HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 06-14-2011 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
June 14, 2011
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:35 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on June 14, 2011.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers; Stein, Murdock, Willis, Black, Johnson
and Bildsoe.
COUNCILABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Police Chief Goldstein, Administrative Services
Director Portner, Community Development Director Juetten, Fire Chief Kline, Recreation
Superintendent Evans, Finance Manager Bursheim, Accounting Supervisor Mastey, and Office
Support Representative Tiegs-Roussell.
Review 2010/2013 Budget and Council Expectations
Administrative Services Director Portner presented an outline of the 2012/2013 budget
projections and trends. Preliminary reports indicate a possible $600,000 shortfall but with
attrition in staff due to retirements, the figure could be lower.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked Police Chief Goldstein for an explanation of the decrease of fines
and forfeitures in 2011. Police Chief Goldstein responded there was a lower number of forfeited
vehicles due to the intoxilizer lawsuit but with additional traffic personnel on duty, there should
be an increase in fines.
Administrative Services Director Portner reported that tax revenues have been level the past two
years, but there will be an increase in expenditures needed to maintain services. A decline in
infrastructure could be the impact of not having enough revenue to meet expenses. The park
replacement fund is challenged with increased improvements and a small revenue source. The
organization has been innovative and adjusted staffing and workloads to accommodate the
changing economy. Future planning is in place so the City isn't reliant on outside sources of
revenue.
City Manager Ahrens stated the Council needs to give direction on the levy amount to staff,
while taking into consideration, decreasing property values and the poor economy. A team of
key managers reviewed the budget and identified several areas for further review.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the salary, wages, and benefits are factored in the possible
J$600,000 shortfall. Administrative Services Director Portner replied yes.
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Council Meeting June 14, 2011
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Councilmember Black asked if 2013 will prove to be more difficult due to falling home values.
Administrative Services Director Portner replied that the decreasing property values and inflation
higher fuel costs) will be factors for 2013.
Councilmember Black stated the non -represented staff should receive increases.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated represented and non -represented groups need to be looked at. He
further added the Council needs to make sure the City's infrastructure remains in good condition.
Councilmember Willis agrees that employee wages need to be addressed. He challenged staff to
come back with more decreases to keep $600,000 deficit smaller.
Councilmember Black agrees that road maintenance is important. She is concerned about staff
and service reductions.
Councilmember Johnson stated the City has not levied to the maximum so it is a tool that is
available.
Councilmember Murdock stated eventually the City will have to raise taxes to generate needed
revenue.
Administrative Services Director Portner stated there will be more information regarding the
possible $600,000 deficit at the next meeting along with scenarios of possible budget figures and
impact.
Councilmember Bildsoe spoke about developers continuing to build but there is a fine line to
keep attracting people to Plymouth. Plymouth offers a great parks system, fire, and police
services but it doesn't want services to deteriorate and lose the advantage over other
communities.
Mayor Slavik stated she is not set on zero percent salary increases. The City needs to keep its
quality of services. She noted staff is going above and beyond without receiving pay the
increases, so consideration needs to be given in that regard.
City Manager Ahrens spoke about performance measurement legislation that was adopted in
2010. A task force met to set up performance measures and incentives for participating.
However, participation could be more work and expense and we may not want to take part at his
point.
Set Future Study Sessions
Councilmember Bildsoe requested a joint study session for Council and the Plymouth Advisory
Committee on Transit (PACT) discuss operation with Council direction. MetroTransit is facing
i financial challenges moving forward to years 2014-2015. Opportunities for new revenues and
Adopted Minutes 2 of 3 Special Council Meeting June 14, 2011
ridership to support the system have been discussed. Councilmember Bildsoe stated PACT must
study operational issues and strategic planning. PACT has forwarded a policy for Council
approval to advertise on buses. The advertising would bring in revenues. A joint meeting with
PACT was scheduled for 6 p.m. on August 9.
By request of Councilmember Bildsoe, a study session is set at 6 p.m. on June 28 to discuss
vacant property at the City Center. A staff report is not required but a map of the City Center is
needed.
City Manager Update
City Manager Ahrens gave her quarterly update to the Council.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
r4iaZ-Tiegs-Rousse 1 Office port Representative
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Council Meeting June 14, 2011