11-01-00 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 1, 2000 The City Administrator reviewed the various revenue impacts to the General Capital Improvement Fund as outlined in the budget document. These include the Debt Levy Reduction Committee's proposal that the Capital Improvement Levy be set at $44,000, and the option of lowering this amount to help lower the overall net levy. It was noted that no General Fund transfer is proposed and the General Fund Reserve will not be fully funded given the limited surplus projected for the 2000 Budget. However, given the City's conservative estimates, a transfer may be possible subject to the year-end audit. The Administrator pointed out that the Historical Society remunerations are lower than expected in 2000 due to charitable gambling start-up costs and a burglary loss. The Administrator pointed out the possibility of using a T21 Grant to help complete the City's trail system. It was pointed out that funding would not be possible until the 2003/2004-grant cycle and that this grant process is very competitive. Another grant option is the State Trail Grant. Staff is proposing that an application be submitted for both grants during 2001. Another potential source of revenue is the sale of the Twin Lake Blvd. property. The Administrator indicated that preliminary estimates of land value are in the $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot range. Revenue generated from the sale of this property could be earmarked for park development. The Administrator pointed out that without this source of funding, the CIP program is not workable as currently configured. Fahey suggested that the first step in considering the sale of this property would be to have a neighborhood meeting and discuss the options with surrounding property owners. Fahey suggested that this matter be placed on the November 21s` agenda for Council discussion as to how to proceed with staff identifying various issues to be considered. The City Administrator pointed out that in 2000 $100,000 was transferred from the Infrastructure Fund to the General Capital Improvement Fund. Morelan stated that he would like to see repayment of this transfer reflected in the Budget. Fahey suggested that repayment be shown in the year 2003 when the City's debt levy is completely repaid. The City Administrator began a review of the General Capital Improvement Fund expense allocations with a detailed review by department as reflected in the Budget document. Department CIP Budgets reviewed include Administration, Fire Department, The Old Fire Hall, Parks & Recreation, Parks Maintenance, Public Works Maintenance, 10% Fund, Rice Street/Little Canada Road Redevelopment Fund, Infrastructure