06-27-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 6, 2016 DRAFT 2 maintaining an even line on debt is favorable and allows the city to keep taxes from 46 rising. 47 48 It was noted that the audit consultants will be at the city council meeting to again present 49 the audit results. 50 51 2. VLAWMO Joint Powers Agreement – Mr. Grochala introduced Stephanie 52 McNamara, Administrator of the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization 53 (VLAWMO). The organization is created by a joint powers agreement among several 54 jurisdictions. 55 56 Ms. McNamara noted that VLAWMO represents a small area of Lino Lakes (Lake 57 Amelia) but the city is beautiful and they are happy to provide representation. They are 58 working on their ten year update of the water management plan. There are a few changes 59 proposed to the joint powers agreement and they are outlined in the staff report. At the 60 request of the Mayor, Ms. McNamara reviewed the changes proposed within the JPA. 61 62 Council Member Rafferty, who represents the City on the VLAWMO Board, confirmed 63 that the changes are basically updating and although this group represents a small portion 64 of the city, the work they do is important and he’s glad to be involved. 65 66 The council concurred that they will consider approval of the JPA at the council meeting. 67 68 3. 550 Lilac Assessment Appeal – Community Development Director Grochala 69 explained that the council considered this matter at a previous work session. It involves 70 an outstanding SAC fee and the sale of some property. He reviewed the history that 71 brings the matter forward and that is outlined in the staff report. Currently, the matter is 72 to be considered in court but the date for that hearing was moved to allow more 73 investigation and discussion. The charges under discussion have actually already been 74 paid to the Metropolitan Council from the city’s funds. 75 76 Mayor Reinert noted that the council has discussed different ways to approach this 77 situation – abatement, no change or a compromise. He sees that the building did receive 78 some benefit. He feels that the penalties attached are related to administrative errors so 79 they aren’t appropriate charges at this point. Also he recalls that Mr. Selehi paid for title 80 insurance services but now they will not assist with this problem. 81 82 Council Member Maher recalled that funds were put into escrow in order to allow a 83 liquor license at the property to go forward. 84 85 The council concurred that there should be no fees charged for late payment, etc. That is 86 not appropriate. 87 88 Mayor Reinert noted that the city would incur legal fees to go to court. He asked Mr. 89 Salehi if splitting the $6,300 (no late fees would be charged) would be acceptable. 90