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<br />Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting, September 19 <br />Page three <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Park Maintenance (101-45200 - Revenue Account 101-34790) +$200 <br />Committee had queried increase in Code #381, Electric Utilities, Buckley <br />explained tennis court lights at Mounds View are being reactivated; accounts <br />for increased cost. These are metered lights, and are expected to produce <br />revenue of $200 (but not cover cost of operation). <br /> <br />Committee asked whether these lights are necessary. Buckley explained that <br />there are no other lighted courts in Arden Hills; feels there is a need for <br />one lighted site; all other courts are in too close proximity to resi- <br />dential areas for him to recommend lighting. <br /> <br />Committee asked reason for heaters for Perry Park; Buckley stated the heaters <br />now being used there are 12 to 14 years old; are difficult to maintain so <br />are scheduled for replacement in 1986. Committee noted this should probably <br />be in "Skating Rink" budget rather than in Park Maintenance budget. <br /> <br />Committee had suggested he prepare an answer to hypothetical question <br />if you had to cut $5,000 from Capital' Outlay, what would be your priorities? <br />Buckley's answer was that he cannot cut; if asked to cut $5,000, would <br />suggest it be "across the board" of the Park Maintenance budget; with his <br />very tight manpower situation, equipment requested is essential in order <br />to maintain the parks in an acceptable manner. <br /> <br />In later discussion, he did state his lowest priority would probably be the <br />48" walk-behind mower. <br /> <br />Shade Tree Disease Control (224-46102) <br />Committee had asked for justification for continuing this program, when many <br />areas have discontinued. Buckley stated that discontinuing would save the <br />City about $3,500 in salary of one part-time employee. However, he strongly <br />recommended its continuance; stated that Roseville, New Brighton, and <br />Shoreview still maintain a Shade Tree program; biggest advantage to City <br />is in service to the residents. City contractor is selected on the basis <br />of a bid system, thus provides them with a reference point when hiring a <br />tree contractor to remove diseased trees, usually saves 1/3 to 1/2 in cost. <br />Many dead trees would remain in the Village without it, resulting in safety <br />hazard as well as unsightliness. Buckley had discussed with White Bear the <br />results when they discontinued their program (negative -- have reinstated <br />their program, and found it more costly to have abandoned and then reinstated <br />the program, than if they had continued). <br /> <br />Mertensotto and Rautio spoke in favor of continuing the program, for aesthetic <br />and safety reasons, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Self SustaininR Recreation ProRram (Revenue Account 226-36270) +990 <br />Additions were made to anticipated fees expected in exercise classes ($250) <br />Halloween Party ($20), Racquetball Instruction ($100), Sports' Club ($120), <br />and Seniors' Club ($100). <br /> <br />Buckley distributed survey prepared of fees charged by neighboring mun1C1- <br />cipalities for programs similar to Arden Hills', showing our fees as large <br />or larger than most. <br />