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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 12-06-1999 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Meeting Truth in Taxation Hearing December 6, 1999 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on December 6, 1999. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown, Black, Harstad, Johnson, and Slavik (arrived at 7:50 p.m). ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Ahrens, Finance Director Hahn, Public Works Director Moore, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson. Presentation on 2000 Proposed Budget Mayor Tierney stated the purpose of tonight's meeting is for a hearing on the City's proposed 2000 budget and tax levy. She encouraged the public to also attend Hennepin County's and the School District's truth in taxation meetings. She stated no action would be taken at tonight's meeting. City Manager Johnson gave a very detailed presentation to the Council regarding the City's proposed budget and tax levy. Among some of the issues discussed included market value trends, City taxes paid on an average business and average home, changes in property tax class rates, revenues and expenditures, and major budget proposals for 2000. He stated the Council has conducted several work sessions to formulate this budget. He reminded the Council that they cannot increase the tax levy, only decrease it if necessary. Truth in Taxation Hearing Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing for testimony. Bill Coe, 3850 Plymouth Boulevard, Unit #205 (Creek Place Condominiums), addressed the Council regarding the lighting improvements for Plymouth Boulevard. He strongly believes they are being unfairly assessed for this lighting improvement. Their association has installed lighting around their condominiums. This new lighting would be more for the patrons of Cub Foods, LifeTime Fitness Center, Plymouth Theater, etc. This project is beautifying the entire City not Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of December 6,1999 Page 2 of 3 just their housing development. Mayor Tierney stated this project would be discussed again at a future Council meeting. Mr. Coe stated the average assessment is $478, and he asked if the condominiums are being assessed more. Finance Director Hahn explained a condominium would be assessed the same as a single-family home, whatever the value is based on the rates. Michael Swanson, 6000 Kirkwood Lane North, asked if there are any funds being budgeted for the Bass Lake Road streetscaping. He stated he has previously spoken with Councilmember Black. He explained the Bass Lake Shorewood Homeowners Association is requesting streetscaping on Bass Lake Road from Highway 169 to Maple Grove. He stated the streetscaping for Bass Lake Road is in very poor condition, and he illustrated to the Council pictures of the medians. He stated he has spoken with the County, and they have stated the streetscaping is the responsibility of the City. Therefore, he has formulated a proposal for the purchase of shrubs and trees for the seven center median areas. He explained there is approximately 35,000 square feet. Shrubs could be planted three feet apart, and trees could be planted seven to 10 feet apart. He stated the approximate cost for the shrubs, trees, and black dirt is $11,020. There would be variables for the labor, flowers, and watering. Mayor Tierney stated there are a number of County/City roads that have poor landscaping. She stated she believes this will be one of those issues that will begin to receive more attention if not this year by next year. City Manager Johnson stated the streetscaping budget is proposed to be increased from $50,000 to $65,000. However, the Council has not designated funds for this particular project. He stated with these projects, the City likes to utilize volunteer help. He explained some of the major road projects that came into the City years ago should've contained landscaping budgets. Now the City is in the position of correcting that oversight. Councilmember Black stated she also spoke with a County Commissioner about any landscaping plans, and there are no plans. Once the County finished a road project, there was no further work on those projects. She stated she discussed and toured the site with City Forester Buck, and he suggested there be wildflower plantings on three of the seven medians. She stated she is hoping that three of the seven medians could be started this coming spring. In addition to this road, she has received other calls regarding streetscaping for Northwest Boulevard and County Road 10. Therefore, the Council needs to make a list of these improvements so the funds could be allocated to the Capital Improvements Program. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of December 6, 1999 Page 3 of 3 Councilmember Johnson suggested the City consider utilizing grant monies and working with the youth. She asked what the process would be to create a list. City Manager Johnson stated City Forester Buck has the majority of the contacts, and they could be notified when the time arrives. Parks and Recreation Director Blank added there is an ongoing list for grants and working with the homeowners associations. Councilmember Black suggested the Council discuss this at a future Work Session. She asked who is responsible for mowing of the County roads. Public Works Director Moore replied the median areas are the responsibility of the County while the boulevard area is the responsibility of the individual property owners. Generally, the policy is the medians are mowed twice a year or whenever the City contacts the County. Councilmember Johnson thanked staff in working with the Council in preparing a very good budget. Councilmember Slavik arrived (7:50 p.m.) A brief discussion was held on the City staffing levels particularly in the Information Technology Department. Mayor Tierney stated she would like the City to consider higher funding for CONECT. She stated perhaps the Council could discuss this topic at a future study session. Councilmember Black stated in 1997 the City's tax rate was lowest. She stated she would be interested in knowing what the tax rate would be if the legislature wouldn't have made the changes in the tax class rates. Finance Director Hahn stated it would be difficult to go further back than a year. The majority if not all of it is due to the change in the tax rate classifications. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to close the public hearing, and approval of the budget be placed on the December 21, 1999 Council agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adjournment Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Harstad, to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m. With all members voting in favor the motion carried. U/" andra R. Paulson, City Clerk