08-23-2021 Council Special Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION APPROVED 45 vehicles. Mr. DeGardner reviewed what would be covered by the estimate. Director 46 Swenson added that this vehicle is a 2013 model and it is indicative of aged fleet 47 vehicles. He noted the importance of having public safety vehicles that are reliable. 48 49 Councilmember Cavegn noted his opinion regarding the following budget matters: 50 - Aesthetics is not a concern; 51 - Additional training for Fire Department (training is good; is additional needed?) 52 - MNSPECT inspections services (needs refresher); Mr. Grochala said that is 53 contract inspection services for summer; 54 - Woodridge Estate lights — postpone for this year; 55 - Salt spreader — do without this year; 56 - Lois Lane trail — get by without for a year or two; 57 - Hockey rink — delay; 58 - Resurfacing basketball courts — not sure about funding that work; 59 - Flushing (Director Lynch explained that it was within the water fund and it is 60 being taken out anyway). 61 62 Administrator Cotton noted pull back discussed at the last meeting on the trail and hockey 63 rink as well as basketball courts and Birch Park lighting; seems like the council wanted 64 more discussion. 65 66 Councilmember Stoesz asked if there is any improvement possible on contracted street 67 lighting. Director DeGardner said the City is locked in with Xcel and Connexus on those. 68 When Councilmember Stoesz asked about upgrade, Mr. DeGardner explained that 69 upgrades are being accomplished by Xcel/Connexus on their schedule and any 70 acceleration would mean the City would have to fund the work. Councilmember Stoesz 71 asked if there will be any revenue from small cell; Mr. DeGardner indicated that is a few 72 years out. When asked about additional water tower revenue (new tower), Mr. 73 DeGardner indicated that unfortunately there is no expectation. 74 75 Councilmember Lyden said it's hard to go about the budget this way; he would do better 76 with a different perspective. He'd like to start with priorities first; a lens through which 77 the council can look at the community with a mission statement and core values. He 78 suggests they begin with whether or not there will be a tax rate increase and how much; 79 and then have staff bring back options. 80 81 The mayor pointed out that staff has brought forward a budget and the elected officials 82 are responsible for deciding what's funded. 83 84 Mayor Rafferty offered his opinion on the following line items: 85 - Woodbridge lights (no problem delaying); 86 - Lois Lane (agree to delay); 87 - Sunrise Park hockey rink (walked it and doesn't see problems); 88 - Basketball courts (visited and saw variety of decay); 89 - Hockey lights — he likes the ability for users to manage rather than paid staff; 2