HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 09-06-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 6, 2005
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:07
p.m. in Conference Room 2, Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34h Avenue North, on
September 6, 2005.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson (arrived at 7:07 p.m.), Councilmembers Hewitt,
Slavik, Stein, Bildsoe, Willis, and Black.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Fire Chief Kline, Finance Director Hahn,
Police Chief Goldstein, Public Works Director Cote, Park and Recreation Director Blank,
Community Development Director Hurlburt, Finance Manager Jacobson, Financial
Analyst Kohn, Finance Supervisor Leitner, and City Clerk Paulson.
Proposed 2006 Budget and Tax Levies
City Manager Ahrens stated that at the August 23 budget Study Session, the Council
requested reports on three issues. Those issues were the costs associated with adding an
additional police officer and firefighter, status of charitable gambling fund revenue, and a
typical utility bill that includes the increases in rates in the proposed budget. She stated
reports on each of these items are contained in the packet materials.
Councilmember Black suggested that the Council conduct a Study Session on the
recycling fees and reviewing the entire program. She noted that there is a total of $1.7
million in the fund, and perhaps there would be programs in the future that the Council
would like to initiate. She suggested that the Council leave the rates as proposed because
if the City were to implement a new program, it would need to wait until the current
recycling contract expires, which would be in two years.
Councilmember Willis stated in the water resources fund, residents could be reimbursed
for constructing raingardens. He asked how one qualifies for this program, who evaluates
their situation/project, and who determines if it's an appropriate expenditure. Public
Works Director Cote replied this is a grant program that the City offers, and it's intended
to solve drainage problems. He stated there are standard criteria, and staff evaluates the
application/project. He noted that if a project solves a City drainage problem, it is rated
higher than a private problem. He stated that he would provide additional information to
Councilmember Willis.
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Special Meeting of September 6, 2005
Page 2 of 4
Councilmember Willis asked about the street reconstruction levy that is proposed for $1.5
million. He stated he could support a modest increase beyond this amount, if he could be
assured that the Council would intend to increase the amount of street reconstruction.
Financial Analyst Kohn stated that the proposed levy of $1.5 million, which is assumed to
increase by 5% in each succeeding year, would be sufficient to support a street
reconstruction program that would leave streets at a rating of 66. This would require the
use of bonding to support some of the expenditures. He explained that if the Council
were to increase the levy for street reconstruction, they could either do more street work
or decrease the amount ofbonding required.
Councilmembers Willis, Hewitt, and Black stated that they would support adding another
500,000, which would be about a 2.5% increase to an average valued home in the City.
The Council discussed the proposed County Road 101 project and the $4.1 million that is
being requested by the County for the City's share of the project. Mayor Johnson
requested that staff provide a report to the Council on what the City of Minnetonka's
share of the County Road 101 project is on a per mile basis.
Councilmember Slavik asked how the rising cost in fuel prices affects the City's transit
system. She also asked why the City should be absorbing the increased costs, rather than
increasing the bus fares.
Mayor Johnson suggested that staff research this and provide a report back to the Council.
Councilmember Black commented that the City is also gaining riders, so how does that
impact that cost. Mayor Johnson noted that the. transit fund is independent of the general
fund levy.
2006-2010 Capital Improvement Program
Financial Analyst Kohn discussed the proposed 2006-2010 Capital Improvements Plan
CIP). A considerable amount of discussion was held on new trails and transfers to the
park replacement fund. Councilmember Willis suggested that the City should start to
levy for park replacement if it's possible.
Park and Recreation Director Blank reported that Decision Resources would be doing a
survey in February or March on a possible referendum for a 10th playfield and other open
space. Mayor Johnson requested that staff send an email to the Council on the amount of
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Special Meeting of September 6, 2005
Page 3 of 4
acreage for open space that the City currently owns, and where that property is
geographically.
Councilmember Bildsoe suggested that staff place an article on the amount of open space
that the City owns in the 2006 Financial Extra.
Councilmember Stein requested an update from staff on the Highway 55/I494
development (Dominion properties). The Council discussed the County koad 101 project
and the $1.2 million contained in the CIP for that project.
Councilmember Willis suggested moving District 78 from 2007 to 2006. He feels the
street reconstruction program needs to be accelerated. This is why he feels the City
should levy an additional $500,000 for street reconstruction. Therefore, there would be
no need to "bump" any projects in 2006.
It was suggested that staff specify street reconstruction projects three years into the future
so residents can budget accordingly for assessments.
Discussion was held on transit, water resources and water and sewer projects.
Police Chief Goldstein provided an update on Hurricane Katrina relief, and Police
Department's effort to participate in a State team. The Council gave Police Chief
Goldstein their support.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked if the City could spend down some of the street
reconstruction funds cash balance to get more street projects done. Finance Director
Hahn replied the City could get by with somewhat less, but would still have to keep some
funds there for unexpected projects.
Councilmember Willis stated before the Council would make a decision this evening, he
would like to see how the oil prices impact the construction projects.
The Council cancelled the Special Meeting on September 8.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of September 6, 2005
Page 4 of 4
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned t approximately 10:30 p.m.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk