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City Council Regular Meeting - 08/23/04 Minutes - Page 3 B. John Kysylyczyn, 3083 N Victoria Street Mr. Kysylyczyn referenced comments he had made, and which had been responded to by Assistant Fire Chief Tim o 'Neill, regarding a report made by Chief Gasaway several years ago outlining turnover trends among firefighters. Mr. Kysylyczyn noted misinterpretations between the intent of his comments, years referenced, and current trends. Mr. Kysylyczyn noted that he and Mr. O'Neill had clarified the time period Chief Gasaway's report referenced, and possible extenuating circumstances with early retirements and other reasons for department turnover. Mr. Kysylyczyn noted his rationale for the comparison figures as they related to savings in the department to implement incentives to increase firefighter retention, thereby reducing training costs. Mr. Kysylyczyn raised several issues and/or questions regarding the proposed 2005 Preliminary Budget, including: 1) Councilmember Ihlan' s continuing references to her desire to "restore programs cut over the last two years. Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that, during his tenure as mayor, to his knowledge the Council made wise spending decisions (i.e., insurance savings), and savings were realized, but he was not aware of any program cuts being made. Mr. Kysylyczyn requested that if Councilmember Ihlan were to continue making that implication, she provide a list of those programs that were allegedly cut and were being sought for restoration. 2) A question asked by Joe Smith at the August 16, 2004 Council Study Session, but not adequately responded to by staff or Council, "Where did the Arona Site funds that were initially dedicated to the Parks and Recreation Department end up?" Mr. Kysylyczyn requested that staff respond to Mr. Smith's question. 3) Continuing references to the City having a deficit of $700,000 due to cuts in state aid. Mr. Kysylyczyn opined that there were permanent reductions made