Brainerd Area Civic Center staff hours have been cut in an effort to make the ice arenas self supporting.
The Brainerd City Council Monday, acting on a previous recommendation from council member Bob Olson that was considered by the arena oversight committee, unanimously approved amending the 2008 budget by transferring $21,268 in arena personnel service hours to parks personnel service hours from Sept. 1-Dec. 31. The move will reduce more than 750 hours of staff time at the arenas.
The arena oversight committee also recommended transferring $54,000 in staff hours from the arenas to the park department in 2009.
During the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting, council member Anne Nelson Fisher said her only concern was that those employees would have tasks within the parks department.
City Administrator Dan Vogt said the change will be worked out by department heads, and he noted there was discussion of using the employees in other city departments.
"The idea is we're trying to cut hours there as much as possible but still have decent service," council member and Personnel and Finance Committee Chairman Mark O'Day sad.
In other action, the council:
Tabled a motion to deny the first reading on an ordinance amendment that would exempt undeveloped land of more than one acre that is contiguously situated and owned by the same entity from regulations on weed and grass growth. The council directed staffers to further clarify the amendment by possibly allowing wooded areas or lots no adjacent to existing homes.
Approved a $50,000 revolving loan fund request from David Pueringer to improve three commercial properties on South Seventh Street in downtown Brainerd.
Was informed by council member Bonnie Cumberland that the animal control ordinance committee was still pursuing information on allowing hen chickens at residences for home egg consumption.
Was reminded by Mayor James Wallin that National Night Out events will take place Tuesday at Gregory Park, Lum Park, Harrison Elementary School and North Town.
Was informed by Vogt that Brainerd would host the Coalition of Greater Cities summer conference in 2009 at Cragun's.
Adjourned to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Brainerd City Hall for an appeal concerning an alleged dangerous dog.
Approved $3,700 for the Brainerd Fire Department to buy a LaserFiche license, scanner and software; personnel accountability software; and a decibel meter unit.
Approved a bituminous overlay on Third Avenue Northeast from Washington Street to the alley.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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