HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-18-1994MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 18, 1994
The regular 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 Blvd., on
July 18, 1994.
PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Lymangood, Granath, Edson, Anderson,
and Morrison.
ABSENT: Councilmember Helliwell.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Lueckert, Public Works
Director Moore, Planning Director Hurlburt, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Finance
Director Hahn, Planning Supv. Senness, City Attorney Barnard, and City Clerk Ahrens.
TTEM 3 FORUM - NORMAN SEVERSON, DRAINAGE CONCERNS
Norman Severson, 10725 45th Avenue North, asked the status of action on
drainage concerns he earlier reported at a May Council Forum,
Director Moore stated siltation fences have been repaired and reestablished on the
abutting property since May. In addition, the developer has placed a large ridge of
dirt and siltation fence to prevent dirt from eroding.
Mr. Severson showed pictures of the property under development, particularly
where construction is occurring. He stated the drainage is not supposed to leave
that property and flow to the north toward his property. He said that further
problems will develop when hard surface is installed for the new development
because the water will run between two properties, and the owners are concerned.
He asked that staff comment on the City's inability to enforce the erosion control
policy.
Public Works Director Moore stated that the staff has received a legal opinion that
some provisions of the erosion control policy relating to Stop Work orders cannot
be enforced because they do not directly relate to the State Building Code.
Mr. Severson requested that he receive a response to every question asked in his
previous letter. Staff stated that this will be provided, with a copy to the Council.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 2
ITEM 3 FORUM - DONALD JENSEN, LAKE CAMELOT ESTATES 3RD
ADDITION
Donald Jensen, Rottlund Company, asked when the Council would consider
release of the final portion of a cash deposit relating to the Lake Camelot Estates
3rd Addition development. This item was tabled by the City Council at a previous
meeting due to concerns with pond siltation. He understands that this item has
been resolved and would like action as quickly as possible.
Public Works Director Moore stated that Mr. Jensen has agreed to pay the cost of
pond siltation removal which was the issue of concern, and the item will be on the
August 1 agenda for Council consideration.
ITEM 4-A CITIZEN PUBLIC SAFETY COMMENDATIONS
Public Safety Director Gerdes described an assault incident that recently occurred
in Plymouth, and Mayor Tierney presented citizen public safety commendations to
Carl Ross Maltrud and Lisa Ann Schwab.
ITEM 4-B PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Public Safety Director Gerdes invited residents to participate in National Night
Out. Mayor Tierney proclaimed August 2 as National Night Out in Plymouth.
ITEM 5 APPROVE AGENDA
Mayor Tierney stated that at the last Council meeting, the Council did not pass a
proposed ordinance directing the Council to follow general or statutory law when
the City Charter is silent. She suggested that Councilmembers could provide
direction to the Charter Commission on the reason for their votes as Item 8-C.
Manager Johnson requested that a brief discussion of the Neighborhood Meeting
on 26th Avenue be added to the agenda as Item 8-D.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6 CONSENT AGENDA
Item 6-F was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed as Item 9-C.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 3
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated that Item 6-C is not ready for
action as the development contract has not been returned from the petitioner. She
suggested that the Council table this item until the developer responds to the
development contract.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to approve the Consent Agenda, removing Item 9-C and tabling
Item 6-C.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-A APPROVE COUNCIL MINUTES
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting of May 16, 1994.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-11 APPROVE DISBURSEMENTS
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-389 APPROVING
DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JULY 8, 1994.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-C PLYMOUTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (93141)
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to table the final plat request of Plymouth Presbyterian Church for
property located northwest of the future intersection of Dunkirk Lane and County
Road 9 (93141) until the developer responds to the development contract.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-D APPROVAL OF 1994 DEER HUNT
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to authorize the annual deer bow hunt in the northwest corner of
Plymouth for 1994, as proposed by staff.
Motion carried, six ayes.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 4
ITEM 6-E REPORT ON REVIEW OF OUTSTANDING BONDS
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to accept the report on review of outstanding bond issues and
recommendation not to call or refinance any outstanding issues.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-F SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed as Item 9-C.
ITEM 6-G TEMPORARY 3.2 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MINNESOTA
RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-390 APPROVING TEMPORARY 3.2
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK
ASSOCIATION.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-H AWARD CONTRACT FOR 1994 STREET RECONSTRUCTION
PROGRAM, PROJECT 401
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-391 AWARDING BID, 1994 STREET
RECONSTRUCTION - PART 1, CITY PROJECT NO. 401.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-I CHANGE ORDER 3 FOR WATERMAIN IMPROVEMENTS,
PROJECT 907
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-392 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER
NO. 3, WATERMAIN IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO'S 110, 311,
AND 909.
Motion carried, six ayes.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 5
ITEM 6-J INSTALLATION OF "ALL -WAY" STOP SIGN
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-393 INSTALLATION OF "ALL -
WAY" STOP SIGN.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-K PAYMENT 4, BRIDLEWOOD FARMS 3RD ADDITION PROJECT
304
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-394 REQUEST FOR PAYMENT NO.
4, BRIDLEWOOD FARM 3RD ADDITION, CITY PROJECT NO. 304.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-L SET HEARING ON VACATION OF EASEMENTS IN PLYMOUTH
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ADDITION
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-395 ORDERING PUBLIC HEARING
ON THE PROPOSED VACATION OF STREET, UTILITY, AND TRAIL
EASEMENTS, PARCEL 17-118-22-43-0002.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-M REQUEST OF HARSTAD COMPANIES FOR REFUND OF PARK
DEDICATION FEES FOR KINGSVIEW HEIGHTS 3RD ADDITION
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to deny the request of Harstad Companies for a refund of $4,410 of
park dedication fees paid for the Kingsview Heights 3rd Addition.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 6-N SET STUDY SESSION ON JULY 25
MOTION was made by Councilmember Morrison, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-396 ESTABLISHING JULY 25, 1994,
AT 5:30 P.M. AS A SPECIAL STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS LAND USE
GUIDE PLANS, THE REGULATORY APPROVAL PROCESS, AND
LAND USE ORDINANCE REVIEW.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 6
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 7-A STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS
Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report on the public hearing for
street lighting improvements for Timber Creek/Lake Park Heights Additions. He
stated the petitioners were unable to get 100 percent of the property owners'
signatures for street lighting improvements; therefore, a public hearing is required.
He stated in the Timber Creek/Lake Park Heights Addition the current estimated
cost is $3.06 per month per lot for the benefiting lots. Six lights had originally
been proposed by the residents; now two are proposed.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. on street lighting
improvements for Timber Creek/Lake Park Heights Additions.
LaDonna Landry, 10490 29th Avenue North, stated she initiated the petition for
street lighting on 29th Avenue near Medicine Ridge Road. Those who signed the
petition were very interested in the installation of lighting for safety reasons to
prevent vandalism in the neighborhood.
Barry L. Totman, 10390 29th Avenue North, was opposed to the proposed street
lighting. He has lived in the subdivision for 16 years and stated that for aesthetic
reasons, the developers did not choose to install street lighting. The area is well
developed with trees and shrubs, and street lights will not fit with the development.
He stated there would not be a large amount of illumination from the lighting, and
is aware of only one incident out, of six total vandalism/theft incidents that have
occurred during non -daylight hours in the neighborhood. Also, the monthly cost
for lighting could be drastically increased by NSP at any time.
Carol Fuerstneau, 10405 31st Avenue North, stated she never saw the petition.
Her lot faces 31st Avenue and the rear of her property abuts the 29th Avenue cul-
de-sac. She does not believe her lot should be included in the assessment area.
The proposed lighting will not benefit her property, and may detract from her
landscape lighting. She would support lighting on 31st Avenue in front of her
property, but this proposed lighting will not be a benefit.
Mayor Tierney closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m.
Public Works Director Moore stated the utility rates charged by NSP must be
approved by the Public Utilities Commission and cannot be increased without that
approval. He stated that if the Council eliminated the Fuerstneau parcel from the
assessment area, it would add about $.30 per month to the other affected
properties. Eight of the eleven property owners are in favor of the street lighting.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 7
MOTION was made by Councilmember Granath, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-397 ORDER PROJECT - STREET
LIGHTING, TIMBER CREEK ADDITION AND LAKE PARK HEIGHTS
ADDITION.
Councilmember Morrison stated she doesn't like assessing residents for something
they don't want, but a majority of affected residents support this improvement.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report on the request for street
lighting in Asplund's Oakwood Shores Addition. Five of the six property owners
have petitioned for the lighting. One light would be installed, and the cost is
estimated at $2.06 per lot per month.
Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. No one appeared, and the
hearing was closed.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember
Edson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-398 ORDER PROJECT - STREET
LIGHTING, ASPLUND'S OAKWOOD SHORES ADDITION.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 8-A BURGUNDY VILLAGE. LAND USE GUIDE PLAN AMENDMENT
93122
Planning Supv. Senness introduced the request of Burgundy Village for Land Use
Guide Plan Amendment to reguide 14.1 acres from CR -2 to LA -4 for property
located on the east side of Medicine Lake Drive north of Highway 55 (93122).
Greg Frank, McCombs Frank Roos, represented the petitioner. He stated a
number of issues were discussed at the Planning Commission hearing relating to
right-of-way requirements, density, wetlands, and building height restrictions, and
the developer has not had the opportunity to adequately study these issues. He
requested that this item be tabled.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Mayor Tierney, to
indefinitely table the Burgundy Village application (93122).
Community Development Director Hurlburt stated staff has no objections if the
petitioner wishes to redesign the plan. If they proposed a plan that requires
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 8
different applications, the issue may require reconsideration by the Planning
Commission.
Erika Urban, 1541 West Medicine Lake Drive, stated she has no objection to
tabling of this item. She stated that rezoning to a higher density is very
objectionable to her and other residents. She has concerns about the environment
and the view.
Amy Sakayan, 1029 West Medicine Lake Drive, asked if residents will be notified
when this item again comes before the Council.
Mayor Tierney stated yes.
David Prochaska, 1029 West Medicine Lake Drive, asked how the property is
currently guided and how residents will be notified of the next meeting on this
issue.
Mayor Tierney stated the current guiding of the property is CR -2 which is retail
shopping use. She stated that all persons submitting blue cards at this meeting will
be notified of the next Council consideration on the issue.
Motion to table carried, six ayes.
ITEM 8-B MEMBERSHIP IN I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
Planning Supv. Senness presented the staff report on recommended membership in
the I-494 Corridor Commission. She stated the Council voted to table the City's
membership in the Commission about four months ago. At that time, the Council
was interested in addressing transportation in a comprehensive manner. She stated
that basic elements that constitute a comprehensive approach to relieving freeway
traffic congestion include 1) building new transportation facilities; 2) making lower
cost capital improvements in adjacent arterials, including traffic signal
optimization; 3) implementing travel demand management strategies, and 4)
coordinating land use with transportation facilities and facility improvements. She
stated that new facilities will most likely be confined to those that are currently
planned for improvement. Only I-494 is included in plans for upgrading.
Consequently, in the Highway 55 and Highway 169 corridors, it may be more
prudent to focus on the other approaches.
She explained the cost for membership is a $1,000 initiation fee and an annual
contribution not to exceed $0.10 per capita, which would be approximately $5,400
for Plymouth. This cost could be paid with travel demand management funds in
the transit "opt -out" budget.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 9
MOTION was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Morrison to
approve the Joint and Cooperative Agreement for the I-494 Corridor Commission.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Councilmember Lymangood stated the staff report indicates that member cities
appoint one Councilmember and one staff person to the Commission, as well as
alternates.
Councilmember Edson stated that Highway 169 is a significant route for a great
number of citizens and the 40,000+ employees who work in the City. Also, an
additional major business is proposed at County Road 10 and Highway 169. He
would like staff recommendations on ways to improve Highway 169 traffic.
Councilmember Lymangood agreed, and noted that much of the time traffic on
Highway 169 is a greater problem than on I-494.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to appoint Mayor Tierney to the I-494 Corridor Commission.
Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to appoint Planning Supv. Senness to the I-494 Corridor
Commission.
Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to appoint Councilmember Morrison as an alternate to the I-494
Corridor Commission.
Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to appoint Community Development Director Hurlburt as an alternate
to the I-494 Corridor Commission.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 8-C CHARTER COMMISSION ITEM
Mayor Tierney requested that Councilmembers who voted no at the last Council
meeting on the proposed ordinance directing the City Council to follow general or
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 10
statutory law when the City Charter is silent provide their comments to the Charter
Commission for direction.
ITEM 8-D 26TH AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Manager Johnson reported that the neighborhood information meeting on 26th
Avenue improvements will be held Tuesday, July 19, with the official public
hearing scheduled for July 25. The project has been staked for viewing at a total
width of 41' to allow for a 33' roadway and 8' trail.
Councilmember Edson asked how far back from the new curb line poles would
have to be moved?
Director Moore stated about 3 to 4'.
ITEM 9-A CITY ATTORNEY SELECTION PROCESS
Manager Johnson stated the City solicited requests for proposals for City Attorney
services during June. Twenty-one proposals were received. He presented several
alternatives for evaluating the proposals, and recommended that a Council/Staff
Subcommittee be established to evaluate the proposals.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to establish a Council/Staff Subcommittee to evaluate and provide a
recommendation on City Attorney services. Councilmembers Morrison, Granath,
and Lymangood are appointed as Council representatives, and Manager Johnson is
to appoint three staff representatives.
Motion carried, six ayes.
ITEM 9-B REPORT FROM THE STATE AUDITOR'S REPORT
SUBCOMMITTEE
Manager Johnson presented the report of the Subcommittee on the State Auditor's
Report. He explained that on May 17, 1993, the Council approved an agreement
with the State Auditor's office to investigate employee compensation practices.
The Auditor issued a report on March 16, 1994, and the Council then created a
subcommittee to review the report recommendations. Seventeen of the State
Auditor's 19 recommendations have been addressed through three recommended
resolutions pertaining to travel policy, salary and benefit administration policy, and
expense reimbursement policy. Another recommendation has been addressed
through proper labeling of mileage payments in the budget document. Mileage
charges were formerly under the category of "rental of equipment" and are now
shown as "mileage".
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 11
Councilmember Anderson explained the process used by the Subcommittee and
stated the Council and staff have spent a great deal of time reviewing the report
and recommendations from the State Auditor. The State Auditor's report and
Subcommittee recommendation are public documents available to anyone
interested in reading them.
Manager Johnson described the proposed travel policy. The policy describes the
kind of travel covered and eligible expenses; authorization for travel expenses, and
policies for payment of travel expenses.
MOTION was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Edson, to
adopt RESOLUTION 94-399 TRAVEL POLICY.
Councilmember Anderson stated that one area noted in the State Auditor's report
was an incident where three years elapsed before the requested expense was
submitted for payment to the City. The new policy states that an itemized expense
report must be completed and submitted for approval within 15 days following the
date of return.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Manager Johnson explained the proposed salary and benefit administration policy.
The policy clearly states that the authority to establish and amend all compensation
policies and programs for the City shall reside solely with the Council.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to adopt RESOLUTION 94-400 SALARY AND BENEFIT
ADMINISTRATION POLICY.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Manager Johnson described the proposed expense reimbursement policy.
MOTION was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Edson, to
adopt RESOLUTION 94-401 EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Manager Johnson stated the final recommendation in the State Auditor's report
was that "the City Council should discuss with their legal counsel whether any
reimbursement should be sought from the former City Manager for the costs of
returning the former City Manager, on two separate occasions, from vacations in
Hawaii for one day." He stated the majority of the Subcommittee recommends
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 12
that no action be taken to recover these costs from the former City Manager. At
least one Subcommittee member felt that reimbursement should be sought, and one
or two members of the Financial Advisory Committee agreed.
Councilmember Edson suggested that the Council should vote to accept the
Subcommittee's Report which will include that item.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Morrison, to accept the report and recommendations of the Subcommittee on the
State Auditor's Report.
Councilmember Anderson stated concerns that this would not include seeking
reimbursement from the former City Manager for two incidents involving travel
back for a Council meeting from a Hawaii vacation. Councilmember Anderson
stated he particularly believes reimbursement should be pursued because the
former Manager upgraded his ticket to first-class at City expense. He stated that
the former Manager later admitted to the State Auditor that perhaps the trips could
have been avoided, and he did not submit the expense reimbursement until three
years after the trip. Councilmember Anderson does not believe this issue was
moral, ethical, or legal, and he will not vote in favor of the Subcommittee
recommendation unless it includes an attempt to seek reimbursement for these two
trips.
Councilmember Edson stated that as a member of the Subcommittee, he heard no
one disagree with Councilmember Anderson's summation of the incident. The
Subcommittee members felt that the expenditures were inappropriate. The
recommendation not to pursue recovery was very much an economic issue. An
opinion from the City Attorney indicated that it would cost as much or more to
recover the amount.
Mayor Tierney stated she has reviewed the information on the two incidents and
believes it was a judgment call by the former City Manager. In the first situation,
the first-class upgrade was at a minimal expense. The second incident totaled
about $700 and she does not believe it would be financially prudent to bring a legal
case to recover this amount. In addition, the expense request was submitted
following his resignation. She stated that with this information and the
divisiveness on the City Council at the time, she does not believe it would be
beneficial to seek recovery.
Attorney Barnard stated that from a legal perspective, the City would need to
prove whether a public purpose was served by the two trips, and Mr. Willis would
largely be in control of the facts at the time. Attorney Barnard stated the incidents
may have been bad judgment, but it would be difficult for the City to prove there
was other than bad judgment.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 13
Councilmember Anderson suggested that the City at a minimum write a letter and
request the recovery from the former Manager. He stated the issue is the public
purpose of tax dollars being improperly used, and the Council should at least make
a request for reimbursement to the City.
Councilmember Lymangood stated that he does not believe these two questionable
trips were the biggest issue raised in the State Auditor's Report. He stated the
biggest issue was that the administration and elected officials, through whatever
means and purposes, did not have proper handle on certain items. He stated that
prior to last fall, he did not know Mr. Willis, but since being on the Council, he has
recognized that Plymouth is a great City because some officials had great
foresight. He stated that Mr. Willis was a part of that, and in the process that
occurred, he never received credit for his service to the City.
Motion carried, five ayes; Anderson nay.
Mayor Tierney thanked Councilmembers Helliwell, Anderson, and Edson for their
service on the Subcommittee. Manager Johnson thanked Assessor Nancy Bye,
Police Captain Paulson, and Financial Advisory Committee members Treptow and
Bock for their service on the Subcommittee.
ITEM 9-C SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT
Finance Director Hahn reported that tax cancellations and abatements continue to
plague the City. He had earlier projected a shortfall in the General Fund tax
revenue for 1994 of $555,000 as a result, and he believes this projection is still
accurate. He believes that the City will likely lose less value toward the end of the
year because the tax cancellation rate has decreased.
Director Hahn stated that permit fees and development review fees are
considerably increased over the budget projection. Fines/forfeitures are decreased
primarily because the average amount per fine is down. He presented performance
reports for each department, as well as projected savings per department for the
first six months of 1994. He stated staff will propose a program to reducing sump
pump infiltration in the near future.
In response to questions by Councilmember Edson, Director Hahn stated that he
believes the projected $555,000 will adequately cover this year's loss. He believes
for 1995, the loss will be about half that amount resulting from less cases. The
percentage of loss is also decreasing.
Councilmember Lymangood requested that additional information be provided on
tax abatements and cancellations, such as number of outstanding issues, dollar
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 14
volume, the amount and percentage of abatements given, and type of property, so
the Council can see the trends. He would like this information for budget
discussions.
Director Hahn stated the majority of the decreases are in office facilities.
Councilmember Lymangood stated it is important that once an abatement is given,
the property has regular follow-up and the value is tracked by the assessor. He
also noted it is interesting that the City is losing revenue due to abatements from
commercial/industrial property; however, permit fees and planning fees from
current development of commercial/industrial property is the main cause of the
General Fund increased revenues.
Manager Johnson stated a lot of the abatement cases are two to three years old.
Finance Director Hahn stated that because the City has lost so much value from
abatements, it decreases the amount the City loses to fiscal disparities.
Councilmember Edson noted that office rental rates are currently increasing. Staff
needs to ensure that the increasing values of commerciallindustrial buildings are
captured.
Chris Slack, 2135 Weston Lane North, asked why was this item was originally on
the consent agenda.
Manager Johnson stated any issues are placed on the consent agenda if there is no
known controversy.
In response to other questions by Mr. Slack, Finance Director explained that
percent of budget expended" refers to the percentage of the total annual budget
expended. Staff compares revenues and expenditures to the previous year as a
measurement gauge.
Manager Johnson stated that additional budget information and tracking has
recently been implemented, and additional reports and information will be available
for the third quarter financial report. He stated that many small actions result in
efficiencies and improved productivity.
Mr. Slack stated he would still like to see a staffing report, as he mentioned during
the 1994 Truth in Taxation hearing.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson, to accept the second quarter Financial Report.
City Council Minutes
July 18, 1994
Page 15
Motion carried, six ayes.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
Motion carried, six ayes.
City'Clerk