11-12-2014 Council Budget Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 12, 2014 The Administrator pointed out that reimbursement for Quiet Zones has been included in the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Fund. He pointed out that the State is providing $1.25 million in funding for this work, and estimated costs are $1.5 million. Montour asked if the City should go back to the State for additional funding. The Administrator reported that the legislation limits funding to City -controlled intersections, and noted that one crossing is on a County Road. There may need to be clarifying legislation that would allow the City to spend these dollars on the crossing over the County road. He also noted that while Little Canada received $1.25 in funding, Shoreview received $500,000. The Administrator indicated that Shoreview may not need all their allocated dollars, and additional legislation may be needed to allow unused Shoreview allocation to revert to Little Canada. The Administrator also noted previous discussion about realigning Woodlyn Avenue thus eliminating that crossing. He indicated that the property owners in that area did not support this option. The Administrator also indicated that interest has been expressed in the South Owasso redevelopment area, which could result in the ability to realign Woodlyn Avenue. The Administrator indicated that he was concerned about the timing, however. He also noted that if the Woodlyn crossing is eliminated, it would take additional legislation to allocate the $270,000 in State money for Woodlyn crossing improvements to other crossings in the City. The Council felt that the City Administrator should have additional discussions with the Woodlyn Avenue property owners on the subject of a realignment of Woodlyn Avenue. The Administrator indicated that MN DOT has received Federal dollars of approximately $5,000 per crossing which generated enough dollars to pay for the engineering studies related to establishment of the quiet zone. The Administrator noted that the Public Works -Parks project is included in the Water & Sewer Capital Improvement Fund. The Administrator then reviewed the Parkland Acquisition Fund and noted that there is the potential that the City will he able to purchase 56 Little Canada Road. He indicated that he will have more information on this potential acquisition within the next few weeks. Once the details are available, the Administrator suggested that this matter will be considered by the Parks & Recreation Commission. With regard to the Fire Equipment Replacement Fund, the Administrator anticipated a fund balance of $861,000 by the end of 2015. He noted, however, the need to replace both a ladder truck and a pumper truck, and pointed out that this fund balance will not be adequate for both acquisitions. The Administrator indicated that additional options will be explored relative to these replacements. 3