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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 09-21 CCM Special Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SPECIAL SESSION SEPTEMBER 21, 1977 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center City Council met in special session and was called to order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7 :30 p.m. Roll Call Mayor Philip Cohen, Councilmen Maurice Britts and Tony Kuefler, Also present were Acting City Manager James Merila, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, Assistant City Engineer Dennis Brown, and Administrative Assistants Ronald Warren, - Brad Hoffman,and Mary Harty. Mayor Cohen reported that both Councilmen Fignar and Lhotka had informed him that they would be late to this evening's meeting. 1978 Budget and Revenue Mayor Cohen reconvened the budget and Revenue Sharing Sharing Hearings hearings and requested the Acting City Mianager to continue with his review. The Acting City Manager stated that the City Council had been reviewing the police department 1978 budget, particu- larly the manpower section of that budget. He stated that it was recommended that one additional officer be added to the complement .of patrol officers during 1978 and that there be created a new position called police technician. The Acting City Manager reported that the City Council, during its previous budget hearing on September 19, had discussed the matter of police salaries and 1978 union demands. He reported that at that meeting he had stated that he would prepare a report for the Council relating to Teamsters Local 320's 1978 contract demands for the Brooklyn Center police department. He stated that Teamsters Local 320 represents 24 members of the police department and that their contract proposal for 1978 contemplates a total expenditure increase cf $191 ,102 over the 1977 cost of $500,840 for the members of that union in the police department. He stated that the 1977 expenditure averages out to approximately $20,868 per person and includes costs for base pay, longevity, investigator pay, educational incentive, hospitalization, life insurance, court time, long term disability insurance, uniforms, pensions and workmen's compensation. He further stated that although the request reflects a 38.2% increase in expenditures, it should also be noted that the request contemplates a reduction of 128 working hours per officer per year. He explained that the proposed cost of $28,827 per officer in 1978 coupled with the reduction in working hours amounts to a true increase in expenditures of 48.5% for the City. Councilman Lhotka arrived at 7 :40 p.m. The Acting City Manager further reported that it now costs the City approximately $11.48 per working hour per officer and that the proposed contract would cost the City between $17.05 per working hour and $17.12 per working hour dependent upon educational incentive and longevity, and that the 128 fewer working hours per officer per year would mean that 1 .8 more officers would be needed to make up this loss in time. -1- 9 -21 -77 Councilman Britts commented that the figures presented by the Acting City Manager are based on demands made by the union and that the process is now in mediation. Mayor Cohen stated that the matter has gone to mediation, in effect without any management counter offer. He pointed out that there had been no real negotiations prior to the union requesting mediation. A brief discussion ensued relative to mediation and arbitration with Mayor Cohen commenting that the City is in a different position with regard to police negotiations than it was with street department employees tiiat went on strike last January. He pointed out that the street department employees have the right to strike while police officers do not and that binding arbitration is required. Mayor Cohen further stated that he was disturbed at the seeming growing discrepancy between the salaries and benefits of organized and nonorganized employees. The Acting City Manager stated that generally an attempt is made to have equalization between organized and nonorganized Qmployees ,but, because of certain contract demands, there is some inequity, particularly in terms of benefits Councilman Kuefler requested the Director of Finance to again review the transparencies that were reviewed at the last City Council meeting relating to police salary and fringe benefits in comparison to the salary and fringe benefits of other City employees. The Director of Finance proceeded to review various trans - parencies relating to the following: 1 . Pension costs and the four pension plans avail - able for City employees 2. Vacation leave, which is basically the same for all employees, and the Local 320 demand for four additional days at each accrual level. 3. Holiday leave, which calls for 11 paid holidays for police officers and 10 paid holidays for other employees. It was pointed out that the 1978 Local 320 demand was for 13 paid holidays The additional two holidays being Martin Luther King's birthday and the employee's birthday, 4. Sick leave, which is the same for all employees and is accrued at the rate of one day per month until 120 days have been accumulated with sick leave then being accrued at the rate of one -half day per month. It was stated that the Local 320 demand included unlimited sick leave accumula- tion accrued at the rate of one day per month and two personal leave days in addition to the normal accumulation of sick leave. 5. Health, life and long term disability insurance. It was explained that presently $65 a month is paid by the City on behalf of members of Local 320 for health, life and long term disability; $60 a month for members of Local 49 for health and life insurance, and $50 a month for health and life insurance for nonorganized employees. The Director of Finance pointed out that the Local 320 demands include two years injury -on -duty pay 9- -21 -77 -2- and 100 % employer paid medical, life, dental, and legal insurance on a family basis as well as for all retired employees. 6. Severance pay. It was explained that the present City policy for severance pay was based on the amount of sick leave accumulated by an employee who was leaving employment with the City in good standing after five continuous years service. The Director of Finance stated that in the case of severance a person would be paid 25% of their accumulated sick leave for severance pay. He stated that this is true for all employees of the City. He pointed out that Local 320's demand for severance pay was that 100% of accumulated sick leave be paid to employees when they resign from City employment. 7. Educational Incentive and Longevity Pay. It was explained that educational incentive and longevity pay only applies to sworn police officers and that the educational incentive pay is based upon the number of college credits satisfactorily completed by a police officer and that longevity pay is based on the amount of continuous service to the City. The Director of Finance pointed out that the union demands are for an increase in both college incen- tive pay and longevity pay. Mayor Cohen, referring to the fact that only sworn officers are eligible for educational incentive and longevity pay, stated that it did not seem equitable that only police, and not other City employees, were eligible for these benefits Councilman Kuefler stated that in private industry longevity is generally rewarded with longer vacation time. He expressed the opinion that there is no real justification for paying an additional monthly sum of money based upon the amount of time a person has spent with the organization. In response to an inquiry by Councilman Britts, the Director of Finance explained that the longevity aspect of the 320 contract is self-cancelling in that only officers hired prior to December 31 , 1973 are eligible for longevity benefits. Mayor Cohen commented that as demands such as these are met, the Council should be concerned about what point in time the levy limit cushion will be whittled away and the City Council will no longer be able to meet salary demands. The Director of Finance pointed out that Revenue Sharing funds might no longer be available after 1982 and that the City will have to look somewhere else to find approximately $182, 000 that is presently being expended through the use of Revenue` Sharing funds for capital outlay items. 8. Police officer Wage Schedule. The Director of Finance reported that Local 320 was demanding a 12 % pay increase and an 8 %cost -of- living increase for 1978, and was also demanding that the top patrol officer wage rate be reached in 2 -1/2 years rather than the present 3 years. Ile added that another demand is that additional pay be given for persons working work shifts between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. -3 9 -21 -77 9. It was reported that in 1977 the cost of a first year police officer vfas $17,663 to the City in terms of costs directly attributable to the officer in the first year. The Director of Finance pointed out that this does not include such things as costs for police cars and equipment. 10. It was explained that the cost of a top patrol officer with a four year college degree is approximately $21 , 494 per year. 11. A comparison of salaries of City employees, with the exception of department heads and clerical staff was then reviewed. The Director of Finance noted that police officers rank high in this grouping and that a top patrol officer with four years of college ranks second to the Streets and Park Superintendent and the Public Utilities Superintendent. Mayor-Cohen recognized Mr. George Mayleben, 6824 Emerson Avenue North, who inquired as to how Brooklyn Center police officers stand in comparison with - other communities in terms of salaries and fringe benefits. The Director of Finance responded that there are approximately 30 cities in which Local No. 320 represents police departments and that the salaries and benefits for police officers in these communities are about the same. Mr. Mayleben further inquired as to where police officers were in comparison with other City employees approximately five years ago. The Director of Finance responded by stating that he did not have these figures at hand but that he recalled that approximately seven years ago police officers were looking for parity with heavy equipment