The Second Lucas

I have written about the Lucas Chest Compression unit before.  This is a unit that is used to provide chest compressions, essentially an automatic CPR device.  The city had acquired a unit several years ago to assist one of the city’s paramedic officers.  It allows the paramedic to focus on other aspects of life saving techniques when dealing with a cardiac incident.   The machine takes over the chest compressions. 

Recently the city worked with donors to acquire another Lucas Chest Compression unit for the other paramedic on staff.  Donations were sought from various sources to purchase this second unit.  These units cost approximately $14,500.  Through generous donations of a number of donors the second Lucas unit has been purchased.  The city now has two paramedic officers with the Lucas Chest Compression units. 

Many thanks go out to those donors who participated in making this happen.  They include:

          Essentia Foundation                                $8,000

          Pleasureland RV Community Fund          $2,500

          Crow Wing Co-op Roundup                   $2,000

          Pelican Lakes Conservation Club            $2,000

The community now has additional resources in dealing cardiac emergencies. 

After Audit Review of Finances

Annually we conduct an audit of the city books.  With the 2014 audit we noted that the city was very close to budget, with few resources to be considered a surplus.  The outcome for the general fund recognized good budgeting, matching expenditures and revenues.  In all actuality we were fortunate as revenues exceeded budget by 7% but expenditures also exceeded budget by 7%.  With this the cash balance in the general fund remained somewhat consistent but dropped $316 from 2013 to 2014. 

Typically an after audit transfer is accomplished.  The city adopted a policy whereby if the general funds reserve is in excess of 45% of the following year’s budget, the difference would be transferred to an account that provides for future improvements.  After doing the calculation there were some minor resources in excess of the threshold.  That being said, with the budget experience in 2014, it was felt this transfer should not occur.  The result was no general fund dollars were set aside for future improvements.

We use the same philosophy when it comes to the sewer fund.  Sewer funds are managed using two funds; an operating fund and a sewer capital fund.  The operations of the sewer department are budgeted annually and at year end we look at balances in the operating fund.  If they exceed the 45% threshold for the following year’s budget, funds are transferred to the sewer capital fund.  This year there was a balance that could be moved, amounting to $78,706.  These funds were transferred and this improved the balance of the sewer capital fund by that amount.

We are fortunate that revenues kept pace with expenditures in the general fund in 2014 but we have come to a place in time where budgeting and fiscal constraint have met their match.  Over the past 5 years the levy for the general fund has been set at less than the levy that was set for 2010.  There have been two years with minor increases but the 2015 levy remains lower than the levy imposed in 2010.  Considering the big picture of ongoing finances the city will find it difficult to maintain this status quo going forward.

Sewer operations on the other hand have a great deal of variables.  These include the flow rates, weather, repairs and other factors.  When things go well we have the ability to generate funds that can be reserved for capital expenditures which was the case for fiscal year 2014.  Saving operating expenses is important in keeping sewer service rates low.  Having funds reserved for capital expenses in the long run keeps operation costs low by being able to finance improvements without incurring debt.  Having a healthy fund balance also gives some comfort for any emergency situation that may occur.   

Changes in Liquor Regulatuions

With the 2015 legislative session the state typically passes a number of laws that go beyond budgeting, bonding and project approvals.  For cities each year this typically brings a new approach or mandate that we need to address.  There are also items of change whereby the state allows for the loosing or tightening of restrictions on certain activities.  In the Omnibus Liquor Bill the state authorized cities to change ordinances that allow for sales of alcoholic beverages under loosened restrictions. 

Breezy Point has made two changes that may be of benefit to customers and vendors alike.  Although Breezy Point does not yet have a brew pub the ordinances allow for them and the off-sale of growlers.  With the change in statute, cities are now authorized to allow for the sale of growlers at off-sale on Sunday.  Someday this will be appreciated in Breezy Point. 

The other change that was made is that of allowing for the early on-sale of beverages on Sunday.  Formally on-sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday stated at 10:00 a.m.  With the change in law, serving can now commence at 8:00 a.m.  The bill was affectionately known as the “Bloody Mary” bill.  I’m sure those who enjoy Mimosas will also be pleased with the change.  This change has been made at the local level to provide for early sales.  It is now authorized for vendors to serve and customers to purchase these beverages staring at 8:00 a.m. in the city. 

Although this is available to establishments to serve early it isn’t required.  Some establishments may not be interested in early serving.  With the change in local regulations it is now up to the vendor to determine what works best for them.  

No Parking

Most of the roadways in Breezy Point are relatively narrow.  They support two-way traffic but were not designed or built to provide for on street parking.  In general this hasn’t been a problem as the amount of traffic is rather low.  Drivers can simply go around a parked vehicle. 

Breezy Point Drive coming from the resort gates is probably the busiest street in the city.  Along this roadway are Breezy Point Inn and Suites, the resort boat launch, numerous housing options, Breezy Point Resort, and connections to other streets.  With all the activity using this roadway it is important that the roadway function as a two-way street.  That being said we have had some vehicles with boat trailers parking along the roadway partially blocking a lane making it difficult for two-way traffic. 

With this recognition it was felt there needs to be areas posted as a no parking zone.  The City Council agreed to post the area between Clubhouse Lane and the east entrance to the Breezy Point Inn and Suites as No Parking.  Signs will be installed in the near future.