with residents, but their quality is poor. He noted the allocated funds could be used in the upgrade of communications design for the new City Hall. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the Council should start a Communications Fund, which would enable the Council to do its job better, and allow City statf to keep up with changes in technology. Councilmember Rem stated that a source of funding for the new City Hall communications systems is in a Cable Fund that can only be used for communications. She expressed agreement that video taping of council meetings should be improved. She added that funding for parks & recreation would be an important community outreach vehicle. Councilmember Larson expressed concern with regard to setting up special funds. He added a similar debate is going on at the state legislature, and there is concern with regard to setting up special funds rather than letting the use of those monies vie in the political process with other needs of the state. Councilmember Larson stated he agrees that more money for communications and the City's parks is a good idea, but added he would rather the Council had discretion to make funding decisions rather than setting aside special project funds. . Mayor Probst stated he has strongly supported both improved communications as well as parks and recreation. He added he feels uncomfortable hearing this issue for the first time and taking action. He noted that he would have difficulty supporting the dedication offunds for specific purposes. Mr. Post stated that the Council had recently endorsed a policy that called for charitable gambling contributions to be spent on public safety and parks & recreation. He added that as of the end of 1999, there was a large sum remaining in the Community Services Fund at the discretion ofthe Council to be spent in those two areas. He noted that funding for the new City Hall's communications system is more than adequate. He asked whether the additional water tower antennae revenue would be above and beyond the budgeted funds. Grant confirmed this. Mr. Post suggested that the Council consider the revenue source as an additional governor on any future tax levy increases. Mayor Probst stated that, with regard to audio-visual equipment for the new city hall, funding decisions will be made by the Council and not through funding capability. He added that the Council might wish to consider how much to spend on such issues in the new City Hall. . Councilmember Grant stated he had reviewed various City accounts and budgets, adding he does not believe that adding one more special fund would be cumbersome. He noted that there had not been sufficient funds to complete improvements in Sampson Park, and asked why this was the case.