05/22/1991 Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

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session 1545, Minutes May 22, 1991 Page 2 as a city deparbnent, ani said he felt the City did not CMe them automatic cost-of-1ivin:J increases. He noted there are many other groups, such as the Beautification Canunittee, whose work enhances the City in many ways ani who also deserve support. Mr. Wagner agreed the Beautification Cammi.ttee' s work is 1l'Dre visible, but said UCRS' work has made a big difference in property values am the City would see the impact in a huny if they closed down. He saw, however, it was necessary for them to share in the cutting back that is required right ncM, but did not feel it should be 10%. Mrs. '!honpson felt UCRS shoold receive at least what they got last year. Mr. Adams thought it should be a 10% cut. Mr. Price suggested a figure in between, about $46,500. Mayor Majerus said IlIlch has been said about making cuts on a temporary basis, am she felt UCRS could accept a cut on the assunption that it will be temp0- rary until it is detennined what the census am other changes mean to the city. After further discussion, a vote was taken on the figure of $46,500, with c.ouncilmembers Price, Adams, Schuman, am Mayor Majerus votin:J Aye, am Councilmembers Wagner, Schoomer am '!hornpson voting Nay. The 1l'Dtion carried, four to three. Schools--crossim Guards am D.A.R.E. Proctram. '!he city Manager asked for Council's approval to approach the School District to determine if they will contribute toward the cost of crossin:J guards ani the D.A.R.E. program. Mr. Price thought other issues might be discussed as well, ani said this was an opportunity for a closer relationship with the Schools. Mr. Ollendorff felt neither project should be discontinued while discussions are goin:J on. Mr. Schoomer suggested the projects be furrled for half a year until it is seen if the state increases its educational furrling', am also if there is a school tax levy election. Mrs. Schuman ani Mr. Adams disagreed. Mayor Majerus said the programs could be funded this year, but durin:J discussions it should be made clear that the City expects the School District to assume its responsi- bility for programs which benefit the School District. After further discus- sion, it was agreed to fund these programs for a full year; however, the City Manager ani Mayor will initiate discussion with the School District. Police Foot Patrols in Neiqhbortloods. Mr. Ollendorff said at present there is no increase in the budget for this. '!he Mayor asked whether grant 1l'Dney was available to exparrl foot patrols in University City. It was thought that federal 1l'Dney may be available, but it comes through the County, which de- cides hOlrl IlIlch a city may receive. Mr. Adams said he would rather see bicy- cle than foot patrols. Mr. Schoomer said police walking beats essentially puts them out of service since they cannot resporxl quickly to emergencies as they could if they were in cars. Mr. Price suggested that this be tried on an experimental basis. Mayor Majerus felt citizens should not be asked to give up the security they feel knowin:J that the police can resporxl quickly. However, if grant 1l'Dney were available, she would not object to experimenting with foot patrols, but she felt strongly it could not come out of the present budget. Mrs. Sd1uman said she received several calls fran citizens who were concen1€d about taking officers out of their cars to walk a beat, although she did feel they could get out of their cars on same occasions. She also wanted to see the police looking into ways of building a better relationship with the cammuni.ty, am the D.A.R.E. program is a good starting place. Mr. Price said foot patrols in selected areas of st. IDuis have been so success- ful the program is to be exparrled. Mr. Schoomer said he would not object to