08/24/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION • CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT • • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT August 3, 2009 : August 3, 2009 . 5:35 p.m. : 8:15 p.m. : Council Members Gallup, O'Donnell Reinert, and Mayor Bergeson : Council Member Stoltz Also Present: Director of Public Safety, Dave Pecchia; Community Development Director, Michael Grochala; City Planner, Jeff Smyser, City Finance Director, Al Rolek; Economic Development Coordinator Mary Alice Divine; City Clerk Julie Bartell; City Attorney, Joe Langel 1. Charter Commission Budget Request - The Lino Lakes Charter Commission had submitted a letter to the council requesting additional funding of $4,000 in 2009. Charter Commission Chair Caroline Dahl and Charter Commission Member Connie Sutherland were present Ms. Sutherland was introduced as a subcommittee member and explained that the commission is seeking funding to work with their attorney to frame language regarding a tax cap amendment It was noted that the cities of Fridley (since 2001), Mounds View (since 2006) and West St. Paul (1950's) have similar charter provisions. Other cities have tax related language in their charters. The Lino Lakes Charter Commission would like to look for what would make the most sense for this city. Ms. Sutherland noted that she had not had the opportunity to meet with the city's finance officer. Finance Director Rolek remarked that when thinking about this type of restriction, it would be important to proceed carefully so as to identify the areas you want to target or control and the factors that should be considered. The council is the elected bod that has control over the budget A council member noted that the-I -business (commercial and industrial) tax base is low in the city and that affects property taxation. That takes some time to build. Ms. Sutherland distributed a chart comparing population change in the city to tax levy increases. A council member noted that the merits of the amendment would not be under consideration at this meeting; the request before the council is for additional funding for attorney assistance. Chair Dahl added that there could be other "housekeeping" amendments related to such matters as data practice. Council Members O'Donnell and Reinert agreed to add the question of the additional funding to the council agenda. A council member remarked that it would be discerning to have legal work done by the commission and then have it repeated by the city. Ms. Sutherland suggested that the commission's work relates to framing an amendment while the council would deal with finalizing language.