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City Council Study Session —10/18/04 DRAFT Minutes - Page 9 B. Long-term reductions in tax-supported operating costs? City Manager Beets noted that above-referenced directives of the City Council would require consideration of long-term reductions in tax-supported operating costs (i.e., personnel). Mr. Beets advised that, in considering reductions to the workforce, he had evaluated positions to recommend for reduction; researched where impacts had been most profound in the last two years of funding crises; and what programs seemed the least representative of the City's core service delivery. Mr. Beets advised that he had recommended elimination of five positions and sought specific Council direction regarding each position. 4. Should Council eliminate the Naturalist position ? Discussion Mayor Klausing noted that previous discussions and public response would indicate that this item be removed from consideration. However, Mayor Klausing charged the Friends of the Harriet Alexander Nature Center (HANC) to provide a specific plan to the City staff and Council that justified revenues to maintain this position as full-time; rather than as previously recommended by City Manager Beets for filling the position with a part-time Naturalist and volunteer labor. Councilmember Kough suggested additional fundraisers be considered to off-set costs for this full-time position. City Manager Beets questioned whether fundraising efforts were permanent long-term solutions, or simply expressions of support on a sporadic basis. Councilmember Ihlan questioned the assumption that the HANC would produce revenue that would make it self-sustaining; but spoke in support of the services; and spoke against eliminating the position at this time. Mayor Klausing opined that the original intent of the position was billed as a revenue producer; rather than a burden against other park and recreation services.