Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/30/1989 Council Minutes4 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 The Public Hearing for the 1990 Budget was brought to order by Mayor Ben Benson at 7:03 p.m. at the Lino Lakes City Hall. All Council Members were present. Also present were: City Administrator, Randall Schumacher; Public Works Director, Don Volk; City Accountant, Paula Romocky; and Planning Secretary, Laura Elken. Randy Schumacher addressed the audience. He stated that as a result of the truth and taxation law an add was required to be published in a daily paper with the largest circulation at least five days prior to the public hearing. This was the Minneapolis Star and Tribune. Two dates for the 1990 budget meeting were set. The other meeting is set for December 26th, 1989. Mr. Schumacher asked to see a raise of hands for the residents that attended this meeting because they had read the article written in the daily paper. Approximately 98% of the audience responded. The article stated that the an increase of 33.85 percent in the total property tax levy is proposed for the city. Mr. Schumacher explained that the State of Minnesota has reduced state aid to our city by approximately $148,000.00. That aid has been shifted to the school districts. Centennial School District is proposing a 17.9% decrease in their overall levy. He also explained that the market value growth of the city has increased by $43,000,000.00, which absorbs the majority of the levy increase. Mr. Schumacher feels that the residents of Lino Lakes will not see a major increase in their taxes, but may in fact, for the older homes, see a decrease in city taxes. Mr. Schumacher explained to the audience what the increases in the budget for 1990 will be. They are as follows: 1. Consultants - Surface Water Management 2. Planning and Economic Development 3. Police Department - addition of CSO Officer 4. Computer programs for police and administration 5. Fire - Adopted 10 year capital improvement plan 6. Civil Defense - Siren program 7. Parks Department - additional staff 8. Solid Waste Page 1 1 1 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 9. Public Works Department - equipment purchases Ben Benson stated that the city has grown by approximately 200 homes in 1989 and with the addition of new businesses, the residents will probably see no increase in their taxes. Gerry Hanson, 1174 Main Street, asked what is included in the Special Levy. Paula Romockey, City Accountant listed off the current and proposed equipment that will be paid for through the special levy, etc. They are: 2 Additional Squad Cars Fire Equipment Loader Street Sweeper Fueling Station Computer Equipment 1 or 2 Additional Sirens 1. Ton Pickup 1 Ton Mini Dump Truck Cable Generator Bobcat for the Parks Department Additional smaller items include: Dictaphone Blue Print Machine Debbie Jones, 7961 Nancy Drive asked about salaries for city employees. Mr. Schumacher explained that an estimate of $60,000 has been proposed for salary increases. Additional staffing is a major portion of this increase along with the fact that the majority of the employees are union employees and those contracts have to be agreed upon annually. Ben Benson stated that it is best to figure a little high for the salary adjustments. Mr. Benson also stated that the city has always been able to negotiate with the unions. Mr. Schumacher explained that the city has adopted a comparable worth study for administrative employees that the Page 2 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 city must follow. Chuch McKenna, 1370 Karth Road stated that a 21% increase in the city budget in one year is alot. Most people would find it hard to increase their home budget by 21% in one year. Mr. Schumacher explained once again the fact that our state aid was cut, and the events leading to the proposed levy. Mr. McKenna stated that there is still $239,000 to be accounted for. Mr. Schumacher explained that public works items are not purchased every year. The city is at a place now where is needs this additional equipment to operate smoothly. Previously the city has not been able to purchase these items. McKenna stated that he is not sure that the people of Lino Lakes want to see the city grow this fast. He went on to say that the schools are overloading so fast that soon they will want to build a new school. He said people moved here to get more space. Ben Benson said that property owners in Lino Lakes have every right to sell their property and subdivide. There is alot of pressure to develop land in Lino Lakes. People are retiring and want to sell their land. Ben Benson stated that the city council can only set up city ordinances to deal with the growth of Lino Lakes and set up a plan to handle the growth. Ben Benson discussed the fact that the city has had very little tax increases recently and that the taxes will never reduce until we see some industrial and commercial growth. Vern Reinert discussed the joint powers agreement the city has with