03-03-2009 City Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes March 3, 2009 Page 3 of 10 MAYOR ADAMS MOVED TO INCREASE THE LIMIT ON THE EXCESS LIABILITY INSURANCE TO BY $1,000,000. COUNCIL MEMBER MALECHA SECONDED THE MOTION. Council Member Ryan stated that he feels that the City has adequate coverage without adding the additional $1,000,000. MOTION CARRIED 2 -1. COUNCIL MEMBER RYAN VOTING NAY. MAYOR ADAMS AND COUNCIL MEMBER MALECHA VOTING AYE. 5.3. Budget Cuts COUNCIL MEMBER RYAN MOVED TO AMEND THE 2009 GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO INCLUDE THE BUDGET CUTS PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL. COUNCIL MEMBER MALECHA SECONDED THE MOTION. The City Clerk noted that on February 3rd the Council directed departments to cut their budgets by 5 %. She noted that all departments have made proposed cuts as directed by the Council. She informed the Council that the proposed budget reductions equal $78,870. The Clerk `-- noted that Finance Administrator Nancy Malecha has prepared a table showing what cuts have been proposed. The City Clerk indicated that if the Council approves the proposed reductions, they will be approving the changes in each budget line item as proposed. Chief Braam spoke about the benefits of the K -9 program and stated that he would like to keep the K -9 program. He noted that Officer Gartner has offered to waive the pay that he receives for caring for the dog in order to keep the program alive. Chief Braam suggested that the Council consider reinstating the entire K -9 program if the economy improves. Officer Gartner stated that the City's K -9 program is only one of three in the county and that it is a good program. Discussion was held regarding the cost of the program. The Mayor noted that the budget reduction is related to wages only. Officer Gartner stated that dog food is provided by Northern Food King. MOTION CARRIED 3 -0. Council Member Ryan indicated that the fire department could have been `.. included in the 5% budget cuts. He indicated that the department is an