operators. He pointed out that now police officer are quite a bit ahead in terms of salary. Mayor Cohen stated that in 1971 the top patrol officer was receiving $10,441 annually in salary while a heavy equipment operator was being paid $9,726 annually. Mr. Mayleben expressed the opinion that police officers have risen significantly through the spectrum of City employee - salaries. He added that the question seems to be whether or not their salaries are going up faster than what we want them to.. Mayor Cohen agreed with Mr. Mayleben and pointed out that the City Council should not only be concerned about this point but also concerned about the fact that there are presently City employees being paid on a lower pay scale than a police officer that have as much, or more, education and qualifications than police officers. He added that these employees might well look at the situation and mistakenly feel that the answer to this salary discrepancy is to organize. He stated, as an example, a civil engineer and a police officer in 1971 were at similar salarly rates but now there is a larger gap in favor of the police officer, between the two salary levels. He suggested that it might be beneficial to have a five year comparative salary survey of City employees for informational purposes. The Acting City Manager stated that presently the Metropolitan Area Managers Association is sponsoring a metro -wide survey regarding police officers. He explained that the study is being conducted to determine more precisely what patrol officers do and to provide analytical information for new patrol officer recruitment. He pointed out that one spinoff of this study was a stress test given to various patrol officers and that the results of this stress test indicate that the stress and danger of the job for suburban metropolitan area patrol officers is much lower than what might be expected. He added that the study, when completed, will give comprehensive information 9 -21 -77 -4- on patrol officer duties and that the report should be avail- able within the next few months. Councilman Kuefler stated that salaries are only .one aspect of the subject and that benefit packages, which reduce work time are another. He pointed out that due to increased benefits the Council is finding itself in a position where it has to add to the complement of police officers in order to maintain the amount of time the present work force is on duty. He'stated that it seems we are paying out more but getting less productive work because of this fact. He suggested that instead of adding more manpower, possibly the Council should look to adding more overtime which at this time does not seem to be excessive. The Acting City Manager responded that it is anticipated that more over- time will have to be added to maintain the number of officers working on a given shift and that this is due primarily to the fact that as the police department matures in terms of time in service, less hours are spent on the street because of the availability of more vacation and other fringe benefits. Councilman Kuefler commented that presently the police department is getting over 2.6% of the total City budget, which in his opinion seems to be'quite substantial. - Mayor Cohen recognized Dolores Hastings, 5813 Aldrich Avenue North, who inquired where the City would get the money to meet similar salary demands if more of the City employees were organized. Mayor Cohen responded that some communities are presently in this dilemma. He added that these communities are faced with the problem of the need to increase their budgets when they legally cannot due to the Levy Limitations Law. He stated that the only alternative to addressing this problem is to cut services or employees. He pointed out that some communities have gone to a referendum to increase their levies beyond the statutory requirement, but in most cases have been turned down by the voters. He commented that with levy limits as they are, and as salary levels increase, all communities are going to be faced with the `act that they will have less money for operating other programs Mayor Cohen recognized Leon Binger, 2800 Mumford Road, who inquired as to what extent mediators and arbitrators take into consideration the levy limitations problem and the City's ability to pay when making their decision relative to wage and benefit impasses, Mayor Cohen responded that arbitrators, by their of conduct and bylaws, _do not take these facts into consideration but are only concerned with an equality of salaries. He pointed out that police officers are classified as essential employees and, there - fore, cannot strike, and impasses are submitted to binding arbitration. He added that other organized City employees such as those represented by Local 49 are classified as nonessential employees. He stated that nonessential employees have the right to strike or through mutual consent of labor and management agree to binding arbitrationi. Mr. Binger stated that he wondered if the community was - aware of the level of police officer salaries, the growing gap between police officer salaries and the salaries of other City employees, and the percent of police officer salaries