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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, November 23, 2009 Page 21 the timing for altering them, which would be after the 2010 elections. Mayor Klausing advised that if Councilmembers wished to donate their salaries, as was his current practice, they could do so; however, he opined that he preferred to re- tain his discretion in where he donated that money; and that it would not provide a serious solution to solving the City's structural funding crisis. Noting that City Manager Malinen had arrived earlier during this discussion, and was observing from the audience, Councilmember Roe asked that he join in this discussion, specifically to address the current status of training and hiring freezes. Councilmember Roe expressed his support of some of these changes, but sought clarification of those items that remained in place based on past annual budget cy- cle actions and directives. Councilmember Roe further noted that, during these tough economic times, some Councilmembers maybe dependent on their Council salaries for various expenses, and shouldn't be forced to make those decisions. Councilmember Roe opined that that may not be the best one to look at, while eliminating non-essential overtime did make sense, in addition to a hiring freeze. Councilmember Roe noted that the City may realize other savings in street main- tenance materials, with costs continuing to deflate. Councilmember Roe spoke in support of things that would be affordable for citizens as items to pursue, with Councilmembers having provided priorities to staff and where they placed their highest rankings; while recognizing the uncertainties in Fire Relief Association li- ability; the additional $100,000 of increased arena project debt, and the need to find cuts elsewhere. Councilmember Roe advised that he did not disagree with suggestions for lowering the levy, but there were some realities representing an increase over the 2009 budget; and if the levy increase were held at 0%, those cuts would need to be practically accomplished elsewhere. Discussion among Councilmembers and City Manager Malinen, now at the bench, included maintenance of out-of--state travel and training at 2008 levels, frozen for 2009, and proposed at those same levels for 2010; whether further re- ductions were practical beyond essential or mandated levels; requested analysis by department by Mr. Malinen on additional overtime reductions that could be eliminated and impacts to service levels, if not obligated through contract or other mandate; and those items over which the City had little discretion (i.e., Police of- ficers testifying and being paid overtime to do so) and resulting changes in ser- vices levels. Further discussion included eliminating overtime for snow plowing and service impacts if plowing was only done on straight time; and continued discussion on other revenue sources, and whether there was time to consider any of those sources for the 2010 budget. City Manager Malinen noted that the two most significant sources would be the street light utility fee and the gas and electric utility franchise fee.