10-27-10 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 27, 2010 Next reviewed was the Park Land Acquisition Fund. The Finance Director indicated that the Park Land Acquisition Fund is supported through the collection of park dedication fees associated with new construction. She noted that the estimated 2011 balance at January 1 s` is $840,780. Money from the Fund is planned to be used to complete the acquisition of properties along the north side of Round Lalce. 'the Director noted that no monies have been spent from this fund since 2001, except for audit purposes, and the fund has continued to grow. The Director noted that given the loss in gambling revenue, staff has discussed the possibility of utilizing Park Land Acquisition Funds for various park improvements in addition to future acquisition of the Round Lake properties. McGraw noted that most of the City is developed and asked the future impact on the Park Laird Acquisition Fund. The Director indicated that most of the revenue into this fund comes from redevelopment. She again noted that the Fund has continued to grow over the past 8 to 9 years. Keis asked how many additional parks are planned for the City. It was noted that while there are likely no additional parks to be acquired, there is the on-going need for park improvements as well as some trail easement acquisition that is needed. The City Administrator noted that there are two Round Lake properties needed to be acquired. He suggested a future workshop with the City Council and the Parks & Recreation Commission to discuss the use of this fund to defray park development and maintenance costs. The next fund reviewed was the Water/Sewer Capital Replacement Fund. The Director noted that this fund is supported through the deprecation of the City's water and sewer systems. Given the water system is fairly new, the City does not have a lot of heavy capital needs. 1n the next few years, however, there are plans for a water meter replacement program, new Public Works Garage, and painting of the water tower. The Director noted that even with these costs, the fwzd balance is still projected at $3 million in 2015. The Director indicated that given the healthy fund balance, the City does not have to go into a deferred maintenance mode for its water and sewer systems, thus creating the need to raise rates to cover maintenance costs. 'T'here was discussion relative to the City of St. Paul's updating of its water meters and their proposal to increase Little Canada rates as a result of this increased cost. The City Administrator indicated that he has been in discussions with the St. Paul Regional Water Services relative to this issue, and indicated that he will continue those discussions and report to the Council. 3