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City Council Study Session - 05/17/04 Minutes - Page 15 2) Level of detail desired. Substance: 1) Levy amount; 2) "Untouchables" 3) Other guidance a. %? (levy reduction, "zero increase," or increase) Councilmember Kough requested specific projected savings and evaluation, with new maintenance facilities, on cleaning and maintenance of city-owned vehicles and possible less frequent replacement of city-owned equipment. City Manager Beets sought more specific direction from the Council as outlined above, noting the impacts to departments and functions by the Council direction provided and information necessary to provide a preliminary budget as directed. Further discussion ensued related to the City's core functions. Mayor Klausing opined his philosophy, based on risk versus reward, noting that the City's core functions not be allowed to fall further behind; and recognizing that that City had lost ground due to increased health care costs and inflation. Mayor Klausing further identified his preference to address the Parks and Recreation structural deficit; maintaining public safety as a core service and to ensure the safety and comfort of residents; continued aggressive maintenance in street maintenance to ensure the quality of life and level of service expected by the community. Councilmember Ihlan opined her preference for a budget format addressing a multi-year spending plan to determine how much ground had been lost to-date, and if there were certain areas that had been more strongly impacted than others that required immediate attention; and others that could receive phased allocations to bring them back to appropriate levels or to address deficits. Councilmember Maschka concurred with Councilmember Ihlan's comments.