HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMin_08Dec1
Special Meeting of the City Council
December 1, 2008
Members present: Mayor Lindstrom, Council members Harris, Kuettel, and Long, Administrator Miller, Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk Kreuser, and Finance Director Olson.
Mayor Lindstrom called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He explained the Truth-in-Taxation Hearing is a meeting that is required by the state of taxing jurisdictions.
Administrator Miller began with a presentation to the council on 2008 property taxes and proposed taxes for 2009. He explained that each city has a tax rate, and Falcon Heights’ rate
has remained mostly consistent the last five years. Compared with other taxing authorities, Falcon Heights’ tax rate remains on the lower end of the scale. Miller added the amount
in the general fund reserves has been reduced with this year’s proposed budget, which the council will not have to rely on for next year, as the fund balance is low enough. He also
went through and outlined the tax changes for a median-valued home in Falcon Heights with the 2009 proposed tax. Lastly, Miller explained the differing factors that have an effect on
property taxes.
The next section of the presentation dealt with expenditures, with Miller using graphs and data to illustrate where the tax monies in Falcon Heights are spent.
In the final section it was explained to the council, what budget actions were being taken for next year. Some of the items from the budget that were eliminated: reduction in newsletter
expenses, staffing changes, and training. In addition, staff proposed new revenue sources: increasing various fees and permit costs, fire department clean-up costs, licensing, and room
rentals charges.
Miller invited anyone with more questions to contact city hall.
There were no people in the audience to address the council.
Information/Announcements:
Council member Harris announced the Human Rights Commission was awarded a grant by the MN Department of Human Rights for $1500. The commission will be deciding soon on what trainings
and enrichment by December 31 and will notify the State Department.
Council member Kuettel announced there is an opening on the Planning Commission for 2009. Applications for all commissions are online.
Council member Long said the Parks/Rec Commission had met, and the boards are up for the ice rinks. The rinks will be flooded as soon as sustainable cold weather is here. He also invited
the community to the Winterfest annual celebration in Community Park on January 25 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Mayor Lindstrom announced the city was awarded a grant to help pay for pervious pavement at the city hall parking lot. The city’s partner in the project, the Capital Region Watershed
District, awarded $88,000 for the lot reconstruction, which will begin next summer.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk