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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, August 24, 2009 Page 11 economy, but it was much harder to resurrect neighborhoods if they were allowed to deteriorate. Mr. Grefenberg also spoke in support of continuing tree preserva- tion efforts, and that area should not be one considered for immediate cuts. Mr. Grefenberg expressed his trust in the City Council, but noted that it would be hard to experience an additional 5% increase on a limited income; and asked that those less fortunate neighbors may not be able to handle that much of an increase. Mr. Grefenberg reminded Councilmembers that he wished to have specific informa- tion on how any increase was allotted. Cynthia White, 2489 Churchill St. Ms. White advised that she had met with Mr. Miller for a better understanding of the historical budgeting process, as a new resident to MN and Roseville. Ms. White noted her satisfaction in living in Roseville and being able to recognize where her tax dollars were being spent; and expressing her pleasure in living in Roseville. Ms. White opined, from her observations, that the City of Roseville had been overly fiugal over the last 15 years, creating the current challenges for a community with aging infrastructure, and aging populace, and normal inflationary aspects. Ms. White, from her corporate business background, opined that it was difficult from a public relations standpoint, to provide increases to employees when other organizations were freezing wages. Ms. White further opined that it was maybe sufficient for the City of Roseville to be "good enough," rather than always seeking to be "world class." Ms. White noted the City's difficult position in needing to possibly reduce services while raising taxes, and the need for it to be presented to the public with a good communication plan. Ms. White noted that taxpayers were expecting tough decisions, but transparency about the details of that decision-making was important. Ms. White noted that she was amazed when first moving to Roseville that her sidewalks were plowed before the streets, and wondered if that was prudent. Ms. White also noted that she would like to see new technologies and innovations being taken advantage of (i.e., existing asphalt being replaced with rain permeable asphalt). Ms. White spoke in support of a tax increase; however, asked that the increase needed to represent important things with vision wrapped around them. Ms. White opined that, given the current situa- tion, anyone who didn't think there was a need for increased taxes didn't under- stand the overall picture. Steve Gjerdingen, PWET Commissioner Mr. Gjerdingen opined that people needed to know more about where their taxes were going by learning about different budget targets and user fees. Mr. Gjerdin- gen noted that some things were more obvious than others (i.e., street lights). Mayor Klausing closed the Public Hearing at 7:45 p.m. and thanked citizens for their comments, and encouraged the public to continue to observe and provide in- put throughout the process.