Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

                                                                                    February 24, 2009

            The special meeting of the City Council was called to order in the Council Chambers of the City Administration Building at 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 24, 2009, all members of the City
            Council having been duly notified of the meeting and the business to be transacted.

            Present:           Vice Mayor James Anderson; City Administrator Robert Louiseau;  Assistant City Administrator Lynne Krieger; Finance Officer Louis Guzek; Community Development
                                    Director Larry Remmen; Public  Utilities Superintendent Curt Punt; Public Works Director Bradley Green; Police Chief Kelvin Keena and Building Official Calvin  Mayfield.

            Aldermen:       Heltemes, Imholte, Sukke, Tollefson and Zeman

            Absent:            Mayor Brenk; Aldermen Aune, Marks Erickson and Tucker; Fire Chief Jeffrey Swanson and Liquor Store Manager Bradley MacMaster.

            Vice Mayor Anderson opened the meeting and informed the audience that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss public comments and take action regarding  proposed amendments to the
             City’s 2009 Budget.

            Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Alderman Imholte, seconded by Alderman Zeman and carried, without a dissenting vote, to adopt the following
            effective April 1, 2009:

1)                  Street Lighting Fee – The fee will be set at $1.00 per utility customer per month and will be collected with other utility payments.  The fee will help to offset a portion of increasing electrical costs the City incurs for operating the street lights.  The City will continue to provide street lighting services in accordance with current policy as approved by the Council.

2)                  Reduce Park Maintenance Part Time Staff – This will result in changes to the City’s park maintenance activities and assistance provided to community organizations sponsoring various events and activities.  This will intensify the current efforts to incorporate more natural areas into the Parks and Recreation System.  Litter and trash pickup, raking of the beach, frequency of mowing and similar impacts will occur in the parks.

3)                  Summer Recreation Coordinator Contact with the DLCCC – The City has shared the services of Mark Greenig with the School District to offer the Community Education/Summer Recreation Program.  Mr. Greenig will be retiring from his position April 1, 2009.  The City is exploring the possibility of contracting with the DLCCC for these services and a contract proposed will be discussed at the March City Council Meeting. 

4)                  Adjust Code Enforcement Cost to 80% of Building Permit Fee Revenues – This will require adjusting work hours of existing staff to reflect the reduced building activity level in the community.  Revenue to support staff will include 80% of the building permit fees and 100% of the plan review fees.  No changes will be made to the current requirements for building permits or plan reviews.

5)                  Airport Capital Funding by $8,000.00 – Reduce the amount of funds provided to the Airport, will reduce money available to match Federal and State source for capital facilities and equipment at the Airport.  The City contributes 2.5 cents for each dollar spent on eligible items.  Federal sources provide 95 cents and Becker County splits the local match also contributing 2.5 cents.  If funds are cut here the County will reduce its contribution by an equal amount.  The Airport is planning for expansion.  There is no guarantee that the City and County would be able to restore the cuts when the project proceeds.

Alderman Imholte informed the audience that the elimination of lifeguards at the City Beach and the elimination of warming house staff at outdoor rinks will be discussed at the regular City
           Council Meeting March 10, 2009.

There being no further business to conduct, by general consent , Vice Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting (5:03 P.M.)

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Lynne Krieger

                                                                        Asst. City Administrator