HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-2014 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 6, 2014
APPROVED
CITY OF LINO LAKES
MINUTES
: October 6, 2014
. 6:00 p.m.
. 8:05 p.m.
: Council Member Stoesz, Kusterman,
Rafferty, Roeser and Mayor Reinert
: None
DATE
TIME STARTED
TIME ENDED
MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS ABSENT
Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Public Safety Director John
Swenson; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie
Larsen; City Clerk Julie Bartell
1. Firehouse No. 2, Preliminary Site and Building Plans- Mayor Reinert
explained that this item would be postponed. There are options to be discussed and more
time is needed for complete information. The matter will be discussed at a council work
session on October 13, before the regular council meeting.
2. EDAC Economic Development Plan- Community Development Grochala
explained that the City's Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) has sent
forward a proposed economic development plan for the council's review. He reviewed
the goals and objectives included in the plan. He noted, looking ahead, the group will
also be doing an inventory of what's out there to help meet the goals. Mayor Reinert
said he'd like to add the word "promote" to the "retain and expand" goal. Council
Member Stoesz wondered if the city could provide deferred utility payments as an
incentive to businesses. Mr. Grochala remarked that water use isn't a big item for most
of the businesses they are looking at; he added that SAC and WAC charges can be a big
ticket item. Council Member Roeser suggested that the Blue Heron Days venue be used
to promote local businesses and also that staff look for grant money or funding such as
through the local tourism group to assist with economic development activities.
The council discussed the value of the local chamber of commerce. Mr. Grochala added
that the EDAC group is considering producing an annual local business newsletter.
The Mayor asked about the Legacy at Woods Edge area and Mr. Grochala provided an
update, including on utility work and the release of a request for interest to developers.
The council discussed the business area at County Road 49 and J. There is a large broker
firm working on the area; utility service remains a problem so staff is working with the
city's engineering company on ways to address the problem.
The council also asked about the area of I35E and Mr. Grochala provided an update,
noting that storm water is the biggest problem there.
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48 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 6, 2014
49 DRAFT
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51 Mayor Reinert asked that staff continue to bring information to the council as EDAC
52 moves forward with plans.
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54 3. 2015 Budget — Fund Reserves- Administrator Karlson remarked that staff is
55 following up on the council request for more information on the history of the city's cash
56 reserves. Finance Director Rolek was not present for the meeting but had prepared a
57 listing and status of the reserve funds. Mr. Karlson pointed out that the Closed Bond
58 Fund is the only fund noted that isn't dedicated and/or closed.
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60 Mayor Reinert noted that there will be capital costs related to the start-up of the city fire
61 department; those costs will be one -time, one -year costs. He wonders about the use of
62 bond funds to cover those expenses. Mr. Karlson explained that the funds in question are
63 normally used to front -end capital projects, not to bring down the tax levy. Council
64 Member Roeser added that he supports the concept of paying for capital items over time
65 because otherwise the city taxpayer at the front end pays the full cost even though they
66 may not benefit further down in the life of the asset.
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68 Mayor Reinert suggested that the report brings forward much information to absorb. He
69 recommends that the council continue studying the information and have more discussion
70 at a future meeting. He added that the Water and Sewer Enterprise fund has gone up $4
71 million in the last four years. Mr. Grochala explained that those are user fees in the fund
72 and they are kept in reserve to support the city's system — a system that is valued at many
73 millions of dollars. Generally the money is there for future replacement needs.
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75 4. Monthly Progress Report- Administrator Karlson reviewed his written report.
76 He noted, regarding the city's digital scanning project, that staff will be bringing forward
77 a request for extension of the part-time temporary scanner positions.
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79 Council Member Roeser asked for an update on lands and buildings owned by the city.
80 Staff will report in the future.
81
82 5. Review Regular Agenda of October 13, 2014- Items were reviewed with staff;
83 there were no changes to the agenda.
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85 The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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87 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held
88 on October 27, 2014.
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93 Ju i• e Bartell, City Slerk Jeff R
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Tayor