HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-11-2009 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 11, 2009
Mayor Slavik called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Conference Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on August 11, 2009.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Slavik, Councilmembers Johnson, Murdock, Stein, Willis, and
Black.
ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Administrative Services Director Portner, Finance
Manager Bursheim, Accountant Mastey, Community Development Director Juetten, Support
Services Supervisor Cox, Police Captain Lindman, Fire Chief Kline, Deputy Fire Chief Springer,
Recreation Director Evans, Public Works Director Cote, and City Cleric Engdahl.
2010/2011 Budget
Administrative Services Director Portner discussed with the Council the staff report which
contained information requested at previous Study Sessions.
Councilmember Johnson asked how many households have been added to the City during the
past year. Administrative Services Director Portner replied 200-300 homes were added in 2007-
2008. He stated staff would provide areport to the Council comparing the difference between
the 2007-2008 numbers to previous years for the commercial/industrial.
Councilmember Willis asked if there has been an increase or decrease in the tax valuation by
classes payable in 2010. Administrative Services Director Portner replied there's a 4.8%
decrease for the average residential and 8% decrease for commercial/industrial.
Councilmember Stein asked if the tax capacity figures are going to be enough to meet the City's
minimum needs.
Councilmember Johnson stated the community continues to grow and there is an expectation of
services.
A discussion was held on the report outlining the general fund's total allocations and
expenditures. Councilmember Willis requested a report containing the individual allocations
building maintenance, insurance, etc.). He stated these fixed expenses can add up to a
substantial portion in the general fund budget which in turn could "squeeze" other areas of the
Adopted Minutes 1 of 3 Special Meeting of August 11, 2009
general fund budget. He stated he would like to view the aggregate amounts (percentage change
from 2003-2009).
The Council discussed street reconstruction funding. Councilmembers Willis and Johnson stated
this is an area where the Council needs to allocate more funds in a disciplined fashion so the City
doesn't fall behind. They noted that the Council will be challenged to allocate resources to
maintain the streets.
Administrative Services Director Portner discussed the three different tax levy scenarios for
Council discussion. City Manager Ahrens stated if the Council supports the first scenario, which
is a zero percent increase, staff would slow down the allocation increase without cutting any
services.
Councilmember Johnson stated she would rather not charge sports associations for park usage
and forego sealcoating.
Councilmember Willis stated if the Council would forego seal coating, those funds be allocated
to the street maintenance fund. Several councilmemebers concurred.
Mayor Slavik commented on the recent discussion that she had with the baseball associations.
Currently, they reserve additional fields because of rain days, but they only use one-third of the
fields. Therefore, if the Council charged by the field, this would be expensive for their
association.
Councilmember Willis stated regarding the question on whether to charge sports associations for
use of the park facilities, there is a cost for facilities. The question is if it's a benefit that is good
for everyone or just for associations could prevent others from .using the facilities during certain
times. He stated this is just an extension of the City's ice arena policies but it doesn't have a roof
over it.
Councilmember Stein stated he doesn't support eliminating seal coating, but if it's eliminated,
those funds should be directed to street maintenance. He supports charging sports associations
for park facilities even to a level of $200,000 per year in revenue. He stated it costs the City
600,000 to maintain those facilities. The sports associations should pay for use of the fields for
tournaments and games, especially if they have to be lined. Schools charge for their facilities.
Councilmember Stein stated that he supports the $10,000 increase for senior citizens at the
Plymouth Creek Center. Councilmember Willis agreed.
Councilmember Black stated she supports the increase for senior citizens, allocating the seal
coating funds towards street maintenance, and not charging sports associations for facilities
usage.
City Manager Ahrens explained that the reasons why the staff put seal coating back into the
budget is that 2010 is the first year of a two year budget (it's earmarked for something), and when
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there is a general fund surplus, it has gone towards street reconstruction in recent years, so the
funding would stay in streets.
Motion was made by Councilmember Black and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to not
include $100,000 in the budget no matter what tax levy scenario for charging sports associations
for the use of park facilities.
Councilmember Willis stated the $100,000 is basically a down payment, and it's not enough in
the long haul. This would have to be reviewed every year.
Mayor Slavik stated she could only support the fees if they're structured in a certain way as it
affects associations differently.
Councilmember Stein stated that taxpayers' dollars fund those park facilities, and the City is only
asking for a user fee. He stated it's hard to support a fat -are 10th playfield without any
participation from the participants.
With Johnson, Black, and Slavik voting yes, and Stein, Murdock, and Willis voting no, the
motion failed.
Adiournment
Mayor Slavik adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.
andra R. Engdahl, C4 Clerk
Adopted Minutes 3 of 3 Special Meeting of August 11, 2009