10-09-1997 Charter Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Commission October 9, 1997 Page 11 Commissioner Dunn stated that this group had a series of meetings to determine a course of action. The first step was to meet with Mary Vaske, David Ahrens and Randy Schumacher to discuss general funds in the budget. There were several financial documents prepared for review of cash flow and schedule; DeMotts and Dunn attended the preliminary budget hearing, where they expressed the Commission's views; and subsequent meetings were held with Ahrens and Vaske to work on the issue. Commissioner Dunn stated that when the preliminary budget was presented there were no funds allocated for road reconstruction. He indicated that he communicated dissatisfaction to Schumacher, who said that there was a possibility of using royalties for road reconstruction activity. Commissioner Dunn requested that Schumacher put this suggestion in writing, and the correspondence read earlier was the result of Dunn's request. The amount of these royalties could amount to approximately $250,000 per year. Significantly, this amount has not been committed to the general fund and stands as a potential tool of dollars that could be used to pay off a bond issue, etc. Although not directly responsive to the Commission's request, Dunn stated that it is a step toward recognition by the City Administrator of the need to motivate the City Council to accomplish such goals. Commissioner Dunn added that the budget is not final, and there is still the possibility of reallocation of funds. MOTION by Commissioner Dunn, seconded by Trehus,that after the election the Commission reapproach the City Council to allocate funds from this year's budget for projects such as road reconstruction, seconded by Trehus. Commissioner Rehbein expressed agreement that the funds would be appreciated, but concern about where the funds would come from and that use would be properly monitored. Commissioner Dunn indicated that this is presently general fund money. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Trehus asked if it would be appropriate to advise the public that the project on this ballot might raise taxes or cut services. Commissioner Dunn suggested that such advice would cloud the issue at hand; and that put in proper priority order the work can be done without any tax increase. Commissioner Sullivan reminded the group that previous research revealed that Lino Lakes is not budgeting for road reconstruction as is done by other cities. He added that the money is there, and no tax increase will occur. Commissioner Dahl asked if the $1.9 million is the 28%to be supplied by residents. Commissioner Trehus explained that 72%of the $1.9 million comes from the general fund, and 28% is assessed to residents. Communication - Chair Montain stated that the process is ongoing. Commissioner Turner indicated that a momentum has been established, and that there is a need to produce another newsletter. She distributed a draft for consideration, requesting input from the Commission. Commissioner Turner stressed the need to continue to put out the newsletter. She suggested