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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 08, 2008 Page 7 the City's major attributes, its parks maintenance and development; and to build upon those amenities and proximity and connectivity with city and county parks. Ms. Berry opined that she hoped to use those amenities in the future to promote the sale of her home when applicable. Ms. Berry noted the wonderful shopping amenities (Rosedale Shopping Center) in Roseville, and their lack of vacancies such as those being experienced at Brooklyn Center and Southdale. Ms. Berry noted that former decisions of elected officials and the community were now pay- ing off, with Rosedale's parking lots and restaurants full; and further noted that those commercial and retail businesses helped pay City taxes and kept residential property tax lower. Ms. Berry opined that the City Council should be consistent and persistent in supporting developers, as addressed by Mr. Maschka. Ms. Berry spoke in support of the work being done at the OVAL, and asked that the City Council not forget the Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANG) or Ar- boretum. Ms. Berry noted ongoing code enforcement issues needing attention and further resources, specifically in commercial areas, with outdoor storage ob- viously in violation of City Code, and asked that additional resources be allocated, similar to that currently being addressed on residential problems. Ms. Berry noted commercial properties with poor parking lot conditions, paper signs in vacant storefronts in small strip malls, indicating many vacancies, but not enticing les- sees to their property or supporting existing tenants by enhancing their properties through keeping them in good repair and aesthetically pleasing. Ms. Berry expressed her ongoing support for pathways and parkways; and while not using the leaf pick-up program, recognized the very-well-used composted ma- terials throughout the City to nourish area gardens. Mrs. Berry opined that, when looking at property tax statements, a very small por- tion was going to the City of Roseville in comparison to other expenses of a homeowner; and asked that the City Council consider balancing the City's quality of life amenities with the current economic crisis. While recognizing the previous comments of Mr. Maschka, Ms. Berry opined that the City had been managing with a tight staff and unfilled positions for a number of years, and further opined that this could not continue. Ms. Berry opined that in order to function properly and efficiently, the City needed a full, competent and professional staff, considering things Dean suggested, and that the City needed additional professional staff even during difficult economic times to remain the "star that we are" in the metropolitan area. Dick Houck, 1131 Roselawn Mr. Houck opined that he didn't know whether to be amused or offended by the invitation in the Roseville Review requesting public comment on the City's budget, and referenced several quotes from the newspaper article. Mr. Houck commended Mr. Maschka for his comments; however, opined that it was disin-