Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/1991 Council Minutes- 183 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 JANUARY 1991 Mayor Harold Bisel called the City Council Work Session to order at 8:40 A.M. Saturday, January 5th 1991. Members present: Neal and Reinert. Randy Schumacher, City Administrator; Don Volk, Public Works Director; and Daniel Tesch, Assistant to the City Administrator were also present. Mr. Schumacher began the meeting by explaining that we had three items to go through today. Those items are joint agreements with surrounding communities, a recreation program, and revenues. JOINT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS The first agreement reviewed was the water agreement we have with the City of Circle Pines. Circle Pines now has filtered water, and no longer wants our unfiltered water. Mr. Schumacher stated that we would be able to use the elevated tank at the Correctional Facility until we can afford our own water tower. The Council discussed the future water supply /tower for the city, and noted that it may be possible to get a good deal on a tower in this recession that we are entering. Mr. Schumacher responded that Mr. Schneider is putting together a report on this issue right now, and will have dollar figures available soon. The next agreement discussed was the sand /salt agreement we have with the cities of Circle Pines and Centerville. Mr. Volk explained that right now, Lino Lakes is purchasing a years worth of sand /salt for all three communities and storing it in our public works yard. We then sell it back to Centerville, and Circle Pines. The Council stated that they would like to see this arrangement put into writing as long as Lino Lakes is the one who has the up front costs. The City of Lino Lakes and the City of Lexington presently have an agreement for inspection services. Due to a new state law which will be increasing the scope of the inspector, staff is looking at increasing the percentage of the building permit fee we retain from Lexington. Mr. Schumacher explained that we have agreements for sewer and water with Shoreview and Blaine. It was the consensus of the Council that no adjustments here were necessary. Lino Lakes has an agreement with the City of Hugo for the maintenance of Elmcrest. The new Council in Hugo is not anxious to upgrade this road. Mayor Bisel asked Mr. Volk how many miles of road in Lino Lakes are still gravel. Mr. Volk responded that we presently have less than one mile of gravel in our community. Mr. Schumacher explained the difficulty in financing the upgrading of roads in rural areas. The City Council discussed the Centennial Fire District Joint PAGE 1 1 1 1 1 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 JANUARY 1991 Powers Agreement. Mr. Schumacher voiced his opinion that our new Fire Chief, Milo Bennett is doing a super job. The Council agreed. Chief Bennett is recruiting new fire fighters from Lino Lakes, and is doing a number of internal programs with his men. The Council discussed the agreements we have with Anoka County for the Regional Park. Mr. Reinert requested that staff resubmit our resolution on the Regional Park to the County. Mr. Schumacher replied that we alread do this, and that we will do it again. Mr. Schumacher began the discussion on Midwest Gas and the Circle Pines Gas system. The Council questioned staff as to whether it was feasible for the City to purchase the gas systems that are located within our community. Mr. Volk felt that it was. Mayor Bisel added that he would like to purchase them, then resell them so has not to have to administer and maintain them. Mr. Schumacher stated that this would be a major purchase, and should not be entered into lightly. He continued that he had our Auditors look at the feasibility of this venture. Council Member Reinert stated that this is an old system. Mr. Volk added that while it was old, it was still functioning well. Mr. Schumacher concluded that the Council would meet when the report was completed. RECREATION PROGRAM Mr. Schumacher informed the Council that Mr. Volk and Mr. Asleson had begun studying the possibility of a Joint Recreation Program at least three years ago. This agreement would encompass Lino Lakes, Lexington, Circle Pines, Centerville, and the Centennial School District. He continued that this agreement would allow for coordinated programming through a shared director, as well as communal use of all equipment. Mr. Schumacher stated that he had been reviewing the pros and cons of an arrangement of this nature for the past several weeks and would like to share those with the Council at this time. The most positive aspect of an arrangement such as this is that Lino Lakes' residents would be able to use the facilities of the surrounding communities. The cost would be less for Lino Lakes because the salary of the Recreation Coordinator would be shared. There was however, a down side to an agreement of this nature. First of all there is the situation that Lino Lakes is paying the lion's share of costs, and yet has no more say in program then the other cities. Secondly, Lino Lakes is in a growth mode and will be adding new facilities for many years to come. The other three communities are "maxed" out and probably will not be adding many additional recreational facilities. Finally there is the difficulty in getting out of an agreement such PAGE 2 184 i IaTY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 JANUARY 1991 as this, especially if it became popular. Mr. Schumacher stated that the idea of beginning our recreation program, and having surrounding communities contract with us seemed to make more sense. Mr. Reinert stated that he needed to know the dollar figures associated with a program on our own. Mr. Volk replied that it is difficult at this time to know how much it will cost as we do not know what programs we will be providing. Mr. Reinert responded that he could not make a decision until he knew how much it would cost, and what facilities we do not have and our neighbors do. Mr. Volk stated that off the top of his head, we do not have a lighted ball field ($80,000) or any park shelters ($60,000). We would have to set goals as to what we need. Mayor Bisel had some concerns about what he felt was double taxation for people who do not live in the Centennial School District. Mr. Reinert stated that he would like to see what a program of Lino Lakes on its own would look like. Mr. Volk stated that he would begin the work on this. Council member Reinert concluded the meeting by requesting that the Council look at adopting a resolution by which all individuals who sit on Boards, Commissions, and the Council itself sign public disclosures stating when, and to what extent they may benefit concerning city business. Mr. Schumacher stated that he would look into this. Meeting adjourned. PAGE 3 1