12-03-2025 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 3, 2025 Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. There were no comments from the public. Upon motion by Kwapick, seconded by Gutierrez, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Motion adopted. Gutierrez noticed that the City of Little Canada is listed multiple times on the assessment roll and asked how the city pays its portion of the assessment. The City Engineer stated that in this case, these properties are developable; therefore, it is likely the city would levy these assessments, and they would remain with the properties until the time of development. Kwapick asked for more information on the temporary easement. The City Engineer replied that is a temporary easement of less than one year for the purpose of creating the sidewalk. He confirmed that the property owner would be compensated for the temporary easement. Miller asked and received confirmation that the sidewalk would extend, in concrete, across parking lots to ensure ADA compliance. Malone recognized that this sidewalk would also create a connection to the future pedestrian bridge. Miller introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2025-12-175 - ORDERING THE COUNTRYDRIVE REHABILITATION PROJECT, A UTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND A UTHORIZING NECESSAR Y EASEMENTACQUISITION FOR THE PROJECT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Gutierrez. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. ADOPT FINAL 2026 BUDGET AND LEVY The City Administrator stated that the Council is asked to approve the final 2026 budget and levy, recognizing the work staff and the Council have done over the past year to prepare for this step. He noted the preliminary levy that was adopted in September, noting that the final budget and levy are slightly lower than the preliminary levy. He provided information on the purpose and objective of the general fund operating budget, how the Strategic Plan is used in the budgeting process, The Finance Director noted the preliminary levy of 11.56 percent and the proposed final levy of 10.95 percent, explaining the contributing factors for the levy decreases and increases. He identified significant budget impacts from 2025 to 2026 and provided information on general fund revenues, expenditures, tax capacity, tax rate, tax rate comparisons, and levy increase impact analysis. He also provided information on tax break applications. Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. Carolyn Jass, 134 Canterbury Court, congratulated the Council and staff for their work, recognizing that the city will have the lowest tax rate in Ramsey County. 2