Centennial Fire Department. He asked McKenna if he wants the city to upgrade the fire department and police department. Also Mr. Reinert touched on administrative needs, the fact that he wants to see city hall computerized to serve the residents needs in the best way possible. Bill Karth, 6358 Otter Lake Road asked about the fire department. Are there any paid firemen, and if so what are their wages. Ben Benson stated that the fireman get paid a per hour wages for their time on fire calls, and hopes that this summer a full -time fire chief will be hired. Vern Reinert suggested that Mr. Karth stop at the fire hall to get any information he would like from them. Bill Karth also asked about the option of leasing equipment verses buying equipment. Chris Ross, 875 Lois Lane asked about the new position of the Operations Officer. He felt that once the new police officer is trained in the operations officer will remain in the Page 3 1 1 1 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 office to help out on computer issues, etc. Mr. Ross questioned how busy the police department is, and does the department justify having an additional police officer. Chief Dean Campbell stated that the operations officer continues to do patrol work, and is still on the patrol schedule. Chris Ross stated that as soon as the new officer is trained in the operations officer will be in the office full'time and wouldn't it be cheaper to hire an additional secretary. The Chief stated that the operations officer will still have patrol duty, the only difference is this position has the extra responsibility of the operations of the office. Ben Benson stated that the operations officer is still a patrol man and how he spends his time, or what title he has is not important. Andy Neal suggested that maybe we should take a sergeant and cut him down to a patrol man. Vern Reinert stated that if Mr. Ross would like a copy of the job descriptions of the officers he may obtain one at the police department. Harold Bisel stated his concerns about drugs in the city. He feels that people that are dealing in drugs are not going to want to live in Mpls., or St. Paul, but try to move to areas like Lino Lakes thinking they can get away with more out here. The Federal Government is really pushing in this area, and the city needs to enforce this issue, and need the extra patrolmen. Discussion turned to Centennial Fire Department. Ben Benson stated that it only costs the residents of Lino Lakes $ 7.00 per month for fire protection. Pat Joyce, 409 Main Street stated he doesn't understand how the levy can increase this much and yet it isn't going to cost us anything. He asked if we are going to lose anything if we don't pass this and what are we going to gain if we do pass this. Ben Benson said we are looking at today, tomorrow and the future. He asked if you wanted us to cut something, what would you want to see cut. In 1990 it is projected that 200 additional homes will be built, leaving more people and business to pay the taxes, it is just going to get better and better. Quinn Burgman, 990 Lois Lane asked what is state aid, when we did receive state aid funds, where did that money go? Vern Reinert stated that the state collects money, uses it Page 4 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 and then gives money back to the city. There are laws that we are guided by. Randy Schumacher stated that all cities are being affected by this reduction in state aid. Vern Reinert stated that it is getting tougher and tougher to manage the city financially, if the state gets into trouble they keep the money. The burden is felt at the city level. Julie Thel, 6482 12th Avenue asked what information would the council need to hear before the budget is cut. Randy Schumacher stated that no one from the city knew how much state aid would be cut until approximately 30 days ago. He stated that the budget was already cut by $100,000. He stated that residents may obtain a copy of the final budget. Ms. Thel asked if there is a possibility of cutting the budget. Ben Benson stated that he is very conservative when it comes to spending money on the city. The budget has already been cut and once again council will review the budget to see where, if anywhere can be cut. Mr. Benson felt that at least one or two more work sessions will be held before any final decision will be made on the budget. Bob Osborn, 6366 Otter Lake Road stated that he has lived in the city for a few years. He has had to contact the police department a couple of times and stated that the response and assistance he received was excellent. He went on to say that if he has to pay a little more for a better police department and fire department, he will be glad to pay. He stated that if the city is able to catch up this year in the public works department and purchase some equipment he has no problem with that. The city will experience major growth in years to come, and this time of spending is to be expected. He has no problems with the way the city is being run. Ben