to the total City budget. -5- 9 -21 -77 The Brooklyn Center City C�)uncil recessed at 9 :03 p.m. Recess and resumed at 9:27 p.m. m The Acting City Manager continued with a review of the recommended police department budget. He stated that there has been change in reporting of the the detail of personal services contained on page 72 of the proposed budget and that the investigator - assignee and juvenile officer- assignee positions are now included under the patrol officer position. He explained that these assignee positions are made up of patrol officers that are temporarily assigned to these positions while in essence they remain patrol officers: Councilman Lhotka inquired if it is possible to use sergeants as investigators or juvenile officers, thus allowing more patrol officers out on the street. The Acting City Manager responded that the investigator- assignee and juvenile officer- assignee positions are represented by Local 320 and that there would be a problem of assigning sergeants to these union represented positions. A discussion ensued relative to the duties and responsibilities of sergeants in the police department. Councilman Lhotka inquired if supervisory personnel are kept busy doing their supervisory duties or if they might be utilized on the street in a patrol capacity. The Acting City Manager responded that she primary function of the sergeant is to provide direct supervision to subordinate personnel assigned to his shift, and to assign and deploy patrol officers relative to the police function. In addition to these responsibilities the sergeants also are responsible for numerous administrative and supervisory tasks associated with the position. He added that sergeants also act as a backup and assist patrol officers on the street when the need arises. Councilman Lhotka explained that he wanted to make certain that supervisory personnel were being utilized to their fullest. Mayor Cohen requested that the Acting City Manager prepare a report relating to the duties, responsibilities, and functions of the sergeants in the Brooklyn Center police department for a report at an upcoming City Council meeting. Councilman Britts stated that he has been concerned for some time about the need for a full -time juvenile officer rather than rotating different people into the position as is presently practiced. He further stated that it is his understanding that presently patrol officers serve as juvenile officers on a six month basis. He added that he would like to see the new city "manager review this policy in terms of- possibly providing a full -time juvenile officer. Councilman Kuefler responded that one of the major problem areas of specializing, such as Councilman Britts is suggesting, is that this specialization tends to build bigger staffs. He added that he felt the rotating concept helps the patrol officer by providing that officer with a better rounded experience in police work and also provides more flexibility in terms of police capabilities for utilizing the experience gained by this program. He further stated that it was his understanding that patrol officers are rotated into the investi- gator and juvenile officer assignee positions on a two year, rather than a six month basis. 9 -21 -77 -6- The Acting City Manager next reported that it is recom- mended that the position of police technician be added to the police department complement of personnel for 1978. He stated that the police technician would be a nonsworn employee responsible for performing a combination of clerical and technical assignments which would help free up existing police. supervisory personnel to work in their areas of police expertise. In response to an inquiry by Councilman Lhotka, the Acting City Manager explained that the police technician would be utilized primarily to relieve the lieutenant of much clerical and various follow - up work that does not require a police officer to accomplish. He further explained that the lieutenant in the police depart-, ment has indicated that he intends to retire in 1978 and that the police technician position would be utilized to assume numerous routine duties presently performed by that lieutenant. Further discussion ensued relative to the police technician position with Mayor Cohen requesting that further informa- tion relating to the positicn be given to the City Council in the form of a report prior to the time of recruitment for that position. Councilman Britts` inquired if another patrol officer would be hired rather than fill the lieutenant's - position, should the lieutenant retire. The Acting City Manager responded that this would be a determination that the new city manager would have to make if that situation arises. He explained that it is possible that a number of the duties and responsibilities of the lieutenant could be handled by the police technician and possibly other police supervisory pers.onnel which might make it possible to add a patrol officer if the lieutenant does retire The Director of Finance commented on the City's policy for utilizing civilian police clerk dispatchers rather than sworn personnel for the positions. Councilman Britts commented that he did not feel there would be a