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I I Ie I I I I I I .e I I I I I I I Ie I Arden Hills City Council Meeting -- March 11. 1996 Comments from Tom Mulcahy 3530 Siems Court I wish to speak on two subjects -- one in praise, the other in criticism First the critical comment. I refer to the Council's decision to donate $2,000 to the playground structure at Val Hills Sch My info on this matter comes from the Bulletin news story and from the Jan Parks Comm mtg I start with the principle that it is nQJ3,.Ql of charity to give away other people's money It may make you feel good; it may be a cause you believe in; it may be worthwhile -- if such is the case, get out your own checkbook and donate Let's review the bidding; Original request $10,000 -. Parks Comm said maybe $500 -- most importantly~ Parks said iL\toesn't appear anywhere on our list of priorities (and it comes out of our funds, out of priorities we have identified) If you have been among the minimally alert in the last two years, you know that our school district has bonded and spent $20 million on capital imprm'-ermmts. Some very considerable portion at Val Hills. Go look at the site. There's new parking, grading, walls, entrances etc. -- all apparently deemed vital to the educational mission there -- that anyone can price out in the big bucks. Now, if the education folks have $20 million and can't find funds for a play structure at an elementary school, I say it's not up to the PTA or the City of Arden Hills to remedy their stupidity. We have been had. What next? A city donation to buy books? Get real. Get the tears out of your eyes. If the reporting is accurate, I am particularly upset with the mayor. Dennis, you must have dreamed you were on a foundation grants committee rather than a city council. $5000 for goodness sake. Dennis, you know better. Do good with your own money, not mine I am equally upset with the other three council members who voted for a $2000 gift. What's the rationale? Half way between $5000 and $500? I pay about $300 to Arden Hills in taxes and I'm very satisfied with the service I get for that. But I don't want you handling my charitable giving budget. I repeat it is no a_ct of charity to give away. other people's money.