Benson stated that if the residents look at their tax statements, they would discover that the portion of the taxes that actually goes to the city is small compared to the mill rates of the county and the school district. Marilyn Elsenpeter, 850 Lois Lane asked about salaries. She stated that there is a major budget increase in this area. She asked what the percentage of increase has been in staff compared to the percentage of growth. Ben Benson stated that a City Planner has been added, three additional secretarial positions and additional staff in the parks department. The police department, public works and administration consists of 29 employees and eight years ago there were 18 employees. Page 5 1 1 1 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 Ben Benson stated that he feels the residents are getting good value from the people that work for the city. From Mr. Benson's perspective everyone works hard and the city is not over staffed, the amount of work that has to be completed is tremendous, staff has had to work mighty hard. Vern Reinert stated that its not just plowing or filling pot holes, the city is in a development mode, there is a tremendous amount of paper work and many other agencies outside of the city require a great deal of work to be completed. Tom Smith, 874 Oak Lane attended the last school board meeting. He asked if all the state aid money that is now going to the school district, why are they not able to reduce their taxes. He strongly suggested the audience to go to the school board meetings and state their concerns there. Clark Karth, 7829 Meadowview Trail. He asked about parks. He doesn't see too many parks, will more be installed, and how many are there? Don Volk stated that there are two community parks available at the present time with ball fields, ice rinks, and playgrounds. Those parks are City Hall Park and Sunrise Park. There are five neighborhood parks. There is a considerable amount of park land that is not presently developed. The newest of the parks is Birch Park in Dennis Erickson's Second Addition. Mr. Volk stated that as subdivisions develop in the city, park dedication is collected. He expects more park development occurring in the future. Will Loehman, 6168 Hodgson Road. asked about utilities. He asked if Circle Pines receives money from Lino Lakes for utilities. Randy Schumacher said yes, Lino Lakes receives city water from Circle Pines. Anthony Favor, 7960 Lake Drive. He asked about the fire Department. Mr. Favor was not aware that the fire department on Lake Drive was equipped to put out fires. He stated that his insurance company raised his rates because he doesn't have a fire department near him. Andy Neal stated that he has a fire department within three blocks of his home and suggested that he take a picture of the Fire Department and submit it to his insurance company to receive a credit. Andy Neal stated that if he had a fire the response time would be five minutes to get to his home. Rick Wilson, 7579 Jeannie Drive. He stated that we are attracting industrial companies, He asked what types of industries would the council like to see. Ben Benson explained the new developments that are now in the planning stages. Rice Lake Plaza, Main Street Shops, and the Outlet Page 6 PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 1990 BUDGET November 30, 1989 Center. Rice Lake Plaza should be breaking ground this spring. Mr. Wilson asked if money is being set aside for items such as public works equipment. Ben Benson stated that is a good idea, the city has to request bids from companies, and the city tries to work with other communities to share equipment with them. Chuck McKenna asked about the forestry budget. Don Volk stated that an increase has been proposed for forestry because the city's trees are threatened by diseases such as Pine Bark Beetle Disease and Oak Wilt. Also additional staff has been assigned in this department. Tasa Gross, 1134 Main Street asked the council what the city will look like once it is completely developed. Ben Benson stated that there will be more commercial /and industrial areas, but that we have the 2500 acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve and many wetlands and parks that will always be there. The city does have a comprehensive plan that it is following. This comp. plan is reviewed every year by the council. Ben Benson stated that if you would fly over the city you would still see wildlife and park land, but also new business near the interchanges and subdivisions. Mr. Benson painted a beautiful verbal picture of the city. Ben Benson stated that discussion of the proposed 1990 budget will continue on December 26th. Moved by Mr. Reinert, and seconded by Bill Bohjanen, Motion carried. Mr. Bisel moved to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Bohjanen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned 9:08 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular Council meeting held on December 11, 1989. it Mar yi/i G. Anderson, Clerk - Treasurer Page 7