07/07/2008 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -2- July 7, 2008 APPROVED 47 The council concurred that professional assistance may be required. There was concern 48 noted about putting only the facts on the table and working with the charter commission 49 because this is a complicated issue that could spin out of control; they don't want the real 50 message to get lost. The council would like to remain informed about the rules of 51 balloting and passage of amendments as those rules will relate to an amendment proposal 52 for the city. 53 54 3. Centennial Fire District funding formula — Administrator Heitke noted that the 55 council agreed to review the funding formula for the fire district and he is providing 56 additional information to allow for that review. The staff letter includes the joint powers 57 agreement that establishes the funding formula, the city's contribution for the past eleven 58 years, the 2008 funding formula, the cost per citizen since 1990 and a cost analysis relating 59 to valuation since 1990. The joint powers agreement provides that when any one member 60 (city) reaches a contribution percentage over 70%, they may request a reevaluation of the 61 formula; the City of Lino Lakes is currently contributing 69%. Administrator Heitke 62 reviewed the cost analyses information provided as well as data on runs as well as 63 constants and variables. 64 65 It was suggested that the question to the council is whether or not they want to look at this 66 before the ratio reaches the 70% threshold. There was concurrence that a review will be 67 automatic at 70% but, in the meantime, it is due diligence to review the numbers 68 occasionally and it was a good exercise at this point to ensure that the city has a fair deal. 69 70 4. Work Session Budget Guidance — Finance Director Rolek noted that staff is still 71 in the process of formulating and submitting to the Finance Department their budget 72 requests. The actual levy limit is not known at this point and is not required to be provided 73 until September 1. The council has scheduled a budget work session for August 18. Staff 74 has received direction from the council regarding maintenance of the tax rate and is open 75 to any further recommendations or directions from the council at this point. At the budget 76 work session, Director Rolek anticipates having some preliminary information and it is 77 important that the council receive a view of what next year's budget looks like at this 78 point. 79 80 5. Town Center Update - Economic Development Coordinator Divine updated the 81 council on the development end of the Town Center project and Finance Director Rolek 82 provided an update on the financial side of the project. 83 84 Ms. Divine reported that Marshall Investments has foreclosed on the remaining property 85 owned by Hartford Group in the Legacy at Woods Edge project. Marshall represents the 86 28 servicing banks involved and has hired a marketing agent, JBL Companies, with whom 87 staff has met and is currently working. The marketing plan currently involves putting 88 together a consortium of specialized developers for housing, senior housing, commercial 89 and office space on the site. 90 91 The council reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the original nature of this planned 92 development and to not succumb to selling out to development that doesn't fit those plans.