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Member Rossini suggested that instead of budgeting for City employees to <br />test fire hydrants that firefighters do it in their spare time. <br /> <br />6. Consideration of Minnesota Statute 471.572, Infrastructure Reserve Fund <br /> <br /> This was previewed by the Mayor last meeting and now the Council has <br />requested consideration by the Commission. Five questions were posed <br />by the Council. Members Wilke and Anderson stated that they would like <br />information on how other cities may be using this fund. <br /> <br /> Member Wilke asked about our current Infrastructure Fund. Schwartz <br />responded that our current fund began in 1986 or 1987 when the Council <br />voted to create a levy for replacement of pavement. Since it was Council- <br />created and not voter-created, the Council can change it at any time. <br />Member Wilke said he didn’t think residents would appreciate the Council <br />voting to spend money on a trunk highway without asking them first since <br />there is no direct benefit to the community. Member Wilke stated that he <br />thinks the intent of the statute is good, but the timing is poor because of <br />the financial climate. <br /> <br /> Member Anderson asked if consideration of this statute was sent to the <br />Commission because there’s a large list of projects to which we might <br />apply this. He went on to say that he doesn’t understand the relevance of <br />their opinion since this is a current statute that the Council can use at any <br />time. Member Wilke agreed and reiterated that he would like to know <br />how other cities use this. Member Anderson said one thing he liked about <br />the statute is that you can use it to push a project from the back burner to <br />the front burner but that he needs more information on it to make any <br />decisions. <br /> <br /> Member Wilke said that if there was a project not under city jurisdiction <br />that was proposed to the voters, they would say why should we pay for <br />this when it’s someone else’s responsibility. Schwartz said that the level <br />of benefit would have to be fairly significant. Member Anderson said he <br />applauds the intent of the statute and the act of bringing issues to the <br />voters, but this is probably not a good year for this. <br /> <br /> Member Anderson asked if there was a timetable for this. Schwartz said <br />no and that staff would do some research on how other cities are using the <br />statute. <br /> <br /> Member Marasteanu asked what was meant by the second question posed <br />by the Council on leaving this to the private sector. Schwartz said he <br />wasn’t sure what they were asking. <br /> <br />Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br />