CCP 03-25-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I ~. Arden Hills City Council Meeting -- March 11, 1996 Comments from Tom Mulcahy 3530 Siems Court I I wish to speak on two subjects -- one in praise, the other in criticism I First the critical comment. I refer to the Council's decision to donate $2,000 to the playground structure at Val Hills Sch I 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 no act of charity to give away other peQRLe's money I 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 Lel's review the bidding Original request $10,000 -- Parks Comm said maybe $500 -- most I jmportantlv, Parks said it doesn't appear anywhereon our list of priorities (and it comes out of our funds, out of priorities we have identified) I If you have been among the minimally alert in the last two years, you know that our school district has bonded and spent ~O million on capital improvements, Some very considerable portion at Val Hills Go look at the site, There's new parking, grading, walls, entrances etc. __ I all apparently deemed vital to the educational mission there -- that anyone can price out in the big bucks, Nm^l, 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 PT A 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 YOLl 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 I 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 I pay about $300 to Arden Hills in taxes and I'm very satisfied with the service I get for that Butl don't want you handling my charitable giving budget I I repeat it is 110 act of charity to give away other people's money. I I I " I --.. ---.--