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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 14. 1997 8 . Mr. Fritsinger asked if a simple l11ajority vote is needed to authorize the sale of bonds. Mr. Filla stated this is correct. B. Northwest Youth & Family Services, Joint Powers Agreement Mr. Fritsinger explained that the Council was presented with the Northwest Youth and Family Services (NYFS) Joint Powers Agreement (JP A) at the September 29, 1997, meeting. Attorney Filla has reviewed the JP A and made several revisions to the draft agreement. He explained that the Council is asked to consider approval of the JP A with the Northwest Youth & Family Services. Mr. Fritsinger noted the City has not historically acted as executor of the JP A but abided by its terms by seeking contributions from the charitable gambling organizations on behalf of the City. He asked the Council if they want to proceed with that approach or execute the JPA. Councilmel11ber Hicks asked ifthe City will be more legally responsible to pay ifthey sign the JP A. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this is correct and, if the JP A is executed, it should be included as a budget itel11 for funding. Mayor Probst stated he supports executing the JP A and believes it is silly to contribute but not execute the agreement. He noted the ability to terminate the agreement within 60 days, if desired. . Councilmember Malone stated he disagrees with this point of view. He explained that he served on the Council when this issue was raised previously and the opinion was not to contract for an expenditure like this where there is no long-term control. He noted the City needs to set its budget every year and this is not, in his opinion, one of the expenses that local government is responsible for. Councilmember Malone agreed it is difficult to say no but he believes it would be even more politically unpopular to opt out of the agreement in 60 days. Also, the City could only cancel at the end of the calendar year with notification to all parties. Councilmember Malone expressed concern about the presentation made with regard to services they provide and noted the majority of service to Arden Hills' residents is through the Senior Chore Program. Councilmember Malone restated he does to believe this is the type of service that should be funded by the City. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she has served on the Board and it is difficult to do so and not have the same vote. She stated she knows Arden Hills' residents are served by this organization but she wonders if it is not a County function to provide these services. Councilmember Malone noted that these services are not needed for the health and well-being of Arden Hills' residents. He stated he does not believe the JPA is appropriatc. Councilmember Aplikowski cOl11l11ented on the benefit received from the diversion services. .