10-24-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 24, 2012 get programmed for improvement very soon. Another project on the "To Be Considered" list is the Rice Street sidewalk from US Bank to Hardware Hank. Given the Rice Street Phase II project has been pushed off, the Administrator suggested that the City may want to complete this sidewalk link although there is the chance that it would be ripped up when Rice Street is improved. Another improvement that will be needed soon is Woodlyn Avenue due to the poor condition of that street. The Council discussed the Park Land Acquisition Budget and the potential to use dollars from this fund for park and /or trail improvements. The Administrator reported that the City's policy has been to use these funds for acquisition of land or easements, although the Council can change that policy at any time. The Administrator pointed out that there is little opportunity to bring new dollars into this fund given limited new development. The City also has some easement acquisition needs. The Fire Truck Replacement Budget was reviewed. The City Administrator pointed out that this is a new budget funded through levy dollars for future fire truck replacement. There should be adequate dollars in the budget for the next truck replacement. The truck replacement schedule moving forward will determine how this budget works. The Administrator pointed out that the City has the option of issuing capital notes for purchases of this nature and using the levy to repay the notes if funding is less than needed for scheduled replacements. The Water /Sewer Capital Replacement Budget was reviewed with the Administrator pointing out that it is funded by depreciation. It was noted that this budget will fund the future repainting of the City's water tower. The Public Works Superintendent reported there may be a chance that the water tower will only need an overcoat and will not have to be sand blasted. If that is the case, the savings will be significant. The Superintendent reviewed the expenses associated with bolt replacement on gate valves on Keller Parkway as well as the installation of variable speed drives on the Booster Station pumps. The installation of the variable speed drives will allow the City to maintain more consistent levels in the City's water tower without being impacted by peak rates charged by Xcel Energy. Blesener suggested that in considering the recarpeting of the City Hall, that other building needs be identified and addressed at the same time. The Finance Director noted that there is $5,000 allocated in the Capital Improvement Budget for painting. The Council also discussed and agreed that consideration be given to a redesign of the back wall in the Council Chambers. 4