need for both a lieutenant and a police technician if .the present lieutenant retires. Mayor _ Cohen stated that he favors the idea of using civilian, or nonsworn personnel, to. carry out the duties and responsi- bilities associated with the police department that do not require sworn personnel to accomplish. He stated that he felt if the lieutenant retires, the lieutenant's position should undergo serious evaluation prior to making a decision as to the need to retain this position. Councilman Fignar arrived at 9:56 p.m. Further discussion ensued relative to the police department budget with the Acting City Manager commenting that the budget item reflecting clothing and personal equipment comprehends the addition of one patrol cfficer. Mayor Cohen left the table at 9:58 p.m. and returned at 10:00 p.m. ` The Acting City Manager then commented on the need for increasing the professional services portion of the police department budget for the purpose of purchasing a test to be utilized in the police recruiting process. He also explained that training conferences and schools for police administrative personnel, such as the Chief and Deputy -7- 9 -21 -77 Chief, no longer are contained in the police department's budget but rather in the City Manager's office budget. He added that all of the training requested by the police depart- ment for patrol officers is recommended for the 1978 budget. He briefly reviewed a list of recommended training courses that will be provided for patrol officers in 1978. Councilman Lhotka stated that it seems that the majority of training given patrol officers is done outside of the police department and inquired if it would be possible for more in -house training. Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman responded that much of the training for patrol officers i u Ln n p involves State required courses g that must be taught by certified instructors. He pointed out that because of this the courses must be taken with certified • Bureau of Criminal Apprehension instructors and are generally offered at Arden Hills. Councilman Lhotka stated that he " would still like to see the police department provide more in -house training than is presently being provided. The Acting City Manager next reviewed the capital outlay portion of the police department budget. He stated that it is recommended that the mobile equipment portion of the capital outlay for the police department be modified. He explained that there has been much discussion in the past about utilizing police sedans for more than one year.. He further explained that this possibility has been 'reviewed and discussed recently and that the feeling is that this would bean opportune time to try two vehicles on a three year rotation basis. He added that for this reason it is recommended that the number of police sedans to be purchased in 1978 be reduced from five to three which amounts to a recommended cost decrease from $19,500 to $11,700. Tn response to an -inquiry -by Councilman Fignar, the Acting City Manager stated that the mid sized vehicles will be 'phased out. The Acting City Manager next reviewed the fire protection budget. He stated that it is recommended that station duty compensation be increased from $19 per watch to $21 per watch. He explained that station duty compensation is paid to firefighters who sleep in at the station to provide nighttime, weekend and holiday coverage. The Acting City Manager stated that the fire department has requested that uniforms be provided for firefighters but that he is not recommending that this be included in the fire depart- ment budget. He explained that he did not feel it would be appropriate to make such a recommendation because it would be a departure from past City Council policy. He added that he felt this was something the new City Manager should review for a possible recommendation to the City Council. Councilman Britts requested that the City Council look closer at this item. He pointed out that the City provides uniforms for police officers and should also give consideration to providing uniforms for firefighters. He further stated that it might be possible to use Revenue Sharing funds to provide these uniforms on a one -time basis. He also pointed out that the number of vehicles to be purchased by the City with the use of Revenue Sharing funds has been reduced from 5 to 3 and that it seems possible that Revenue Sharing funds could be made available for providing uniforms. He added that he would recommend that the uniforms be provided by the City on a one -time basis and not as an ongoing program, and that . this be clearly understood as the City Council's policy. 