HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 08-31-2004 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 31, 2004
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:00
p.m. in the lower level of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on August 31, 2004.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Bildsoe, Black, Hewitt, Neset,
Slavik, and Stein.
ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Fire Chief Kline, Community Development
Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Faulkner, Finance Director Hahn, Housing
Manager Barnes, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Police Chief Goldstein, Police
Support Services Supervisor Cox, Public Services Manager Qvale, Finance Office
Supervisor Leitner, Deputy Fire Chief Hurr, and Deputy City Clerk Hoffinan.
City Manager Ahrens reviewed a number of items from the last budget session which the
Council had requested further information.
Limited Market Value
Councilmember Hewitt had asked how the limited market value would be phased out.
City Manager Ahrens reported that the phase—out percentage each year would be at least
15% with a maximum of 25% in 2005, a maximum of 33% in 2006 and a maximum of
50% in 2007. She said that in 2008 all properties would be taxed at full market value.
St. Paul Street Utilities
Mayor Johnson had requested information on how the City of St. Paul handled utilities
assessments. Finance Director Hahn reported that St. Paul has maintenance assessments
for street sweeping, trimming, snow plowing, sidewalk maintenance, and are now
looking at street lighting. He said it would take a great deal of study time to learn what
and how it could be adapted to Plymouth.
Proposed water resources rates increases
Financial Analyst Kohn presented an analysis of proposed water resources rate increases
over the next five years. City Manager Ahrens stated that the Medicine Lake Water
Quality Subcommittee recommendations for funding and project priorities would be
coming to the Council in September for review.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of August 31, 2004
Page 2 of 3
Street Reconstruction assessments
Finance Director Hahn reported that the City Attorney has reviewed assessment rates
around the Metro area. He did not recommend assessing beyond 30-40% of costs.
City Tax on various family homes
Finance Director Hahn submitted a report calculating the taxes on home values of three
different levels. He noted that the tax on various valued homes under $500,000 goes up
directly proportionate with the value increases.
Medicine Lake Surface Water fees
Finance Director Hahn described the City of Medicine Lake's commitment to paying the
City of Plymouth's surface water fee. He said staff would approach Medicine Lake
officials about increasing the rate and extending the time frame of payment.
Recreation programs
Councilmembers reviewed a report listing recreation programs during 2003. The list
included revenues and directly related expenditures.
Proposed 2004 Budeet and Tax Levies
Councilmembers discussed budget impacts relating to any possible Comprehensive Plan
amendments.
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated that money is in reserve for consulting
items to include an anticipated eighteen—month review of the plan, paying for consultants
and transportation modeling. She said incidental costs would be paid from the operating
budget.
Councilmember Bildsoe expressed concern about Police Department staffing and
requested consideration of the hiring of a fifth officer in 2005. He expressed concern over
inadequate staffing at a time when the department is taking on a major building
expansion and remodeling project.
Police Chief Goldstein stated that court fines and forfeitures have increased dramatically
in the City. He said the department "officer to resident ratio" is falling behind, however.
Councilmember Neset supported adding another officer to the 2005 budget.
Councilmember Bildsoe asked about addition of another officer in June 2005, based on
meeting figures for forfeitures. City Manager Ahrens advised against that plan. She said
partial—year funding can create problems for the subsequent year's budget. She suggested
adding positions for full years.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of August 31, 2004
Page 3 of 3
Council reviewed the 2005 Budget and discussed items in it.
Councilmember Black requested that staff put attention into snow and ice control product
trends and be alert to buying products that are more sensitive to chlorine release into the
water system.
Councilmembers discussed park and trail maintenance and tree trimming and suggested
that staff review options on how to encourage residents to take on maintenance.
Councilmember Black noted that the City could have better negotiated a contract for
garbage/recycling. She said she would like to have the City select a strong representative
in contract negotiations.
Employee survey Results
Councilmembers reviewed responses from City employees on the City's spending and
revenue generation.
With Councilmember Hewitt voting no, and others voting in favor, the Council directed
staff to review options for funding an additional officer in the 2005 budget.
Adiournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:45 DZU
III, Deputy City Clerk