HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWkspMin_08Aug6Falcon Heights City Council Workshop Minutes
August 6, 2008
Members present: Mayor Lindstrom, Council members Harris, Kuettel, Long, and Mercer-Taylor, Administrator Miller, Finance Director Olson, and Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk
Kreuser.
Mayor Lindstrom called the workshop to order at 6:35 p.m.
1. Draft 2009 General Fund Budget
Miller outlined the major changes to the 2009 budget, as listed in the staff report. Among those noted: a $10,000 contingency budget for sick/vacation payout is also designated in the
reserves, so is duplicated. The council went over those changes with staff and gave their agreement in eliminating one of those line items to erase the duplication.
Miller next noted the special levy for debt service, and the council stated they wanted to see the capital fund budget before making any decisions.
The September workshop will cover the capital budget and debt service fund. In October, the council will address the enterprise funds.
2. Discussion of proposed ordinance amending the city’s sign code
Miller explained the Planning Commission had spent a lot of time on creating the draft ordinance for dynamic signs. He said the city cannot ban these signs, due to the threat of litigation,
but it can give specific regulations for dynamic signs at this point. He stated the city had to act before Sept 10, as that was when the council-imposed moratorium on signs would end.
Council discussed the Planning Commission’s work on the ordinance, with Mayor Lindstrom stating the ordinance was meant to prevent eyesores and distractions and secure safety, not prohibit
business. Lindstrom said he disagreed with the provision in the ordinance dealing with the limitation on the times the signs could change.
Council member Harris said she would like to hear comments from business owners before changing the draft ordinance.
The draft will come before the city council at the August 27 meeting.
Review of City Slogan Suggestions
The council voted their top choices from the list of slogans submitted. The final tally: Five votes for “Fields, Families, and Fair” and four votes for “Falcon Heights: The City That
Soars.” Brief discussion on changing the order of the first slogan ensued. This autumn, students from Falcon Heights Elementary will attend a meeting of the council to choose their
favorite slogan. The city council will then make a final decision on the new slogan.
Miller noted a letter campaign to the legislature/governor from students regarding the Bell Museum might also be in order during the joint student/council meeting.
Mayor Lindstrom adjourned the workshop at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Kreuser
Assistant City Administrator/Deputy Clerk