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Regular City Council Minutes - 11/17/03 Page 10 inception in 1990, spoke to the increased usage since the Naturalist had been hired, and the major part the Nature Center played in the community and the City's receipt of the Parks and Recreation Gold Award, and its enhancement of the City's quality of life. Ms. W olfangle expressed her appreciation to the Council for continued funding for the Center and Naturalist. Miscellaneous Bud2et Comments Al Sands, 2612 AIdine Mr. Sands addressed several categories of the budget, encouraging continued service and maintenance levels of the City's streets, parks, pathways and other amenities; and questioned staff projections and timing for reducing the City debt levy. Mr. Sands requested that the City consider reducing the 2004 Budget by $340,000, as he opined and outlined related to debt levy reductions and payments. Dan Roe, 2100 Avon Street N Mr. Roe sought clarification of his interpretation of funding sources and proposed budget reductions related to levies, requesting Councilmembers to further review revenue sources versus expenditures (i.e., activity fee structures, projects and programs); future debt service costs; and encouraged support of Bike Patrol funding for safety considerations. Mr. Roe further encouraged additional reductions in projected overtime costs and the need to reconsider the moratorium on Fire Department purchases that may affect department functionality at its current level. Mr. Roe opined that the Council should consider contractual adjustments for the City manager and Department Heads in an effort to reduce mileage reimbursements versus actual costs; and review of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to salaries and the overall employment market as they relate to the private sector, as well as the public sector. Mr. Roe concluded by opining that additional savings may be realized by a more thorough review of small equipment purchases. Jeff Johnson, 1192 Burke Avenue