12/14/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 14, 1998 Information found will be put on the base map for the site. A planning rational will then be reached. Mr. Schonebauer added they are also looking at trails and greenways. This approach really forces a different process of development. The difference is the consultants look at the natural resources in the area first. Then working with developers and through an interactive process, the developers can be shown what is wanted for that area. Mayor Sullivan stated she appreciates the consultants being present this evening. Each time she sees the plans she knows it is a wonderful vision for the community. She thanked the Environmental Board for their work and for bringing in the consultants. The Comprehensive Plan is a plan the citizens put together. Part of the Livable Communities grant is paying for the consultants work in the Town Center. Everyone involved should be proud of the work in the 20/20 Vision project. The Environmental Inventory Plan is part of the Comprehensive Plan. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT, DAN TESCH Consideration of Resolution No. 98 -168, Adopting Final 1998 Tax Levy, Collectable in 1999 - Mr. Tesch stated that citizens expressed concern at the Truth in Taxation Hearing regarding the tax rate. Staff revisited this item and was able to lower the tax rate to 36.001%. Mr. Tesch introduced Mr. Daryl Sulander, who was recently hired as the Financial Analyst for the City. Mr. Sulander stated that pursuant to State Statute, a final 1998 tax levy, collectable in 1999 must be adopted. The levy includes the total (less HACA) General operating levy, Certificates of Indebtedness levies, the Fire Station Bond, the Civic Complex Bond and the Road Improvement Bond levies. The total net levy certified is $3,699,918. Based on data supplied by the Anoka County Division of Property Records and Taxation, the City tax rate will be 36.001%. Staff recommended Council adopt Resolution No. 98 - 168. Mayor Sullivan thanked staff for all the work they did to bring down the tax rate. Staff was able to reduce the tax rate by improving work processes, moving expenses to be paid later in the year and hiring additional staff later in the year than first anticipated. Substantial building permits will be coming in later in 1999 for construction in the Minnesota Correctional Facilities area. Mayor Sullivan noted that citizens need to know that next year the additional dollars to lower the tax rate will not be available. In the short term this was a good way to keep costs down. Mr. Sulander was asked about the $26,000 difference between the General Operating figure and the Budget Resolution. He explained the difference in the two (2) amounts is the recognition of prior year collections and fees or tax forfeit sales. Through the process of overall revenues, a 4