Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

It could be said Mondayís meeting of the Forest Lake City Council marked the end of an era.

It was the last regular meeting with Ray Daninger as mayor and John (Tom) Lynch and Bruce Carlson as councilmen.

Daninger served as mayor for the last decade; Lynch and Carlson served for a dozen years.

At the conclusion of Mondayís meeting, all said serving on behalf of the city of Forest Lake has been a privilege.

ìIf I hadnít enjoyed it I wouldnít have done it,î Daninger said. ìItís been an honor to serve the city of Forest Lake for the last 10 years.î

Daninger thanked the community and the city staff.

Lynch and Carlson echoed Daningerís words.

ìItís been a privilege to work with the community and the staff we have here,î Lynch said.

It was the dedicated staff, Carlson said, that kept him involved.

ìThe staff is what made this thing go for 12 years,î he said. ìIíve never worked with a group of people so dedicated to what they do.î

When the city council first meets in the new year Terry Smith will be the new mayor. Additions to the council are Judy Bull and Dick Tschida.

Budget

The city council Monday night approved the 2005 budget and levy of $4,904,536.

Councilwoman Susan Young said the city needs to be responsible with its spending. She commented on increases in staffing this year and questioned if it was fiscally responsible.

ìAn increase in the budget as huge as this should not happen again,î she said. ìI would hope as we go forward we can find some way to use our folks as well as possible. I donít see how we can do this kind of increase again.î

The budget for 2005 is $9,364,162 compared to a 2004 budget of $8,896,680óa 5.25 percent increase.

Bathhouse

Architect Mark Finnemann presented the council with a rendering for a possible new boathouse at Lakeside Memorial Park.

Finnemann said he presented the rendering in an effort to ìstimulate thinkingî about what should be constructed as part of the park renovation.

City Administrator Chip Robinson said the city council will be exploring thoughts and ideas for the park in the next couple of months.

Councilman Rick Ashbach said he appreciated Finnemannís input.

ìObviously, we need facilities. I especially like the redesigned look of it,î Ashbach said.

Meetings

Due to the Christmas holiday, the regular meeting for Monday, Dec. 27 was changed. Instead of a meeting, a quorum of city council members will meet to approve the minutes of Mondayís meetings and pay bills before the end of the year.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, January 10 in Forest Lake City Council Chambers. Mayor Elect Terry Smith moved the meetings one half hour later.

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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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