9 -21 -77 -8- In response to an inquiry by Mayor Cohen, the Acting City Manager stated that presently firefighters are required to have two shirts and two pair of pants per man, and that usually the proceeds from the fire department dance are used to provide these uniforms. He added that it is not an out -of- pocket expense for the firefighters to provide uniforms. In response to an inquiry by Councilman Fignar, the Acting City Manager stated that it would cost approxi- mately $1 , 800 a year for uniform replacements for the fire department. Councilman Britts commented that it was not his suggestion that an ongoing program for providing uniforms for the fire department be started. He stated that his recommendation is to use Revenue Sharing funds on a one -time basis to provide the fire department with uniforms and not to establish a clothing allowance policy for the fire depart- ment. Councilman Kuefler questioned the rationale for a one -time expenditure on fire department uniforms, stating that if there is rationale to buy uniforms now, there is rationale for doing so in the future as , well . He suggested that the new City Manager review the matter of providing fire department uniforms as a possible item for next year's budget. Further discussion ensued relative to providing uniforms for the fire department with Councilman Fignar stating that both Councilman Britts and Councilman Kuefler had made valid comments regarding the matter and that he would like to see further review prior to the Council making a decision. Mayor Cohen stated that he too agreed that there should be a more in -depth review relating to the ongoing costs of such a program and also the costs of replacing clothing that might be damaged while a person is on duty. He added that it would also he beneficial to determine whether or not it would be best to utilize Revenue Sharing as a one -time expenditure of if there is a need for an ongoing program to provide uniforms for firefighters. Following further discussion there was a motion by Council - man Britts and seconded by Councilman Lhotka to direc the preparation of a report, to be submitted prior to the end of this year, relating to the need to provide uniforms for firefighters, the costs associated with such an undertaking, the methods for funding such a proposal, and, if feasible, the desirability of providing uniforms on a one -time basis or as an ongoing program. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The Director of Finance stated that if the City Council proposes to amend the amount of Revenue Sharing funds to be expended by more than 10%, a public hearing would be required. The Acting City Manager continued with a review of the Fire Department budget and referred to the capital outlay portion of that budget. He stated that a number of items requested by the fire department in the detail of capital outlay are not recommended for inclusion in the fire department budget but rather are recommended to be purchased under the emergency preparedness budget account to take advantage of matching federal funds. -9- 9 -21 -77 The Acting City Manager reported that the fire department had also requested that an aerial apparatus be purchased at a cost of $210,000. He stated that it is not recommended that this equipment be purchased" primarily because this item has not been recommended in the pasta He further stated that this might be an item that the City Council would like the new city manager to also review. He further stated that the fire department had also requested that a diesel rebuilt pump be purchased. He stated that this item is also not recommended for inclusion in the 1978 budget. He explained that it is felt that existing equip - ment can be utilized and that there is a need to establish a capital improvement replacement program for equipment which would contain a schedule for replacing various equip- ment based on overall needs. He further stated that the development cf a capital improvement equipment replace- ment program is a matter that would require the review and input of the new city manager due to the long range effects of such a program. Mayor Cohen recognized Dolores Hastings, 5813 Aldrich Avenue North, who inquired if the fire department has equipment that can reach the Shingle Creek Towers high rise in case of a fire. Mayo Cohen responded that the fire department does not have this type of equipment and added that the aerial apparatus, requested by the fire department would only reach approximately the seventh floor of the high rise apartment. He explained that this was the reason why the City insisted on a fire sprinkler system for the entire building at the time the building was constructed. He noted that such a system is in existence in that building. The Acting City Manager then reviewed the emergency preparedness account. He stated that the capital outlay portion of the emergency preparedness account contemplates the inclusion a number of items requested by the fire department. Councilman Lhotka requested that he be provided with more information relative to the emergency preparedness function. The Acting City Manager responded by stating that he would provide the Councilmen with a copy of the City's emergency preparedness plan which details the function of emergency preparedness. The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 11:05 p.m. Recess and resumed at 11:22 p.m. The Acting City Manager reported that Councilman Kuefler, at the September 15, 1977 budget session, had inquired about past funding for the Detached Worker Program. He stated that upon review of previous Detached Worker appropriations it was found that the largest amount appro- priated by the City was $2,500 in the form of a contract for