01/23/1978 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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64 to discuss this matter. January 23, 1978 The Planning and Zoning had discussed the use of trailers for office space at different locations throughout the City. It was felt taht some control should be set forth on these units. Also, the placing of a pole building on lands without a primary building. These matters will be studied. Members of the Planning and Zoning Board has questioned the use of thier homes as an office for the materials received in conjunction with their duties as members of this Board - is there a possibility of declaring this on their income tax forms? Mr. Locher said, NO, the IRS has very strict regulations governing this type of use and unless the room is used exclusively for that purpose, Mr. Locher said they will not allow deductions. He will check further on this matter. Mr. McLean said he had not recevied a response from Mr. Mobley as yet on the various proposals he will be presenting for Council consideration. The Clerk had done a quick telephone survey on Council expenses in other Cities. The current allowanoe was set in 1970 and some increase should be considered.The Clerk was instructed to call several other communities and the League of Cities and put this matter on the February 13, 1978 agenda. Mr. McLean presented a formula for money in lieu of land for Park purposes which would consider $150.00 per lot with 75' frontage - $300.00 for a lot with 150': He presented his thinking on this matter and asked the Council to think anout it. Mr. Schneider asked if this would be reviewed yearly and Mr. McLean said, Yes. There was discussion as to when this money should be collected - at the time of platting - when the building permits are issued - each home should pay a like amount, in or out of a plat; pros and cons of both sides were discussed with the Council decision that this must be resolved within the next month. Mr. Schneider noted there is a special Park Board meeting on February 6, 1978. This matter will be discussed at that meeting. Mr. Schneider also noted that a public hearing must be held on the uses of the Federal Revenue Sharing Funds before the final adoption of the budget. Mr. Schneider said he had contacted the Auditors and there are several items that msut be cleared. One is the disposition of the $50,000.00 received from Drovers State Bank. This msut be designated in oreder to complete the audit. Also, on the matter of the sale of the lift station, the City cannot receive cash but will receive credit. The Auditors had also questioned the assessment procedures on the LaMotte sewer project. It was felt the estimated cost for the street could run about $8,000.00 less than the amount assessed. Mr. Schneider questioned Mr. Cotwald on the manner in which this was done. Mr. Gotwald said the assessment roll had been prepared on the estimated basis in order to save one year's interest. Also, each assessment has a built in contingency fund of 5%. This would account for the $8,000.00! The current rates for the utilities must be studied for a possible raise and the Debt #2 assessments should be totaled. Mr. Schneider reported that he has been meeting with the Advisory Board at the MMTC on a regular basis. Chief Myhre and Mr. Bohjanen are also members of that Board. This Board has had an input on the budget, the building of the prison and many other facets of the operation. Mr. Schneider said they will be conducting a fund raising program and will be holding an open house.