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Mayor Patterson stated that this year's budget is in balance; <br />that the Administration will be in a better position to pre- <br />dict the future a month or two from now; and that it is too <br />soon to seek community reaction. <br /> <br />Councilman Evans stated that the proposed mid-year revisions <br />should be trimmed and that now is the time to "tighten up" <br />a little bit, and only retain programs that are absolutely <br />essential; and that he will not support any others. <br /> <br />Councilman Markel concurred in Councilman Evans' statements. <br /> <br />The Police Chief summarized his mid-year budget requests <br />set forth in his memorandum to the City Manager dated Decem- <br />ber 26, 1973 (Exhibit B of the Manager's budget report) cit- <br />ing increasing workloads, actual increase in crime rate, <br />and potential increase in crime rate because of the predicted <br />economy squeeze. In support of his recommendation for motor- <br />cycle officers, he stated that they can more easily enforce <br />traffic laws, and their presence on the street will help <br />prevent accidents; that they use less gas, afford greater <br />flexibility and are self-supporting, estimating that an <br />officer would return $6,000 per month over and above his <br />operating costs. <br /> <br />The City Manager stated that a three or five year comprehensive <br />plan for public safety is needed in order to determine goals <br />and their measurement. <br /> <br />Mayor Patterson suggested a departmental comparison among <br />the State's twenty largest cities, opining that such a survey <br />would be useful for budget studies and long-range planning. <br /> <br />The City Manager responded that a three-man budget team would <br />be a valuable asset in analyzing and projecting the City's <br />needs. <br /> <br />Councilman Garthe stated that he was "disturbed" by the number <br />of positions requested at mid-year; that the energy crisis <br />could result in lay-offs; and that he favored a reasonable <br />contingency at the end of the fiscal year to carry the City <br />until additional revenues were forthcoming. <br /> <br />Councilman Ward questioned the advisability of employing a <br />full-time Affirmative Action Coordinator, suggesting that <br />a Consultant should be considered. The City Manager stated <br />that the greatest need is to have an individual who can meet, <br />communicate and negotiate with people; and that implementation <br />of the program could best be accomplished by a full time <br />employee. (CA 65.B) <br /> <br />ADJOURNMENT <br /> <br />Mayor Patterson adjourned <br />the meeting at 1:55 P.M. <br /> <br />Florence I. Malone <br /> <br />Clerk of the Council <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br /> <br />JANUARY 7, 1974 <br /> <br /> <br />