HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2023 Council Work Session Minutes LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
DATE: June 5,2023
TIME STARTED: 6:00 PM
TIME ENDED: 8:17 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Stoesz,Lyden,Ruhland,
Mayor Rafferty
LATE ARRIVAL: Councilmember Cavegn (6:05 PM)
Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Community Development Director
Michael Grochala; Director of Public Services Rick DeGardner; Finance Director Hannah
Lynch; City Planner Katie Larsen; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika.
1. 2022 Annual Audit Report
Finance Director Hannah Lynch introduced Andy Hering, Auditor with Redpath and Company,
who presented an overview of the 2022 Comprehensive Audit. Mr. Hering highlighted the audit
process and results of the audit. Mr. Hering noted one legal compliance finding: prompt payment
of bills. One bill of a sample set of bills was paid 45 days after receipt of invoice; state statute
requires payment within 35 days of receipt. He also noted the following results:
- Opinion on the Fair Presentation of the Financial Statements: Unmodified audit opinion
- Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting: No findings
- Report on Federal Compliance: No findings
- Communication with those Charged with Governance: standard communications from
auditor to governing body.
Council discussed the legal compliance finding; Councilmember Ruhland inquired of the limited
sample period of 15 days and Mr. Hering explained that while their organization does institute
data mining for some information,there are internal controls in places at the City which make
the sample more reasonable for audit purposes. Finance Director Lynch also noted for Council
that direction has been given to leadership staff about timely processing of invoices.
Council further discussed the findings of the audit and complimented finance staff for their hard
work.
2. Milestones Addition Preliminary Plat and Lil' Explorers Childcare Center Conditional
Use Permit
City Planner Katie Larsen presented on the preliminary plat and Conditional Use Permit(CUP)
applications submitted by MEP Lino Lakes related to a new commercial daycare to be located at
Apollo Drive and Lilac Avenue.
Councilmember Stoesz inquired if there is adequate space in the proposed parking lot for school
buses to navigate. Planner Larsen advised that there are no anticipated concerns about school
buses as the lot was designed to support fire trucks.
Councilmember Cavegn asked of soil issues due to the neighboring gas station and the holding
ponds proposed next to the daycare and any safety concerns. Planner Larsen advised that the
applicant has done its due diligence and no soil contamination was found; further,that the
holding ponds will not have any standing water; rather the ponds will be infiltration areas. She
also noted that the proposed outdoor proposed play areas are fully fenced. She does not have any
concerns related to safety of the children at the daycare due to soil or the holding ponds.
Planner Larsen will bring these applications forward for Council approval at the June 12 regular
meeting.
3. 2024 Capital Budget Request
Community Development Director Michael Grochala provided Council information on the
City's opportunity to submit a funding request for inclusion in Governor Walz's 2024 budget.
Based on the recent focus of funding distribution, he suggested to Council bringing forward a
request to develop an inclusionary playground in the city; if the City's request is granted,the city
would be required to provide a 50% local match. Director Grochala noted that the deadline for
Capital Budget Request submissions is June 16, 2023 so time is of the essence if Council wishes
to bring this request forward.
Council discussed the match obligation of the city and where those funds could come from.
Director Grochala said that has not yet been determined and can be discussed over the coming
months; options may include park dedication funds, an interfund loan, or levy. It was also
discussed that an application/request for this funding can be withdrawn in the future if it is
determined that the local match may be problematic.
Councilmember Ruhland inquired of using an existing park in need of updating rather than
establishing a new park location. Director Grochala proposed singling out existing city land to
create a destination, including land at Tower Park or Country Estates Park.
Councilmember Lyden expressed excitement about the possibility of getting the plans underway
for an inclusive park. He suggested that perhaps land at or near the Rookery is considered as
well. Mayor Rafferty said he is not in favor of that plan but is supportive of moving forward with
a request so that the planning can begin.
Councilmember Cavegn asked how long the City would have to use the funds if received and
what would happen if the funding request was granted but local match funds were not available.
Director Grochala explained that he believes a period of four(4) years is allowed for use of the
funds if granted to the City. He also said that in order for the funding request to be granted, the
City would need to prove that the match funds are available. Councilmember Cavegn also asked
of annual park funding and whether match funds for an inclusionary park would impact the
funding for other parks. Finance Director Lynch stated that any match funds for an inclusionary
park would be in addition to the $90,000 allocated annual for park maintenance.
Councilmember Stoesz asked of partnering with Anoka County for a funding request. Director
Grochala opined that a municipal request would be better received.
Public Service Director Rick DeGardner provided comments on potential costs.
Council concurred in moving forward with submission of a Capital Budget Request in the
amount of$1.5 million to fund an inclusionary park.
Director Grochala will bring forward a resolution of support for Council consideration at the
June 12, 2023 regular meeting.
4. Water Appropriation Permit Update
Community Development Director Michael Grochala updated Council on the status of the
pending civil case regarding the groundwater management of White Bear Lake and the Prairie du
Chien-Jordan Aquifer. He provided background on the permit and noted that three of the four
permit amendment requirements are being appealed by the City and other cities.
Director Grochala also mentioned recent state legislation passed in May which requires
establishment of a workgroup of stakeholders, including the City, to assist in plan development
of a comprehensive plan to ensure access to sufficient drinking water to communities in the
White Bear Lake area.
Reduction of water use for irrigation was discussed by Council as it continues to be a major
concern. Director Grochala noted that the appeal outcome could result in a full irrigation ban;
currently the City is not bound to any irrigation bans due to the appeal status.
Council discussed issues related to irrigation bans, including use the current water restrictions in
place, and noted that clarification needs to be made with regard to the restriction times so that
information put out by the City is consistent with code. Staff provided updates on enforcement
efforts and Public Services Director Rick DeGardner noted that while door hangers and
informational warnings have been issued the past several years, the City will now be issuing
citations.
5. Council Compensation
City Administrator Sarah Cotton proposed to Council an ordinance amendment to update
Council compensation to be consistent with staff rate increases, to be effective in 2024.
Mayor Rafferty provided brief background information on previous Council positions related to
compensation which brought forward a plan to make these compensation requests
The Council Work Session concluded at 8:17 PM.
These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on June 26, 2023.
Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk Ro Ra erty, Mayor