10-23-2013 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 23, 2013 budget amount. Keis indicated that the number is a place holder in the Capital Improvement Budget, and suggested that it will take additional meetings with the Council to finalize the parameters of the project. The Administrator pointed out the zoning issues he raised relative to this property, and asked if St. John's Church should be contacted relative to resolving these issues. Council agreed. At this point in the workshop, the Administrator continued his review of Capital Improvement Fund expenditures outlined in staff's October 18, 2013 report. There was discussion about the cost to repair /replace /restore pavers in Pioneer Park. The Director indicated that 80% of the pavers are in good condition, with the remainder needing leveling. It was felt that retaining the existing paver system would be less expensive than replacing the pavers with concrete. He also noted that there is concrete under the building structure, which is heaving in some places. Therefore, concrete would not resolve the settling problem that has been experienced with pavers. The Council discussed the $85,000 budgeted for swale grading and restoration around the ball diamonds and dredging the pond south of the bridge in Pioneer Park. The Administrator noted wash -outs that are occurring after rains and the high cost of restoration. The City Engineer has looked at this problem and is recommending a permanent solution to this problem. The City Administrator again stated that the Capital Improvements included in this budget are placeholders and that the intention is to get full life from equipment, etc. He noted that the expenditures budgeted for 2014 comprise a big number. The Administrator pointed out that the City had levied $83,000 annually for capital items, but then switched this revenue source to LGA dollars. He again noted the City's General Fund Policy which would allow for the transfer of over $500,000 into the Capital Improvement Fund, maintaining General Fund reserves at the high end of the range, or 62 %. The Administrator continued with a review of other funds. These include the 10% Gambling Fund, with 2013 revenues projected to be down. I -Ie noted that the primary expense to this account is the City's $4,000 contribution toward Canadian Days fireworks. The Administrator stated that given this fund balance, the City would be able to take on a park project, if the Council so desired. Next reviewed was the Infrastructure Fund with the Administrator reviewing potential 2014 projects. He noted that the Fund will support approximately $1 million in project costs each year. Blesener asked the status of the Water Works Trail Extension. The Public Works 6