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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, August 24, 2009 Page 10 a. Public Hearing Regarding the 2010 City Budget City Manager Malinen provided brief purpose statement for tonight's public hear- ing. Councilmember Roe opined that it would be helpful for the public to advise Councilmembers of what would be an acceptable change - up or down - to pro- vide current, improved, or reduced service levels. Mayor Klausing opened the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. to receive public com- ment on the 2010 City Budget. Public Comment Bob Willmus, Hamline Ave. Mr. Willmus opined, when looking at past budget processes over the last few years, and this new direction, some of his comments would echo those heard from Councilmembers tonight. Mr. Willmus opined that it was too late in the process to realistically establish the BFO process for the 2010 Budget, and should be con- sidered for 2011 instead. Mr. Willmus further opined that the BFO needed to re- flect what the community wants, not individual Councilmembers or city staff, and that since much of the consultant materials were to be provided through commu- nity meetings, and since those were so poorly attended and didn't provide a good response, the City Council was back to relying on staff-generated outcomes. Mr. Willmus suggested a practice BFO, but use a traditional approach in 2010, while actively pursuing BFO for 2011. Gary Grefenberg, 91 Mid Oaks Lane Mr. Grefenberg opined that he didn't envy Councilmembers their jobs; and that with an 8.1 % unemployment rate in MN, now was not the time to add new pro- grams or significantly increase the scope of existing programs. Mr. Grefenberg, in his review of the Capital Investment Plan (CIP), noted the suggestion for add- ing additional patrol officers. Mr. Grefenberg advised that, from his attendance at most of the community meetings, the thing that most impressed him was the high level of satisfaction for City services, which he shared, and that may serve to al- low the City Council some flexibility. Mr. Grefenberg suggested that, since ser- vice levels indicated high satisfaction from those responding, the City could re- duce service levels. Mr. Grefenberg advised that he would be open to a small in- crease in taxes not exceeding a 5-6% increase; however, he opined that it was not crucial to reach reserve levels this year. Mr. Grefenberg further opined that, if the City was to increase the levy, he wanted to know specifically what it was for. Mr. Grefenberg noted that taxpayers and City employees share the sacrifices at this time. Mr. Grefenberg asked that, his suggested outcome be considered, to main- tain and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods, especially with in- creased economic distress, foreclosures, and additional rental rather than owner- occupied homes, to maintain the quality of life in neighborhoods. Mr. Grefenberg opined that it would take time for commercial business to respond to the national