HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-28-2009 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
April 28, 2009
A Special Meeting was conducted by the City Council on April 28, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the
Millennium Garden, 14800 34th Avenue North, and the Medicine Lake Conference Room, 3400
Plymouth Boulevard.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Johnson, Murdock, Willis, Black, Stein,
and Bildsoe.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Administrative
Services Director Portner, Police Chief Goldstein, Fire Chief Kline, Community Development
Director Juetten, and City Clerk Engdahl.
Dedication of Artwork at Millennium Garden
The Mayor and Council participated in the dedication of the Winged Iris sculpture at the
Millennium Garden.
Preliminary Budget Discussion
Administrative Services Director Porter discussed staff s report which contained projected
revenues and expenditures forecasts for 2010. He requested that the Council provide direction
for the general fund 2010 levy, which will be used for budget preparation.
Councilmember Bildsoe requested that staff look at internal structural changes that are long-
term. Secondly, he suggested that there be incremental tax increases (1%-2%) each year versus a
large increase in 2011. Councilmember Stein agreed but requested that there be as little increase
as possible in 2010 due to the economy.
Councilmembers Willis and Murdock stated any tax increase would be problematic for residents.
Councilmember Black requested a minimal tax increase as did Mayor Slavik. Councilmember
Black stated she is very concerned about the number of layoffs that may be needed.
Councilmember Willis asked about the status of the labor contracts. City Manager Ahrens
replied the public works and the technical/professional unions settled for. a 2% increase in 2009
and a 2% increase in 2010. A 2% increase for non -represented employees was approved in
2009. The police contracts are open for 2010. The police have received higher settlements than
all other groups the past couple of years.
The Council directed the City Manager to do the following and budget accordingly:
Adopted Council Minutes 1 of 2 Special Meeting of April 28, 2009
1. Request to reopen the labor contracts with the public works and clerical/technical unions
and propose a 0% increase in 2010.
2. Budget a 0% increase for non -represented employees for 2010.
3. Negotiate a 0% increase for police for 2010.
The Council indicated this is a prudent and necessary measure given the economy. It will help
reduce the number of layoffs that may be necessary in 2010 and 2011, in order to meet levy
limits and limit the tax increase.
Set Future Study Sessions
Mayor Slavik stated this item would be added to the Regular Council meeting agenda this
evening.
Adjournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p. .
andra R. Engdahl, Ci Clerk
Adopted Council Minutes 2of2 Special Meeting of April 28, 2008