service. He explained that the program was originally established whereby the City would participate in the funding of the Detached Worker Program through a contract for service and that local businesses would also participate in the program in order to fund one Detached Worker on a half time basis. He further - explained that CETA funds were 9 -21 -77 10 made available following the establishment of the Detached Worker Program and that these funds were used to fund an additional one and a half positions, thus, permitting two full -time Detached Workers He stated that in the past the Detached Worker account has indicated the amount of CETA .funds to be utilized for the Detached Worker Program but that the City's appropriation for that program has never exceeded $2,500. The Acting City Manager next proceeded to review the budget proposals for recreation and parks administration, adult recreation programs, teen recreation programs, children's recreation programs, community center recreation programs, and the park maintenance division. During the review of these accounts Councilman Kuefler stated that he had briefly talked with the Acting City Manager regarding possible maintenance and utilization of the medians on Xerxes Avenue North, County Road 10, and T.H. 15 2 He requested the Acting City Manager to comment on possible suggestions for maintaining or upgrading these median areas. The Acting City Manager responded that the median along Xerxes Ave - nue North has been disrupted in the past year due to the installation of new power poles by Northern States Power. He explained that consideration has been given to the idea of providing various focal points or interest points at intermittent locations along this median which will require little maintenance but may well enhance the area. Regarding the County Road 10 median, the Acting City Manager stated that maintenance of that median is the responsibility of the County and that presently the County mows this area about once a month. He suggested that it might be possible for the City and the County to develop an arrangement whereby the two parties would combine to maintain this median on a more frequent. basis . Councilman Britts commented on the need for a left turn signal off County Road 10 onto Brooklyn Boulevard. The Acting City Manager res.ponded.that a request for federal aid urban funds for this purpose has been made, and that hopefully funds will be obtained for that purpose. The Acting City Manager reported that it is recommended that the community center swimming pool and shower room floor areas be tiled and that Revenue Sharing funds be utilized for this purpose. In response to an inquiry by Councilman Fignar, the Acting City Manager stated that the timetable for retiling the swimming pool and shower room floor areas is late in 1978. He explained that the proposal for tiling is due to the increasing costs for main- taining the area which include sandblasting and annually painting the sv pool. He pointed out that the proposal will reduce the maintenance costs fur these areas. The Acting City Manager further reported that a number of capital outlay items for furniture and fixtures requested in the community center budget such as concession area improvements, carpeting for the lower level in the social hall, furniture for the lower lounge, chairs for the social hall, and a request to recover various swivel chairs are not being recommended. He explained that it is felt that most of these items should be considered in a comprehen- sive plan for improving the community center which would -11- 9 -21 -77 contain a schedule for these improvements and that for 1978 the recommended tiling of the swimming pool is a major expense. In reviewing the park maintenance account, Councilman Lhotka inquired as to the reason for the reduction in utilities The Acting City Manager responded that the utility reduction is based on a recommendation that various skating rinks not be opened in 1978. Councilman Britts stated that many people feel the quality of life. in Brooklyn Center is reflected in its park system which includes skating rink facilities. He further stated that perhaps the Council should consider spending the money to operate these rinks and maintain this quality • of life reflected in the park system. Councilman Kuefler stated that the City Council had requested the Pdrk and Recreation Commission to review the possibility of closing down various skating rinks in the City for 1978. He explained that the Commission had reviewed the matter in terms of energy conservation and had been provided informa- tion by the City staff relating to the use of various skating rinks and also the amount of energy consumed to operate warming houses at these parks. He pointed out that the Commission had noted that a number of skating rinks were not utilized to a great extent and had recommended consolidation of various skating rinks based both on the use of these rinks, their location in the City, and whether or not hockey rinks were available at these sites. He further explained that the Commission had also considered the possibility of providing ice at various parks with no warming houses and supervision. He