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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, August 24, 2009 Page 17 Mayor Klausing spoke in support of the motion, opining that, while generally agreeing with Councilmember Ihlan's comments on use of public funds, the uniqueness of spending on this area for environmental clean up and remediation was essential and money well-spent. Councilmember Roe concurred with Councilmember Ihlan and Mayor Klausing, expressing his qualms for such spending, commonly referred to as earmazks; however, opined that the proof was that all politics was local. Councilmember Roe opined that it made sense to get assistance on this funding request, since the project had not originally been on the federal radaz due to the small size of the project; and for this specific purpose, he would support the motion. Councilmember Roe questioned if this was a reimbursable legal or infrastructure expense. Mayor Klausing asked staff to reseazch that response and follow-up with the Council. Mayor Klausing shared comments concerning earmarks as well. Roll Call Ayes: Johnson; Roe and Klausing. Nays: Ihlan. Abstained: Pust Motion carried. 13. Business Items - Presentations/Discussions a. Continue Discussion on the City's 2010 Budget and Property Tax Levy Finance Director Chris Miller and City Manager Bill Malinen noted the staff re- port highlighting obligations over and above the 2009 levy, as detailed in the re- port. Categories highlighted for ease of discussion included: New Legal or Con- tractual Obligations ($453,000); Re-establishing Funding for Vehicle Replace- ments ($900,000); Replacing Lost State Aid for 2008 and 2009 on a one-time ba- sis ($622,000); and Addressing Inflationary Impacts ($300,000). Discussion included noting that the City didn't use all of it's potential levy capac- ity last year; ongoing negotiations for the Fire Relief Fund based on unfunded dif- ferences and actual actuarials and some assumptions; and identifying those num- bers that aze hazd and those retaining some flexibility. City Manager Malinen expressed his need to better identify the current methodol- ogy and statutorial requirements for the Fire Relief Fund, and how the annual volatility can be addressed.