stated that it was the Commission's general feeling that such rinks would not be utilized and, therefore, had made no recommendation to this effect. Councilman Kuefler requested the Acting City Manager to provide the City Council with the information prepared by the staff that was utilized by the Park and Recreation Commission in making its recom- mendation and to prepare a report for the Council's review relative to the closing and consolidation of various skating rinks in the City. Mayor Cohen recognized Dolores Hastings, 5813 Aldrich Avenue North, who stated that there was a need for more supervision at the Grandview Park skating rink. Further discussion ensued relative to the recommendation to close and consolidate various skating rinks in the City. Councilman Lhotka inquired if it would be worthwhile to provide ice at some parks with no warming house facilities. The Acting City Manager briefly reviewed the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission when the recommenda- tion regarding skating rinks was made. He briefly reviewed the parks recommended to be kept open for skating purposes He pointed out that because of recent traffic problems that have been brought to light in the area along T.H. 169 north of the Freeway, he would suggest that the City Council con- sider providing ice but no warming house facilities at Riverdale Park located on Dallas Road north of 70th Avenue North. He explained that the Park and Recreation Commission at the time of the recommendation had :considered the close proximity between Riverdale Park and Evergreen Park, and felt that Evergreen Park could service this area by providing better skating facilities. He noted, `however, that .persons living 9 -21 -77 -12 east of West River Road would have to cross this roadway to get to Evergreen Park and, thus, the reason for the recommendation that there be ice at Riverdale. Further discussion ensued relative to skating rinks. Mayor Cohen commented that he felt the Park and Recreation.Com ' mission had proceeded in a logical fashion and made a recommendation'in terms of conserving energy which could be better utilized for providing heat for homes and jobs rather than recreation. Following the discussion it was the consensus of the City Council to add $500 for purposes of providing water in the utilities section of the park main- tenance account to provide ice at Riverdale Park because of the hazard for persons living in that area ..to cross West River Road to utilize Evergreen Park. The Acting City Manager next reviewed the unallocated labor and contingency accounts. He explained that the 1978 contingency recommendation is $10,000 less than what was adopted in 1977. He explained that this $10,000 figure represents the amount the City Council had appropriated in the contingency account for Dutch elm disease purposes in 1977. He pointed out that a Dutch elm disease appropria- tion is now contained in the park maintenance account in an amount of $19,900. A discussion ensued relative to levying one -third mill for - Housing and Redevelopment Authority purposes. The Acting City Manager stated that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority would have to convene in order to set an HRA levy. In response to an inquiry by Councilman Fignar, the Director of Finance stated that one -third mill represents approximately $40, 000 and that the total of the HRA fund would be approximately $100,000 to $130,000. Action Directing the Following a brief discussion there was a motion by Council- Submission of an HRA man Fignar and seconded by Councilman Kuefler to direct Budget the Acting City Manager to prepare an HRA budget and the necessary resolutions for levying an HRA tax. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, ° and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The Acting City Manager reported that he had received a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barry, 7119 Dallas Road, who suggested that the City Council utilize Revenue Sharing funds for the installation of traffic lights along T.H. 169 north of Fi -94. Mayor Cohen inquired if anyone else wished to be heard regarding proposed uses for Revenue Sharing funds. No one else wished to be heard. Close Revenue Sharing Motion by Councilman Lhotka and seconded by Councilman Hearing Kuefler to close the proposed use hearing for Revenue Sharing funds. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. i -13- 9- -21 -77 Following further discussion there was a motion by Council - Action Requesting the man Fignar and seconded by Councilman Lhotka to direct the Preparation of Resolutions the Acting City Manager to prepare the necessary resolutions for adoption of the 1978 budget to be presented for the City Council's consideration at the October 3, 1977 City Council meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting` against: none. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Councilman Adjournment of Budget Fignar to adjourn the budget hearing until October 3, 1 977. Hearing Voting in favor; Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts , Kuefler, • Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 12:17 a.m. erk Mayor 9 -21 =77 -14-